UU La Crosse
A Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

October, 2018
Monthly Newsletter
Formation: The lifelong process of becoming
For the last two years, since serving this congregation, I have taken the same Sunday evening flight home from La Crosse WI almost every month. I know most of the TSA folks in La Crosse. They have come to learn that I always bring butter from the Co-Op home with me (you can’t get butter like that in Missouri). I will likely arrive in Chicago O’Hare at G19 or G21 and the St. Louis flight generally leaves from K1 or K3. I know every eating establishment between G to K and have chosen The Chicago Cubs Bar and Grill for my dinner during my connection wait, not because I’m a Cubs fan, but because the same waiter tends to be there, he’s kind and attentive, the food isn’t too expensive, and I like the view out the window.

None of this was second nature when I started serving as your Consulting Minister, but over the course of two years, I’ve developed patterns. I’ve been formed by those patterns, and to this point, I mostly like the choices I’ve made.

But the reality is that my choices are limited. The schedule is the airline’s. There are rules about seat selection, how you board, the ID you can use, what you can put in your suitcase, and what you have to remove to go through screening. All the choices that I’ve made are my way of negotiating the systems that I have to go through to get on that plane. The destination is mine, but the way I get there is largely out of my control. This, too, has been part of my formation.

October’s theme is formation, which is the lifelong process of becoming. We are formed in so many ways, some of our own choosing, many not. Because Unitarian Universalism developed largely through white middle class culture, we have tended to emphasize the many choices we have about how we are formed. White middle class racialized identity tells us that we have a great deal of power in how we shape ourselves. Those in less privileged places often have a different story that focuses on challenges and barriers that are very powerful – women, people of color, those with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, the poor and working class, immigrants. It may take tremendous energy simply to survive, and claiming your power takes an extra level of energy and focus. This struggle is part of your formation.

We will spend this month’s Sunday services, covenant groups, and religious education thinking about how we’ve been formed and we have formed ourselves.

Each of the services I’ll be leading have a bit of homework. For October 14 th, take some time to watch Beyonce’s video “Formation” which was released in 2016. I considered playing the video in the service, but the explicit language and sexualized content could be very uncomfortable for some, and there’s always the possibility that some parents may need to keep their children with them in the service. For that reason, I’m encouraging you to watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDZJPJV__bQ,

Watch the version sung at the Superbowl: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl/0ap3000000634279/Bruno-Mars-and-Beyonce-crash-halftime

And read a review of the song itself in The Guardian:

On October 21 st, we’ll celebrate what has formed us. The metaphor is baking. You are invited to bring a baked good to the service that comes from a tradition in your family or a tradition that you have created. You can bake it yourself or buy it. During the service, you’ll have the opportunity to briefly share the story of what you’ve brought. After the service, we’ll have a feast!

See you in October.

Yours in faith,

Rev. Krista

Office Hours
Rev. Taves is with us from October 14 through October 21 st. She is available by appointment. You can call or text her at 417 343 8657. You can also email her at revkristataves@gmail.com.
Uncapped Conversations:
Understanding Life Backwards, Living it Forwards
Rev. Krista Taves
Tuesday, October 16, 6:30 p.m. Java Vino.
This open covenant group uses guiding question to deepen in the theme of the evening. We meet at 6:30 p.m., order our meal, and the conversation starts at 6:45 p.m. Please RSVP Rev. Krista Taves if you plan to come so that we have enough room for all who wish to attend. revkristataves@gmail.com.

Pathways – An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism
with Rev. Krista Taves. November 17, 1-4 p.m. If you are new to Unitarian Universalism, new to the Fellowship, or simply want to refresher, this 3 hour interactive exploration of Unitarian Universalist history, theology, and congregational life is for you. Bring snacks to share. Childcare is available. Please RSVP coordinator@uulacrosse.org by November 15 th.
Caregiver offers support
The caregiver can offer support to those in need by sending a card, making an announcement during Joys and Concerns, and/or publicizing your status and needs via the weekly emails. Let us know the level of care you desire. Contact caregiver@uulacrosse.org
Special Collection for October:
Ho-Chunk Nation

The October Special Collection will be for our friends and neighbors in the Ho-Chunk Nation. Native peoples in this country have experienced centuries of persecution and trauma. They’ve been subjected to enslavement, removals, forced marches, and cultural destruction through the use of boarding schools.

Our Ho-Chunk community has called for the removal of the offensive Big Indian statue at Riverside Park...progress has been made. More recently, Rev. Krista, Ron Malzer, and members of La Crosse SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice), in consultation with members of the Ho-Chunk Community, have been in touch with Mayor Kabat and City Council to advocate for a Mayoral Proclamation and City Council Resolution to change the October 8th holiday celebration from “Columbus Day” to “Indigenous Peoples Day”. 

Check the October weekly eNews and each October Order of Service to learn who to make your checks out to.


Movie Saturday,
Oct., 4 p.m.

October's theme is formation The Rev. A. Powell Davies wrote, “Life is just the chance to grow a soul.” Between nature and nurture, who and what we become is a lifelong process. We are both the raw material and the artist. Every experience becomes part of the material with which we can work. Come see     Whale Rider  and join Pai, a young New Zealander as she finds her place in the world. Only males are allowed to ascend to chiefdom in a Maori tribe in New Zealand. This ancient custom is upset when the child selected to be the next chief dies at birth. However his twin sister, Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes), survives. At age 12, she enlists the help of her grandmother and the training of her uncle to claim her birthright. But to break with convention, she'll have to do the impossible: win over her ultra-traditional grandfather.
Come join us or a great movie, fantastic popcorn  and your choice of seats. Saturday, October 6, 4 pm.
Sunday Services
October 7
  "How to Grow a Great Garden" 
The Rev. Dr. Michael Schuler

UU La Crosse's Stewardship Sunday Speaker is The Rev. Dr. Michael A. Schuler, a parish minister of the First Unitarian Society of Madison, Wisconsin, and the author of " Making the Good Life Last: Four Keys to Sustainable Living ." Rev. Schuler will be exploring the parallels between gardening and participating in/supporting a UU faith community.

October 14:
Nothing is Settled. Everything Matters.
Rev. Krista Taves.

Our lives aren't defined by a moment, a day, a year or an event. While we cannot change the past, we can learn to own it so that we can find power in our lives and move into the future on our own terms. This is why "nothing is settled and everything matters". (Walsh) This service will use as one of its sources the video “Formation” by Beyonce. While the video will not be shown in the service because of the use of explicit language and sexualized content, you are invited to watch the video on your own. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDZJPJV__bQ

October 21:
The Great Unitarian Universalist Baking Show.
Rev.Krista Taves.

Inspired by the growing popularity of the television series The Great British Baking Show, we will playfully explore all the ingredients of life that have made us who we are as individuals and as a people. You are invited to bring baking to the service that has a special significance for you. It could be baking that is part of your family’s tradition, or something that you have come to treasure as an adult. You could make it yourself or bring it from the store. During the service you will be invited to bring your baking forward and if you wish, briefly share its story. 

October 28:
Service of remembrance and healing
Rev. Dean Staffenson

This special service is a time of remembrance for loved ones who have died. Part of the service is a ritual that includes lighting candles for those we want to remember and honor. If you like, you may bring a photo or small memento to be placed on our altar. Please consider this an opportunity to build your resilience capacity.

Reverend Dean Staffanson has served terminally ill patients and their families for fourteen years as a hospice chaplain for the Gundersen Health System. He is an ordained Unitarian Universalist community minister, and received his Master of Divinity from the Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana.  

October book selection is Pearl of China
It is the end of the nineteenth century and China is riding on the crest of great change, but for nine-year-old Willow, the only child of a destitute family in the small southern town of Chin-kiang, nothing ever seems to change. Until the day she meets Pearl, the eldest daughter of a zealous American missionary.

Pearl is head-strong, independent and fiercely intelligent, and will grow up to be Pearl S Buck, the Pulitzer- and Nobel Prize-winning writer and humanitarian activist.

The Book Group met Sept. 27 and gave "Lydia Cassatt reading the morning newspaper" a rating of 4 out of 5. This is a "read for fun" group and we welcome all and anyone who would like to read and discuss books. If you are interested, let Jan Jolly know ( jollyjanis22@gmail.com ).
Afternoon Covenant Group
seeks new members

The Afternoon Covenant Group meets at the Fellowship from 1:00 to 3:00pm on the 1 st  and 3 rd  Wednesdays of the month. We take turns facilitating a meeting and bringing treats. The facilitator chooses any topic that interests them. As coordinator, I send the topic to the members two weeks before the meeting. I also establish a Group Schedule, so everyone knows what dates they are to facilitate and/or bring treats. I hope you will consider joining us. Please contact  dianehaines@acegroup.cc  for further information.
Check out the new pamphlets

The Communications Team has purchased pamphlets recently developed by the UUA that cover topics about Unitarian Universalism, not just for people new to the Fellowship, but also for those who have been in the group for a long time. Topics such as The Faith of Unitarian Universalist Humanists, The Faith of Unitarian Universalist Jews, Spiratual Home for LGBTQ Families, and more: a total of 12 titles located near the front and back entrances.


Meet our new Director of Religious Education
Delena Leon
The RE team is delighted to announce that we have hired an Acting Director of Religious Education - Delena Leon. She starts officially on Sunday, October 7th, but has already been learning about UU, our fellowship, and our RE program for the past couple of weeks. Our October 7th RE classes will start with a Sundae Sunday event. Stay tuned for more class news in the coming weeks. Our October theme is Formation. 

Hello everyone,
My name is Delena Leon and I am your new Acting Director of Religious Education. It is a pleasure to be here and to be part of your Fellowship. I am excited to help guide young people through our amazing Principles and hopefully learn a new perspective or two from them. I currently work in the Youth Services department of the public library in town where you might catch me presenting a family story time. I am looking forward to sharing my love of stories, crafting and play with you and your families. I am especially looking forward to the opportunity to serve, educate and entertain you all. 
I have lived in La Crosse for nine years and am happy to call this home, mostly because we have seasons, but I will always have California in my heart and miss the ocean. In my free time I enjoy walks with my dog Homer, cooking new foods and eating new foods, baking sweet treats and eating sweet treats, listening to live music, and learning new things. I look forward to meeting you all, please stop and say hi when you see me. 

Delena
Social Justice News
Ron Malzer

Exciting times! We’re now in the middle of our Fellowship’s four-event Everyone Votes series. on Friday evening, September 14 th, our Fellowship hosted “ Ballots & Brats” at the Stein Haus downtown, with music provided by the fine band “The Spaceheaters”. Thanks go to Mary Nelson for bringing voting registrars, and to our Outreach Coordinator, Donna Bauer, for making the logistics arrangements.

Learning and fun were combined at our Fellowship’s Empowerment Sunday on September 23 rd. We heard Rev. Krista’s sermon on speaking out bravely. A pizza lunch was served, with delightful music. The music and vocals were led by our Choir Director Rita Thometz. This performing ensemble included members of three groups: the band Rita plays in, Prairie Smoke; La Crosse Central High School Show Choir; and our own UU choir. We had a UU Trivia Contest. And Rev. Krista fielded questions, ranging from inquiries about her life as a minister to spiritual/religious issues, in her “Ask the Minister Anything (Almost)”. Thanks to Mary Nelson, Carla Pena, and others, for providing voting and registration information; thanks to all who helped put on this event.

Do mark your calendars for the weekend of October 12 – 14; we have two more Everyone Votes events. On Friday, October 12, come to Pearl Street Brewery at 1401 St. Andrew St., between 6 and 9 PM for “Ballots and Beers”. Music will be provided by Greg “Cheech” Hall and others. A food truck from Taco Town will be there. On-site voting registration will be available. Here’s the scoop: http://events.time.ly/22agtu1?event=11427678. n ?ehvent =11427678

And on Sunday, October 14, at Copeland Park, from 1 to 3 PM, Rev. Krista will be hosting a “Rally for Justice”. Members of key justice organizations in La Crosse, representing women, people of color, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, high school students, and activists for environmental justice will all be speaking. Music will be provided by the urban Jazz Quartet “The Mayfield Experience.” Free parking is available at the lots at the north end of the park, just west of Copeland Avenue. Here’s an online posting: EventsiJusticeRallyPost and find the list of speakers here: Justice Rally - Facebook Post. hJusttps://www.evensi.us/justice-rally-music-mayfield-experience-500-598-clinton-st-crosse-wisconsin-5460 3/26923806
That event will mark the ending of of remote site voter registration. Please note and tell your friends: starting Monday October 15, La Crosse residents can cast ballots for the November election at City Hall. Other areas: check with your municipal clerk.

This is not a time to be on the sidelines. Many issues near and dear to us and our UU values are being debated, and we as voters need to be informed and participating actively in the electoral process. Our social justice team is working hard, consistent with our first principle, to send out this message: “Let every voice be heard.”
New basket in the coffee area for collection of items for shelters

Look for the basket on the large table in the coffee area. Our fellowship regularly collects items for local homeless centers and shelters, including New Horizons women and children’s shelter and the Franciscan Hospitality House. Many thanks to Kathy and Mike Schnitzius, who sort the items and take them where they’re most needed.
 
Current needs for New Horizons and the hospitality house: Women’s and men’s underwear  (new, please!);  men’s and women’s socks, especially crew socks; undershirts; long-sleeved T-shirts; hoodies; scrubs; towels ;  deodorant, razors, toothbrushes; and full-size containers of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion.
Contacts

Office Hours
Sunday mornings and Tuesdays from 2pm- 5pm.

Deadlines for Newsletters & Announcements:

Weekly E-news : Giorgia at  brennangiorgiauu@uulacrosse.o m   by 12pm Mondays

Monthly Newsletter:   Janis at jollyjanis22@gmail.com    by 23rd of the month

Order of Service:   Emmy at coordinator@uulacrosse.org u   by 12pmMondays

All other announcement s: Emmy at coordinator@uulacrosse.org. ccoordinatoru
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