MAY 2001

Allegheny Advocate

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE

ALLEGHENY UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

Greeters

Refreshments

Toddlers

Preschool/Kindergarten

First/Second Grade

Third/Fourth Grade

Fifth/Sixth Grade

I would like to remind folks that everyone is welcome to attend Board meetings, held at 7:00 pm on the third Wednesday of each month. Also, DZ posts the board minutes on the bulletin board in the Emerson Room so I would encourage you to take a look at those. This month I want to tell you about a few of the exciting things the Board has recently discussed.

First, mark your calendars for Sunday, June 3. This is the date of our annual picnic. For the past several years, we have had the picnic in the park across the street from the church, but previously the picnic was held in North Park. We have decided to return to that tradition this year. The Board felt that people stayed longer and had more of a chance to get to know others from the church community when we made the picnic into a real outing. So come to church that day and then follow the caravan up to North Park for an afternoon of food, conversation, games, volleyball, hiking, etc.

This year, Kiki Barley was hired as a consultant to our music program. I know that I am not alone in my opinion that music adds much to our service. Both the adult and children’s choirs are wonderful. I always look forward to those Sundays when they sing. So I am very happy to report that the Board has agreed to look at the budget with a view to hiring a part-time Music Director for the coming year.

Finally, although things are very quiet now, soon the downstairs will be filled with the hustle and bustle of contractors working to make that area a more inviting place for our activities. The Board will soon be making a decision as to the extent of the renovations to be made.

Of course, none of this happens for free. So please think of what AUUC means to you when you make your pledge this year. And it’s also not too late to make or increase your pledge to the Capital Campaign. As John Engberg said at a recent service, it would be great to have everyone feel some ownership of the church, no matter how small.

New U Class and Membership Sunday

Art McDonald will conduct a class for newcomers on Sunday, May 6, from 12:30 –1:45, downstairs in the church. Anyone who is interested in hearing about Unitarian Universalism and wishes to know more about Allegheny and what it means to be a member, please come. If anyone thinks (s)he is ready to sign the membership book, please talk with Art, Membership chair, Diane McMahon, or clerk, Donald Zeilman. On Sunday, May 20, we will be welcoming new members into the congregation.

Challenge Gift

Through the generosity of one of our members, we have been given a challenge gift of $5000 toward our Community Spaces Capital Campaign. The gift was given specifically to challenge members who have not yet responded, but members and friends who have contributed can help us meet the challenge by increasing their pledge or giving an additional gift. It is our hope that every member household will have made some commitment to the Campaign. Campaign brochures are available on the table in the foyer during Sunday Service and on the pamphlet table in the Emerson Room.

Everyone Needed

The House Committee is planning some workdays in the upcoming months. In addition, there is a need for folks with specific skills for some projects that we will be undertaking in July. We will be finishing renovations at Unitarian House for religious education and community uses and renovations at the church that are connected to the capital renovations that will be occurring this summer. Lists, for those interested in workdays and/or in supplying some needed skills, will be circulated in the coming weeks. For further information see Kathy Kozachenko, Kate Neely or Donald Zeilman. Please consider donating some of your time to these important efforts.

Pleasant Valley Shelter Meal

This month’s shelter meal at Pleasant Valley Shelter for homeless men will take place on Thursday, May 17. See Jane Schwarz to volunteer.

Holy Week Services

Many thanks to all who helped make Holy Week Services special this year. Most especially, thanks to Steve Wertheim for serving as chief cook for the Seder and to Charlie Snowden for his expert handling of Easter pancakes. The sanctuary was literally full on Easter Sunday.

Adult Religious Education

The class on Parker Palmer’s The Active Life will run May 2&9, beginning at 7:30. The book is available for $5.

Jim Scott Concert

Mark your calendars for Friday, May 11, beginning at 7:30 pm, for an intergenerational musical concert with UU musician and songwriter, Jim Scott. This will serve as the monthly family evening which will be preceded by a potluck meal at 6:00. It’s $8 for adults and $5 for teens. Under 12, no charge.

Ken Karsh Benefit Jazz Concert

Don’t miss AUUC’s annual benefit concert with this year’s performer, our very own Ken Karsh. The event is on Sunday, May 27, beginning at 8:00 pm.

Thanks, Karen

Thanks to the generosity of Karen Engro for sharing her legal expertise with us on the question of second parent adoptions for same sex partners. It was a very enlightening evening. There will likely be an opportunity down the road to lobby the state legislature on a bill related to this.

Pittsburgh UU Cluster

The Pittsburgh Cluster will meet on Tuesday, May 15, at noon, in Squirrel Hill. Ask Jane Dirks for more details.

Ohio-Meadville District Annual Meeting

Melanie and Art McDonald, Jane Dirks and Donald Zeilman attended the annual OMD gathering in Cleveland. As part of a budget that was passed, a $3 increase was added to our dues per member. That’s a significant jump and it passed by a narrow margin. The District leadership has major plans and wants to grow our churches. Also at the meeting were the UUA candidates for Moderator and President of the Association. They all gave speeches and fielded questions. If anyone is interested in our impressions, feel free to talk with us. Our two delegates to the General Assembly must vote on these candidates in June. The Board is currently discussing how to instruct the delegates.

Committees and Members

Folks often ask who serves on which committees. Thanks to the diligent work of Membership Committee chair, Diane McMahon, we now have a brochure describing each committee and its membership. Look for it in the Emerson Room. Thanks, Di.

Haiti Mission Trip

As all of you know, I am going to Haiti from June 26 to July 6 with a group of 14 volunteers including several doctors and nurses. As a registered nurse, I am looking forward to serving others and giving to the less fortunate of the world. I am collecting items to take on our trip, so, if you want to make a contribution, look for the large wicker basket in the Emerson room labeled Haiti contributions. Below is a list of items we need. For those of you who wish to make a monetary contribution, please make your checks out to Chartiers Crossroads Presbyterian Church and give them to me at a Sunday service. With the money collected, we will be going to Sam's club and purchasing additional items. Thank you for your support.

Please also pray for our group and for the success of our mission. And remember, your contribution will be personally delivered to the Haitian people. I will report on our trip at a Sunday service after our return.

• Nicki Jo Perfetti, RN

Countdown for Living Wage Campaign!!

The Living Wage Campaign is awaiting an expected vote by County Council in May. NOW is the time to get out and show your support. In addition, in an unexpected move, City Council members Jim Ferlo and Gene Ricciardi are likely to re-introduce strong Living Wage legislation for the City of Pittsburgh. They are hoping to have a vote on May 14th! So there are lots of things you can do to celebrate spring and make the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County better communities by demanding that our tax dollars be used to pay decent wages. Here are the key upcoming events you can attend:

Tuesday, May 8, 5:00 pm Allegheny Co. Council Meeting, Gold Room in the County Courthouse. Over 10,000 signatures on petitions will be delivered.

Tuesday, May 8, 6:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING for the City of Pittsburgh Living Wage bill, City Council Chambers, 5th floor of City-County Building.

Saturday, May 12, 10 to noon and 1-3. PUBLIC HEARING for the County Living Wage bill, Courthouse, Gold Room. Several UUs will be making statements.

Monday, May 14 10:00 am Possible vote on the City of Pittsburgh Living Wage bill, City Council Chambers,

Tuesday, May 22 5:00 pm Possible vote on the Allegheny County Living Wage legislation, Gold Room.

Try to attend one of these important events and write, email, or fax Council members and Jim Roddey. For information, addresses and phone numbers, call the Alliance for Progressive Action at 363-4410 or see Jeanne Zang, Benita Campbell, or Art McDonald.

Annual Offering of Letters

The annual letter writing campaign for Bread for the World will take place after the service on May 20. This year’s offering is targeted to legislation to cut hunger in Africa in half by getting an increase of $1 billion in poverty-focused development assistance to Africa. There is a bill in the U.S. House of Reps to do this: the Leach-Payne resolution, H. Con. Res. 102. If you won’t be in church on May 20, you can write to your representative and ask him/her to co-sponsor this bill. Let Jeanne Zang know if you write, as BFW keeps track of the number of letters written.

Update on Jamie Cokes

Jamie is awaiting trial on a murder charge. He is currently in Mayview and will be there for another 180 days because he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He is feeling very isolated and frustrated and would appreciate brief notes from AUUC folks. His address is: Jamie M. Cokes, C-2 Forensic, Mayview State Hospital,1601 Mayview Rd., Bridgeville, PA 15017.

Annual AIDS Walk

Please mark your calendars for the annual AIDS Walk to be held on Sunday, June 10, at 10:00 am, at Schenley Park. Soon, we will be circulating pledge forms for those who are able to do that. As was the case last year, RE children will be encouraged to walk with adults, so that there will be childcare during service but no classes. We will also have regular church service on the issue of AIDS.

Stars of Justice Awards Concert

On Saturday, May 12, at 7:30 pm, at the Bell Harbor Marina in Blawnox, the Thomas Merton Center is sponsoring this annual event. The 2001 Stars will be those who have struggled for the Civil Rights of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community. So far we know several AUUCers have been nominated for their work in the community. Call 361-3022 for more details. There are more details in the Emerson Room.

Armor & Sturdevant Concert

Why not go to the Rainbow Coffee House at the Smithton UU Church to hear these great UU performers on Friday, May 18, from 8-11 pm. Call 724-872-5056 for details.

Renaissance City Women’s Choir

Don’t miss the June 2 concert, "The Way of the Storyteller" with special guest artist, Temujin Ekunfeo, African storyteller. See the flier in the Emerson Room.

Sharry Everett Scholarship Fund

Every year a Northside committee raises scholarship funds for Northside youth to go to college. We can participate in this program by donating monies to the fund or by nominating worthy Northside youth as recipients. The deadline to apply is May 15. There is no deadline for donations! Send donations to: Sharry Everett Scholarship Committee, PO Box 100252, Pittsburgh, PA. 15233. More information is in the Emerson Room.

Flower-Window Box Day

On Wednesday, May 16, from 10-3, in the parking lot of Brown Chapel (Boyle Street), flowers, soil and window boxes will be sold. Call 321-5854 for more details.

Welcome Maighread

When I explained, recently, to a ministerial colleague that I was part of a team to usher in the birth of one of our member’s first child, my friend responded that he had often been summoned to the hospital to minister to a sick or dying congregational member, but never to participate in the birth of a new member! What a privilege for me to have now been invited to both end of life passages and beginnings. Although only the women folk part of the team were actually participating in the birth with Lawrence Wray and Alexis Southard-Wray, (Kate Tomlinson, Jesse Virago and Melanie McDonald), and, ultimately wee Maighread Southard-Wray, former offensive lineman, Mark Tomlinson, and waterboy, Art McDonald, were in the waiting room from approximately 10:30 pm until birthing time, 2:00 am or so. Of course, admittedly, our job was by far the easier. The women were working like crazy to embrace Alexis, Lawrence and this new life. In fact, birthing team member Jesse Virago basically spent 2 days with Maighread’s dad and mom in her supportive role.

At any rate, as Mark and I nervously sipped away the time in the waiting room with the help of some sacred libations from Ireland, the real team encircled the Wray-Southards and midwife, Lori Albright (who will be speaking at our church on May 13-Mother’s Day), with their arms and hearts, to help ensure a safe delivery. What a beautiful gift. The next Sunday at church the team lit a candle for Maighread and parents and reminded the congregation that such an experience was created by the coming together of this loving church community and what a precious thing that we are able to minister to members and friends in such a way.

I am struck by the fact that in recent months I have used this column to mourn the deaths of Alexis’ and my brothers, and now I am rejoicing with the knowledge that one of our children has been ushered into this life by such a nurturing community. Because all of the team members have felt nurtured by life at AUUC, they were able to offer that same love to Maighread. What a privilege.

Congregational Conversations

Although I missed the congregational gathering in late February, due to my brother’s illness and death, I was able to participate in the follow-up gathering on April 22. Approximately 25 people were able to attend what turned out to be a very lively, challenging and, ultimately, important time for our congregational community. I kicked off the gathering with a presentation on the mission and history of our ministry over the last 10 years, as I see it and have implemented it as congregational minister and director of social advocacy, and then left it open for discussion about AUUC’s mission of advocacy and other issues.

As AUUC grows, incorporates new folks, and constantly reworks this mission, it is clear that to remain a loving and nurturing community we all must remain open and receptive to one another and to new insights. We will not always agree, which means, among other things, we need to create and recreate a community seeking unity but acknowledging great diversity. This is a huge challenge but, I believe, we are doing it. However, not without bumps.

For those who were there, we know that all is not gleeful. There is hurt, some conflict and disgruntlement, and difference on how growth changes the church and how to evaluate our development. For some, the hayride experience from the Fall is still felt as hurtful and unresolved. For others, we are seen as not so committed to our social justice mission as we once were. It was said that we don’t always face conflicts and that we need to begin dialoguing more directly. All of these perspectives were heard and taken into account. Responses need to be forthcoming and, I believe, the leadership will respond appropriately. But I was also aware of the many glowing comments about our shared congregational life and ministry. In my ever hopeful, yet, I hope, honest and realistic perspective, I think AUUC is a basically good, strong and vital congregation and community. We are both nurturing our members and friends and open to and active in the community, both Northside and beyond. We have significant internal and external programming and new people keep coming. Most importantly, we have a group of committed and loving people, a community any minister would be proud to serve. And believe me, I brag about AUUC every opportunity I get. But often, I don’t have to because outsiders tell me what great things they hear about us. I take all of that with a grain of salt but still eat it up!

Several things happened this past week which gave me great hope regarding our community presence. I was visiting the midwife’s Center here on the Northside with a group of activists and one of the staff at the Center, Kathy McKane, when I introduced myself, gave me a big hug and said that we took in the group when they lost their home at Allegheny General Hospital. She was so grateful. Through the intervention of AUUC member, Jen Kissel, we were contacted and asked if the group could meet in our building and plan their next step. It was a no-brainer. They met for several months and eventually found an office space on East Ohio Street. I must admit, it didn’t seem as such a big deal, but to Kathy it was a huge symbol of our commitment to the community.

Another event occurred on Easter Sunday. As most of you know, it was an energized morning at AUUC with our pancake breakfast and intergenerational service. The church was packed. Among the worshippers that morning was a family of two moms and 8 children. Over a year ago I had the privilege of uniting these two women in a union service after meeting with them for several months to discuss their relationship. They had come to AUUC because they were told it was a welcoming church which blessed unions. They got up Easter Sunday and decided they would come with the children to surprise me. For me, their presence was a symbol of their gratitude. I was grateful too.

Lastly, Jane Dirks and Jesse Virago, participants in the "Women Rising" adult education series, told me that on a recent Monday evening they encountered participants in the Narcotics Anonymous chapter that meets at Allegheny. As Jesse approached the front door of the church, one N/A participant greeted her with "Welcome to the meeting, honey," and embraced her. As Jane came down the church steps lugging the tv monitor to bring to the class in the Unitarian House, several participants fell over themselves to rescue her and transport the tv. What a welcoming community within a welcoming church. They were proud that the AUUC congregation was hosting this community of recovery, and I was proud that they were so supportive of our openness to the wider community.

We are not a community of angels enjoying our heavenly reward. We are travelers on a road of discovery living according to the lights we possess. Creating a loving, nurturing, justice-centered community is a daunting task. However, all we can offer is our best selves to the process and deal openly and honestly with our differences. There’s a lot at stake here for there is plenty that is broken in our world. But there are indications that we have the potential and ability to be a source of nurture and healing. We need to develop that in a deeper way. In my view, the open and honest dialogue of last Sunday was a good way to continue creating such a reality and a sign that there is great maturity and health in this congregation. I feel privileged to be part of it.

Needle Exchange

In an exciting development, the Board of Health in Allegheny County has planned a series of public meetings to offer the wider community an opportunity to weigh in on the question of setting up needle exchange programs such as is now being done by our friends from Prevention Point Pittsburgh. Specifically, the topic to be addressed is: "Should needle exchange programs be implemented to prevent HIV and other blood-borne diseases among injection drug users in Allegheny County?" I have a schedule of the proposed meeting/hearing dates and will post them in the Emerson Room. They are: Saturday, May 12 at Beulah Baptist Church, 10-noon; Wednesday, May 16, Allegheny Health Dept. Center in Lawrenceville, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm; Thursday, May 24, Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg, 6:00-8:00 pm.

Public comments may be made at these hearings and I have agreed to make a statement. I am also trying to recruit other ministers to do the same. Jesse Virago is going to talk with the Social Justice Committee about participation. If anyone wants to be part of this effort to encourage the County to take over this program which will almost assuredly prevent life threatening disease in our community, please talk with Jesse or me.

Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network

Our PIIN group, the social justice coalition from across the city, had a very positive pastor’s breakfast with four mayoral candidates a few weeks back. Approximately 50 people participated. We heard three minute speeches from the candidates, after which we developed a series of questions for them to respond to. Many of the questions involved issues of racial profiling, employment for women and persons of color, economic development, etc. It was lively and, at times, contentious. However, it was an indication that a group such as PIIN has a very significant role to play in holding public officials accountable on issues that effect the community.

Twelve Pittsburghers participated in a week long training session in Buffalo with Gameliel, the Chicago-based training group that has been working with us as we organize PIIN. That makes about 17 from the group who have been through the community organizing session. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 9, for an all-day training session for PIIN, where there will be an opportunity to experience and learn some of the insights from the larger training sessions. I’ll share more details as they become available.

PIIN received great news recently that the Pittsburgh Foundation has approved our grant proposal for $135,000 over three years. We’ve also received $10,000 from the Pittsburgh Presbytery. We have several other grant proposals pending, so the money is beginning to roll. We are starting to draw up a job description for the purpose of hiring a full-time organizer. Hopefully, we’ll have that person in place by late June-early July. If all goes well, we’ll then have a major issues’ convention in September to kick off our action agenda. I continue to remain hopeful and inspired about the potential for this group. Our next monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, May 10, at 7:00 pm, on the Hill. Ask me for more specific details.

UU General Assembly Study/Action Issues

After tabulating all the votes on issues that concern the congregation, the following issues received at least one vote and were sent in to the UUA: The Changing Family, Economic Globalization, Prison Reform, Sanctions against Iraq, Separation of Church and State, and U.S. Election Reform. All congregations had an opportunity to vote. At this year’s national assembly we will learn which one issue got the most votes and will become next year’s study/action issue.

QED/QEX

As many of you know, WQED has petitioned the FCC to commercialize and sell WQEX to Shooting Star, Inc., of California. In 1996, the FCC rejected a similar attempt. But QED is claiming widespread community support and is counting on the new FCC members to approve this request. We don’t want to lose QEX.

Citizens for Independent Broadcasting (CIPB) is challenging this sell-off as well as QED’s continued simulcasting of channel 13 programming on 16. CIPB is also working with Pittsburgh Educational Television (PET) to develop a business plan for a community responsive public broadcasting service on channel 16.

In the Emerson Room, you will find a sample letter to the FCC. If this is an issue you care about, please write this letter soon.

Northside Common Ministries Food Pantry

We have been notified by Janet Holtz, Executive Director of Northside Common Ministries, that the food pantry on Brighton Road is dangerously low of food supply for folks in need. For whatever reason, donations are down yet demand is steady and rising. We have a long history of support for the pantry but we could do better at bringing food supplies. Our own donations seem less than before. My hunch this is mostly due to the issue falling off the radar screen. Although our collection basket is there in the Emerson Room, it’s easy to walk by it and not see it. I’ll attempt to make it more visible as a constant reminder that hunger and economic want are ongoing problems in our community and society. Thanks for your generosity.

Latin American Concerns

Many of us spent our activist energies in the 1980s objecting to various aspects of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America. Well, we are in a new era but we must remain vigilant. President Bush has nominated Otto Reich as the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. This man has a very bad history as a diplomat to Latin America during the Reagan years. His approval and appointment would not be good for human rights in the

region. If he is to be approved, he must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Please contact our two senators and express dismay at this possibility.

Bush has also nominated another sorry character from the Reagan era who helped funnel funds to the Nicaraguan Contras, John Negroponte. I believe that he has been nominated to be Ambassador to the U.N. This would be another disaster in my view.

One interesting side effect of the Bush election is that I get the impression more people are getting active on the issues because of concern as to what Bush might accomplish. This is a good thing! In Sunday’s PG, there was an article that Bush’s early policy initiatives on the environment have been great for environmental activism! Oh well, I always like to look on the positive side of things.

Ever hopeful,

Art

Allegheny UU Church
Unitarian House
1110 Resaca Place No. 4
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212

The Allegheny Advocate is published monthly by the Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church.

Contributions or inquiries may be directed to John Schriefer (jhschrief@aol.com).