March 4—Back to the Future Rev. Frank Rivas From our past—from our affirmation of life, from our commitment to free inquiry, from our work in the community, and, yes, from our struggles—together we shape a vision for First Unitarian Church. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers with special musical guest Celia (see page 9) ; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist; First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender. March 11—Guest Speaker: Sister Maryann Stevens. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist.

March 18—Fear and Prayer Rev. Dr. Sarah Voss will draw from her own journey with the

hope of opening up a larger conversation about the use of prayer to tend to those fragile, innermost needs of ourselves, of those we love, and of those we fear. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist; First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender. March 25—From Delight to Wisdom: Reflections on the Poetry of Robert Frost Rev. Ronald Knapp, Minister Emeritus Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: organist, Patricia Will.

Spring Forward: Daylight Savings

Time

Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed on

Saturday, March 10. We spring forward on

Sunday, March 11.

The Flame Our Monthly Newsletter

March 2012 | Vol. 11: Issue 10 www.firstuuomaha.org

www.firstuuomaha.org

Highlights

President’s Letter

Page 3

Welcome Rev. Frank Rivas

Page 2 and Page 11

Holland Lecture

Series Continues This April

Page 4

Join us for Sunday Services at 9:30am or

11:15am

Ahead For more info on any of these events, contact admin@firstuuomaha.org call 402-345-3039, or visit our website at www.firstuuomaha.org

March 1, 6pm

Soul Full Thursday—one night only

March 4, 12:30pm-2pm

Meet & Greet Lunch with Rev. Frank

March 4, 2pm

Private Recital

March 4, 3:30pm

Film for All Ages: Azur and Azmar

March 4, 7pm

Celia Concert

March 10, 12:30pm

Results: Conference Call

March 10, 1pm

Solar Buying Coop Meeting

March 11, 1pm

Bridge Group

March 11, 7pm

Creative Art Night

March 12, 6:30pm

Women’s Alliance

March 13, 7pm

Board Meeting

March 15, noon

Flame Deadline

March 16, 5pm

Pledge Party

Welcome, New Minister! At First Unitarian Church

2

Exciting news! Our Search Committee and the Board of Trustees are unanimous in the choice for our new Developmental Minister, Reverend Frank Rivas. Many of you will remember Frank serving us as a temporary minister while Reverend Rohde was recovering from knee surgery several years ago. His wonderful sermons, collegial style, and positive attitude were gifts to our congregation, and we feel very fortunate to expand this relationship into a Developmental Ministry. Reverend Frank will be visiting us and preaching the weekend of March 4

th.

There will be time to chat between services, and lunch will be provided after the late service so that everyone may settle in and get to know him. We hope that many of you can come! Frank will be serving us in the month of April, and beginning his ministry officially as of August 1

st.

Questions you may have: What is a Developmental Ministry? A Developmental Ministry is an extended Interim Ministry of three to five years, and falls under the description of a consulting minister. It is goal-driven. The major goals have been chosen by the Board and are based on communications we have received from the congregation over the last year. These goals are: Healing and creating healthy patterns, Leadership Development, and Member-ship support and growth. The Board feels these are vitally important to the future of this church, and have included them in next year’s Vision of Ministry. Please follow the link below for further information on Consulting/Developmental Ministry. (the section starts around page 13) http://www.uua.org/documents/mpl/transitions/transitional_ministry.pdf Why so fast? The search process for a Developmental Minister is similar to one for an Interim: very brief. Often, three candidates are examined before a selection is made by the Interim Search Committee. In our case, due to our previous positive experience with Reverend Rivas, the Search Committee spent their time just focusing on Frank. Since our pulpit was vacated mid-year, the Board wanted to move quickly to secure an excellent minister! Why didn’t I get to vote? As described above, a Developmental Ministry is an Interim Ministry. It is not a called (or settled) ministry. There are good reasons for this. A Developmental Minister, like a regular Interim, is hired by the Board, which allows that minister the freedom to work towards his goals with less congregational pressure. Additionally, the Developmental Ministry program allows congregations to get a long-term minister in place without the time commitment and expense of the usual search. The Developmental Ministry program has a built-in requirement for yearly evaluation and course correction. The Board will be encouraging ongoing feed-back on this ministry—and the congregation’s input will help to shape a healthy ministerial relationship. At any time after 30 months, the congregation is free to call the minister permanently through a congregational vote. We cannot think of a better process to assure the right fit than this experience! In the event the Ministry is not fulfilling the needs of the congregation, in communication with the minister, the contract can be nullified by either party, without the stress of a negotiated resignation. Your Board of Trustees welcomes your questions and concerns. This is a big step, and a new program for us, and we are excited to speak with you about it! We would like to express our thanks to the members of the Search Committee: Jaime Alexander, Nellie Chenoweth, Larry Goeser, Lynn Mills, Lois Norris, Jack Round, Susan Thomas, Ron Withem.

Something is happening .

Save these dates:

Be sure to do something

President’s Letter By Kate Godfrey, Board President

It is 11 degrees as I draft this letter. Snow blankets the ground and clothes the trees and rooftops. The sky is a bright, clean blue. I have grown tired of winter—what little we have had of it. However, each shivering journey to the mailbox rewards me with a gardener’s herald of Spring: catalogues. Mouth-watering tomato varieties or lovely flowers splash across the pages, leading to grand fantasies of a lush landscape. In reality, plants struggle in my yard. The soil is poor. Each year, we amend the soil to build a better place for plants to thrive. It is a never-ending task, but the potential is great. This is very much like our church.

We have our soil—the beautiful building; and we have many, many gardeners tending—all those who volunteer. The plants are our programs: RE for Children and Adults, Fellowship, Membership, Caring, Finance, etc. We have the makings of bounty. Imagine our congregation a lush landscape of vibrant programs and blooming growth. One thing more is needed: water. The water for our First Unitarian garden is the pledge income we receive from our members.

Our theme this year, Building the Dream, is a reflection of heartfelt dedication to our congregation and its future, expressed by many members and friends over this last difficult year. I find it so very appropriate to hold our Pledge Drive in the Spring. Each year, we make ourselves anew. We covenant through our pledges to support and nourish this congregation. We grow by giving what we can.

This year, as we ready ourselves to welcome a new minister, our family is really talking about our pledge for the first time in many years. Normally, our conversations have been “How about $__?” “Sounds good.” But now we are really looking at the value we receive from this wonderful community, how we want it to succeed, and what our responsibility to our church family really is. It is a much more intentional process. And that feels really good!

I thank you for being a part of our pledge campaign, for considering, for giving. This all makes me want to roll up my sleeves—we’ve got a Dream to Build Together!

Will you join me? Warm fuzzies, Kate Godfrey

Ahead (continued)

March 17, 5pm

Pledge Party

March 18,12:30pm

UU & You Class

March 18, 1pm

Board Talk Back

March 18, 2pm

Transition Omaha

March 22

Soul Full Thursdays

March 23

Chalice Guild Kitchen Clean-up

March 25

Stewardship Sunday

March 25,12:30pm

UU & You Class

March 25, 5pm

Mythological Round Table

March 25, 7pm Creative Art Night

March 26, 7pm

Book Club

March 27, 9am

Archives Party

March 29

Soul Full Thursdays

Join us at lunch on Sunday, March 4th to welcome Rev. Frank Rivas to our church!

3

4

Building the Dream By Louise Jeffrey

As spring and a new church year approach and as we welcome a new minister to fill our pulpit, we also look forward to our annual stewardship drive. If you are a member, friend, or regular visitor of First Unitarian Church, you will shortly receive an invitation to a party at which you can make a pledge of planned financial support of the church and its mission during the next year. This year we are looking toward a balanced budget while fulfilling all of our commitments to our Religious Educa-tion, Music, and other programs and to our outstanding staff. Stewardship drive materials will shortly arrive in your mailbox, explaining our goal and plans for the church year, and requesting your support. Pledge materials will also be available at church from March 4—March 25 for your convenience. If you are a visitor and wish to receive an invitation to a pledge party, please contact Louise Jeffrey at 402-393-5158 or at louisekjeffrey@hotmail.com. Please carefully consider this important commitment, and be generous in helping all of us in Building the Dream.

Scientist, entrepreneur and medical futurist Dr. Alan J. Russell will present the 15th Holland

Lecture, Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30pm at the Holland Performing Arts Center. He will share his vision of how the growing field of regenerative medicine impacts society in his lecture entitled Regenerative Medicine: Where Science, Politics, Theology and Media Collide. Dr. Russell is a pioneer in the field, which uses specially grown cells, tissues, organs and artificial materials to treat injuries and disease. This new way of healing promises to restore health more cheaply yet pushes cultural and religious boundaries. He is the founding director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, has started three companies, and is currently a distinguished professor at the University of Pittsburgh. FREE tickets for this reserved seating event are available starting March 26. First and Second UU members and friends will receive invitations with information about how to obtain tickets from Ticket Omaha (402-345-0606) or the box office at 13th and Douglas streets. The Holland Lecture Series, hosted by the First Unitarian Church of Omaha with the generous sup-port of Dick Holland, brings world-class speakers to Omaha in an attempt to generate community discussion of universally important ideas and concerns. The next lecture is October 24 with speaker Fred Wertheimer, director of Democracy 21 and previous long time head of Common Cause. Click here to visit our site.

Regenerative Medicine the Focus of 15th Holland Lecture Dr. Alan J. Russell

2012 Nominations2012 Nominations Unitarian of the Year Award

&

Elected Pos i t ions The Nominating Committee wants YOUR input!

Do you know a Unitarian of the Year?

The Unitarian of the Year Award honors a member of our congregation for significant contributions to our church community this year. Please take time now to submit your nominations for one or more individuals deserving of this recognition. To submit a nomination, use the tear-off forms at church on the Nominating Committee bulletin board, send email to nominations@firstuuomaha.org, or call Shelton @ 402-990-6630. The UU of the Year Award is presented at our Annual Membership Meeting in the Spring. Below is a list of previous awardees:

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS OF THE YEAR—FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF OMAHA

1975: Leslie Wilson 1976: Ruth & Dave Nicklin 1977: Alice Blackstone, Hilma Lathrop 1978: Grace Scudder 1979: Jack Perry, Lisle Williams 1980: Ken Dinning, Laurence Edris 1981: Barbara Rippey 1982: Marie Helms, Richard Carter 1983: Inez Coppom, Dan Sullivan 1984: Eddith Buis 1985: Carol Christensen, Ethel Kucera 1986: Lisa Lemble, Eula Belle Reed 1987: Karen Hutt, Lynn Wells 1988 Jackie Keil, Gene Price 1989: Jack Heidel, Fran Vogel 1990: Barb & Bill Ross 1991: John Hruska, Jack Perry 1992: Kay Lynn Goldner, Doug Lee-Regier 1993: C.J. Cullinan, Bob Slaughter

1994: Richard & Sandy Langdon; Dixie & Henry Lemon 1995: Christina & Roman Noriega; Kim Dunovan & Jerre Tritsch 1996: June McMillen, Bob Perrin 1997: Pierce Carpenter, Nancy Scott 1998: Yvonne Price 1999: Bill & Sandi Bruns 2000: Donna Neff 2001: Charmayne Harper 2002: Joe Hoagbin and David McCracken 2003: Mary & Richard Holland 2004: Bruce Godfrey, David Rosser 2005: Lois Norris 2006: Dean Christensen, Jaime Alexander 2007: Judith Wright 2008: Carolyn McNamara 2009: Pat Will 2010: Walt Jesteadt 2011: Louise Jeffrey & Kate Wiig

Are you ready to serve in an elected position? Or do you know someone who would be an excellent candidate?

The Nominating Committee is looking for church members who are willing to serve in elected positions. We welcome self nominations if you are interested in serving. We also welcome your suggestions of others you think are good candidates. Serving in an elected position is a valued gift to the church of your time and talents. In return, you are likely to deepen your personal connection to the church and better understand its importance in the lives of many of our members and our community. You will form new relationships and develop new leadership skills. Positions to be filled include the President-Elect, Members of the Board of Trustees, and a Trustee of the Capital Trust, and members of the Nominating Committee.

Overviews of the positions up for election are on the back of this sheet.

Membership in First Unitarian Church of Omaha with a history of supporting the Church both financially and as a volunteer is required for any position.

Members elect positions at the Annual Meeting in the Spring. To submit nominations for elected positions or for more information: contact any member of Nominating Committee, email Nominations@firstuuomaha.org or the Nominating Committee bulletin board at church, or call Shelton @ 402-990-6630. President-Elect - 1 member is elected to serve a 2 year term as President-Elect / President.

This is a respected position in our congregation. Although it requires considerable commitment of time and energy, the rewards are incalculable. Members appreciate your leadership, you will learn many new skills, and your appreciation of our church and congregation will deepen. You will also have the opportunity to formally represent the congregation at General Assembly and district events.

The president-elect serves on the Board of Trustees, the Board Executive Committee, and prepares to serve as the president in his/her second year. The time commitment is more than the 10-14 hours a month expected of a Board member, but variable depending on issues before the congregation.

The president compliments and works in cooperation with the ministry team. Aside from the necessary communication and managerial skills, the president needs the broad perspective to lead the Board as it focuses on the long-term vision and mission of our Congregation.

Board of Trustees — 3 year terms

Our Board of Trustees and our Ministry Team work in partnership to serve the mission of the Church. Board members will be focusing primarily on the long-term vision, mission, and well being of our Congregation, not on administrative detail. This change in Board focus is a key element of the new governance structure. The day-to-day management of the Church will be the responsibility of the Ministry Team. The Board provides the Ministry Team with the goals that it needs to guide its work and also monitors and evaluates its performance.

Board members should honor and respect confidentiality, work cooperatively, put the interests of the church’s mission ahead of personal interests or the interests of any constituency, and be willing and able to regularly engage in formal and informal conversations with Congregation members and participate in church activities. A normal month will require approximately 10–14 hours of active work to prepare for and attend regular monthly board meetings (currently held on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m.). Additionally, Board members have required training for the position (normally ½ weekend day early in each church year) and attend the Board’s annual planning retreat (normally 1 ½ weekend days). From time to time Board members also serve on ad hoc Board Committees exploring special topics.

Trustees of the Capital Trust Fund - 1 member will be elected to serve a 3-year term as a Trustee.

The Capital Trust was established to hold and invest certain funds of the church. You will monitor investments and make investment decisions within the guidelines established by the trust. The Trustees provide reports to the Board of Trustees and the Congregation.

Nominating Committee - 3-year terms Members of this Committee become knowledgeable about people in our congregation and the church’s goals to effectively recruit officers, and to support nominations for district and congregational awards. Nominating Committee members may interview members of the congregation, prepare written summaries of candidates or award winners, participate in leadership-growth activities and in decision making processes in-person and electronically.

Submitted by the Nominating Committee: Georgia Barber, Bob Hess, Tony Host, Kerry Case, Lynette Ryder, Judith Wright, and Shelton Hendricks (convener).

Have you ever attended Women’s Alliance? Be sure to come to our March meeting. See next page for all the details. If it’s your first time joining us, dinner is on us!

Book Club

The Book Club meets Monday, March 26 at 7pm in the Merritt Lounge to discuss the book titled Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. Contact Dave Richardson at drichardson@westside66.org to be added to the Book Club email list or for more information.

Creative Art Group

Need a little quiet time to feed

your creative impulse? Bring

your passion—writing, painting,

journaling, quilting, drawing,

etc., and work without

interruption.

Join us March 11 and 25 at

7pm in the Whitney Young

Room. Please call or email the

church office for the contact

information for this group.

Witches’ Tea

A quiet monthly evening of fellowship is offered at our church for anyone interested in earth-centered or pagan spirituality. Instead of our usual Witches' Tea meeting, we encourage you to attend the Celia concert in the First Unitarian Church Sanctuary at 7pm on March 4th. See page 9.

Church Events Get involved in our Book Club, Creative Art Group and other programs!

7

Share the Plate

This month we share our

collection plate with OTOC, a

broad-based, multiethnic and

interfaith organization.

Members are institutions,

mostly congregations and

OTOC exists to recreate

community. Visit their website

for additional information:

http://www.otoc.org/.

Partner Church

Pilgrimage

May 13 to June 4, 2012

Estimated travel costs per person: $2,800 for 21 days including airfare ($1,200). For the proposed itinerary and to receive more information, please contact Janet West at 402-553-3162 or

jmasonwest77@yahoo.com.

Women’s Alliance Our next meeting is Monday, March 12 at 6:30pm in the Common Room. Douglas Lee-Regier, massage therapist (LMP), English teacher, and long-time Unitarian will present some talk and some demos on massage for wellness. Douglas specializes in myofascial release, reiki and craniosacral therapy. He will attest to the benefits of massage as more than “getting a good rub” or even “feels-good relaxation.” He will also speak on his own journey toward wellness in body, mind and spirit. Dinner is $10 and will be a “Traditional Irish St. Patrick’s Day Dinner.” Vegetarian option will be available. Please RVSP to Janet at jmasonwest77@yahoo.com or 402-553-3162 by Friday, March 9. Our Alliance Outreach Project for the month of March will be gathering non-perishable items for the First Lutheran Church food pantry. Please be generous to those in need.

At Church This Month Share the Plate, Partner Church Pilgrimage & Women’s Alliance

8

Share the Plate Every month, half of all the cash collected in the offering plates goes to a ministry

of First Unitarian Church or to a cause that is aligned with our church values.

Join us on Facebook and Twitter Search First Unitarian Church of Omaha on www.facebook.com and “like” us! On Twitter go to @firstuuomaha and Follow us!

Bed & Breakfast Network A comfy spare bedroom and breakfast can earn money for the First Unitarian Church while you meet interesting UUs from across the United States (and maybe the world). Modest or elaborate, all metro Omaha locations are desired. You set the parameters and the Omaha B&B network will handle the requests. UU’s could be coming for the College World Series, Olympic Swim Trial, concerts, the zoo, business trips, and more. Want to learn more? Click here or contact Marie Sedlacek, Eddith Buis, or Janet West by emailing them at: BedBreakfast@firstuuomaha.org or reach them directly.

Celia in Concert

Sunday, March 4 at 7pm

Singer, Songwriter,

Comedienne

All the way from Arizona, Celia is

a cross between an earthy Enya,

Joan Baez, and … Tina Fey.

Celia dishes up the most delicious

concoction of the silly and the

sacred.

Tickets: $10 (advance), $13 (day

of the show) Tickets available at

http://http://http://

celiainconcert.eventbrite.comceliainconcert.eventbrite.comceliainconcert.eventbrite.com.

20% of ticket sales will go to the

First Unitarian Church.

She will also perform Sunday,

March 4 at the 9:30am service.

Don’t miss it!

Bridge Group

The Bridge Group will be

meeting each second and

fourth Sundays after the

second coffee hour for about

two hours. We will meet in the

Whitney Young Room.

The Bridge Group meets on

March 11 and 25. If you want to

learn, teach or play bridge, you

are welcome to attend. The

more, the merrier! Contact the

church office if you need more

information.

Church Events Continued Questions about these events? Contact the church office!

9

Yoga Class THE TEACHER: Liz has studied Iyengar yoga with advanced level certified teachers since 1998. She began teaching in Evanston and Chicago, IL, as an apprentice and continues to work toward certification.

WHO SHOULD COME: This

beginning-level course is open to

all students and will focus on

proper alignment, the use of props

to accommodate all body types,

and sequencing to progress

students in standing and seated

poses, safe inversions, twists and

reclining postures.

TIME: 5:15 to 6:45pm Wednesdays beginning March 7-March 28, 2012 [subsequent courses will run 8 weeks] Common Room COST: $56 for 4 weeks; $112 for

8 weeks.

To reserve your spot or for questions: Liz Carvlin Fuesel, ecarvlin@gmail.com.

More Events!

10

Sign up for Soul Full Thursdays TODAY! Join us for dinner and then take a class! See next page for more details!

Women’s Religious Study

Group Taoism is a belief in living life in each moment as it unfolds. To practice it involves reflection, balance & a deep connection to the earth. Unity is found in balancing the contradictory nature of yin & yang. Followers seek a middle ground in life & work with what emerges. An ancient sage once said, "Tao is the pointing finger and at the same time, the direction." The Women's Religious Study Group meets every Thursday from 1:00 to 2:30. We invite you to join us in the Merritt Lounge!

Joseph Campbell Mythological RoundTable

The Omaha Mythological RoundTable® is an “emerging” chapter of the Joseph Campbell Foundation's ( JCF.org ) program to promote the study of mythology and the works of Joseph Campbell. We gather on the fourth Sunday of every month at First Unitarian Church of Omaha from 5-7pm for a one-hour video plus a one hour discussion. Topics include: the structure of myth, sacred stories, Jungian psychology, dream interpretation, comparative religion, and more. Participants are encouraged to bring a light snack to share. Donations for First Unitarian Adult RE and the JCF are welcome, but not required. Contact OmahaMRT@gmail.com details. This month we meet on Sunday, March 25

th.

Four years ago I served First Unitarian Church of Omaha briefly while Rev. Kate Rohde was recovering from surgery. I knew immediately that I was working with an extraordinary congregation; the longer I stayed, the more deeply I recognized your gifts. When I received a call from Kate Godfrey to ask whether I would be interested in being considered as a Developmental Minister, I was at once excited at the opportunity and disappointed that the church had experienced such a difficult relationship with Rev. Rohde. After consulting with several colleagues, I went with my gut:

yes, I would love to serve the church. I have experienced your openness, your commitment, and your generosity of spirit. I know that we have serious work ahead of us: healing the brokenness, reaffirming constructive patterns of communication, recreating a congregation that welcomes others into its midst. However, I can’t imagine a congregation with whom I would rather do this work. Our work will not be easy. Together we will address sensitive issues and name our own shortcomings. In the course of this work, I too will fall short. Moving forward requires that I trust in the good faith that I have already

witnessed among you and that you trust in my good faith. Our work will also remind us that life is blessing, that while each names the blessing differently, each of us celebrates something meaningful—even transcendent—about life on this planet. I am sorry that struggle brings me back to you, but I am delighted that soon I will call your church mine. It feels like coming home. Blessings and love, Frank

Welcome Rev. Frank Rivas

11

We are kicking off the first Soulful Thursdays on March 1st. This will be a one-time class given by Rev. Sarah Voss that you won't want to miss!! There will be a break for medi-tation and contemplation then the next set of classes will begin on March 22nd-April 26th. A six-week program consisting of a meal and classes FOR ALL AGES. Activities for children from birth through 6th grade will be offered during the entire program. Youth in 7th-12th grades are encouraged to participate.

Reservations are

required for meals, classes and childcare.

See enclosed flyer or visit our Soul Full Thursday webpage. Sign up for dinner which starts at 6pm.

Sign up for the class of your choosing. Childcare is available, but we need to know in advance that you need it.

Deadline to sign up for classes and dinner for the session March 22-April 26 is Sunday, March 11.

Questions? Contact Meka at dre@firstuuomaha.org.

Another has chosen to gift an investment. That may prove to be very beneficial to the church or, on the other hand, the investment may be completely worthless upon the death of the donor. That makes it kind of exciting. I know of one person who is making the church the benefi-ciary of a retirement fund from a place where she worked some time ago. One member has even decided to leave a house to the church! However, I would guess that for the majority of benefactors, the

assets are liquidated upon death and the proceeds distributed according to the will of the deceased. To discuss your possibilities

contact Dixie Lemon (402-393-

2882) or any member of the

Finance Committee.

What Are My Options for Giving? By Dixie Lemon

I hope most would agree that First Unitarian has an outstanding music program. Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers provide excellent music for the early service and Pat Will, organist, and the choir, accompanied by Pat Allender, provide wonderful music for the 11:15 service. Should one choose to attend both services on a given day, he or she would see those who choose to take part in the music of both services. I'm speaking of Skip Ciulla, Deanna Meyler, Dave Olson, David Rosser, Shay Valentine and Maria Wilson. Then, if one should come

early to choir practice or stay after rehearsal you would see these same people coaching, accompanying, recording, practicing solos, and putting equipment away, etc. While I respect all the choir members for their consistent attendance and devotion to the choir, the above mentioned musicians are fantastic in their talents and willingness to serve others. We are so fortunate!

Photo of our Choir from last year!

Special People By Bob McMeen, Choir Director

12

Since no one asks how much you are leaving to the church or what form that gift will be, the only information I have is what people have mentioned in passing. More than one member has made the church the beneficiary of some life insurance. Maybe you have a little policy hidden away in the back of a drawer, a policy that you hardly even consider when you think about your net worth. That would work. It would not entail the writing of a new will or even a codicil. All you would have to do is change the name of the beneficiary with the in-surance company.

This year's Prairie Star District Annual Conference will be held in Bloomington, Minnesota on April 13-15 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel. The theme, Lessons From War and Peace, will be addressed by two phenomenal speakers—the Rev. Jim Eller, who will talk about his years of experience with reconciliation, and Tom Weiner, who has written about the Vietnam War draft. In addition, you will have a choice of 30 workshops that reflect many other types of battles as well--for justice, for inner peace, for marriage equality, for immigration rights. You will find the opportunities rich and rewarding on a personal, spiritual, and community-building level. Please check out the website, and if you can join us, please register as soon as possible! Registration cost goes up after March 14th, and rooms may no longer be available at the discount rate. Although you can register at the conference, the cost will no longer include any meals. Don't let that happen to you! Check this out: http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2012

PSD Conference Promises to Be Engaging On Many Levels

First Unitarian Church Stars From the Nominating Committee

Annually the Prairie Star District invites member congregations to offer nominations for various PSD awards. The Nominating Committee proudly presents the following as this year's nominees from First Unitarian Church of Omaha, with thanks to everyone who helped in this process with suggestions and preparation of materials.

Betty Gorshe Heritage Award: For significant contributions to preserving, understanding, and celebrating our Unitarian Universalist history: DAVE RICHARDSON

Ellie Morton Award: For outstanding achievement and excellence in religious growth and learning: SHAWNE COONFARE

Keeping the Faith Award: For keeping the UU faith alive in the community and touching the lives of congregation and community members in a positive way: MARY LEIDY

Social Justice Award: For witnessing to the ideals of social justice and responsibility so important to our UU heritage: SHAWNA FOSTER

Unsung Unitarian Universalist Award: For a lifetime of actions that inspire, support and express Unitarian Universalism: LANA HAMMEL For nominee highlights, visit the Nominating Committee bulletin board in the Common Room.

13

14

Board

President Kate Godfrey

Board Members Joe Schaaf Kim Dunovan Barb Herring John Wagner Maria Wilson Ron Withem

Trustees of the Capital Trust Kenneth Deffenbacher (2014) Tim Duggan (2013) Jack Heidel (2012)

We Are Engaging the Dream: Ministry Team Forum Recap

By Ben Wallace

There was a great turnout at the Community Forum held on Feb. 18

th focused on the theme “Engaging the Dream, Turning

Dreams into Reality.” More than 50 people turned out to discuss what programs and efforts we can implement to grow a more engaged community. From the Ministry Team Fair to small group discussions to an open forum, the common theme among people’s comments seemed to be clear: “We want people to feel like they matter, we want to feel spiritually fulfilled, and we want to be a part of making our community a better place.” Besides gathering innovative ideas for church pro-grams and talking about how to better engage new visitors, the group also looked through a list of “Dreams for our Church” (gathered at a sermon earlier this year), talked about the current organization and efforts of the newly formed Senior Ministry Team, and heard from each other regarding ideas for ensuring that our community members had a way to voice their opinions. Look for more information in the near future regarding the feedback gathered at the event. If you weren’t able to join us but have ideas to add to the list, you can send an email to suggestions@firstuuomaha.org.

Nominating Committee

Shelton Hendricks, Convener Georgia Barber (2012) Lynette Ryder (2012) Bob Hess (2013) Judith Wright (2013) Kerry Case (2014) Tony Host (2014) Board meetings are normally on the second Tuesday of the month and are open to members. Holland Lecture Series Committee Steve Hutchinson, Chair

Results from the January 2012 Preserve Our Building Fund Drive again reflect our congregation’s commitment to this cause. By the mid-February deadline for the March Flame, contributions have to-taled over $2900. The POB account balance is now nearly $31,000. In our January 1 solicitation letter we asked you, our congregation, to continue supporting it. Once again you have been generous. Addi-tional contributions are always appreciated. Mail a check to the church or place it in the Sunday offering plate. Make the check paya-ble to the First Unitarian Church of Omaha with “POB” on the memo line. A sincere “Thank you” from POB Drive co-chairs Louise Jeffrey and Jaime Alexander goes to all of you who contributed to the Janu-ary 2012 Preserve Our Building Fund Drive.

January 2012 Preserve Our Building Fund Drive Report

Staff Phone: (402) 345-3039

Fax: (402) 346-2662

Director of Religious Education Meka Tate

dre@firstuuomaha.org

Office Administrator Catharine Dixon

admin@firstuuomaha.org

Organist Patricia Will

Choir Director

Bob McMeen

Choir Accompanist Patricia Allender

Early Service Musician/Coordinator

Donovan Johnson

Nursery Aide

Justin Deffenbacher

Custodian Bobby Medrano

Minister Emeritus Ronald Knapp

The Flame Editor

Catharine Dixon

Proofreaders Scott Kemper, Cyndi Nather

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Anne Massoud, Jeanette Ryan

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15

Ministry Team Leaders

Adult R.E.

Crystal DiGiorgi Archives

Dave Richardson Building (short-term)

Dave Rosser Caring

Douglas Lee-Regier Chalice Guild

Kay Lynn Goldner Coffee Hour

Roman Noriega & Charmayne Harper Community Meals

Louise Jeffery Fellowship

Nadine Keith & Judith Wright Finance

Walt Jesteadt Fundraising Donna Neff

Garden Sharon Conlon Governance Alex Nather

Green Sanctuary Ken Deffenbacher & Glenn Pollock

Long-Term Maintenance Ellen Shurson

Nursery Patricia Soto

Partner Church Council Janet West R.E. Team

Joan Benziger & Nicole Giron Religious Services Megan Gustafson

Women’s Alliance Bev Fleckten

YRUU Ben Wallace & Shawne Coonfare

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The Flame First Unitarian Church of Omaha 3114 Harney St. Omaha, NE 68131 March 2012

International Cowperson

Chili Cook-Off January 21 - 6pm

Food Friends Music

Costumes

See page 4 about our Annual Stewardship Campaign that begins in March.

SOUL - FULL THURSDAYS Kick Off March 1st from 6pm until 8:30pm

And March 22nd-April 26th 4:15-8:30pm First Unitarian Church 3114 Harney Street, Omaha, NE 68131

Soul - Full Thursdays Meal Registration Form Please detach this section and return it to First Unitarian Church no later than

Sunday, March 11 (for class A please return before Sunday, Feb. 26). NAMES of ALL participants, including the ages of children & youth: 1.______________________ 2. ___________________________ 3.______________________ 4.____________________________ 5.______________________ 6.____________________________ Yes, I / WE would like to attend the dinner on: March 1st _____ # of reservations for persons OVER 10 _______ # UNDER 10 March 22nd _____ # OVER 10 years of age _____ # under 10 March 29th _____ OVER 10 years of age _____ under 10 April 5th _____ # OVER 10 years of age _____ # under 10 April 12th _____ # OVER 10 years of age _____ # under 10 April 19th _____ # OVER 10 years of age _____ # under 10 April 26th _____ # OVER 10 years of age _____ # under 10 Number of People requesting VEGETARIAN MEALS _____ OVER 10 _____ UNDER 10

YOU MAY PAY FOR YOUR MEALS EACH THURSDAY NIGHT or IN ADVANCE BY ENCLOSING A CHECK FOR THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT WITH YOUR REGISTRATION

(OVER age 10 = $8.50 per person per night , UNDER age 10 = $3 per night)

$18 maximum per family. Please make checks payable to First Unitarian Church

We are kicking off the first Soulful Thursday on March 1st. This will be a one-time class given by Sarah Voss that you wont want to miss!! There will be a break for meditation and contempla-

tion then the next set of classes will begin on March 22nd-April 26th. A six-week program consisting of a meal and classes FOR ALL AGES. Activities for children from birth through 6th grade will be offered during the entire program. Youth in 7th-12th grades are encouraged and

heartily welcome to participate in the scheduled classes with the adults. Reservations are required for meals and classes.

If you did not make a reservation and find that you will be able to attend one of the six scheduled nights, please call the church office BY NOON ON TUESDAY to see if a meal and/or

space in the class of your choice is available.

SOUL-FULL THURSDAY SCHEDULE

March 1st (one night only) March 22nd - April 26th 2012

The Sanctuary will be open from 5 to 6pm for those wishing to sit in silence before dinner

Dinner served from 6 to 6:30pm

DETACH FORM HERE

SOUL-FULL THURSDAY SCHEDULE March 1st

and March 22nd - April 26th

6:30 – 8:30pm: A.) New Moral Math—one night only—March 1st facilitated by Sarah Voss Come to dinner and then join Sarah for thinking outside the box with Moral Math. Moral Math refers to ideas culled from math-

ematics which can benefit social behavior. In this 2 hour seminar, you'll learn ways of thinking about conflict and cooperation

based on ideas drawn from complexity theory, nonzero sum game theory, and more. Participants engage in interactive and "user

friendly" exercises (e.g., the Dollar Auction, "Chicken" for Groups, Self-Organizing Emergence, and Equitable Cake Division),

then apply these math-based ideas metaphorically to various social situations. No mathematics expertise is required.

This class meets one night only. You must RSVP for this class and dinner this night by Sunday, Feb. 26.

B.) “The Body Sacred: Celebrating our bodies and Exploring our beauty” facilitated by Kerry Case

March 22nd-April 26th Session 1 “The Fall From Grace” During this class session we will discuss the things that we

DON’T like about our bodies. We will let it all hang out, and together we will create a picture that defines our thoughts about

how we look. Session 2 “The Reflection” When we look in the mirror, what do we see? There is nothing more powerful when

it comes to the ways we feel about ourselves, than our own reflection. Session 3 “The Mother” In this session, we will explore

our own relationships with our mothers, as well as our relationship with our own “inner nurturer.” Session 4 “The Healer” What

is health? What is Wellness? What is the difference between the two? Tonight we will discuss how we treat our bodies, and

discuss ways we can improve how we treat ourselves on a day to day basis. Session 5 “The Dancer” Too often, exercise is more

of a chore than something we actually enjoy doing. In this class, we are going to talk about “the dance” and ways to find our

own movement. Session 6 “The Wise Woman” We will discuss the topic most of us don’t like to bring up….the idea of ag-

ing. We will discuss our fears about aging and where they come from.

C.) Forks Over Knives facilitated by Deanna Meyler and Heidi Fencik March 22nd-April 26th Want to learn more about how to lead a more healthful life? This class will start by watching the inspiring documentary "Forks

Over Knives." As the weeks move forward the class will explore easy ways to eat and live more healthy with veganism as the

goal. Accessible information, recipes, and even a few cooking demonstrations promise to help everyone think more about how

easy healthy living can be.

4:15-5:30pm: D.) Other Religions in the Ancient World facilitated by Crystal DiGiorgi March 22nd-April 26th We will continue the DVD series by studying other religions in the ancient world. The DVD series comes from the Ancient

Civilizations collection: Dreamtime of the Aborigines (Australia), The Great Sphinx: Guardian of the Pyramids (Egypt) ,The

Pagans: Lost Tribes Revealed (Europe), Passage to the Mayan Underworld (Americas), Angkor Wat: The Eighth Wonder

(Hindu/Buddhist temple in Cambodia), Stonehenge: Secrets of an Ancient Monument (England). These documentaries are

45-50 minutes long and there will be discussion afterwards.

E.) Supervised Nursery play plus art activities for kids in first through sixth grades provided (6:30-8:30pm).

Soul - Full Thursdays CLASS Registration Form

Please register ALL AGES for the individual SOUL-FULL Thursday classes below.

Names: _________________________, ___________________ , and _______________________

(Please indicate the number of teens & adults attending each class) 4:15-5:30pm: D) Other Religions Ancient World: _______ 6:30 – 8:30pm: A) New Moral Math: _______ B) The Body Sacred: _______ C) Forks Over Knives: ______

Please make dinner reservations separately on the other side of this form.

E) Activities for children through 6th grade– NAMES & AGES: ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________