June 2014 - Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane

SUUN
THE
Volume 21 Issue 6 Ñ June 2014
June 1
June 8*
The Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane
Upcoming Worship Services
(services at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. unless otherwise stated)
Youth Service
UUCS Graduating Seniors, Guest Speakers
The Turing Test: Allan Turing & GBLTQ Equality
Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, UUCS Minister
June 15** Theodor Reik & Religion: Psychology of Religion Series Part 5
Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, UUCS Minister
June 22
June 29
July 6
To Love Alike: Unitarian Universalist History in a Nutshell
Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, UUCS Minister
Transgender Awareness Day
Cindy Fine, UUCS Member Guest Speaker
Title to be Announced
William Scarvie, Earth Ministries Guest Speaker
* Annual Congregational Meeting follows the June 8th 11 am service. See meeting details on Page 2 of this edition of the SUUN.
** This month's Special Collection on June 15th will go to support Refugee Connections Spokane (RCS). RCS is a non-profit
organization that promotes refugee resettlement success and long term health and wellness through community collaborative projects
and activities. RCSÕs "humanitarian objective is to empower refugees to be fully engaged and contributing members of our Spokane
community. Refugee community volunteers, as well as, university student interns, generously contribute their time and skills to
carry out the projects which support the organizationsÕ mission and objectives." For more detailed information please visit the RCS
website at www.refugeeconnectionsspokane.org. UUCS monthly Special Collections usually occur on the third Sunday of
each month and are chosen to help make manifest the vision that is our mission Ñ to make a difference in our world.
ToddÕs Thoughts
I recently watched a NASA Astronomer on YouTube mention that all the stars in the Universe will eventually burn out. The
Ònuclear fusion reactionÓ happening within every star, preventing it from completely collapsing under the force of gravity,
according to Dr. Michelle Thaller, Òis using fuel; itÕs using hydrogen. And so eventually that will burn out and the collapse of
gravity will keep going.Ó The result is a supernova and the impregnation of space with the various elements forged inside
the starÕs fiery womb. ÒThat is literally what your body is,Ó Thaller says, Òit is that instant of death.Ó She goes on to say itÕs a
mistake for us to think of the stars as eternal. ÒThereÕs only a certain amount of stellar fuel, hydrogen. The stars are burning
through it, and then the stars, as we know them, will all burn out in some trillions of years and the Universe will be dark for
the rest of time, whatever that means.Ó For Thaller, it means those of us fortunate to be alive in what will ultimately be the
UniverseÕs brief stellar phase, are living in paradise. ÒWeÕre living in a time when this ten-billion-year live thing, the Sun, is
pouring down free energy. We are using it, we are evolving, we are becoming sentient, we are looking out at the Universe.Ó
Thaller is amazed to think all of this will last but a relatively brief time before everything goes dark for all eternity. ÒIt does
give you an ownership of how wonderful this time is, how wonderful your life is right now, your literal life, but also how
wonderful this time in the Universe is.Ó How wonderful, I might add, in the vastness of time and space, to have but a rare
smidgen of awareness. I hope to make the most of this rarest of opportunities during my flicker of time here on Earth.
Blessings,
Ñ Rev. Dr. Todd F. Eklof
UUCS Minister
Leap of Faith Stewardship Update
Thanks to all our members and friends whose
generous pledges will support our church
and its mission in the coming church year.
We have received approximately $376,000 in
pledges, which leaves us just under $26,000
short of our goal! The good news is itÕs never too late to
make your Leap of Faith pledge. Just go to the UUCS
website at www.uuspokane.org and click on the Pledge
Online button. This will take you to a pledge form you
can fill out online and submit to us with a click. Or pick
up a pledge form in the church office, fill it out, and slip
it into the big gold box. Thanks in advance for your
incredible support and generosity that will make UUCSÕs
Leap of Faith into the future possible! Ñ From your Leap
of Faith Stewardship Team
Call to the UUCS Annual
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Following the 11 a.m. service
All UUCS members are invited and encouraged to
attend our Annual Congregational Meeting called by the
Board of Trustees (BOT). In addition to hearing reports
from the BOT president and UUCS minister, members
will be asked to consider and vote on the following:
¥ Candidates for the 2014-15 church year nominated
to fill positions on the Board of Trustees,
Nominating and Endowment teams.
¥ 2014-15 fiscal year operating budget Ñ Next fiscal
year runs from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015
¥ BOT proposed revisions to the UUCS Bylaws Ñ
Bylaw revisions require a 15% quorum of voting
members to be present at the meeting. Changes
must receive a 2/3 positive majority to pass
¥ Congregational Resolution to renew our
Welcoming Congregation status proposed by the
UUCS Social Justice Council.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane
(UUCS) ÒEndsÓ Statements *
¥ The UUCS is a bold voice, advocate and active partner
with national and local organizations to promote social
and economic justice, environmental responsibility,
worldwide peace, liberty and the democratic process.
¥ The UUCS is an ever more diverse congregation overcoming
the barriers that divide the human family.
¥ The UUCS is a community where people find meaningful
connections in groups large and small.
¥ The UUCS is financially sound, sustained by a culture of
abundance that prompts generous gifts of time, talent and
money to support the church and its programs.
¥ The UUCS is mindful of our impact on the Earth and
engages in environmental stewardship that is visible to the
larger community.
¥ The UUCS ministers to the needs of our local community
and is proactive in making our presence known to those
beyond our sanctuary walls.
¥ The UUCS sustains and inspires individual transformation and
growth for all ages and encourages exploration of world belief
systems through those sources known as ÒOur Living Tradition.Ó
* Our Policy Governance ÒEndsÓ statements Ñ adopted by the UUCS Board
of Trustees in April 2012 Ñ are the visionary goals of our congregation.
Copies of the candidate biographies, proposed budget,
bylaw revisions, and congregational resolution are
available on the website and in the Friendship Hall.
Deadlines:
The SUUN (monthly newsletter)
Upcoming Deadlines for Submissions
July 2014 issue Ñ June 26, 2014
August 2014 issue Ñ July 24, 2014
Send SUUN submissions to [email protected]
SUUNday Focus (Sunday bulletin)
Every Wednesday by 10 am
Send SUUNday Focus submissions to
[email protected]
Check Run Cut-off Dates
Requests for checks from members, teams and staff need to be
submitted, along with invoices or expense documentation, to
the office by the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. Check
request forms (green slips) are attached to the front of
bookkeeperÕs mail box in the office.
MANAGEMENT TEAM AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Board Slivers
IÕve always hated the saying, ÒYou either have time or
money,Ó because itÕs never seemed true for me. For most
of my adult life, IÕve had neither, being swamped with
working through college, having a young family, and
then a long illness. And itÕs frustrating because when
you have neither time nor money, there arenÕt many
ways to give to your community and what you do give,
in either regard, can feel like a paltry offering,
inadequate.
As we end our pledge drive, IÕd like to recognize that
there are members of our community with neither time
nor money. They dig deep to give what they can. They
make difficult sacrifices to contribute even small
amounts to our community. Their gifts of time and
money are appreciated as the widowÕs mite, more
symbolic of their love and commitment to our
community. We are honored to receive your gifts of time
and money, and your spirit of generosity despite your
empty coffers. Even small amounts of time and money
add up and contribute to our community.
But IÕd also like to express our immense gratitude to
those who have one or both of these to give at this stage
in their lives. Those who give generously from their
wealth of time or money to sustain this community carry
us all forward in concrete ways. This generosity is deeply
valued for without it, there would be no UUCS to speak
of. They carry the heavier part of the load. Thank you.
This giving is crucial to our church.
When we have more time or money, we give these
generously; we sustain our community, grateful for it
and everyone in it, even those with less to give. And
during those times we have less, we also give with an
attitude of generosity, grateful for those who can give
more. Time and money can seem to have their own flow
through our lives, but we control the flow of our own
spirit of generosity and gratitude. LetÕs keep those
flowing at peak capacity.
Ñ Sarajoy Van Boven
UUCS Board Member
The Board of Trustees meets the fourth
Wednesday of the month beginning in July.
Meeting times are 6:30 Ñ 8:15 pm.
All are welcome.
Management Team
Management Team Meetings
Your M-Team meets regularly to discuss the daily
operations of the church, address concerns of
congregation members and teams, and plan how best to
move the mission and vision of the congregation forward
as per our Policy Governance charge. Our 4 pm meetings
in the Administration Office Workroom are generally
every other Tuesday. And, all are welcome to attend the
meetings. If you are unable to attend, but would like
something to be put on the agenda, please contact Rev.
Todd at 325-6383 or [email protected]
meeting schedule this month is June 3 and June 17.
FYI from the Administrator
Picture Directories Available This Month!
The wait for the long awaited new UUCS picture
directory is almost over. The directories have arrived and
are being made ready for distribution. Remember,
everyone who had pictures taken at the church and those
who submitted their own photos (+ the processing fee ;-)
will receive a directory for their family free of charge. We
do have extras, so even if you didnÕt have your picture
taken, you may purchase a directory when they become
available for $10. FYI: The directory contains a full roster
of members and pledging friends, regardless of whether
they appear in the picture section.
Ñ Jet Tilley
UUCS Business Administrator
UUCS Solar Snapshot *
As of Friday, May 23, 2014, at
approximately noon, our 75 panel
solar array has produced 33.1
MWh of electricity since it went online in November 2012. This equals the
amount of energy it takes to:
¥ Charge an average cell phone for 1,027.3 years
¥ Power a light bulb for 290.8 years
¥ Run a refrigerator for 21.1 years
¥ Drive 1,467.9 laps of the Monaco Grand Prix
¥ Light up the Eifel Tower for 14 nights
As well, planting a tree offsets the same amount of
CO2 as 55.3 kilowatt-hours of clean energy
production, which means our system has off-set the
carbon equivalent of 599 trees!
UUCS MUSICAL NOTES
Last September our congregation and the greater Spokane community lost a wonderful musician, teacher and a truly
good woman. Carol Graef was a woman full of grace in a multitude of ways and contributed greatly to many, many
lives over her time with all of us. She played in the Spokane Philharmonic and Spokane Symphony for 29 years, eight of
those as principal cellist. She also taught cello students in her living room for over 40 years, giving from a deep place of
loving dedication and expertise. Her legacy has gifted Spokane with some fine string players.
Carol and her husband Doug joined the church in 1986, contributing their time and careful attention to this churchÕs
needs. Both of them gave the gift of music many times over the yearsÑDoug is a fine pianist and accompanied Carol
when she played for us. Carol was on the Music Committee when we decided to overhaul our grand piano and urged
all of us to continue the concert series that helped make that a successful project. We didÑnaming the series ÒSundays
at SevenÓ as Carol suggested. One of our principal goals was to raise the money to bring in good musicians from
outside the congregation to play for us approximately one Sunday a month. We were successful in that goal until the
church needed these funds to get through some tough times. At that point the proceeds from our concerts started going
to the general fund.
After CarolÕs death some long time members suggested to me that we memorialize her by carrying forth her inspiring
work in music by supporting and promoting fine musicians in our community. A proposal was created and submitted
to the Management Team, which approved the idea.
SoÉthe Music Team and I are proud to announce the inception of the CAROL GRAEF MEMORIAL FUND! This fund,
which will roll over from one year to the next, is to be used exclusively for guest musician honoraria for our church
services. It will help good musicians be heard while adding to their financial support AND treat our congregation to
good music from the Spokane community. Congregational members who wish to remember Carol and donate funds to
further these goals may do so at any time by noting ÒCarol Graef FundÓ in the memo of your check to the church or by
contacting the office if you wish to use other means.
It is my hope that we can launch this effort on CarolÕs behalf with generosity and grace ~ just like Carol would! Please
join me in memorializing her.
Blessings.
Ñ Deb Jacquemin
UUCS Music Director
Please join me in thanking all those who sing in our Mixed Choir as they take their usual summer break. YouÕll
hear them once again when the Choir reconvenes in SeptemberÉ
Save the Date! Fall WomenÕs Retreat, September 26 Ð 28
Get out your calendar and highlight the last weekend in September! The Planning Team for the UU WomenÕs Retreat is
already busy planning and organizing another fabulous weekend at Camp N Sid Sen on the beautiful shores of Lake
Coeur dÕAlene. Registration forms will be available online and at church beginning June 1. Payment online will be
available as well. ItÕs not too early to start anticipating this not-to-be-forgotten weekend, and if youÕd like, you can lend
a hand with the festivities. There are several volunteer positions that need filling:
1. Sing along piano accompanist for Friday night song circle.
2. Gatherer and organizer for vision board materials.
3. Reiki master. (Mistress?)
4. Database queen to organize registration data on Excel.
If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact Cindy Phillips at
[email protected].
CELEBRATING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
From DianeÕs Perspective
The religious education of our UU children and youth in
our church is the responsibility of the entire congregation.
We are all learners and all teachers. A responsible search
for truth and meaning, and encouragement to spiritual
growth in our congregations, are two of our UU principles.
The lifespan model means we never stop learning, and
teaching provides a way for us to continue learning at all
ages. When we teach, we model the values we stand for:
tolerance for diversity, respect for others, a questioning and
curious mind, and social justice action designed to change
the world. Teaching thus provides a venue for both ministry
and passionate engagement with the world and with others.
We understand the value of this gift freely given to the
community when we recognize that lifespan learning is
at the very heart of our congregation.
I would like to honor everyone who has helped in some way
to provide our UU children and youth with a valuable and
fun experience at church on Sunday mornings in 2013-2014.
First are the 30 teachers who worked with our young people
twice a month for nine months and did an excellent job!
They gave freely of their time, energy and generous spirit
to our UU children:
Preschool: Robin Burgis, Tanya Cissell, Sharon Johnston,
Candace Schmidt
Grades K-1: Lisa and Gary AnselmoMarnach, Barb
Freeman, Georgi Gorham, Dean Tyler-Babkirk
Grades 2-3: Mary Benham, Christine Brown, Lynaia
Liptak, Susan Stanaway;
Grades 4-6: Anna Garbuz, Doug Huigen, Joy Jones,
Rachelle Mattingly-Gore, Edna Ripka, Joyce Robinson,
Marc Whitman
Grades 7-8: Jon Bagby, Quinn Ennis, Joe Palmer, Barb
Stuebing
Senior High: Ariel Fitzgerald and Jon Lindsay
Senior High Youth Group: Ariel Fitzgerald, Scott Fitzgerald,
Shannon Kozlovich, Gordon Teel
Seven wonderful storytellers gave us marvelous stories each
Sunday: David Boose, Marilyn Carpenter, Cheryl Conn,
Sara Edlin Marlowe, Peggy Eklof, Todd Eklof, Natalie Palmer.
Four conscientious classroom volunteers showed up each
month to help the teachers in a classroom: Lee Dominey,
Chuck Elsen, Jan Gard, Sally Ray. Three office volunteers
took on tasks I needed each week without complaint: Lee
Dominey, Torge Lorentzen, and Vern Prouty.
Thanks to all 48 of you for being here for our UU children
and youth! You are appreciated beyond measure!
Blessings
Ñ Diane Huigen,
Interim Religious Education Director
Religious Education Reminders & News
Support Our UU Youth at Youth Sunday on June 1st
Youth Sunday is one of the most powerful services of the
year. This is the day when our Senior High Youth are in
charge of the entire Sunday service. We hope you will
come to share in the experience of seeing what our
fabulous youth have planned for us.
FYI: This June, 13 of our UU Youth will be graduating
and moving off into the world of the unknown. The
graduating youth are: Sadie Bagby (Beth Carroll & Jon
Bagby), Gabi Boettner (Elizabeth Coyote & Karl Boettner),
Erin Cameron (Barb Stuebing & Bob Cameron), Will
Dubiel (Kalista & Bill Dubiel), Cassidy Eklof (Peggy &
Todd Eklof), Brian Jinishian (Lynn & Robert Jinishian),
Eamonn Neff (Joanie Eppinga & Keavy Neff), David
Remson, Maddy Rush (Betsy & Richard Rush), Sol
Springberry (Tracy Springberry & Lisa Avery), Braeden
Tyler-Babkirk (Susan & Dean Tyler-Babkirk), Brigit
Wendt (Amy Jayne Ott), Ethan Wheatley-Reid (Deborah
Wheatley & Rick Reid). Each of our UU 2014 graduates
have been active in our church at some point in their
lives. Be sure to read their biographies. Congratulations
to all of you! We wish you the best in all your endeavors!
Art Wall Presents Work by UU Youth
Art created by the youth of the church is now on display
in the Friendship Hall through June. Please take time to
enjoy the work of these young artists. Thank you to those
who loaned items for this display.
Summer Religious Education Classes Begin Sunday,
June 22 Ð Volunteers Needed!
Our Summer Religious Education classes begin Sunday,
June 22, in the Thoreau Room during the 11:00 am
service. We need volunteers to help teach one or two
Sundays. Do you have something you are passionate
about that you would like to share with our children? We
want you! Or would you volunteer to help the teachers
with activities and management? We want you! Please
contact Diane Huigen with one or two Sundays that work
for you, as soon as possible, [email protected] or 3256383 ext 306. Thank you!
Classroom Offerings Teach Empathy and Generosity
Our Classroom Offering teaches children empathy and
generosity by doing, and supports SCRAPS, Spokane
County Regional Animal Protection Service and
Crosswalk Teen Shelter. Please help your children
remember to bring some change each Sunday for their
class offering. If you have bags of change you would like
to donate to these projects, please leave them on DianeÕs
desk. Thank you so much!
2014 UUCS GRADUATING SENIORSÕ BIOGRAPHIES
Sadie Constance Bagby is the daughter of Beth Carroll and
Jon Bagby; sister of Sol Bagby; granddaughter of Dr. George
Bagby and Connie Bagby and Bill "Grammy" Carroll.
She is also a beloved cousin and niece to many on both
sides of the family.
Sadie was born (in 45 minutes) at our home in Seattle on
a clear, cold December night under a full moon. Her four
year old brother, Sol, was there to witness her birth. We
moved to Spokane when Sadie was about one year old.
Sadie has loved music, singing, drawing and creative writing
all her life. She is "full of stories" as her Montessori teacher
once said. As a young child she could be seen walking back
and forth along the sidewalk acting out the stories that
flowed through her. She also was a prolific artist, and she
drew countless depictions of the workings of her mind.
As Sadie grew older, her passion for drawing evolved into
a passion for theater, singing, and acting. She now attends
Lewis and Clark High school where she joyfully participates
in Musical Theater productions. After graduating, she plans
on moving back to the West side and will attend Edmonds
Community College to continue her education in vocal
performance.
Sadie is one of the funniest people I know. She has a beautiful
voice. She is a wonderful daughter. I will miss falling asleep
to the sound of her singing... and I look forward to all the
laughter yet to come! Ñ Beth Carroll
Gabrielle (Gabi) Boettner. I was born in Tokyo, Japan. After
my parents (Elizabeth Coyote and Karl Boettner) made the
trip back over the Pacific and settled in Spokane I began
coming to the UU Church at age three, shortly after my
sister Clara was born. I attended Jefferson Elementary and
participated in the Montessori Program there. Around the
time I began attending church, I also began taking ballet
lessons and dedicated myself to it for twelve years, eventually
becoming certified by the Royal Academy of Dance to teach.
More recently however I have dedicated myself to theatre
and German at Ferris High School. I have studied German
for four years and have gone on exchange. My experiences
in drama have included acting, directing, and makeup
artistry. This year I have served as drama president and
been a national qualifier in costume design. My future plans
include attending the University of Washington next fall
to double major in theatre and something yet unknown
that piques my interest. Ñ Gabi Boettner
Erin Cameron will graduate from North Central High School.
She will be attending Flager College in St Augustine FL
next fall to study Journalism.
Erin has been attending this church since she was born,
being introduced to the congregation by Shirley Cannon
when she was a few weeks old. Erin attended Woodland
Montessori here at church for Kindergarden. She built
the playground for her Girl Scout Bronze Award, after
we lost the beloved Apricot tree. She also earned her Girl
Scout Silver Award by running a spring break day camp
with her sister KellyAnn for the elementary aged kids in
our congregation.
Erin loves Camp Starwheel and has been the lifeguard there
for the last three years. She attended OWL and R.E. through
Jr High. Erin loved Community nights, especially anytime
she could take the stage or sing. We would like to thank all
the members and friends of the church for including Erin in
your family. Ñ Barb, Bob, KellyAnn, MaryAnn and Roger
Cassidy Daniel Eklof (daughter of Peggy and Todd Eklof).
When Cassidy came to be with us on the coldest day of the
year, we knew she was going to be a force of nature, a person
who would do things her own way. When her 2nd grade
teacher told us, "Your daughter is exhausting" after Cassidy
started a petition over a perceived injustice, we knew she
would have the strength to stand up for herself and others.
Cassidy is graduating from North Central High School as a
Distinguished Valedictorian and will attend Western Washington
University in the fall where she plans to study biology and
environmental science. At NC Cassidy participated in cross
country and track as well as playing the viola in the school
orchestra. She credits her North Central family as well as
friends from UUCS for making her transition to Spokane an
easier one. She will be celebrating her graduation with her
older brother Julian, her grandparents, Sue and Morris
Daniel, her aunt Lisette Daniel Colson, her cousin Ryan,
and good friend Barbara Parrish who as Barbara says,
"Has known Cassidy since she was wearing boy clothes."
We thank you all for your friendship and support as we
send Cassidy on her way. Ñ Peggy and Todd Eklof
OkayÉletÕs see if weÕve got this right. As the parents of
Brian Jinishian, our job has been to water, feed, guide,
nurture, support and love. His job has been to learn, grow,
bring enormous joy into our lives, test our patience and
find his own way of doing and being. We have only just
begun to understand and be comfortable in our roles, and
now itÕs time for Brian to leave? This seems like a design
flaw necessitating a letter to the complaint department, but
first, here is what we think you should know about Brian
Jinishian (if you donÕt already): Brian is quiet and kind. He
has a wry sense of humor that surfaces when you least expect
it. Brian hates to be the center of attention, but is the best
Òback stageÓ guy youÕll ever meet. Give him a mission and
a clear direction and you can count on him. Plus, he has
good manners apart from an occasional slip of profanity,
which we attribute to UU Youth Cons and elementary school
bus rides. He does, however, use those inappropriate words
correctly within sentence structure, and so we forgive.
Brian loves marching band, music, science, coffee, creepy
fiction novels, Dr. Who, social media, cats, knitting, driving,
sleeping in, UU youth friendsÉand did we mention coffee?
If you would like to connect with Brian on a Sunday morning,
you can usually find him behind the youth coffee cart in the
foyer. That coffee cart represents purpose, drive, skills, and
continued
commitment to church and community for Brian. Our family
is grateful to all of you who had that vision for our UU Youth.
On June 6th, Brian will graduate from Mead High School.
He needs a job this summer (just sayinÕÑin case youÕre
hiring!) and then will attend Washington State University
in the fall pursuing a degree in Food Science and participating
in the Cougar Marching Band. Please feel free to remind
me (mom) next fall, that Pullman is not in a different galaxy
and that there are multiple holidays every semester. As
excited as I am for Brian and his future adventuresÉ
what I most look forward to from here on out is being able
to say ÒWelcome home, Bud! LetÕs have some coffee and
you can tell us all aboutÉÓ Ñ Lynn & Robert Jinishian
Eamonn [Neff] started going to Camp Starwheel when he
was a baby and has loved it ever since. His involvement
with this church continued with O.W.L. classes and the
youth group, both of which were great; he says that during
his junior year, youth group was the thing he most looked
forward to each week. (Besides, any chance to hang out
with best buddy Devon Gorham is a plus, right?)
Eamonn will graduate from LC this year, where he has
participated in cross-country and track. In the fall he'll be
on campus at Whitworth, where he'll be a member of the
university's new Leadership Academy. Where all that
will take him remains to be seen; but given his dry wit,
caring heart, and clever mind, it'll be someplace good.
Ñ Joanie Eppinga and Keavy Neff
Ethan Reid (son of Rick Reid and Deborah Wheatley) is
graduating from Ferris High School, where he has been
an active member of the music program since 8th grade.
He has played alto and tenor saxophone in both the
advanced concert band and the highly renowned Joel E
Ferris Jazz Orchestra. He also sings in the award-winning
menÕs ensemble group Saxon Knights. He loves chemistry
and math. Ethan will be attending Case Western Reserve
University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he plans to pursue
a dual major in chemistry and jazz performance.
UUCS members may remember Ethan performing for the
church from an early age, appearing in the childrenÕs choir
and several Christmas pageants, as well as a few spots with
his sister Robin Reid. Ethan attended RE at the church from
babyhood through 9th grade as well as OWL. He studied
piano with Deborah Jacquemin for several years and sang in
the Spokane Area Youth Choirs with many other UUCS youth.
Ethan is a third generation UU and proudly announces on his
Facebook page that he is an atheist. In the face of enormous
pressure from friends to embrace traditional Christianity, he
has stayed true to his roots and maintains his UU adherence
to the seven principles while respecting and honoring the
differing beliefs of his friends. His fondest memories of UUCS
are the adult members of the community who have supported
and fostered his growth over the years, particularly his
various RE and OWL teachers, members of the adult choir,
the Baugher-Tonkyns and, of course, Deborah Jacquemin.
We see a bright and shining future in front of him and look
forward to the next leg of the adventure (and to being empty
nesters!). Ñ Deborah, Rick and Robin
Madeleine Rush graduates from Lewis and Clark on June
8 at the tender age of 17. She was first brought to the UU
Church of Spokane at around age 4 when it was perceived
that a UU education could be of benefit and to be with her
friend Gabi Boettner. She spent all of her pre-school years
in the building too as a Woodland Montessori student.
Summers meant experiments in the world of business.
Lemonade stands in the front yard while three year old Jasper
cavorted in a pink tutu were a hit. Age eight and MadeleineÕs
setting up business with her father, selling boiled peanuts at
the Perry Street farmersÕ market. Memories of Alabama road
trips with Coca-cola and boiled peanuts didnÕt translate
perfectly to the PNW market, but Madeleine did learn the art
of commerce and how to bargain with fellow vendors. For
some of those vendors, she became their best customer.
Another hot summer, Madeleine tried her hand at cutting
lavender on a farm. Who knew there would be so many
bees?! But enough money was earned for an American
Girl doll so the experience was deemed worth it, if not to
be repeated.
Since 2nd grade, Madeleine has studied Irish dance as a
Haran Irish Dancer, performing around town in everything
from her dadÕs campaigns for city council to First Night to
St. PaddyÕs Day parades. She has a whole jangly pile of
medals scored at Irish dance competitions, known as a feis
and pronounced ÒfeshÓ. What a beautiful dancer she is too!
The start of high school at Lewis and Clark opened several
new worlds to Madeleine. She lettered in track and field as
a hurdler but it was the drama bug that bit her hard. Early
in her freshman year, she auditioned for Hairspray and then
crewed for Legally Blonde as a sophomore. With constant
practice and good guidance, she has taught herself to sing
in the belting style and most recently performed as Ruth in
Thoroughly Modern Millie and Mayzie La Bird in Suessical.
If youÕve found yourself in the Rosauers on 14th Avenue this
spring, Madeleine may have carried your groceries for you.
Her job as Courtesy Clerk makes her the first card-carrying
union member in our family and weÕre so proud of her!
The Beehive state now calls her to take on another UU
environment, this time the University of Utah. There sheÕll
study musical theatre, honing her Triple Threat (singing,
dancing, acting) while bringing her UUCS-grown spirit
of discovery and love to everything she does. WeÕll miss
her bright, loud, punchy spirit but keep your eye on this
star as she shines on! Ñ Betsy and Richard Rush
Solomon Springberry first came to church as a newborn.
He is the son of Tracy Springberry and Lisa Avery, and the
grandson of Linda Moulder and Jerry White. He grew up
in the church schoo l and loved community night dinners
and Camp Starwheel. As a youth, he loved Cons and
Leadership School. Next year he plans to follow dreams
and study film in Southern California. Ñ SolÕs Family
Braeden Tyler-Babkirk is the son of Dean and Susan
Tyler-Babkirk, brother of Kailan and grandson of Ed and
Patty Tyler. From the time he was very little and
“workin’ the crowd” of the church pot luck lines we
knew we were in for an entertaining ride as he grew up.
He is graduating from Lewis and Clark High School
having fulfilled two long time dreams: to be a drum
major and act on the L.C. stage. Along with having been
a drum major for two years, he played the trumpet and
was involved with L.C.’s drama program throughout his
four years. Having formerly only performed in plays,
this year he tackled musical theater with performances in
Thoroughly Modern Millie and Seussical the Musical.
Braeden has an adventurous spirit. He’s enjoyed his
travels to Europe, Chicago and Okinawa, where he
became a certified scuba diver. This last year he
refurbished a used motorcycle and enjoys waking the
neighbors on his way to zero-hour Stage Craft class in
the mornings. Next year Braeden will be attending
Spokane Falls Community College with the goal of
eventually heading to the University of Washington.
We are grateful that our church has been a constant in
Braeden’s life from the nursery to Sr. High and Youth
Group. He completed 5th/6th, Jr. High and Sr. High
OWL. Some of his favorite memories include
Neighboring faiths, high school experiences at Camp
Star wheel and the “whole vibe of the UU experience.”
We wish him well on this next phase in his life and want
to thank all the caring adults and peers who have given
him guidance, listened to his stories and gave him a time
limit for check in!
— Susan & Dean Tyler-Babkirk
Brigit Wendt daughter of Amy Jayne Ott has been
attending Sr. High RE and Youth Group for the past two
years. She will be graduating from Lewis and Clark
High School. Brigit has been active in Cross Country,
Choir and the L.C. drama program. She recently
appeared in Seussical the Musical with (according to
Braeden Tyler-Babkirk’s mom) the “best Who hair-do in
the show! Through her Practicum in Community
Involvement at Lewis and Clark, Brigit volunteered at
the Martin Luther King Jr. Center helping children in the
after school program. At church she has enjoyed meeting
and talking with new people. Brigit will be attending
Spokane Falls Community College in the fall and plans
to transfer to the University of Washington.
— Brigit’s loved ones
SOCIAL JUSTICE IS WHAT WE DO!
June is PRIDE Month in Spokane
Take the opportunity to participate in some of the
fabulous Pride activities planned to make this the best
Pride celebration ever! Below find two of the offerings
that may be of particular interest to UUCS members and
friends. For a complete listing of Pride Month activities,
go to the OutSpokane website at www.outspokane.com.
UUCS Pride Team presents An Evening Odyssey
To benefit the Odyssey Youth Center
Tuesday, June 10th at 7 pm in the UU Church Sanctuary
Join us for a fun filled evening of music and song featuring our own Carla Louise! You wonÕt want to miss the other
musical talent in store for you to include:
¥ Celebrated singer, songwriter, and dynamic instrumentalist, Pamela Benton!
¥ SpokaneÕs highly acclaimed cabaret singer, Abbey Crawford!
¥ A joyfully gathered, soul-soothing WomenÕs Chorus!
And there will be much more for your entertainment pleasure as we celebrate and help sustain the accomplishments of
Odyssey Ñ SpokaneÕs only LGBTQ youth center. Tickets are on sale on Sundays in the Friendship Hall or via Brown
Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com. $10.00 in advance, $12.00 at the door. All are welcome! Under 12 free!
SpokaneÕs 23rd Annual Pride Parade & Rainbow Festival
Saturday, June 14th at Noon to 5:30 pm
Riverfront Park, North Howard Street, Downtown Spokane
Once again, UUCS will be at the Parade & Festival in the park. We'll be looking for face painters for the children's area
and people to walk with us in the parade with our Standing on the Side of Love banner front and center! More
information coming in the early June Focus editions.
The SJC Needs Your Help!
Is your group thinking of doing a Social Justice project? Help the Social Justice Council by informing them of your event
so we can better coordinate our time, energy, and efforts! Contact Nancy Avery at [email protected] and let her
know what you are planning.
Guest At Your Table Update
Grand Total Collected = $267.33
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee sent a letter thanking us for our contribution. ÒSince 1939, supporters like
you have helped UUSC become a leading voice in advancing human rights worldwide. We pledge to honor your
commitment to us through our efforts to defend the human right to water, to restore and protect our civil liberties, to
ensure workersÕ rights, and to preserve the rights of vulnerable people after disasters.Ó If you would like more
information about UUSC go to uusc.org. Thank you again for your contributions!
Filling Our Food Boxes Can Be A Teaching Moment
Parents, Guardians, Grandparents can provide a dramatic learning experience for children by taking them shopping for
our Food Boxes. Teach them which foods are healthy for hungry families & seniors, and why. Let the kids put the food
in the cart, hand the payment to the clerk, and put the food in the Food Boxes. Learning to help others is a valuable
lesson in life. Suggestions: canned meat, beans, peanut butter, oatmeal, soup. Thank you so much!
HELP NEEDED @ UUCS
The SJC Needs Your Help!
Is your group thinking of doing a Social Justice project? Help the Social Justice Council by informing them of your event
so we can better coordinate our time, energy, and efforts! Contact Nancy Avery at [email protected] and let her
know what you are planning.
Gardening for the Poor in Spokane & Haiti Ð Please Come Help
Anyone interested in helping with our Church Garden Plots, we need you! SPRING PLAN Ð We are working on the
garden soil on Sundays at 12:30 pm. Come help out for as long as you can. We will be adding compost, leaves, weeding,
rototilling, setting up the watering system, & finally planting. The more help we have the sooner we can plant. The
veggies we raise will be donated to the WomenÕs & ChildrenÕs Free Restaurant. In August, our FarmerÕs Market will sell
the veggies. The money raised will go to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) for the Gardens of Haiti.
It takes $250 to provide one Haitian family the training & materials to raise their own food. If you would just like to
donate to this cause, write a check to UUSC & put Gardens for Haiti on the memo line, or contact uusc.org/gardens for
Haiti and donate online. See you in the garden. Thank you so much!
OF INTEREST TO UUs
Wheel of Life
Stuart WilsonÕs mother, Ellen Wilson, was a gracious
Virginian who came to Spokane in 1959 and thoroughly
embraced the west and all it had to offer. She loved camping,
hiking, birding and skiing; embraced conservation causes,
volunteered for the Red Cross, and was married to StuartsÕ
father for 69 years. Ellen Wilson passed away recently, and
is deeply missed by Stuart and her family.
May 4th was a special birthday for Rev. Todd. The big
FIVE-O saw Todd and Peggy leave town for the weekend
and head towards the Methow area to visit the UU Methow
Valley Fellowship and get some R&R. Congratulations on
gracefully entering your next decade Todd!
Julian Powers is resting at home recovering from a blood clot
in his leg. As always, Julian is receiving loving care from his
wife Jane Cunningham. It is a slow recovery, and they both
wish to thank everyone for get well wishes, cards and meals
provided. As Julian gets better he would enjoy visitors.
Lewis & Clark High SchoolÕs Thespians showed their stuff at
the 2014 Washington State Thespian Festival held at Central
Washington University March 20-22. The student actors
performed their recent production of Thoroughly Modern
Millie. Tiger Drama received a double superior rating, the
highest possible rating, plus, Will Dubiel Ð State
Recognized in Duo Acting; Maddy Rush Ð National
Qualifier in Solo Musical & National Qualifier in Costume
Design; Sadie Bagby Ð State Recognized in Group Scene.
Congratulations to each of you!
Cassidy Eklof placed 5th and Erin Cameron placed 6th in
the District varsity pole vaulting event for the Greater Spokane
League and will be attending RegionalÕs in Pasco the end of
May. A shout-out to both of these fine young women athleteÕs!
Pastoral Care Team
The Pastoral care Team focuses on needs of congregation
members and friends who may be facing a crisis or life
transition. Please keep the team in your thoughts and contact
a member of the Pastoral Care Team if you have a need or
know of someone who does: Team co-leaders are Amy
Howard and Joan Nelson with Mary Knight as advisor.
Team members are:
Mary Jane Blanpied
Majil Fausel
Nancy Hand
Doug Huigen
Ellen Krehbiell
Eileen Martin
Stephanie Samson
Jim Schroeder
Dianne Wilson
Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, Minister
Ruth French
Amy Howard, Co-Leader
Mary Knight, Advisor
Torge Lorentzen
Joan Nelson, Co-Leader
Jeannie Schroeder
Chuck Smith
I spoke with Joyce Powell who is recovering from surgery
at Riverview Care Center. Joyce says she is on the mend
and feeling much better than she was.
Governor Jay Inslee recognized fellow UU, Cly Evans, this
month during the Public Service Recognition Week. Gov.
Inslee said, ÒI am continually impressed by the talent and
dedication of our state employees. Today, I have the honor
of presenting Extra Mile awards to several state employees
who exemplify what it means to be a public servant. These
employees were nominated by their colleagues for finding
innovative ways to better serve the public, demonstrating
outstanding leadership, visionary thinking, personal valor or
exceptional customer service.Ó Gov. InsleeÕs announcement
stated, ÒCly Evans, Department of Corrections, is renowned
for demonstrating fairness and honesty in all his dealings.
He fosters an open-door invitation to everyone and receives
all with genuine kindness. This kindness remains unshaken
even with an increase in his supervisory duties, related
travels or unexpected staff emergencies. Cly always goes the
extra mile to assist in the smooth functioning of his unit.Ó
If YOU have a landmark event in your life and would like to share it
in the Wheel of Life, please email me at [email protected].
It is a joy for UUCS to celebrate with you and support you in times
of need or sorrow. Because we care Ñ Sue Stiritz
Other Items of Interest
Embracing a Stranger
Several years ago, a wonderful ad stated: ÒThere is no
greater act of hospitality than to embrace a stranger as
oneÕs own.Ó Several of us in our UU church have been
doing this for more than 20 years with our neighbors,
Mukogawa WomenÕs University. They are looking for
more caring families willing to open their hearts and their
homes to a pair of Japanese students for just one weekend.
You can try hosting in this simple way, and if you enjoy it,
you can continue next year as well. Your family will learn
about another culture while sharing your values and
traditions. No need to do anything special Ñ just invite
them to be part of your normal weekend activities,
including shopping, cooking, baking, movies, games,
hiking, going to church, visiting friends or relatives, and
whatever else is on your schedule. Students can share a
room and even a double bed. Some of them may cook a
Japanese meal for you! For more information, call Melanie
at 232-2071 or visit their website
www.mfwi.edu/homestay. You can also talk with Susan
Virnig, [email protected], or others in our churchwho
are long-time hosts.
TEAM & GROUP NEWS
Attention Team Leaders
Are you wondering how the office staff and volunteers can
support your TeamÕs activities and projects? Here are some
ways we can help:
Make copies; help with mailings, including envelopes and
postage; provide supplies, such as tape, paper, folders,
markers, pushpins; offer use of staplers and paper cutters.
We are happy to work with you and for you. Just ask!
FYI: Our church office is open Monday through Friday
from 10 am to 2 pm. The phone number is 509-325-6383.
Buddhist Meditation Group
Buddhism and Unitarian Universalism Ñ The Places We Meet
Dr. Guy Newland, Tibetan Buddhist scholar and longtime UU member
Monday, June 23, 6:30pm, UUCS Chapel
It seems there's a lot in Buddhism that appeals to UUs: more
than 150 practice groups are registered with the national UU
Buddhist Fellowship Sangha, including our Monday night
meditation group. What do these two philosophies have in
common? And where do they part ways?
Professor Guy Newland is a scholar of Tibetan Buddhism and
professor at Central Michigan University. He has authored,
translated, and edited a number of publications on Tibetan
Buddhism. He is also a longtime Unitarian Universalist. Guy
will be teaching at Sravasti Abbey in June, and the nuns
tell us, "Guy's perspective is always fresh, his scholarship
impeccable, and his sense of humor is thoroughly infectious."
Join him and the UU Buddhist Meditation group Monday,
June 23 at 6:30 pm for an enlivening exploration of ideas.
Buddhist Meditation Group Ñ Summer Session
Monday night Tibetan Buddhist Meditation and
philosophy courses continue this summer with Ven.
Jigme and Ven. Samten exploring the Far-Reaching
Practice of Fortitude, which, in this series, will focus on
working with anger. We all deal with it Ñ from mild
annoyance to out and out rage Ñ and we live with its
results when we've said and done things we later regret.
Join the nuns of Sravasti Abbey to learn how stabilizing
and analytical meditation help us deal with and set
down our anger, Mondays June 2 Ð July 14, from 6:30 to
8pm. No need to register. Newcomers and drop-ins are
always welcome! June 23 of this session will include a
special guest speaker, Dr. Guy Newland, a longtime UU
and Tibetan Buddhist scholar, who will be speaking on
Buddhism & Unitarian Universalism Ñ The Places We Meet.
Adult Enrichment Needs You!
If you have an idea for something youÕd like to see
happen, or if you are interested in teaching a class,
leading a workshop, or speaking on a particular subject
that may be of interest to the congregation, please contact
Patty Bedalov at 509-624-4750. The Adult Enrichment
team is also looking for new members to facilitate the
above. If you think you would be like to help, weÕd love
to have you on our team! Ñ Pam Davies, Barb Stuebing,
Lynaia Liptak, & Patty Bedalov, Adult Enrichment Team
Art Exhibit Team
June Art Wall Features UU Youth Art and Jewelry by
Sue Wotring
The Art Wall in the social hall will continue showing fun
and lively art by many of our church's talented young
people throughout the month of June. Also, on the first
two Sundays in June, UUCS member, Sue Wotring, will
be present after services to personally show pieces of her
jewelry. Sue uses Japanese glass seed beads, Swarovski
crystals, glass-fire polished beads, stones and more, all
hand-woven with strong thread and needle, one bead at
a time! A portion of any sales will be given to the church.
On another note, the Art Team is seeking additional artloving church members to join them in choosing and
hanging the monthly displays and asks anyone
interested to please contact team leader Anna Vamvakias
at [email protected] or a team member
identifiable by a blue ribbon on his or her name tag.
Also, the team asks that if you are an artist Ñ or know of
an artist Ñ who may be interested in showing art or craft
work at the church, please get in touch.
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Spokane, WA
Permit No. 1147
The SUUN is a monthly publication of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane
Minister & Staff Contact Information
Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, Minister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Jet Tilley, Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Diane Huigen, Interim Director of Religious Education . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Deborah Jacquemin, Music Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Covenant Statement
We, the Unitarian Universalist congregation of Spokane, promise to:
support and care for one another,
embrace diversity of persons and spiritual paths,
search for truth and understanding, and
work for social justice and environmental stewardship.
With this covenant, we honor each other with our laughter and tears,
our compassion, and respect.
We are a community of open hearts, open minds, and open hands.
If you no longer wish to receive the SUUN, please contact us at [email protected]
Board of Trustees:
[email protected]
Rob Roose, President
Sarajoy Van Boven, Vice-President
Bonnie Brunt
Dan Eacret
Ann-Scott Ettinger
Ann Glynn
Sue Stiritz
Board of Trustees (Ex-officio):
Marie Bjork, Treasurer
Patty Bedalov, Secretary
Management Team:
Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, Minister
Lee Dominey
Cly Evans
Diane Huigen, Interim DRE
Jet Tilley, Business Administrator
Church Office Hours:
MondayÐFriday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane
4340 W. Ft. Wright Dr., Spokane WA 99224
Website: www.uuspokane.org
Phone : 325-6383
FAX : 325-6635