patrickmurfin

One of Woodstock’s most venerable churches is changing its name.  On July 12 the Congregational Unitarian Church officially becomes the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock.

The Congregation voted to change the name at its May meeting to become effective when all of the legal documents and details were amended.  That process has been completed.

According to the Rev. Dan Larsen, minister of the church since 1990, “The new name reflects who we are now while reclaiming a lost part of our identity and honoring our roots.”

It is the fourth name for the church, which has occupied the corner of Dean and South Streets since being founded by returning Civil War veterans in 1866 as the First Congregational Church of Woodstock.  After seeking dual affiliation with the Universalist Church in America in 1937, it became the Congregational Universalist Church.

In 1984 members of the congregation, following the consolidation of the Universalists nationally with the American Unitarian Association in 1961 creating the Unitarian Universalist Association, voted to change the name of the church to the Congregational Unitarian Church.  At the time members felt that the public better recognized and understood the name Unitarian than Universalist

Both originally liberal Christian denominations, the Universalists believed that a loving God saved all souls—universal salvation—and the Unitarians believed in the unity of God—no Trinity—and an approach to faith based on reason.  Modern Unitarian Universalism is a creedless religion that honors not only its Judeo-Christian heritage, but draws from world religious and philosophic traditions to assist members in “building their own religion.” 

Those traditions are reflected in striking windows installed in the church as part of the Centennial of the current landmark church building in 2006.

Since the congregation ended its official affiliation with the United Church of Christ (the Congregationalists) in 2000 and became an exclusively Unitarian Universalist congregation, there has been talk of changing the name to reflect the new reality.

“We really are happy to reclaim our lost Universalist identity,” Rev. Larsen said.  “We say that ‘love is the doctrine of this church’ and Universalism calls us to put love into action.”  By changing from Church to Congregation, “the new name also reflects that we are a religious community, and not just a brick and mortar building while honoring our roots as Congregationalists.”

Over the next few weeks and months the new name will be reflected in signage, on the website, and in public awareness.  The congregation will celebrate the new name with special dedication worship services and other events and programs this fall.

“As the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock, we will continue our tradition of service to the community, which includes hosting PADS and the Woodstock Community Ministry’s Direct Assistance Program and outreach to the Latino community, and the advocacy for peace, justice, and a sustainable world which has been our hallmark,” Rev. Larsen said.  “And we hope to grow spiritually as a religious community living out the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism.”

 
Maureen Murfin

Evan Buchanan

 

Last Thursday evening my youngest daughter, Maureen, called home to inform her mother and I that she and her beloved, Evan Buchanan were going to be married.  No surprise there.  We have all seen that coming as clearly as a locomotive headlight hurtling down the tracks on a moonless night.  When, we asked.  “Next week.”

Maureen, as always, had a perfectly well thought out explanation.  “Weddings can take over your life and spin out of control.  We are ready now and know we don’t have the money for a big production.”  They wanted something nicer than a trip to the courthouse in torn jeans.  Just family and a few close friends to celebrate with.  “We can confine all the stress to one week and concentrate on what is most important—the marriage, not the wedding.”  Smart girl.

Needless to say, the family flew into high gear to assemble a wedding.  All hands on deck,. First the church, the preacher and the date.  Rev. Dan Larsen and the Congregational Unitarian Church in Woodstock this Friday at 4 p.m.  Of course this means their anniversary will be on Leap Year Day once every four years.  Talk about simplifying! 

Off to the Health Department for blood tests and the Court House for the license went Evan and Maureen bright and early the next day.  Later Maureen and mom Kathy, attacked the critical issue of the dress.  They researched on line and visited a few shops.  Eventually, they found two, count them two, lovely white evening gowns—one to use as a wedding dress the second for a party/reception at a later date—deeply discounted and on sale.  Total cost—about what I pay for a dress shirt.  And Kathy found something nice, too.  The next day Evan got a nice black suite off the rack at Kohl’s.

Rings.  Maureen will use an antique (circa 1920) gold and diamond wedding ring mysteriously found among my mother’s possessions after she died.  It was not hers—she had only a simple band—and we don’t think it was her mother’s either.  Miraculously a friend had a brand new, unused man’s wedding band—long story.  It was big, but could be re-sized at a jeweler.

Wedding party.  Maureen and Evans closest friends, Erin Cline-Glazer and Tara Johnson will stand up.  Erin will be Maureen’s Maid of Honor and Tara will be Evan’s Best Woman.  Maureen’s sister Heather Pearson will be a bridesmaid and her husband Ken, a groomsman.  Their daughter Caitlin will be the ring bearer.  My grandson Nicholas Jordon Bailey will be the usher.

Vows.   The Bride and Groom were a little taken aback after meeting with Dan Larsen.  He told them that they were not only writing their vows, they were going to write and design the whole service.  “It’s your day,” he told them.  But they plunged right in, selected readings, chose recorded music for the processional and recessional, wrote their vows, and developed a “script” for Dan.  Maureen asked me to say something when I “give her away.”  She said she always thought it was odd that the father just handed his daughter over to the groom and slunk silently away.  I promised to keep it brief and not turn into a blubbering mass.

Dinner.  Evan’s parents, Len and Laurie Buchanan, who, after all were just as surprised as we were, graciously offered to sponsor the wedding dinner at the Village Squire in Crystal Lake.  Evan worked hard and designed a menu for the dinner.

Flowers.  Maureen and I, neither of whom knows a damn thing about flowers, managed to order a bouquet, boutonnières for the gents, and an alter piece for just over a hundred dollars.  (Mothers of the bride and groom declined corsages.)  While we were there we watched another young bride casually make a floral order that took up an enormous spread sheet and ran into the multiple thousands of dollars.  Maureen’s choice looked smarter by the second.

Order of Service Program.  I designed and set up a program for the wedding.  I only had to change graphics once.  I’ll have a few copies printed and insert a half-sheet with the readings.  It made me feel useful.

And that’s it.  Oh, I am sure there are some loose ends somewhere to snip.  But in about four days we put together a wedding.  We are now thinking about offering our collective expertise to FEMA, which can’t seem to figure out how to get anything done.

So that’s my excuse for not having posted to the Blog for the last few days.

Look for pictures soon.

            Although I can’t get a bigger reproduction, I am proud to share the advertisement above.  It was placed in the BEACON NEWS, a local paper serving the Aurora, Illinois area by the Chicago Area Unitarian Universalist Council (CAUUC) and local UU ministers.

            Aurora became the center of national attention when Planned Parenthood tried to open a clinic in the city.  Just as construction on the modern, full service clinic was about to be completed, anti-abortion activists launched a concerted campaign to have the city deny an occupancy permit on flimsy grounds.  Planned Parenthood had used a separate corporate identity in applying for zoning and for building permits, although its ownership interest in the company was acknowledged and never denied.

            The organization said they had used the corporate identity to protect worker at the site from harassment.  Given what subsequently ensued, they were right.

            Hearings on the issue brought out hundreds of emotional pro-lifers and picketing of the construction site was intense.  Letters flooded local and metropolitan newspapers.  National anti-abortion groups like Joseph Scheidler’s Pro-Life Action League, which has a history of clinic sieges, threats, and harassment of clinic employees, volunteers and patients, took the lead in the campaign to keep the clinic from opening.

            The clinic got support not only from Planned Parenthood members nation wide, but a network of women’s organizations, health care advocates, and pro-choice clergy.  Locally, McHenry County Citizens for Choice (MCCC) organized trips to Aurora, which were supported by this blog.  Rev. Dan Larsen of the CONGREGATIONAL UNITARIAN CHURCH, along with many other UU, United Church of Christ, United Methodist, Episcopal, Jewish and other religious leaders, signed a public add “To the Good People of Aurora” sponsored by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

            Eventually the city council decided that “it had no choice” but to issue an occupancy permit and the clinic opened last month.  But not without continued protests, heightened perhaps because October was National Right to Life Month (also know as National Respect Life Month) which is officially supported by Catholic dioceses nation-wide.  Not only had daily, disruptive picketing, been occurring, but a massive rally was held a couple of weekends ago.

            Given the on-going—and it shows no signs of lightening up—I am glad that my faith community is taking a bold—and not risk free—position. 

The twenty plus voices of the Choir of the Congregational Unitarian Church under the Direction of Tom Steffens will present a special performance at Diversity Day 2007.

DIVERSITY DAY 2007:  “…Skies Everywhere as Blue as Mine” will be held in Woodstock Square on Sunday, October 7 from 1 to 4 p.m.  It is the twelfth annual edition of the festival which highlights and supports cultural, ethnic, language, religious, ability, gender, and sexual orientation diversity in McHenry County.

            Long time festival co-hosts Gloria Urch and Patrick Murfin will present an afternoon of varied entertainment.  The festival will open with a special performance by the Congregational Unitarian Church Choir under the direction of Tom Steffens.  Other musical performers include the O Brother Group, and Keith Johnson and Judy Martzen.

            Dance performances will include salsa and contemporary Latin social dancing by students at McHenry County College, and Corazon Boliviano Grupo de Danza Folklorica Boliviana (Heart of Bolivia, the Bolivian Folklore Dance Group.)  In addition Betty Appleton and friends will get the audience up on their feet by teaching some international folk dancers.

            Religious diversity will be celebrated by participation of the Rev. Dan Larsen of the Congregational Unitarian Church, Rabbi Maralee Gordon of the McHenry County Jewish Congregation, an Islamic muezzin who will sing the call to prayer, and representatives of Congregation Tikkun Olam, the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple, and the Ten Directions Zen Group.

            Community leaders will highlight projects that encourage diversity, serve human need, and create peace in the community.  Speakers will include State Senator Pam Althoff, Joy Turner of Home of the Sparrow, Janie Galarza of Turning Point, Harold Rail of Principled Minds, Carlos Acosta of the Latino Coalition, Libby Pappalardo of the McHenry County Peace Group, Gary Christ of De-mining Cambodia, and others.

            As usual, a highlight of Diversity Day is the presentation of the annual Peace and Justice Award.  For the first time there will be co-winners, Alice and Bill Howenstine.  The Howenstines are long time leaders of the environmental movement in McHenry County and Quaker peace activists.

            On the grounds of the festival dozens of community organizations, social service agencies, issue advocacy groups, political and religious organization will have information tables.  Dr. Nelson Borelli will demonstrate his peace kites and the Peace Group’s Statue of Liberty float.

            The SubZero Sandwich and Ice Cream Shop and Lucia’s Custom Catering will provide food service on the square featuring burgers, hot dogs, Italian sausage, and veggie wraps.

            Diversity Day 2007 is presented by the Congregational Unitarian Church and enjoys the sponsorship of Home State Bank.

            For information about the festival call Patrick Murfin at 815 814-5645 or e-mail <DivDay@sbcglobal.net>.

 
MCPG SPONSORS THE CURRENT AMERICAN ISSUES FORUMS AT McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE

THE TREE OF LIFE AND FLAMING CHALICE, SYMBOL OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNITARIAN CHURCH, HOST OF THE FRIDAY NIGHT SALONS.

The hot button immigration issue returns to the front burner again this week as the McHENRY COUNTY PEACE GROUP sponsors a CURRENT AMERICAN ISSUES FORUM at McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE this Thursday at 7 p.m.

Immigration attorney and advocate SALVADOR A. CICERO, a leading member of the LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS (LULAC), will be the principle speaker.  The program will also include a welcome and introduction by DR. NELSON BORELLI and comments on the immigration controversy by the REV. DAN LARSEN of the CONGREGATIONAL UNITARIAN CHURCH, who has long been an advocate for the Latino community.  PATRICK MURFIN will moderate the discussion following Cicero’s presentation.

Last Sunday, November 2, the NORTHWEST HERALD featured the upcoming program on its front page, linking the forum to the brouhaha that erupted earlier this summer when the ILLINOIS MINUTEMAN PROJECT announced an anti immigration program at a CRYSTAL LAKE hotel.  That meeting was scrubbed by the hotel because of “security concerns” and the apparent misrepresentation of who was sponsoring the event by Minuteman leaders.  A Peace Group vigil supported by the LATINO COALITION and the CARPENTERSVILLE CITIZEN ALLIANCE had to be moved to McCORMICK PARK when a second group of Minuteman vowed to stage counter demonstrations.

Although those competing events were peaceful, the discussions set of by this chain of events in the on-line comments section of the Herald have been anything but.  The tone has grown increasingly angry, insulting and threatening.  Several people say they plan to put pressure on the College to cancel the event and on Crystal Lake police to charge the Peace Group’s the same “security fee” that they sought from the HOLIDAY INN prior to the Minuteman event.  The college, which has hosted Current America Issues Forums for the last four years, remains undeterred and the police cannot charge security fees for such a public program at a public institution.

Although no group has announced plans to protest the Thursday meeting, many of the anonymous commentators on the Herald web site vow to “be there.”  Whether that means they plan to protest of just ask questions is unclear.

For its part the Peace group welcome the public no mater what their position on immigration issues and invites them to participate in the open discussion following the presentation.  “We ask only for a civil discussion of these divisive issues,” Murfin said.  “Written questions will be gathered from the audience.  I will select questions that reflect a wide variety of viewpoints, do not duplicate already asked questions, and are not insulting in tone.”

The next evening, the FRIDAY NIGHT SALON at the Congregational Unitarian Church will allow continued discussion in a more intimate venue.  Rev. Larsen will lead a small group conversation at 7 p.m. The Salon Series are free wheeling, informal discussions presented monthly by the church on a wide variety of philosophic, theological, political, economic, scientific, artistic, and literary issues in the tradition of the great European salons.

            The program is free and open to the public.

LAURA ZAMBRANO AND ADAM RUIZ OF THE CARPENTERSVILLE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE.

            It was a beautiful day in CRYSTAL LAKE.   For the first time in days the sun returned and the rain did not. It was down right pleasant and refreshing in McCORMICK PARK—named for a beloved priest, not the inventor of the Reaper—in the shadow of the water tower on Rt. 14.

            Absent, too, was the storm und drang predicted by Crystal Lake Police Officials, who envisioned riots and brawls between the McHENRY COUNTY PEACE GROUP and its allies on one side and the MINUTEMAN MIDWEST and those who responded to their call for “Patriots” in from a hundred miles all around on the other.  And it was literally on one side and another.  The Peace Group Vigil and the Minuteman counter protest were separated by white police saw horses and dozens of officers.  Roughly equal in numbers, the Minuteman group gathered at the northern corner by Florence Street—right across from the gas station where I work several nights a week as a clerk.  We were on the Southern corner by King Street with the Taco Bell across Rt. 14.  Everything proceeded perfectly peacefully as the two sides studiously avoided contact with each other or any outward sign of antagonism.

            It was a great day for the Peace Group and for the LATINO COALITION and the CARPENTERSVILLE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE who co-sponsored the event.  At its height nearly fifty folks were gathered to promote a peaceful, just, and rational discussion of the immigration issue.  And the vigil attracted folks from the NORTHBOOK PEACE COMMITTEE ,  a contingent from NORTH AURORA, individuals from ELGIN and all over Crystal Lake.

            The press was on hand, too with reporters and photographers from the NORTHWEST HERALD (for those who doubt that there are racist undertones to those who support the Minuteman groups read the comments under the article—it will curl your hair) and DAILY HERALD, as well a free-lance reporter for a Polish television news service, and Northbrook Peace Committee member LEE GOODMAN, who plans to post footage he shot on www.AtCenterNetwork.com (it’s not up yet, but check back in a day or so for it.)

            Perhaps most encouraging, in light of the vitriolic tone of so many letters to the editor on the immigration topic and those that stalk the NORTHWEST HERALD comments section, both of which would lead to believe that the whole of McHenry County is seething with barely contained rage about the “illegal invasion”, is that there was almost none of that reaction from the general public traveling busy Rt. 14.  There were no shouted insults, shaking fists, or single digit salutes.  There were some honks, and a lot of waves.  And some obvious encouragement.  Can it be that our neighbors do not really want to see their community ethnically cleansed?

            Below are more pictures from the event.  There are none of the Minuteman group because my camera does not have a telephoto lens and I was trying to honor the police request that we say separate.    The one picture I took showed tiny figures far in the distance.  

  

THE MINISTERS:  REV. DAN LARSEN OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNITARIAN CHURCH IN WOODSTOCK AND A MINISTER FROM THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHUCH OF MARENGO—WHOSE NAME HAS FALLEN COMPLETELY OUT OF MY HEAD.
                                 

MEET THE PRESS—PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS COVER THE STORY.  THE MINUTMAN PROTEST IS BARELY VISIBLE BEHIND THE POLICE OFFICERS IN THE UPPER RIGHT.

MOST OF THE NEARLY 45 FOLKS STILL IN THE PARK AT THE VIGIL’S END.  THAT’S CARLOS ACOSTSTA OF THE LATINO COALITION KNEALING FRONT RIGHT IN THE STRAW HAT.

"...SKIES EVERWHERE AS BLUE AS MINE"  DIVERSITY DAY 2007 logo.

Planning has begun for DIVERSITY DAY 2007:  “…SKIES EVERYWEHRE AS BLUE AS MINE.”  The annual festival, now in its 12th year, will be held on WOODSTOCK SQUARE Sunday, October 7 from 1 to 4 p.m.

            PATRICK MURFIN, a co-founder of the festival with the REV. DAN LARSEN of the CONGREGATIONAL UNITARIAN CHURCH and its long time on-stage co-host, has been appointed the festivals first ever executive director.  He will co-ordinate planning and arrangements with a volunteer committee.

            “This year our theme, ‘…Skies everywhere as blue as mine’ is taken from the popular hymn THIS IS MY SONG, ” according to Murfin.  “It reflects the unity of our common experience what ever our country, what ever our origin, regardless of all the things that divide us like race, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or ability.”

            The festival, which originated as an alternative event to a rally by the KU KLUX KLAN at the McHenry County Government Center, is looking for community participants, including performers representing a broad range of cultural traditions and styles.

            “This year we are also highlighting community projects that build bridges and make peace in our community, the nation and the world,” Murfin said.  He encourages individuals and organizations with such projects to contact him for information on how to participate.

            Non-profit organizations, issue advocacy groups, service organizations, and government agencies are invited to set up information tables at the festival. 

            The festival is also selling advertising in its program book.  “Not only is advertising a way to support the healing work of the festival, but it is an excellent way to reach one of the few really multi-cultural audiences in McHenry County,” Murfin said.  “We encourage bi-lingual advertising.”

            For more information contact Murfin at 815 814-5645 or e-mail DivDay@sbcglobal.net.

Led by the REV. DAN LARSEN, flag barer LILLY BAILEY, and JOAN SKIBA (second row,) who served as an Army nurse in VIETNAM, members and friends left the CONGREGATIONAL UNITARIAN CHURCH on a silent march to the Civil War Monument in WOODSTOCK SQUARE.  In an annual observance of Memorial Sunday, church members then assembled around the statue, laid flowers and stood in silent remembrance of the dead of all wars.  Rev. Larsen read ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S WORDS at the dedication of the GETTYSBURG BATTLE CEMETARY.  The congregation processed back to the church where they heard reflections by the minister and Joan Skiba to conclude a somber service.

  

Members and friends gathered around the monument as the OLD McHENRY COUNTY COURT HOUSE  loomed in the background.  The flag was donated to the church in memory of THOMAS LOUNSBURY, a young member who became the first Woodstock casualty of WORLD WAR II when he died on board the USS ARIZONA on December 7, 1941.

Please continue to scroll down to the last article for more thoughts on MEMORIAL DAY.

The Chalice Tree

All photos by Dave Dreyer

In preparing to celebrate the centennial of its church building, the members of the Congregational Unitarian Church in Woodstock, Illinois knew they wanted to do something special.  They wanted to honor the rich history of a congregation that was founded as the First Congregational Church of Woodstock in 1865 by returning Civil War veterans but also to reflect today’s identity as a thriving Unitarian Universalist community.

The brown brick building with the squat Norman bell tower was erected on the site of the original New England meeting house style clapboard church in 1906-07.  In the 1930’s the congregation took dual affiliation with the Illinois Universalist Convention, changed its name to the Congregational Universalist Church, and called the first of many Universalist, and later Unitarian Unversalist ministers.  The Congregational Unitarian name was adopted in 1991 when it was thought that the public would better understand the UUA affiliation.  In 2000 the Congregation voted unanimously to end its affiliation with the United Church of Christ, but retained its name as a measure of respect to its tradition.

The sanctuary of the old building is dominated by dramatic stained glass windows set in Gothic arches.  The windows reflect the church’s liberal Christian orientation featuring images of Christ such as the Good Shepherd and, surprisingly, a window of Mary in blue raiment.  The congregation loved the beauty of those windows, but wanted to balance them with a reflection of its current identity.

The congregation, under the leadership of the Rev. Dan Larsen, minister since 1990, decided to add new stained glass reflecting its heritage and various sources of inspiration to nine high windows looking down of the social room. 

In the unique floor plan of the church, the social room is separated from the sanctuary by wide sliding pocket doors.  When open (as they almost always are now), the social room opens up to the left of the sanctuary seating.  Its raised floor and the frame for the doors also create a proscenium and stage from which many musical and dramatic programs have been performed.  The nine windows filtered sunlight through ornamental stained glass.  The idea was to preserve the original glass “frame” and insert new glass tributes.

Co-religious Education Director, a former graphic artist with experience in stained glass, was commissioned to create the inserts.  She asked children from the Church School for their input, and worked closely with the Centennial Committee headed by long time member Jim Hecht.

Her work was unveiled at a special building re-dedication service on November 5th.  The standing room only crowd gasped with amazement as the windows were unveiled one by one.  “We knew they would be nice,” one congregant commented, “but these are spectacular.” 

The windows are arranged three to a side.  The center window opposite the sanctuary portrays the Congregation’s long time symbol, the Tree of Life with the Unitarian Universalist Flaming Chalice growing organically from it.  The image is made up of samples of every type of glass used in all of the other windows.

Flanking the Tree/Chalice left to right are the Earth Mother of Paganism, the Hindu Om, a Buddhist lotus, the Star of David, a Cross, an atom and multi-colored hand representing scientific rationalism and Humanism, a Crescent surrounding a mosque, and a Native American World Turtle.

Lopatin created each window to stand alone stylistically to better reflect its inspiration.  And she was careful to include many subtle touches.  The Star of David for instance, is circled by a thin mosaic ring representing the fallen Temple of Solomon. The Islamic Crescent is framed in traditional green but does not include the usual star, which is incorporated in the flags of nation states.  Instead, the crescent encloses a mosque and minaret.  The Christian window recreates the art nuveau botanical decoration from the sanctuary windows and features a unique cross with a short, thick horizontal bar and narrow up right that was created by a member and used in the sanctuary for many years.

The Blue Lotus Temple and Zen Buddhist Group, which both meet at the church, donated the Buddhist window.  Likewise Congregation Tikkun Olam, a Reform Jewish congregation which holds Shabbat and Holy Day services at the church, sponsored the Jewish window.  Long time member Jill Hartman underwrote the Humanist widow and Robert Mather, whose family has been associated with the congregation for generations, endowed the Christian window.

The Lopatin windows were not the only creative expression celebrating the centennial.  Ceramic artist Gale Harris created a large wall plaque in which the Tree of Life is silhouetted against the disc of the sun as well as a new Chalice for the Sanctuary.  Carol Faure made a new pulpit cloth on which the leaves of the Tree are inscribed with the names of all 44 ministers who have served the congregation since 1866.

The Choir, under the direction of Tom Steffens released a CD, THE HOUSE THAT SINGS, reflecting the breadth of the congregation’s music tradition.  A group of mature women of the church came together to create WISE WORDS FROM WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE, a book of shared insights that invites reader participation.

The Woodstock church will continue centennial celebrations through the spring of 2007 with special worship services and other celebrations culminating in the placement of a time capsule into the church walls.

The Earth Mother--Pagan


The Om--Hindu


The Lotus--Buddhist

The Star of David—Judaism 

The Cross--Christian 

The Atom and Hand—Science & Humanism

The Crescent--Islam

The World Turtle—Native American

The Centennial Dinner of the Congregational Unitarian Church held at the Prairie Lodge in Sun City was a fabulous party.  It turns out folks clean up real nice but can still get down and boogey.  Here’s a sample of what it looked like.

Each table was graced by a miniature Tree of Life topped by the Centennial logo.  The Tree has long been the congregation’s unique symbol.

Schmoozing before dinner.  Randy Rapp, Religious Education Co-director Sue McCowin, Rev. Dan Larsen, and Sue Metivier.

The food was good and the conversation better at the tables during dinner. Kemberly Dalley-Johnson regales her table mates.

The Choir, under the direction of Tom Steffens, does its thing.

Jeweled Ice dazzles.  Pictured left to right are Penny Krieg, Karen Meyer, Rebbeca Strong, Dora Tippens, Sue Kazlusky, Allison Neff, Kattie Freese, and Kathy Bruhnke.

 .

Dancing to the Congo Uni Uni Jazz Band.

 .
Bob Jackson and Harem.

Jim Hecht and the Band wail.  Girl Singer Trisha Schaefer smolders.

Members of the Congregational Unitarian Church gathered around the Civil War Monument for to lay commemorative flowers and for silent meditation to start special Memorial Day Sunday services. The Rev. Dan Larsen, in tie with flowers spoke a few introductory words.
 
Members solemnly marched by to the church for a service on the “Wounds of War.” Joan Skiba, an Army nurse in Vietnam, has spoken movingly of the pain and sacrifice she witnessed at every one of these services since they were initiated about ten years ago.
 
This year Jesse Taylor, who served in a “tip of the spear” reconnaissance unit in the Gulf War spoke of his experiences and the ongoing pain and anguish they have caused. His wife Julianne explained how the widening ripple of those wounded by war spreads to family members and loved ones.
 
Finally, Rev. Larsen spoke movingly about how the War in Iraq has wounded him, though far removed from actual combat.

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