First Unitarian Society of Ithaca

Our Soul Matters theme for October is Healing. This month, we’ll be looking at various aspects of our common life in need of healing. On October 2nd, Amelia Habicht will look at how healing from a stroke allowed her to shift her perspective in important ways.
On October 9th, we’ll explore the movement to change “Columbus Day” to “Indigenous People’s Day.” This would be just one small step in healing the great harm that was done by the post-Columbus settlers to the native inhabitants of this land. In addition to healing past harms, we need to focus on preventing further harm: for instance, in supporting the indigenous people of many tribes who are coming together to protect their water supply from the construction of an oil pipeline.

Trans people are starting to come out in greater numbers and ways, but as a society we have a long way to go to understand the issues they face and the ways we can support them. On October 16th, in honor of National Coming Out Day, we’ll seek greater understanding so that we can contribute to healing the harm that comes from seeing gender in binary terms.

And on October 23rd, we’ll look at healing our relationship with the Earth, who we’ve looked at as an object for our use for too long. I’ve just done an amazing workshop with Joanna Macy, who has been at the forefront of this movement for decades. I’ll be sharing a message of love and hope based on the work I did in the workshop.

Meanwhile, what healing do you need? Our community is here for you. I’m here for you.

Faithfully,
Rev. Jane

Gallery Night and Art in the Parlor
"Subject Matter: Black Lives" is an exhibition of art by two black artists from the Ithaca area--Terry Plater and Khalil Bey.
This is a significant show for our first of the new season and we are most happy to have these fine artists exhibit their paintings.
Terry has painted members of her family from photographs of family gatherings.
Khalil is a self-taught artist best known for his colorful pastel portraits of African-American lifestyles, prominent leaders and big-eyed, hopeful children.

There will be a second First Friday Gallery Night on October 7 from 5-8 PM in the Parlor.

The exhibition may be viewed from 9 am - 4 pm M-F. The exhibition runs through October 13. Contact Gretchen Lindsay Ryan (glr5@cornell.edu or 592-0716) or Carol Whitlow (whitlowcarol@gmail.com or 272-6529).

The Transition Team  comprised of  Nancy Miller, Carol Nickerson, Walt Peck, David Salomon and Sue Roenke hosted a meeting in the Annex after the social hour on Sunday, January 24, 2016.  Their presentation focused on the six areas that the congregation determined were important to look at in the interim years before we call the next settled minister.

To see that presentation, please CLICK HERE

For results from the brainstorming sessions and how that might be used CLICK HERE

Another of the purposes of this meeting was to give an initial presentation on Policy-Based Governance which the Board of Trustees is considering to help the Society be more efficient and responsive in the way it is governed.

 Board President Laura Free made the following presentation and to see that, please CLICK HERE

For more notes on Partnership (Policy-Based) Governance, please CLICK HERE