The Prelude: First Element of Worship
by Patrice Stearley
“We encourage you to use the prelude as a time of quiet meditation.” The purpose of the prelude is to give members of the congregation a time to settle into an attitude of worship. This is an attitude of reverence that is separate from our ordinary behavior. The prelude is intended as a musical meditation to help us to quiet our busy selves and center ourselves in preparation for worship.
“Please enter the sanctuary quietly by the side aisles after the prelude begins.” The joyous response we have to one another as we greet each other on Sunday mornings is a wonderful thing. However, the noise in the narthex, once the prelude begins, is distracting to the worship leaders and those who are using this time as one of meditation. So, when you hear the prelude begin, please take this as your cue to quietly finish your conversation, enter the Sanctuary, and ready yourself for worship.
Wellington’s Future…Staying in the Loop
by Andrew Deppe
As described in last month’s newsletter, the next step in Wellington’s strategic planning process is a series of community discussion groups. Organized around the key strategic issues adopted at the January 30 congregational meeting, the discussion groups will focus on identifying potential program objectives and setting priorities among them for year 2001 and beyond. Discussions now are being organized around the following three strategic issues. Facilitators’ names are in parentheses.
• Building Community (Michael McConnell)
Expand without compromising our faith or losing our identity; create new faith-based adult education and social opportunities; provide opportunities for all to contribute without undue pressure (make it okay to say “no”); increase lesbian/gay/transgender outreach
• Serving Children (Sid Mohn)
Build services and support for children and teens; promote students’ rights; support nontraditional families; attract more children to Wellington
• Supporting Faithful Action (Elaine Klemen)
Create opportunities for social action and community service both face-to-face and at the system level; also consider programs promoting nonviolence (previously a separate strategic issue) including conflict resolution, building on current efforts against militarism and the death penalty, local street safety, school safety and domestic violence issues
The intended outcome of these discussion groups is “a list of program objectives in order of priority, with resource needs (staff and building space) and implementation timelines identified for 2001-2005.” Final program recommendations will be distributed among the congregation for discussion prior to the June congregational meeting. Depending on decisions made at the June meeting, specific operational plans and budget projections for 2001 will be developed for January 1, 2001 implementation, to coincide with the church’s fiscal year.
Volunteer sign-ups for these discussion groups during the month of February identified at least ten members for each of the three topics (after combining those who signed up for “promoting non-violence” and “supporting faithful action”). Groups are expected to meet once or twice between now and the end of May. A tentative date already has been set for the group discussing “Serving Children” with Sid Mohn: Tuesday, April 18, 7:00 PM in the Wellington Dining Room.
It’s still not too late to sign up for a discussion group. For further information, please contact the Strategic Planning Group by fax, mail, email or telephone (Wellington Fax 773.935.0690; mail to WAUCC, 615 West Wellington Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657; email to adeppe@mminet.com; or phone Andrew Deppe at 773.929.6139). Also, keep an eye on upcoming bulletins and newsletters for dates and times of various discussion group meetings.
From The News…
From a political point of view, I have been amused by a couple of Republican candidates who…announce that we are sunk in sin from sea to sea, a nation of moral depravity, set out to outdo Sodom and Gomorrah, rotting from the weight of our collective turpitude, and that we should therefore vote for them. I doubt it will sell.
Besides, my own observations lead me to conclude that Americans, asa bunch, are actually remarkably nice people. A little odd, a trifle comical, to be sure, but by and large a decent set of folks.
I truly believe that dragging Jesus Christ into partisan politics is a grave mistake. It will do Jesus no good at all to be seen in the company of politicians – apt to ruin his reputation, if you ask me.
If you add religious passion to what are now merely public policy debates you promptly add an element of fanaticism that can only destroy democracy. We have only to look at Afghanistan and Iran to see what comes of mixing religious zealotry with politics.
– Molly Ivins, Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram
Congratulations
by Betty Benson
Congratulations to WAUCC’s seven Chicago Crop walkers/recruiters and 45 contributors who turned in a total of $974 for the October 17, 10 km. walk! In addition, a WAUCC volunteer helped serve refreshments at one rest stop for the walkers.
The annual Church World Service walks throughout the USA raise funds to alleviate hunger not only locally but in the USA and the world.
News from Friends
From Mary Harris…
Thanks for keeping in touch. I have so many rich memories of you and would welcome seeing you again.
I may be cured this time. But only time will tell. You know this has been a life-changing event. Yet, it is difficult to explain. Priorites are relationships. I speak to the children weekly now.
My need is to get to the montains and see the eagles. I play in the dirt with flowers. Try to do veggies but not as well. Read about herbs, but they are hard to grow for me. I hang out with the people of the church. It is a strange ministry. Itis amazing what they have done for me. I have been spoiled or blessed. Whichever way you might want to explain it.
Blessed Birth and a Glorious Resurrection to all of you.
From Kirsten, Anton & Jack Straughan
Thank you all so much for the wonderful baby shower you had for Anton, Jack & I. It was so great to see all of our old friends and to met all the new faces! We’re looking forward to Jack growing up in the Wellington family. Thank you also for the fabulous baby present! We love our highchair and we’re using it every day now that Jack has started cereal. Thanks again for your kind and thoughtful gift and party.
From Patricia Crowley, Deborah’s Place
We, at Deborah’s Place, remember well the courage and the energy given us by Gerry Dahl in the early nineties. At that time we were trying very hard to secure a property at 2100 W. North Avenue. Gerry helped us organize toward this end. At that time we were not successful but our efforts bore fruit a few years later when we successfully opened Deborah’s Place II at 1530 N. Sedgwick and again in 1998 when we won zoning for our new transitional housing site at 1456 W. Oakdale.
We mourn with you the loss of Gerry Dahl.
