Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York

On Saturday, April 4, 2009: “The Vagina Monologues” is coming to the Fourth Universalist Society!

That’s right, Eve Ensler’s powerful, award winning play-that-has-become-a-movement will be presented right here at Fourth Universalist on April 4 at 8:00 p.m. and we’re looking for a passionate team of volunteers!

Organized by Deborah Roth, and directed by Nancy Robillard, we will join the hundreds of thousands of “Vagina Warriors” around the world who have launched productions in support of V-Day — a global movement to end violence against women and girls. In 2008, over 4000 V-Day benefit events took place produced by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls.

To date, the V-Day movement has raised over $60 million and educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it, crafted international educational, media and Public Service Announcement campaigns, launched the Karama program in the Middle East, reopened shelters, and funded over 6000 community-based anti-violence programs and safe houses in Democratic Republic Of Congo, Haiti, Kenya, South Dakota, Egypt and Iraq.

Women and men of all ages are invited to participate! If you would like to be involved, please download the application form and submit it by e-mail to Deborah Roth at dsrothny@aol.com, or give her the hard copy at church. Questions? Call Deborah at 212-665-9660.

LIGHT &  LOOT!

 Live Auction with Professional Auctioneer!

Bid and Bump!

Coupon Draw!

Fund-a-wish!

Sumptuous Dinner!   Lots of Drink!     Friends!    Fun!

In the current economic climate it’s hard to think about more ways we can support Fourth U financially. With income stagnant and costs rising, many of us have to give greater consideration to how we spend our money. What I would like us to do is think creatively about how we give to Fourth U. In many models of giving to churches, consultants look at financial contributions by the congregation as a measure of the health of a church, but at a recent leadership workshop, a speaker suggested that we should look beyond that. She gave as an example a single mother with a very tight budget: while she was unable to give as much as she would have liked, she volunteered to answer phone calls to the church on Sundays. A penny saved is a penny earned. Think about ways to give your time – and your talent – to Fourth U; the leadership will do the same.

Please make sure that our annual auction is on your calendar. Many people have contributed their time and talent to this spectacular affair. Bring your family and bring your friends. Let them get to know the people of Fourth U at this important event. There is still time to make donations; the deadline is November 14th. Stewardship is the responsibility of every member, and together we can get Fourth U through these hard times.

Matt Gilbert

Fourth U will hold a special collection for this year’s Chalice Lighters recipient during our December 7 service. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern can trace its history back to the middle of the 19th century. But on September 12, 2006, their meetinghouse was destroyed by fire. Most of the historical records, artwork displayed in the sanctuary, countless photographs, an antique baptismal font, and a century-old Steinway piano were lost in the fire. Plan for the Future: Following the fire, the congregation unanimously decided to rebuild on the Vance Lane Property, which is located in Orange County, the fastest-growing county in the state. As the congregation explains it:

Two priorities became clear: We must allow for continued growth, and particularly for an expanding Religious Education program. And we must build in a way that respects the Earth, while providing space for spiritual renewal, liberal ideas, social activism,and the arts. We have developed a building plan that provides for a much larger sanctuary with seating for 175 people, as well as a fellowship hall, office suite, and expanded religious education space. In addition, our design includes a highly energy-efficient building envelope, and sustainable siding and interior materials. 

Cost and Funding: The estimated cost of our new building is about $1,226,000.00. Approximately $800,000 is currently available from insurance, savings, donations, and fundraising efforts. A Capital Campaign has raised an additional $150,000 to date. The remaining amount that we are seeking to raise is estimated at $275,000. We have applied for grants and NYSERDA reimbursements, and are also exploring mortgage options to obtain this amount. We are hopeful that Chalice Lighters might provide as much as $50,000 that would partially offset the mortgage we may need to take out. We thank you wholeheartedly for your continued support through this Chalice Lighter Call, as we rise from the ashes and move into the future.

Disaster Chaplaincy Services, a multi-faith organization devoted to helping victims of crises deal with the emotional and spiritual shocks during emergencies, recently lost their home. Julie Taylor, the Executive Director of DCS and member at Fourth U, put out a call for help and the Church answered. The organization’s nerve center has temporarily been relocated to our choir loft. Our Senior Minister, Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt, and two of our Affiliate Ministers, Rev. Ed Bolella and Rev. Jill Bowden, are volunteers with DCS, and it’s a big boost to our ministry to aid in this important spiritual and healing endeavor. You can learn more about the organization at www.disasterchaplaincy.org .

 Join in the Water Communion Ceremony and bring water to the morning service on Sunday, November 30. This ceremony involves merging waters from many places into one bowl to symbolize the merger of community and a blessing of the waters. Please bring water from as many places and as far away as you can. Water will also be available if you can’t bring water of your own.