Thoughts on Knoxville

We think of our beautiful church on Fern Street as a place of safety. It’s a place of music, of prayer, of worship, of the best of life. It seems far removed from the heartache of a wounded world.
But yesterday’s assault on a sister congregation in Knoxville, where Unitarian Universalists had gathered to watch their children sing, shows how easily a house of God can become a charnel house.
When a liberal-hating, broken-down man pulled a shotgun from a guitar case at the door to the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church and began firing at worshippers, he made it all too clear that he preferred blood to brotherhood.
We can, I suppose, be grateful that the toll wasn’t greater, that the children survived, that the dead at this point are two older churchgoers, at least one of whom deliberately took a blast himself to protect others.
But it’s not especially comforting to contemplate that there are people out there – who live in our own culture and grew up at our sides – who hate what UUs stand for enough to slaughter us for it. It speaks to a divide that has grown too wide, to a willingness by too many to fan the flames of hatred. That an unemployed, mentally ill man would imagine that gunning down Unitarians would bring him some measure of glory is downright sickening.
It also speaks to our own need to reach out to those with whom we disagree. We’re not faceless “liberals” who are somehow un-American. We are, as we know, rooted in our nation’s history and heavily invested in the endless struggle to make a better world.
What happened in Knoxville shows how far we have to go.

Youth Choir survives budget crisis

The Youth Choir director's position won't be cut after all. I don't know yet about the Childrens' Choir or the Bell Choir jobs.
But I assume that Cheryl's departure has made it easier to find some money for other music program needs, though at a very high price to our church.
If anyone has solid information, I'd sure love to get it posted here so that we can all rely less on rumors.

Cheryl Wadsworth has resigned

Dear colleagues and choir members,
I am saddened to report that I resigned on Friday as Music Director. I gave 90 days notice and Jan, Ivan and Donna rejected that offer and asked me to leave immediately. I wish all of you the very best---I have had wonderful times and made excellent music with all of you over the last 8 years. I will be praying for you all that the church may heal from the recent divisiveness. [...]
Here is the text of my letter:

May 9, 2008

Dear Jan,

It is with deep regret that I tender my resignation from the post of Music Director. The recent difficulties with the church’s budget have made it clear to me that it is time to move on.

I have been truly blessed to have worked with you over the last several years. I know the difficulties of the last few months have tried our relationship, and I wish you only the best in the future.

I will remain for the 90 days notice period and assist in planning the music calendar for next year to effect a smooth transition to whomever may follow me. I expect my last day of work for the church will be August 7th and I will play the previous Sunday.

I already have July 20 and 27 covered for my vacation and expect to take two other Sundays in late June or early July---covering them with church members where possible.

Wishing you and the whole church the very best,

Sincerely,

Cheryl R Wadsworth

Use your names, please!

Lee Townsend sent this along today:

Is it possible for authors to identify themselves? I know some want to remain anonymous but I would like to be able to talk with the authors in person to continue the discussion and, perhaps, to help work on some solutions. I think the blog entries have more credence when they have an identified author. It also brings people together as some of us that don't usually say much become real people with real feelings and ideas to the other members . We start to feel more of a sense of belonging when people respond in person to what we say. I know I have been experiencing that since my first blog entry. To me church is all about personal connections. That is what is currently missing and I think it needs to be restored ASAP.

No second minister for now

Here are some comments from Joyce Falkin:

I would like to offer some observations and suggestions on the current situation.

I do not think a case has been made for a second full time minister at this time. Financing an interim minister at the expense of music programs, religious education and the livelihood of a competent, loyal employee of 30 years does not sit well with me. I think we need to preserve the good things we already have, to the extent that we can within a balanced budget. We need to achieve a sound fiscal position before taking on further obligations. We’ve drawn down the endowment fund too far, with only token replacement. Our church needs repairs we cannot afford to make. Maintenance deferred is more expensive maintenance. We need to live within our means.

So, I suggest: from the shortfall, subtract the expenses of the proposed interim minister, subtract the identified potential administrative savings, then add in a salary for a 20 hour pastoral care position. Whatever number that leaves us with-a much diminished shortfall, I think- divide between religious education and the music program, any changes to be determined by the respective directors. Leave Lambert as is, and hope that he chooses to remain with us. Ideal? No.

I further suggest that this next year be a year of remedial action and vastly improved communication among board, staff and congregants. I believe there is some discontent in the congregation as evidenced by declining pledge units, decreased attendance, and outright leaving of the church. How else can people make a point? Being listened to is not the same as being heard.

Some other suggestions:

1. Define membership and its obligations. Pledging should be a requirement of membership. I was appalled last year when I learned that approximately 1/3 of our “members” had not pledged. This year the number of pledge units has decreased further. That needs to be addressed. As for those who are mia, exit interviews at this point are a bit like locking the barn door after the horse has been stolen. I do think they should be attempted, very carefully. Perhaps after these measures are taken we will learn we are not, after all, a BIG UU church—only a wannabe. That is not the end of the world, in my book.

2. Put as much effort and time in bolstering and nurturing our current membership as is being expended on attracting new members. Do not construe this as being critical of Martha Winslow. She does an excellent job. New members –pledging new members- are a good thing. I am simply saying there needs to be another leg under the membership stool, dedicated to the care and nurturing of present membership. We could hire two interim ministers and not compensate for the loss of Jean Brown. We can’t even afford one. But we can-must-afford a part-time person who is smart, warm, empathetic, hardworking (for little compensation!) and effective to be sure that those who need attention receive it. I don’t think this person has to be and ordained minister. It could perhaps be a social worker, perhaps someone from Hartford Seminary, etc. This person would chair the Care Committee and its’ good works, make pastoral calls and supplement the senior minister’s work in that area.

Re-cultivating a relationship with the church among those who have drifted away is really self-serving. People so served would, I believe, become more supportive of the church, both financially and otherwise. Happy, satisfied members who feel the church is meeting their needs will bring in new people.

This is way too long. Still have more ideas-some from other people- if anyone is interested. None of these problems are without remedy. We can do better.

Church's new structure faulty?

Not so long ago, we blindly approved a change in the church governance that basically put the power to make decisions in fewer hands. For example, we agreed that no longer would the congregation vote on the annual budget, a decision that may come back to haunt us in the coming weeks.
What's interesting about the change is that it may actually have created the crisis we are in today.
Where we used to have a number of committees that handle different aspects of the church, not always coherently, we now rely on our ministers, our staff and the Policy Board to a much, much greater degree.
And look what's happened.
One overlooked problem is that in wiping out so many committees, we also eliminated all sorts of opportunities for members to be involved in their church. That disconnectedness has, I'm sure, helped spur some to leave, reduce pledges or shrink away from active participation in our communal life.
This is, yet again, an indication that it's not finances at the root of the crisis. It's something deeper than that.
In our quest for a better way to run the church, we seem to have put ourselves in a hole.
Maybe one solution is to restore the old governing structure, at least in part, so that more of us are intimately involved in the decisions that ultimately define our church.

The whispers are growing louder

I can't help thinking that the key to this whole financial mess is the decline in the number of people who are pledging annually. The drop in the number is alarming because of more than just the bottom line. It's not just less money for church coffers. It's less interest in the church. It's less commitment. It's less involvement. And what that means for the rest of us is pretty obvious: it's less of a church.
I've been pondering that point, because this crisis is about more than just how to find enough money to pay a few badly needed part-time employees. It's about who we are and what we want to be.
And what's become ever more clear to me is that part of what's happening is an unease about our minister. Some people wonder about the pay Jan receives - well over $100,000 a year - and aren't sure whether she earns it. They wonder if the push for a second minister is to fill a vital need, or how we can afford someone new at a salary of $80,000 or more.
Personally, I have to make clear that I joined this church in part because I was impressed with Jan and Jean. I still am, most of the time, though I'm not ready to dismiss the concerns that I know are swirling about.
But I would like to know - from Jan and from Jean - why, and whether, we need another full-time minister. I respect the opinions I've heard on this issue, which is driving the budget gap, but I want to hear from the two women who know most about what they do and what's necessary.
The only way that Jan is going to quiet the whispers is to address what's being said.
I also want a clearer explanation of just how the proposal on the table, with its dramatic cuts, is going to improve the situation. I can see the need to face fiscal reality, but I can also see a reason to face head-on the reason we are in this mess.
And it's not, despite the lectures we heard for months urging us to dig deeper into our empty pockets, because too many members are stingy. It's more than that.
Instead of whispers and rumors driving that discussion behind closed doors, let's talk openly about what people are thinking and feeling.

Policy Board meets Monday, April 21

For all of us who care about the choices that church leaders are making -- or contemplating -- it would be a good idea to show up at the Policy Board meeting at the church at 7 p.m., Monday, April 21. At the very least, it's a good place to get some more education about the fiscal situation driving the current crisis. And perhaps there will be a chance to influence the decisions made as well.

Special concert at church on Sunday, April 20

Concert to benefit the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) on Sunday April 20 at 4 pm called ‘Family and Friends’ at the Universalist Church of West Hartford, 433 Fern Street. Cynthia Wolcott and her brother Alan have gathered guests to play guitar, cello, and fiddles and sing in 2-, 3-and 4-part harmony. The donation at the door will be $10 for adults, $5 for children and senior citizens. There will be a reception in the program center following. Please join us for an afternoon of music--from roots and gospel music to Rogers and Hart-- to benefit one of Worth Magazine's 100 Best Charities.

Priorities

Clearly in times of financial strain, choices have to be made. I just want to emphasize that when decisions are made, we should put our children first. The Children's Choir and Youth Choir should not be cut at all.
If the adult choir has to take a hit, I can live with that, reluctantly.
We also have an obligation to be a good employer. Cutting the custodian's hours doesn't strike me as a good plan both for our building or our collective role as a boss.

A Fair Pledge?

David Arnott sent this along to add to the discussion:

The theories about money versus wealth and status versus circumstances or age and connections are all good reasons for increasing or decreasing one’s pledge. After all, who best to judge the benefit or weigh the sacrifice I am making, except me? And, we are learning there are as many reasons as Members why we pass by one house of worship, or synagogue or steeple to come here, to Fern Street on Sunday mornings to be with each other. That too is a decision which no one can quantify, or qualify, except the individual. Once a Member, whether you are the newest amongst us or the eldest amongst us, your rights and privileges as a Member makes you an equal among us all. In this sense, every pew seat and every space within our house of worship and at every meeting you have the right to speak out, regardless of your time with us and especially without regard to what you pledge. So, what “a fair pledge” is ultimately comes down to what the individual gives.

Once a Member, and a part of your church, however, it is reasonable to know what it costs to run and fund our programs; pay our professional Staff and the annual upkeep costs to sustain our house of worship so that it is safe and operational. Not knowing this basic information shortchanges each of us who care and love our church. I commend the Policy Board, Ministers and Staff for making this information transparent. No one knows more than these dedicated Members and Staff how painful it is to spread and stretch a budget. We come 30, 40, 50 times a year [or 3, 4 or 5 times] and many enter our sanctuary with children, with spouses, partners, with extended family and some arrive with friends. The health of our church reflects on each of us. It does not fall in the laps of the paid and volunteer Members. They are custodians for us—but the church is us—not them. It is our house of worship. They have a role in caring for this church which we have entrusted to them; but the burden is ours. The only benefit our church receives is a tax break provided for in the Constitution under the separation of powers clause; and an endowment, left by our forbears, who entrusted it to us to continue to practice our faith and keep our traditions alive in their passing. It also certainly was gifted to keep our house of worship like our homes—a place to feel safe returning to each evening. Many of our benefactors are interred in the Memorial Garden where, when I pass, I can still see their faces and hear their voices because so many of them still live in my mind and heart.

And this is where the “fairness” issue becomes a “reasonable” issue which we must, as a church, face head-on. How many pledging Members [unit/family, etc.] do we have and what is the average/mean pledge? What is our total budget? Division anyone? That number addresses what each Pledging Member should understand is what it costs to run our church during any planning year. While the church can never have a debate with me about what I must give, this church would be irresponsible if it failed to share with me what a responsible Member pledge should be. In times of deficits as we are now in, only I can assess how to change my current pledge. So, while we would all rather not hear the details, the responsible role of the Policy Board is to share how the news is bad—not just that the news is bad.

I think instinctively we all know revenue shortfalls break-up and eliminate parts of the church. Last year it was RevJean’s hours and pay and Summer Services. This year it is Music and art programs and custodian hours. What next year? How ironic, because our Membership is so talented and gifted. The skills base and backgrounds so diverse, you make me want to be here—to grow, to be like you. Indeed, we do not have a paucity of Members with great gifts.

So, what is a fair pledge is driven not by my finances or by my ability or inability to pay a ‘fair pledge.’ No, that number is my right to give what I feel is right together with the right of the church to press for a pledge to keep our programs alive; our house of worship a safe place to come to and a professional Staff to do our administrative work and Ministers to steer us to become our better selves, to look within and without for a spark of the divine we each carry within us. In this sense, we are family—church family. We each only need to be aware we too are accountable and responsible for doing our small part.

Respectfully
David Arnott

Lend a hand with May music program!

Dear Friends:
We wish you well and hope that you are taking in the signs of Spring stirring; the peep frogs emerging from the marshes, the red maple buds swelling in the sunlight, the deep green of the turning waters in the ponds... the signs are all about.

As some of you know, our choir is planning a special musical event on for the weekend of Saturday, May 3rd & Sunday, May 4th when they will perform Missa Gia written by Paul Winters. The Saturday evening program will be open to the general public and will begin at 7 PM.

The Green Sanctuary has been asked to help purchase, prepare and serve a simple meal to the ~ 50 musicians and vocalists who will put on this program. Our Green Sanctuary Steering Committee has endorsed this activity and we are reaching out to you as faithful supporters to help with this effort. We were thinking that a simple vegetarian fare using locally grown and produced ingredients to the extent possible would be appropriate. We will be finalizing the menu in the next 2 weeks and welcome your ideas and offerings for home made items like breads, desserts and possibly main courses if you have some ideas. We could consider a simple fare of soup and sandwiches and other dishes as well. We will serve around 6:15 PM and clean up afterwards.

Please let me know if you would care to help out with this event by:
1) donating some baked good, menu item (once finalized) or your own special dish;
2) helping with the set up and serving or the clean-up afterwards; or
3) making a financial donation to help defray some of the costs.
Any contribution of labor or food or funds would be a gift.

Thanks for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.
Peace, Paul Popinchalk

Social justice?

At one of the meetings the other day, Sue Wilson had some kind words for this little blog, calling it "wonderful experiment with democracy" and a way to give some people a voice.
Then she told us that she also has a blog, but we can't read it because it's all in her mind. It's a social justice blog. For her, social justice is crucial.
I just want to say, in case anyone cares, that I'm all for more social justice efforts at our church. We really can't do enough to help others, raise awareness of important issues and problems, and try to rally support for a better world. That's a big part of what our church is about -- and should be about.
But social justice also includes doing right by people quite close to us - our staff and our children especially. That's why it's impossible to call for more social justice while simultaneously advocating cuts to our loyal custodian's pay or vastly diminishing programs that kids count on.
Justice begins at home. If we can't provide it within our own walls, we're in no position to do anything much for anyone else.

Checks from Uncle Sam

Here's one simple idea for helping to fill the budget gap: What if we all give 10 percent of the economic stimulus checks we're getting in May from the government to our church? If even 200 people give 10 percent or more of what they get from Uncle Sam, I'm sure the tally would come to more than $20,000. If those who are struggling less could give more, that total could swell rapidly.
If half of our members donated an average of $200 from those checks, we'd get over $60,000 in extra revenue -- and we'd get it right as summer starts, which has to help during a relatively dry season for contributions.
We'll give our share.

PS: Except for very high income taxpayers -- and people with almost no income who fail to file a tax form -- eligible individuals will receive between $300 and $600. Those who are eligible and file a joint return will receive a total of between $600 and $1,200. Those with children will get an additional $300 for each qualifying child. The checks go out in May. (By the way, if you're one of those very high income taxpayers who aren't getting a check, you can afford to chip in more, too!)

Youth Choir director speaks out

Youth Choir Director Louise Fauteux had this to say to the Policy Board yesterday:

It isn’t just about “music!” Offering an educational program to children and then taking it away when it has been successful is undermining the sense of security and trust that children feel in this church.

Reasons not to cut our current successful choirs for children:

-- Choirs need years to develop and perform successfully. There’s no such thing as a temporary removal of choir : it would be akin to taking a large eraser and erasing years of hard work, dedication, recruitment, and the development of many practical skills for children. That hard work is not done just by the choir director, but by children, parents, volunteers, religious educators, and staff.

--Choirs meet the need of talented children who can’t afford to join summer programs, take private lessons, or do festivals. Kids find a safe place to feel accepted in choir. For Some kids who have a special relationship with music, the choir experience resonates with them more strongly than other areas in church life.

-- Church is usually a more loving environment than school, and choir at church brings kids together and creates friendships across grade levels.

-- I can’t tell you how many times I am approached by our senior members and told that the work done by children in choirs here matters to them and is greatly appreciated. I would surmise you would lose membership if music took a nosedive in quality and the children’s choirs disappeared. Your website shows a vibrant community with healthy music offerings. I would expect to see that wilt without strong professional leadership.

-- Youth choirs are a feeder program for adult choirs, teen select choirs in our schools, for the UU Players musical, for Christmas Pagaent, and for a life long relationship with music and the arts. Presenting your contribution in front of an audience (akin to public speaking) is practiced in a safe environment. Children build confidence in themselves to try, and you can’t underestimate the lifelong influence of that.

-- Skills from working in a musical ensemble include responsibility, cooperation, and the very tangible evidence of what can be produced by hard work as a team.

-- The experience of singing for service tells kids that they are respected, they have a voice in this church, and their contributions matter. Do you mean to tell them otherwise?

Two of the children in the Youth Choir have spoken out directly. Here's what they had to say:

Gabriela Smith-Rosario
Kiernan Majerus-Collins

Let's try to get some skeptics on the Policy Board

"There are four openings for the Policy Board this year. Maybe some of those posting on this blog will consider calling the Nominating Committee and 'volunteering.' The reward is service in and of itself, I can assure you. Become part of the solution." - Matt Schreck

I hope that some of the members who are skeptical of the proposed budget measures will step forward and take up this challenge. I'm sure that I am not alone in wondering if there are other alternatives that could be pursued instead of making such drastic cuts. Anyone willing to join the Policy Board whom we could trust to explore different avenues, to try to come up with answers that don't require laying off staff and reducing programs? Speak up and come forward, please.

"Lean on Me"

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Here's another video of our church's young people singing. This time it's the Phoenix Choir, which rose from the ashes to serve middle schoolers but lost its funding last year because it didn't serve enough kids, a painful choice that was regrettable, but reasonable. Anyway, here's the Phoenix Choir singing "Lean on Me" ---

No fingerpointing

From Donna Leibin, a church member for the past decade:

Dear Policy Board,

Thank you all for giving us the opportunity to voice our opinions today. Also, thank you all for the hours and endless energy that you contribute to our church. I was wondering if you might forward to the congregation through mail or email some key clarification points that came out of the meeting today.

1) that we are not eliminating the music program from our church, just cutting back and asking that members step up to the plate for more volunteers to work with our choirs.

2) that we are not eliminating RE, again just cutting back on spending, and in fact asking the director where she feels the cuts should come from within the program.

3) that a second minister is long overdue; let people know how overworked our minister is, and that with over 600 adults it is just an insult to not have this position filled.

4) pledging problems existed in this church for many years. We have talked this issue ad naseum. now it is time to talk of a solution and work with what we have. I for one am tired of hearing about the pledging problem and would like to just hear the solution of what we are going to do with what we have.

Also, I am respectfully asking that a policy board member have a conversation with Dick Krietner concerning his trying to tie the minister into the pledging problem.

This problem existed long before Rev. Nielsen became our minister. There are many, many, reasons behind this issue and to point a finger at the minister is irresponsible, especially when coming from somebody like Mr. Krietner who has been a long time member. I believe he is mis-informing people with pledging and membership statements and trying to tie it to the minister, and there is just no room for that kind of talk in this case. He is trying to create an issue that just doesn't exist and is not relevent.

Love is the spirit of this church and service its law, this our great covenant...to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love and to help one another...

It doesn't say anywhere in there, that we should point fingers and place blame, for problems that we have all created and must all solve together in the spirit of our affirmation.

Music is not a luxury

My name is Gabriela Smith-Rosario. I am in the Youth Choir. I strongly believe that removing a music program as fine as ours would be almost the equivalent of taking a child away from a family. The Youth Choir is one big family. Although we have our differences, we all share a love for music and singing.

I feel that Youth Choir is a place where older kids can express themselves through music. This program gives kids a chance to sing in other languages, perform for elderly people, and show their talent for singing. Every time I walk into that room I feel like I'm at home. I feel relaxed and comfortable.

At my school, the music programs aren't as exciting or enjoyable. We don't have the pleasure of singing for elderly people, and the only way I can sing there is trying out. We don't have any freedom at those programs. Youth Choir is the only place where I can sing without having to audition. I also get to work with Louise, a teacher that I like and have had for almost three years.

Getting rid of this program would make multiple kids upset and depressed. The only people I can think of who would understand how difficult it would be on us children would be Louise Fateux, Cheryl Wadsworth, and Stacey Tinker, who are all leaders of at least one music group.

At my old church, I had a volunteer choir director. She was very nice, but I didn't learn much regarding music from her. I think that having a person like that directing the Youth Choir would cause us to be as bad singers as we were when we started in the Children's Choir. I don't want our choir to lose the musical education that we get from Louise.

I wonder why this church would give away a portion of the offering when it can't even afford to pay people who work here. I know that pledges play a large role in helping this church, but did you ever consider giving less of your offering away when you need it, too? I think that pledges are a good way to bring money to this church, but you should also save up money from the offering. Also, this would put less stress on people who are unable to afford increasing their pledges.

I wrote this letter because I was not given permission to speak at the budget meeting at the church today. I was upset that the childrens' voices are being ignored although we are the future leaders of this church, and we are the ones most affected by the removal of our teachers.

Musical education is not a luxury. It lets our souls run free.

Sincerely,

Gabriela Smith-Rosario

What the numbers show ... and more

Members who are pledging have hiked their median pledge nearly 20 percent over last year, from $1,020 to $1,200 each. That's a whopping increase for one year during hard times.
So how come money's so short?
It appears the simple reason is twofold:
1. In each of the past two years, there were 335 members who pledged. This year, despite a hard sell from church leaders, the number fell to 296; and
2. The average pledge didn't rise nearly as much as the median pledge, which means that a handful of bigger donors stopped giving so much. The average pledge rose from $1,727 to $1,824 during the past year.
Ray, who heads the Policy Board, shed a little light on the numbers. He said that some of the church's largest contributors retired.
Moreover, he said, "We're getting younger as a congregation."
With membership stable -- not growing, but not shrinking -- the fact that we're getting younger overall is generally a good thing. It's hard to argue that we're dying as a church, as some want to say, if we're attracting young families to fill the roles of older people who are moving on.
But it's also true that younger families are less likely to have extra money to toss into the church's kitty. Those most apt to donate significant sums are people who are closer to the end of their working lives, when their own kids are through college. Everybody understands that.
So what do those younger people want from their church?
I think that before we go slicing away important parts of our ministry, particularly the music and religious education programs, we ought to find out what exactly our members want. Perhaps the exercise will help convince people to donate more, but it will surely shed light on what's really needed.
I don't like the dismissive tones of leaders who seem to think that slashing salaries and positions of our employees as a recession looms is just fine. We owe our employees better than that. It sure ain't social justice to lay off good employees in hard times unless there's no other option. It is, in fact, just plain wrong.