by Jim Nolan

Happy New Year!

With a new year comes changes for many of us – and the Board is no exception.

The incomparable Jaime Castle let us know in December that she is leaving her board position so she can pursue a much bigger, if not higher, calling. No matter where she lands, Jaime will do great things with incredible passion and energy – just like she has done for us over the years. I am sad that I won’t get to see her every month in our meetings but, though she can’t truly be replaced, we are incredibly grateful and happy to welcome Bob Booth, who has volunteered to serve out her term. I don’t know that I could have asked for a better alternative.

As you probably know, our beloved Rev. Bill will be heading out on sabbatical soon. This has been very top-of-mind for the Board; as well as the Committee on Ministry, Worship Committee and pretty much all the other groups and committees that keep Heritage running. Joint meetings are being scheduled and much cooperation and collaboration is taking place. We want to make sure Rev. Bill’s absence has a minimal effect on our day-to-day church lives, while providing him with much-needed time to reflect and re-energize.

Lastly, I want to make sure everyone is aware of our upcoming Town Hall Meeting on February 2. This will be our second Town Hall and we hope to build upon what we started with the first one. Representatives from the Board of Directors, the Finance Committee and other groups will be there to help answer questions and provide a greater sense of transparency to the congregation. We hope to see you there and look forward to hearing what matters most to you.

Best wishes,

Jim

by Rev. Leslie Woodward

By the time you read this, Christmas 2019 will have passed into memory and we will be poised on the brink of 2020. Can you believe it? Weren’t we just celebrating the arrival of 2000 a few years ago?

Many of us get a chance to pause right before the New Year before plunging back into work or school or simply surviving, while some of us need to work straight through the holidays. Be extra kind to those who simply cannot take time off, whether they are medical personnel, first responders, package deliverers, retail staff or some other job or profession. Family caregivers, too, deserve our extra love and consideration.

If you do have a moment to sit and catch your breath, this can be a fertile time, a time that songwriter Carrie Newcomer calls “the beautiful not yet.” What are you hoping to see happen in the New Year? What are you willing to work for? How will you take care of yourself and the ones you love?

In this beautiful-not-yet time, know that your church community is here for you. We will laugh, cry, sing, and pray with you. We will hold you when you are hurting, rejoice with you when you are glad, celebrate with you when that beautiful-not-yet time comes to fruition.

The New Year is a great time to form new intentions. Form the intention to come to church every Sunday this year. (Yes, we know that this is nigh on impossible for most of us, but form that intention anyway.) We need to you be part of our circle of sorrow, circle of sadness, circle of anger, circle of joy. We need you to hold us as we will hold you.

May your New Year be merry and bright.

by Rev. Bill Gupton

This will be my last Heirloom column until late summer. I will be taking a six-month sabbatical beginning February 1 – a leave of absence from my Heritage Church ministerial duties that will allow me to focus time and attention to the startup of our Heritage Acres natural burial sanctuary. By the time I return to church work in August, Heritage Acres will be open for business.

This will be my third sabbatical since coming to Heritage in 2002, but the first that is taking the form of what our Board and I are calling a “hybrid sabbatical” – one in which I will continue to work on a major project that will benefit the church, as well as the wider Cincinnati community. As many of you know, green burial has been a passion of mine for years, and I still have to pinch myself sometimes when I realize that we – this church community – have created the Tri-State Region’s first fully dedicated green burial ground, right here on the east side of Cincinnati. I am deeply grateful for this congregation’s support of, and commitment to, the work that we are doing to change the way people think about death and dying – through Heritage Acres, through our amazing End-of-Life Ministry Team, through Death Café Cincinnati, and more.

Since this upcoming sabbatical is a bit “different,” I want to explain several things about our plan. Because I will be working on getting Heritage Acres up and running, I will still be communicating and interacting with numerous members of the church during a time (sabbatical) when normally I would not. Several folks on the Heritage Acres Board are HUUC members. The same is true for those in the Heritage Acres Founders Circle, and still others who do volunteer work at Heritage Acres. And of course, when we at last have our Grand Opening at 796 Locust Corner Road in Pierce Township, I imagine there will be lots of you in attendance. So I will be seeing, and working with, many folks from Heritage during this “hybrid sabbatical.”

I also will be performing a couple of already-scheduled weddings for Heritage Church members during the six months I am out of the pulpit and away from church. (Lest I fall prey to “scope creep,” however, I will not schedule any other weddings until after early August.)

Otherwise, the boundaries of this sabbatical will be similar to those in the past: I won’t be looking at, or responding to, church emails or phone calls, and I won’t be following what’s going on in the life of the church. I will be unavailable for ministerial duties except in the direst of circumstances (Rev. Leslie Woodward will be your go-to minister). To learn more about the sabbatical, read the 2020 Senior Minister Sabbatical document elsewhere in this newsletter.

While there remains much work to do – particularly in terms of infrastructure and logistics – before we can declare Heritage Acres “open,” do not worry that I will be working too hard! I plan to allow myself plenty of time for rest and renewal – as it should be, during a sabbatical. And, I will be doing some traveling (definitely to the Pacific Northwest, and perhaps even out of the country). I may even spend some time living the life in an RV!

I hope to see you throughout January, and then will look forward to seeing most of you again in August. In the meantime – Happy New Year, and may 2020 be a year of positive change in our lives, and in our world.

Namaste,
Rev. Bill

by Jim Nolan

Hello –

As I write this, it is getting close to the holiday season, there’s a bit of snow on the ground and, as the song goes, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”

That being said – 2019 has not been my favorite year. From medical issues in my own family to a social and political environment that just seems to get more and more contentious each day, to concerns within our own congregation about finances, safety and security – it’s been a wild 12 months.

But, throughout all of that, I am constantly being reminded how, when things feel very dark, there is always someone willing to step up and do whatever needs to be done. When something is broken or needs replacement there’s always someone willing to say, “I can do that.” When someone is sick, there’s always someone offering to drive someone to an appointment or to bring over a meal, or just to sit and spend time and offer comfort and companionship.

We truly do have a remarkable community at Heritage. The people that bless us with their presence each week bring with them an extraordinary variety of skills and life experience, and they – I should say YOU – are always willing and ready to offer up the time, the energy and the love that you carry within you.

As you read this, the holidays will be behind us; the new year will be upon us; and with that, the promise that the Winter will give way to Spring. The days will get longer, the sun will shine again and there are brighter things in our future. And we will be there – together – through it all.

So here’s to the new year – with blessings and gratitude – for the joys we will share and the lessons we will learn.

Jim

for January 2020.

by Rev. Bill Gupton

Happy holidays! There are, of course, those who balk at that phrase, preferring instead that one particular religion’s holiday be singled out as primary in our diverse culture. How odd, in a nation that was founded, among other things, on the ideal of freedom of religion.

So this month, I wish you a Happy Chalica (look it up; beginning December 2), a Happy Solstice (December 21), a Happy Hanukkah (beginning December 22), a Festive Festivus (December 23 – again, look it up), a Merry Christmas (December 25), a Happy Kwanzaa (beginning December 26), a Happy Ōmisoka (December 31 – once again, look it up), and a Happy New Year (January 1 – well, it’s technically not this month, but the celebration starts the night before). In short, in this season of holidays and family, celebrations and good cheer, I wish for you warmth, health and happiness.

By the way, did you know December 16 is National Chocolate-Covered-Anything Day? . . .

Anyway – yes, Virginia, we do celebrate Christmas at Heritage Church. In fact, this year, we literally start the month of December off by celebrating Christmas. Stick around after the service on December 1 as we put up and decorate our giant sanctuary Christmas tree. This event is always fun for all ages. Then, the following Saturday (Dec. 7), join us at church at 6 p.m. for a family Caroling Party.

On Sunday morning, December 15, there’s the Heritage Christmas Pageant. And the following Sunday, we’ll be singing and hearing Christmas music and enjoying readings in another special worship service. Of course, it all culminates with our very popular traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, which as always features the nativity story, lovely music by our wonderful Choir, and the soft, beautiful silence of candlelight.

I hope to see you at Heritage during this very special month of celebrations, as together we experience the Love that is the Spirit of this Church!

Rev. Bill

December 2019.

by Rev. Leslie Woodward

Thanksgiving officially marks the start of the winter holiday season, at home and in church. There are so many things going on in our religious exploration program and church community that it might be most useful to just give you a list!

Sunday, December 1: Pajama Day

Yes, today is the day to wear your pajamas to church! Children, youth (and adults too if you dare) are invited to wear their PJs and bring a special stuffed friend to church. We’ll watch movies, do simple crafts and just chill.

Sunday, December 1: Decorating the Christmas Tree

Plan to stay after church to help us decorate our church for Christmas. We’ll assemble and decorate the Christmas Tree together!

Saturday, December 7: All Ages Caroling Party

Gather around the piano to sing carols of the season together with friends of all ages from 6 to 10 p.m. at church. Cocoa and other activities for children are planned. Bring a snack to share. Rumor has it that a karaoke machine will also be available!

Sunday, December 15: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!”

Come enjoy a special worship service, a holiday play directed by Feriel Feldman and Jennifer Sanders.

Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Service

All are welcome to celebrate our annual Christmas Eve Service. Our choir will provide incredible music and we’ll end with candlelight.

Sunday, January 5: A New Year: Holding On and Letting Go

All ages are invited to celebrate the first day of the new year. There will be reflection, ritual and a little levity too!

Yes, the holidays will be amazing at Heritage. Won’t you join us?

Faithfully,
Rev. Leslie

December 2019.

by Jim Nolan, Board President

Okay – where did October go? It’s been a very busy month for all of us – and I still haven’t carved my first pumpkin yet.

The theme this month, for me, is gratitude. I have seen so much wonderful, positive energy coming together – from so many different directions – that I’m a little bit in awe of it all… and of you for making it all work.

This month, Heritage hosted our first ever Town Hall Meeting. This was a more casual coming together for a Q&A with the board and the finance committee; and a great way to “take the pulse” of how things are going within the church. The attendance was wonderful, the dialogue was energetic and many great ideas were shared. I’m very grateful to all who attended, and there are already plans in-place to do it again in the early part of 2020.

The Heritage Board VP, Tamilyn Thompson, hosted our annual Fall Council Meeting on October 6. This meeting allows the board to re-connect with the various teams and committees working within the church and assess their needs and understand how the board can better support their missions. Again, the attendance was wonderful, and the discussions were incredibly helpful.

Lastly, there were not one, but TWO volunteer-led efforts to improve the grounds that surround the church. So much amazing and positive energy was put into this effort that saying thank you seems inadequate. The landscaping is improved, the labyrinth received some much-needed TLC and the area behind the church was cleared out and prepared for the arrival of our new shed!

Combine that with the marvelous developments happening around Heritage Acres and I think it is safe to say that the energy of Heritage is definitely being put into action.

For that, I am so very, very grateful.

Have a blessed Samhain, a happy and safe Halloween, and thank you for allowing me to be your president at this exciting time.

Jim

November 2019.

by Rev. Bill Gupton

With the change of seasons and the days growing shorter, I’ve been taking stock of the passage of time. Can it be that I have been your minister now for nearly 18 years? A quick glance in the mirror – where I am greeted by a gray beard, rapidly graying hair, and facial lines galore – confirms the fact that Heritage and I have taken several “trips around the Sun” together since you called me to be your minister way back in 2002.

Thus, hard to believe as it may be – perhaps for you, and I assure you for me – the time is rapidly approaching for my next sabbatical. This one will be quite a bit different from our two previous sabbaticals, however, in that I will continue working on the operational development of Heritage Acres, while taking a six-month leave from ministerial duties at Heritage Church. The Board and I are calling this a “hybrid sabbatical” (see detailed sabbatical outline elsewhere in this Heirloom) – which essentially means that unlike a more traditional sabbatical, I will continue to have some degree of ongoing interaction with certain church members who are involved, in one way or another, with our natural burial ground, Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary.

My sabbatical will begin February 1. I will return to full-time duties at Heritage Church on August 1. This timing was intentional, both to maximize my availability for Heritage Acres during its most crucial developmental stage, and to assure that I am back and fully focused on pastoral needs within the congregation before the most intense part of the 2020 election season. (It goes without saying that in our current cultural climate, next year’s election, and its aftermath, will be anxiety-producing and stressful for all of us.)

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns about the upcoming sabbatical, please do not hesitate to contact me, or any member of our Committee on Ministry or the Board of Trustees. I can assure you that we’ve lined up an outstanding array of guest ministers and speakers to lead worship during the first half of 2020, including both my Cincinnati UU colleagues, Rev. Connie Simon of First Unitarian Church and Rev. Mitra Jafarzadeh of St. John’s. Other UU ministers will be joining us from South Bend (and yes, he does know Mayor Pete), from Columbus, from Lexington, and even further afield – while my Heritage colleague, Rev. Leslie Woodward, will be leading several intentionally all-ages-friendly worship services.

It is a fun, unique, and exciting time at Heritage. As Rev. Leslie often says, “Won’t you join us?”

Namaste,
Rev. Bill

November 2019.

by Rev. Leslie Woodward, Senior Minister for Religious Exploration

The birthday of one of Unitarian Universalist’s theological ancestors, James Luther Adams, is November 12th. Here is one story told about him when he lived in Chicago, as told by Jessica York.

In 1948, most congregations and houses of worship in the United States were segregated by the color of their members’ skin. Some were segregated by law; others by custom or by a lack of actively trying to welcome and include all people. The First Unitarian Society of Chicago was one of these congregations. Although their church was located in a neighborhood with many African Americans, only whites could join, according to the written by-laws of the church, and according to custom.

The day came that many members began to believe they needed to take action against racism, if they really wanted to live their values and principles. The minister, the Reverend Leslie Pennington, was ready for this day and ready to take action. So was James Luther Adams. James Luther Adams was a famous liberal theologian and social ethicist — a person who studies religion, beliefs, and values. Doctor Adams taught at the Meadville Lombard Theological School, right across the street from the First Unitarian Society of Chicago. And he was a member of the congregation’s board of directors — a leader in the congregation.

Along with some others, Reverend Pennington and James Luther Adams proposed a change in the church’s by-laws to desegregate the church and welcome people whatever the color of their skin. They wanted to include, not exclude. They saw this as a way to put their love into action.

When the congregation’s Board of Directors considered the desegregation proposal, most of them supported it. However, one member of the board objected. “Your new program is making desegregation into a creed,” he said. “You are asking everyone in our church to say they believe desegregating, or inviting, even recruiting people of color to attend church here is a good way to tackle racism. What if some members don’t believe this?”

Desegregation was a very controversial topic. In 1948, anything about skin color and racism was controversial. Some people, even some who supported African Americans in demanding their civil liberties, believed in a “separate but equal” policy, which kept people apart based on their skin color.

Respectful debate ensued at the First Unitarian Society of Chicago. Both sides felt, in their hearts, that their belief was right. Perhaps they were so busy trying to be heard they forgot to listen. And so, they kept on talking.

The debate went on in the Board of Directors’ meeting until the early hours of the morning. Everyone was exhausted and frustrated. Finally, James Luther Adams remembered that we should be listening twice as much as talking. He asked the person who had voiced the strongest objection, “What do you say is the purpose of this church?”

Suddenly, everyone was listening. Everyone wanted to hear the answer to this crucial question. Probably, the person who objected was listening especially hard to his own heart, as well as to the words he had heard from other Board members through the long discussion.

The Board member who opposed opening the church to people of color finally replied. “Okay, Jim. The purpose of this church is to get hold of people like me and change them.”

The First Unitarian Society of Chicago successfully desegregated.

There are things that you know, and there are things that I know. When we are together and listening to each other, with ears and hearts, we know more.

November 2019.

by Chris Burroughs

If you have been wondering who funded the playground canopy and the women’s restroom improvements, here’s the scoop! If you were curious about who provides the scholarships for the Hope Springs Women’s Retreat, read on! If you heard that someone made donations to a camp for diabetic girls, Planned Parenthood and the UU Women’s Federation but were in the dark about the donor, well, it was CLARA!! You know…Clara Barton!

The Clara Barton Guild of Heritage UU Church has its roots in the First Universalist Society’s Women’s Alliance, founded in 1917. When re-named to honor Barton, the Alliance wanted to show its respect for the “Angel of the Battlefield” (Civil War) and the founder of the American Red Cross. Barton ‘s religious leanings were Universalist, which also contributed to the her being chosen for the Guild’s name.

For decades, the women held monthly meetings with programs, dues and fellowship. In the 1960’s, church member Cora Littell donated 100 shares of P&G stock to the church and another 100 shares to the Guild. This allowed the Guild to take on larger projects to benefit the church and the larger community. Eventually, the leaders of the Guild gave their funds to the church’s holdings. However, the women still desired to have some money solely in their control and held various fundraisers. Today, the main event which feeds their budget is the Annual Book Sale, which realizes about $1,200. A slight surplus is sometimes realized from retreat registrations and annual dinner fees.

The Clara Barton Guild has been a significant support to many projects at Heritage. Recently, they purchased the canopy for the playground, provided scholarships for the women’s retreat, and refurbished the women’s restroom. Donations of $100 each were made to the Clara Barton Camp for Diabetic Girls, the UU Women’s Federation and Planned Parenthood. The women attending the annual dinner discuss and decide to whom donations should be made.

All Heritage women and those who identify as women are “automatically” members of the Guild. Women age 16 and above are included. Although there are currently no officers, long-time members Rae Jane Araujo, Julie Kane and Joann Meyer can provide additional information.

November 2019.