'Conservative' and 'Liberal'--Two Cultures in One America? [25:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In both religion and politics, America is polarized into two camps that are engaged in what one commentator called “a culture war on behalf of traditional values against relativism.” To lend understanding to the “culture war,” Don will review the meanings of “conservative” and “liberal,” and some of the underlying beliefs, fears, and manipulation that led to the polarization. Just as cultural obstacles, more than resources, impede economic progress in developing countries, cultural habits prevent relief of the polarization in our society. Don will offer at least one solution for both religious liberals and conservatives.

Presented by: Don Neeper

 Flower Communion [7:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Join us in our annual flower communion.

Presented by: Rev. John Cullinan

It seems almost unreal, but here I am writing my last column of the regular church year. From my vantage point, it has been a remarkable year. I don’t think I could have asked for better. The people of this congregation have been warm and open and welcoming. It’s been a real joy and a pleasure to work with you all, and I look forward to many more years with you.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for helping me and my family feel welcome and make a home here in Los Alamos. I’m sure there are some of you who I’ve neglected to thank in person for your part in helping with this transition this year, and for that, I offer my apologies. I am grateful for every kindness I’ve received this year, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this community.

And now it’s off on some summer adventures. I’ll be on vacation for most of the month of June, first visiting with family in Iowa, and then off to perform my brother’s wedding in New York before heading to Florida for Ministry Days and General Assembly in Fort Lauderdale. (Shameless plug: If you’re attending GA, might I recommend the workshop celebrating the release of Reverend X: how Generation X ministers are shaping Unitarian Universalism. If you’re not attending, keep the book in mind for your summer reading list!).

July will be a study month for me. I’ll be in the area for most of the time and available for emergencies, but most of that time will be spent reading and preparing sermons for the coming year. If you see me in the office, it might be a mirage! I’ll be on a personal retreat at Ghost Ranch at some point during that month, and preaching at the annual Los Alamos/Santa Fe combined church picnic.

The worship committee is hard at work preparing a slate of interesting summer services to include some familiar faces from the congregation and some special guests. Environmental topics seems to be the emerging theme for our summer services. My thanks goes to Evan Rose and the rest of the committee for their work.

The new church year proper will begin on August 17th, this year, coinciding with the beginning of the school year. This is the time of year when people new to the community are most likely to be shopping for a church, and we want to be in full swing when our potential visitors come looking for us. When we return, there’ll be several new changes in place.

First and foremost is the beginning of our experiment with two services and Religious Exploration programs on Sunday. The congregation voted to give a dual service program another try, and we’ll begin with the new year. Services and Sunday school will run concurrently at 9 and 11 a.m. each week. More information on RE programs and registration will be forthcoming from Joyce and the RE Committee. It will feel odd, at first, I know. I know I’ll feel a little odd preaching to two smaller crowds, at least at first. My deepest hope is that we’ll be well on our way to filling two services, with a little help from some new and improved public outreach. I encourage everyone to commit to the spirit of experimentation and play in the coming year. Try both times out and see where you’re most comfortable. Be willing to tell us how it feels. Talk to the two service team members about what works and what doesn’t. Most of all, have patience. Whether this trial succeeds or fails, it requires open and understanding hearts on all our parts.

One of the public outreach experiments we’ll try next year will be “Bring a Friend to Church” Sundays. One Sunday each month will be designated as such, and we’ll run an “Introduction to UU” mini-workshop tied to the service for those visitors who wish to learn more. Most of us know someone in our lives who is one of those infamous “UUs, but doesn’t know it yet” people. Take a chance. Let them know it. Bring a friend to church!

Our last major change came in April, when the board elected to experiment with a new charitable outreach program. Beginning with the new church year, the “Change for Change” program will be phased out, and we’ll begin a 50/50 split of the entire collection plate with one charitable designee each month. Many churches in the association are now doing this, or even going so far as to give the entire plate away. In each case, the amount of charitable giving as well as the financial benefits to the congregation have increased. Steve Tenbrink and I will keep an eye on the results through December, and the board will evaluate the success of the program in January to determine if this is an endeavor worth continuing.

Finally, I want to thank everyone for the lovely gift at my Installation. It’s an exquisite piece of pottery, and I’m stunned by the generosity of the congregation. It sits in a place of honor in my office. Stop in and take a closer look if you get the chance.

I wish you all rest, renewal, and safe travels in the coming months. Take care of yourselves, and I look forward to the time when we gather together again.

Rev. John Cullinan

It is hard to believe, but this is the last time I will write this column as president.

It has been a busy year, but a good year as well.  The committees have functioned very well.

Everyone did the job they had agreed to do at the beginning of the year.  Now we have to look forward to next year when  Kersti Rock will be your new president.  I hope everyone will be as helpful to her as you have been to me.  Please, do sign up for the committees.  All these jobs need to be done to have a viable church community, and it is enjoyable to work with others and make new friends in the bargain.  Let us make next year as successful as this year has been.

The installation service was lovely.  The music was great.  Mary Hrbek organized the reception/dinner and it was more than we could have wished for.  The room was beautifully decorated with flower arrangements on every table, and the food was fantastic.  Our out of town guests were most impressed with the quality of the experience.  Thanks to everyone who helped make this event one of the high lights of the church year.

“John, Help me.  I can’t get this sock on.  My underwear won’t go over my feet.  I do not dare bend enough to do it myself!!”  During my recovery from hip surgery, I realized that it is so frustrating to have to ask for help and be dependent on others for the smallest little thing.  It undermines one’s self-confidence.  You have doubts.  Is someone coming to help?  How long do I have to wait?  What if I can never do this for myself again!  The frustration of it all.  I AM going to figure out how to do it somehow!!

I have always been happy to help others.  I would offer, or people would ask for help, but until you have been helpless yourself, it is hard to imagine what it is like to have to ask! You have no choice.

My experience is that people do want to help if they are aware that help is needed.  To be able to give help makes you feel good and happy.  So there really is no stigma attached to asking for help when you need it.  Just think of it as making someone else’s day.  It is amazing what people will do for someone who truly needs help.  That is why we have the caring committee.  The members really enjoy caring for one another, and it is so much more pleasant to ask people you know than it is to depend on strangers.  So, I would urge every member of this church who needs some temporary help during an emergency to ask the caring committee to take over.  It is so wonderful to belong to a caring extended family.

People ask me how I am doing.  Well, the doctor is very happy about my progress.  In August John and I hope to go to Colorado with our grandchildren and their parents for some nice mountain hikes, and I am going to be ready to do it.  I may need a cane for rough terrain, but that is all right.  The doctor says that I am doing great, and thank you for asking.

And now, as a farewell, I want to thank all of the members and friends of this church for all the support you have given me during my tenure as your president.  That made the experience a very happy one.  I am most grateful to all of you.  I am planning to try some other jobs next year and make some more friends.

Love to all, 
Mia McLeod
2007-2008 Church President