June 2002 Newsletter

Greetings from Tucuman, Argentina

We want to share with you, our community at First Congrega-tional UCC, some highlights of our life and ministry.

Regarding the Families of the Disappeared and the investiga-tion into the mass grave: Within a few days of preparing a ten meter by ten meter site on which to begin digging, a former resident from the nearby village came along the road. He sug-gested that the6 move over about ten feet in the direction he pointed to. The archaeologists did so. Early last week they encountered the buried railroad ties and metal that court wit-nesses had testified to being used to cover the "well" the people were buried in. That was quite an encouraging sign.
Geologists funded by the University of Mendoza were dis-patched and by the middle of last week the "well", or possibly a cistern, was located. The scientists took a day off to regroup to decide how to proceed. If in fact it is a cistern it may have been lined in ceramic tiles. If that is the burial site then the remains may be in very good condition for evidence and re-covering the identities. If the remains were left to the elements underground…possibly water if it is a spring-fed well…then their condition may be rather compromised. If there is water then the archaeologists specializing in under water excavation will be needed.

The families are preparing for uncovering the dead as well as uncovering more lies which are part of the history of the Dis-appeared. Last Friday the families asked Chris to have an Interfaith service at the site this coming Friday, if possible. It looks like next Monday will be the earliest possible time. Thank God for our ties to the Interfaith community for it may actually come off.

A note on the horseback rider. Micah and I sent to Santiago del Estero two weekends ago for the Interprovincial Horse Jumping Meet. She was quite splendid looking in white pants and white blouse, black knee high boots, gloves and helmet, capped with a red riding jacket! On her first jump her boots came out of the stirrups. Due to the stiffness of her not worn in boots she could not get her feet back in the stirrups. In-stead of defaulting she did the rest of the 12 jumps holding on with her thighs and the reins! She did not fall off or knock over a bar but a lot of kudos for bravery and persistence. She did bring home sore thighs. She had a ball.

This Pentecost the kids aged 5-12 will be singing an African song inviting the Coming of the Holy Spirit while processing with colorful fabric the offering and the communion elements. It will be our first attempt at some pageantry since we've been here. The kids are excited. Your meeting will probably occur about the time we gather with the kids for hotdogs and practice.

That is it in a medium-sized nutshell. With warm thoughts,
Martha and Chris

A Very Special Note of Thanks

Dear Friends:

I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support you expressed to me on May 19th as you celebrated my gradu-ation from Candler School of Theology. Through your gifts, cards, words of congratulations, and (especially) your warm embraces, you told me that you are proud of me and that you appreciate my ministry to you. Thank you for such affirm-ation and encouragement.

If I hadn't been so overwhelmed-and nearly speechless-I would have thanked some individuals specifically: Joe-for his unending support, his wisdom and direction, and his pati-ence and flexibility with my schedule. It is a joy working with him.

Suzanne Brooks-for carrying far more than a committee chair should have to carry, for picking up the slack with numerous tasks I couldn't complete, for helping to plan this celebration and frequently offering her support and encourage-ment.

Virginia Long-for writing a letter of recommendation for my ordination, and for her undying support of my ministry.

Melissa Robinson, Anna Matheson and Helen Krickhan-for planning the beautiful reception in my honor and for the work each of them does on a regular basis for our community.

And most of all, Penny Stokes-my partner, my beloved, and my best friend. In the past three years she has read almost as many papers as have written. She read some of my assigned books so that we could share in my seminary educa-tion together. She has discussed, argued, lived and breathed theology. She supported us financially, supported me emotionally, and even at times supported our relationship when I had little to give to it; the past year she has carried the vast majority of household responsibilities, asking little in re-turn. All of this while managing to write three wonderful novels! I could not have made this journey without her. More importantly, I wouldn't have wanted to do so. Thank you, Penny. I love you.

I am writing these words of thanks as I prepare to drive to Salisbury to meet with the Church and Ministry Committee about my ordination. Whatever the outcome of this meeting, and of our future endeavors, I go into it knowing that I am deeply loved. There is no greater gift.

Love and thanks.
Cindy Maddox

A Witness for Peace in Palestine

In relation to the recent presentation by Rev. Thomas Are on "Israeli Peace, Palestine Justice," the Christian Action Com-mittee has the following suggestions as to how we as individ-uals and a congregation can contribute to peace in the Middle East.

*PRAY. In line with the "Prayer and Faxing" campaign of Christian Peacemaker Teams, light a candle in our homes as a sign of peace, and pray daily for peace with justice.

*GIVE. Contribute to the Emergency Relief Fund for Holy Land Christians through the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation. This will provide emergency humanitarian assis-tance in the form of food, medical supplies, and the rebuilding of homes, churches, and schools, and will be distributed dir-ectly to needy parishioners by local church leaders of the vari-ous Christian denominations in the Holy Land. The Christian Action Committee is sending $300 from its budget to this cause, and will include with this individual donations from all who wish to contribute. Checks should be made payable to First Congregational UCC, marked "Palestinian Aid," and either placed in the offering plate or sent to the church office no later than Sunday, June 23rd.

*ACT. Send faxes, e-mails and phone calls to US and Israeli officials calling for:
--An end to the cycle of violence; and respect for civilians
non-combatant, journalists, medical personnel, hospitals and
ambulances, clergy and houses of worship;
--the presence of international observers;
--a negotiated peace agreement based on international law
and insuring Israeli security and the establishment of a Pales-
tinian state;
--a cessation of all Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied
Territories; and
--a shared Jerusalem as the heritage, hope and home of two
peoples and three religions.

ADDRESSES:
President George W. Bush
Fax: 202-456-2461; E-mail: president@whitehouse.gov
Secretary of State Colin Powell,
Fax: 202-261-8577: E-mail: secretary@state.gov
Congressional Switchboard (Senate and House),
Tel: 202-224-3121
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon,
Fax: +972-2-566-4838; 651-3995; 651-2631
E-mail: webmaster@pmo.gov.il
Foreign Minister Ariel Shimon,
Fax: +972-2-566-4838; 651-2631
E-mail: webmaster@pmo.gov.il
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres:
Fax: +972-2-530-3704
E-mail: sar@mofa.gov.il
Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer
Fax: 972-3-696-2757; 691-6940; 691-7915
E-mail: sar@mod,gov.il
…Doug Wingeier

NAME TAGS WORK!
The Deacons want to urge EVERYONE to remember to wear name tags. It's a real help to new members and also to not-so-new members and friends. We've been hearing from both.

If your tag is worn out from endless wearing, or if by any chance it has diabolically disappeared, see Joe Conn. He can make you a new one.

Thanks!
Al Mojonnier for the Deacons

CHOIR NEWS
No rehearsals during June.

Any musicians who would like to share their gifts in the sum-mer services are encouraged to contact me (254-2079). Instrumentalists and singers, both soloists and in groups, are invited to participate. The choir's last Sunday for singing will be June 2nd so there will be many dates available.
Anita Freeman

THANK YOUS
Bruce and Sarah Burnette would like to thank the members of the congregation for the prayers, flowers, cards, letters, phone calls and visits during Bruce's recent illness. Your sup-port was very much appreciated.

Virginia Long thanks the many ladies of the church who brought 'care packages' to her after her recent fall. The sup- port of all by prayer, thought and calls has her deep gratitude.

June Birthdays

June 1 - Walt Damtoft, Bob Freimark
5 - Chip Wood
15 - Al Mojonnier
17 - Jim Eikenberry; Howard LaFlamme
18 - Amy McEntire
21 - Carol Wingieir
23 - Mary Anne Tierney
24 - Bruce Burnette
25 - John Scales
27 - John Joyner

Building Committee Update

The big news: we are in the process of reviewing applications for architects. About a month ago we sent a Request for Qual-ifications (are you interested?) to approximately 27 architects.
We received 12 proposals and we are excited by the number of people interested. The committee is currently reviewing these proposals, checking references, etc. We plan to narrow the group and select to interview personally in the middle of June.

On a Personal Note
I have heard from many of you about my announcement about losing most of my classes at UNCA. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I am seeing this as an opportunity to try something new and different - I am now making and selling beaded jewelry. I've been beading for about 10 years and had never thought to sell my wares…until now. I would describe most of my jewelry as artsy-eclectic or bohemian. Most pieces are priced between $20 and $30, some more, some less. I also have a line of little girl jewelry (see Madalyn for exam-ples). I will be holding a sale at my house on June 8, a drop-in from 10 to 2. Please come by, grab a cup of coffee and some cake and see my wares. Second, if you have a beaded piece that needs repairs, jazzing up or toning down, I am for hire (and I work cheap). And lastly, if you have beads or beaded jewelry that you don't want any more, I'll be happy to take them off your hands.

Kelley Wolfe

Helen Krickhan's Macaroni Salad
(as requested; also on Helman's jar)

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp prepared mustard
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked & drained
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup green or red pepper
1 cup onion or scallions
Combine first 6 ingredients. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover; chill. Makes 5 cups.

Truisms

Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time; you won't have a leg to stand on.

Living on earth is expensive but it does include a trip around the sun.

Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.

Schupfnudelm Instead of White Bread
17 American Pastors Visit Protestant Parish
(This article was printed in the local newspaper in Werden, Germany on April 30,2002 - and was translated by my host family - Elke and Martin Welzel. I was in Germany for 12 days and spent my first 4 days with this delightful family, which included two teenagers, Sven and Haike. In sending me the article, my host family commented - this article was good, but was not as essential as it could have been! - Rev. Joe Hoffman - )

In Werden Joe Hoffman feels himself nearly being at home. Hills, lot of green, nice people. "Only a river we don't have in Asheville," the American pastor North Carolina says. (The French Broad River is great, but is not on the same scale as the Rhine and its tributaries!)

Hoffman and 16 pastors of the south of the USA were guests of the Protestant parish from Thursday until Monday. The men and women came from Virginia and North Carolina and belong to the United Church of Christ. This American church and the Protestant Church of the Rhine are connected by a long-lasting and intensive partnership. So German pastors after passing their second examination are regularly given the opportunity to work in the US for one year. Juliane Kollman-Rusch, pastor of the Protestant parish in Essen-Werden, took part in this program in 2000. (Note - Juliane was our host leader for the days we were visiting this part of Germany, and she was absolutely marvelous!)

"Some of our visitors I have already met during those days," she said. But also the foreign guests were welcomed in Werden very warmly. "Very familiar", Joe Hoffman de-scribes the atmosphere with his host family. Elke and Martin Welzel are pleased of the compliment. Language barriers do not exist, said the couple. Both cultures are very similar. Elke Welzel was told the Americans loved ice tea and white bread, but Joe Hoffman could only smile about that. (Note: I ate no white bread and drank no ice tea the whole time I was on this trip! The German breads were delicious, and I didn't see a piece of ice the whole 12 days.)

Also Meike Krueger didn't serve her guests typical American food as turkey, burger and French fries. "We had sauerkraut, fried sausage and Schupfnudelm (a kind of noodles", the Werden woman says. Beside German food there were also other highlights standing on the program: a visit of Katernbert parish, a guided tour through Zollverein (former coal mine), and a visit of Villa Huegel (house of the Krupp family). Ad-ditionally the pastors visited the old synagogue as well as the Catholic abbey.

On Sunday morning the guests became acquainted with Pro-testant church during a bilingual partnership service held by an

Afro-American pastor. The sermon (preached in English with a manuscript available in German) pleased the members of
UCC as well as the Protestant members of the parish. Never-theless little differences were found: "In the US worship is often more passionate", said Rev. Larry Diehl. Also Elke Welzel had noticed that "the Americans pray faster than we do".

A LETTER TO THE CONGREGATION

My dear church community,

Please know that I give a heartfelt thank you to all who have been keeping our families, Ed, and me in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult of times for all of us! Your many calls cards, hugs, and words of question and support have been part of the "everlasting arms" that have been holding me firmly grounded on my lifelong healing path, along which I tread with a heart that is heavy but at peace with itself amid this turbulent strife in all our lives.

Rest assured that I have felt as much shock and disbelief re-garding the charges against Ed as any among you! In our 40 years together, I have experienced the "health," the "richer," and the "better" of our marriage vows. Now I am feeling the "sickness", the "poorer", and the "worse", far worse than I ever could have imagined.

My deepest anguish is for two children close to my heart, our great niece and our son, both of whom will carry with them for the rest of their lives the scars of our current family tragedy! I especially ask for your continued prayers and any other means of support you can offer them, as well as me!

Another part of my anguish stems from my sorrow at the pain our family situation has stirred up in our church community. I only hope that we can all talk and pray together from the depths of our souls to free ourselves from the prisons of our inner demons.

Please call me at any time (252-6851) to share any questions and concerns you have about Ed, other family members, your own situation, or me. To paraphrase a trite but true saying, I am capable of being, and would like very much to be, part of the solution as well as closely associated with the problem.

May God's grace hold all of us who are hurting, who have been wronged, and who fear that we have hurt others, as we struggle with our own issues in our hearts and within our caring church community!

With Christian love - Sandy

Benevolence Highlights
By Amanda Voss
The Christian Action Committee would like to highlight some of the incredible agencies supported by this congregation through hours of volunteering, commitments as board mem-bers, years of hard work as employees, and financial contribu-tions through our benevolence fund. For those of us who are new to Asheville or to First Congregational, we are excited to
introduce you to the organizations we believe in. For those of who are long-time members, we want to continue to promote informed giving. Let us all be challenged to learn something new about what is happening within these community agencies!

This month we wish to highlight Helpmate and Holy Ground, two organizations that deeply value the female perspective in creating a world that is peaceful and in maintaining the sacred spaces within our community. Helpmate is a domestic viol-ence agency working to eliminate abuse and fear. By provid-ing a 24 hour crisis line, shelter, group and individual counsel-ing, case management, and court advocacy, they empower each client to create a life that is free of violence; by providing education, they empower our community to create a world that is free of violence. Members of our congregation have partici-pated in Helpmate's intensive crisis counseling training and served as board members. Some of us currently volunteer on the crisis line, and all of us benefit from having a resource to contact if we have experienced or are experiencing any form of domestic violence.

Holy Ground was co-founded by our own Dorri Sherrill as an independent retreat ministry that invites people to reflect on the sacredness that flows from nurturing our relationship with the Holy. Such reflection occurs through retreats, classes, small groups, and speaking events. Many of our church members have participated in Holy Ground through board membership, volunteer hours, and financial contributions. First Congregational also has a history of sharing space with the organization when needed.

This year I experienced the blessing of participating in one of Holy Ground's Simplicity Circles. These groups meet twice a month, for eight months, to discuss ways to simplify our lives, both inwardly and outwardly, with the purpose of becoming kinder and more creative stewards of the earth and its resources. The related essays we read gave voice to a multitude of ideas and philosophies on how me might be called to live. Simplicity Circles are also an exciting exercise in community building. Please take the initiative to participate in or learn more about these wonderful agencies that we sup-port through our benevolence fund! They help make Asheville a place that is safe and sacred for all.

Additional information: Helpmate 24 Hour Crisis Line: 254-0516 or 211. HM office line, including donation and volun-teer inquiries: 254-2968. Holy Ground office line 236-0222.
Steering Committee for Sexual Violence
At its May meeting, the Executive Board pulled together funds from various accounts in our church budget to provide the Steering Committee for Sexual Violence with some money for programs - such as the one on Thursday nights which is noted in another article in this edition of the Newsletter. We entered this year not knowing we would be working through this issue, and so there were no funds previously allotted. The board has taken an important first step to help us respond to the needs of our congregation.

The Steering Committee will be creating other opportunities to discuss and learn about issues of sexual violence, and what it means to be the church in the midst of it all. Some of you have asked if you could donate money to help with expenses. We invite you to do so if you so desire. You may write a check payable to the church, and please mark it clearly for the sexual violence steering committee. These can be mailed to the church office or even given on Sunday mornings in the of-fering.

We are continually encouraged by the open and honest way in which we have been able to talk about this in our church. Members of the steering committee invite your comments at any time. We are Carol Downey, Bill Petz, Melissa Robinson, Ann Mojonnier,, Jeanine Siler Jones, Cindy Maddox and Rev. Joe Hoffman.

Sabbatical Leave
Rev. Joe Hoffman will be taking the rest of his sabbatical this summer. He will begin this leave on June 10 and return to the office on August 8. During this time he will take time for study and rest. In his absence, Cindy Maddox will be respons-ible for pastoral care and emergencies. Please call the church office to reach her.

New Address
Rev. Joe Hoffman and Emma Claire
1 North Kensington Road
Asheville, NC 28804
225-9466

The Road to Ordination

On Monday, May 20, the Church and Ministry Commission of the WNC Association examined Cindy Maddox for ordina-tion and found her to be exceptional. The struggle with Cindy's ordination has to do with the 1983 resolution in the association saying that no self avowing gay or lesbian will be ordained. Cindy engaged this commission in a fascinating theological conversation for over an hour as we talked about what this ruling means for her, our church, and the association. But what seemed most clear to me was the eagerness by the commission to help Cindy get ordained. Several members of the 12-member commission thanked her for her integrity and for bringing the issue to the association. I felt it was a great example of living into the fullness of being the United Church of Christ - honoring all of our variety and difference.

After three hours of deliberations, the commission decided that they would go to the board of directors of the association on June 1st and request that the board work to rescind this old resolution and open the door for Cindy's ordination. This was the very best outcome we could have hoped for! It is a huge step forward. And it was an act of courage on the part of the commission.

There is much work yet to do, and we will keep you up to date on the process. The resolution can only be changed by a vote of the association, which meets again in October. Please keep us in your prayers.
Rev. Joe Hoffman

A Special Evening of Drama
at First Congregational
On June 30th at 5:00pm, Olivia Woodward will deliver a dramatic performance on three women from the Bible. This program, called Hearing the Call, will present the following women to us: Simon Peter's mother-in-law, the woman at the well, and Susanna, who was a widow and follower of John the Baptist. Olivia has been with us before, and her work was well received. Her performance promises to be touching, funny, informative, and enlightening. Please mark your calendars now for this special event.

A Called Congregational Meeting
We will hold a congregational meeting following the 10am worship service on June 9th. At this meeting, the Building Committee and the Capital Campaign Committee will update us on their work-which is very exciting! The Executive Board requests of the congregation that we authorize these two committees to continue their work with the funding needed to hire an architect for the building committee and a consultant for the capital campaign-using monies from the Building Fund. Things are beginning to happen quickly, and we want these two committees to have our full support as they work. This will help them bring back to us detailed drawings and information for our consideration and approval later in the year.

We will also receive and affirm the revised vision statement which now reads:

First Congregational United Church of Christ is a Chris-tian community seeking to be a progressive, passionate, and compassionate presence in the Asheville area. As faith seeking and faith keeping people, we commit ourselves to follow in the ways of Jesus by honoring questions of faith, nurturing spiritual growth, embracing God's creative di-versity, and living as advocates of justice and peace.

The Steering Committee on Sexual Violence
Offers Weekly Meetings

The Steering Committee on Sexual Violence continues to host a series of weekly meetings each Thursday at 7:00pm through June 27th. They will be led by Pam White, a highly respected therapist, and will provide a place for people to bring the feel-ings and issues that have come to the surface in light of recent events within our community. It will be a safe place to speak and to listen, to share our stories and to hear the stories of others. The group is open to everyone-not only survivors of sexual abuse or other forms of sexual violence, but to anyone who wants to come. If you have any questions, please call a member of the Steering Committee: Carol Downey, Joe Hoff-man, Cindy Maddox, Ann Mojonnier, Bill Petz, Melissa Rob-inson and Jeanine Siler Jones.