Torch Articles

In the Life - Rev. Matthew Cockrum

Celebrate Big Love.

One last farewell and thank you.  It has been a rich and full few weeks of leavetaking.  What wondrous and heartfelt exchanges we’ve shared.  Thank you for your cards, notes and gifts, the beautiful kintsukuroi bowl - “more beautiful for being broken” - the painting from the children and youth.  I am humbled to know that my photo will join those of your former ministers along the walls of this great, good place.  Your portraits will hang in the halls of my heart as I journey on.

Two things as I go.

First, it occurred to me, as it often does after the fact, that there’s something I wish I would have said on my last Sunday with you.  That is this: As Unitarian Universalists we believe in Big Love.  The heritages of which we are inheritors and stewards embodied this differently, but the outcome was and remains the same.  There is always more room.  The Love from which we come, in which we live and move and have our being and to which we return is immense.  It is that which I address as “Most Holy Beloved” in times of meditation, prayer and contemplation.  I was reminded of this by the painting presented to me on behalf of the children and youth of the church.  Though the heart contained within it words of affirmation and support chosen by our religious education participants, there was so much more room in that heart.  So it is with the Big Love in which we believe.  There is always more...more room, more work, more to do, more to include, more to work and fight for...and more to receive, rest in.  There is more room in the heart of First Church and I know you will make space for Monica Dobbins when she arrives to continue the work of a second minister here.

Second, stay true to the values of this place.  Though I have spoken often of covenant, of mission and vision, of the seven principles and the six sources of our tradition, I have not often spoken of the expressed values of First Church.  I hung them on my office wall during my time here, drawn from the work that helped articulate your strategic plan.  At one point they were on the church website.  Are you familiar with them?

Inclusion

Compassion

Human Responsibility

Engagement

Celebration

During my two years with you I have witnessed and participated in your work for inclusion and compassion.  I have been deeply impressed by your dedication to human responsibility and engagement.  What has most impressed me in my last weeks with you has been the opportunity for Celebration.  It was a privilege to come alongside Rev. Tom Goldsmith in this, his 30th year of ministry with First Church.  Likewise, it was a privilege to be part of the Thank You & Farewell Celebration on Friday, May 5 with desserts, entertainment, gifts of gratitude and a surprise visit from Rev. France Davis of Calvary Baptist to honor Tom’s years of service and dedication.  Music from the Java Jive with cheeky solos by Becky Heal and Todd Seymour were highlights of the night along with the great desserts and decorations coordinated by Amanda Esko and Christine Ashworth.

What stood out to me in the midst of wake of this was how difficult it can be sometimes to celebrate.  As with Big Love there is always more...more to do, more to strategize about, plan for, respond to, recruit for.  Celebration is one of the core values of First Church in its ministries.  Make sure you continue to take opportunities to celebrate.  Celebrate your victories and accomplishments.  Celebrate your learnings and aspirations.  Celebrate not only your ministers but more importantly the ministries... the contributions people make to the work of this place.  The Hebrew psalmists among others proclaimed that God lives or is inhabited by our praise.  When we celebrate we reveal and build up that which is most holy.

So, Dear Friends, as you continue in this place...as you defend the sacred, work for a progressive and just world...as you learn and explore, deepen and grow, serve and tend...take every opportunity to Celebrate.  It will generate the nourishment you need to labor on.  It will refresh and renew you.  It will give you a view of the vast expanse of what lies within and among you.  It will show you the Big Love for which you labor, in which you live and move and have your being.

Celebrate Big Love, Friends.

And thank you once again for the privilege of joining you in ministry here.

Here’s to The Work!

Peace, Faith & Passion,

Matthew

Mark is a retired banker who originated and approved construction loans for homes and businesses; most recently he was with Zions Bank.  Richard Henry, a previous minister at First Unitarian Church, performed the wedding of Mark and his wife Pat, 38 years ago.  They have two grown sons.  Mark feels very ‘in tune’ with the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism, and officially signed the book about five years ago.  He believes that pledging is an important contribution one should make to support the church.  The sermons, the art and culture, and the excellent conversation he finds at First Church help him feel connected, as well as his membership on the Social Justice Council, where he is chair of the “Issues and Action Group.” This is an email based group that addresses current political issues; Mark likes to get involved and try to make a positive difference.  Another interesting fact- back when Barack Obama was just getting his campaign going- and no one thought he had a chance of success, Mark was one of the team that started “Utahans for Obama.”

Mark shares an essay, “This I Believe,” he wrote back in 2010, and finds it still holds true for him today.

I believe that most people can agree on most things. Some politicians try to divide us for their own political motivations. They try to frighten us about communists, Jews, Muslims, gays, liberals, taxes, deficits, etc.

Most people just want to be able to live in a safe and comfortable home, have enough to eat, be able to educate their kids, have a job that pays a living wage, and have financial security against getting sick and getting old. There is enough wealth in this world to provide all these to everyone.

The problem is that some people are greedy and want much more than they need. They create fear to divide the average workers so that they will not organize against the wealthy. If the workers suggest taxing the rich more the rich call this class warfare, when in fact they are waging war constantly against the working class.

The wealthy and their politician friends wage war against the working class by importing and hiring illegal workers which drive down wages and undermine benefits because illegal workers cannot demand fair wages or benefits. They wage war by supporting a health insurance system that can bankrupt a worker and his family if a family member gets sick and the family cannot afford health insurance premiums. They wage war by encouraging constant consumption and debt which makes people virtual slaves to their jobs. They wage war by eliminating pensions so that people have to work into their later years. They wage war by requiring employees to sign a “termination at will” agreement which allows the employer to fire an employee for any reason, without explanation.

The root of the power of the wealthy is the campaign financing system that requires huge amounts of money for a politician to get elected. The politicians must constantly be trying to raise money for their campaigns. Where do they get their money? You guessed it; they get it mostly from the rich and from businesses. Are there strings attached when funds are given to politicians? Of course there are. That is way the system works and the way the wealthy keep their power.  If we could have limits on funds to campaigns or a publicly financed campaign system, the power would shift to the average worker because there are many more of us. This is critical for our democracy to flourish.

Capitalism could still thrive. The rich would still do well, because even if they had higher taxes, there would be more people with adequate income to purchase goods from business owners. There would still be differences in incomes but the amount of difference would be less. That would be a good thing for us all.

The camping trip is attended by approximately 80 to 140 people depending on campsite. It is a community building activity were attendees of both services and their families can take time to get to know each other away from the church. For many attendees it is a family church tradition.

The event covers 3 nights and 4 days on average. Family friendly activities take place every day and there is a huge pot luck that is often also attended by people who drive up just for the day (another 10 people or so). This summer we will be camping at Pine Valley North Group Site C located up Mirror Lake Highway. The site holds 140 people (number of vehicles 25).  Cost is $30 per car.

Arrival Date: Fri Jul 21 2017 Check-in Time: 2:00 PM  Departure Date: Mon Jul 24 2017 Check-out Time: 1:00 PM

Overview: Pine Valley North Wasatch Cache Group Campground is located on the beautiful Mirror Lake Scenic Byway in the Uinta Mountains of northeastern Utah. The Uintas are known for their abundant recreational opportunities and scenic beauty.

Natural Features: The campground is situated among shady pines and aspens at an elevation of 7,400 feet. The dense stands of trees provide nice shade.

Recreation: The Lower Provo River is nearby, offering good trout fishing. Numerous hiking, biking and horseback riding trails crisscross this beautiful mountain area, including North Fork and Shingle Creek Trails. Off-road vehicle trails are in the vicinity.

Facilities: The campground contains three group sites with picnic and serving tables, grills, campfire circles and large paved parking areas. Vault toilets, and trash collection are provided. We are in Site C. Nearby Attractions: Mirror Lake Scenic Byway parallels the Lower Provo River as it snakes across a portion of the Uinta Mountains, leading to numerous high alpine lakes and streams, countless trails, breathtaking scenic viewpoints. Fishing, canoeing, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and biking are popular activities. The High Uintas Wilderness can be accessed from several trails along the byway.

There is limited parking, so please sign up  early by filling out the form and pay fee at by clicking here.  

Have we got a film for you. If you are gay, lesbian, Moslem, atheist, minority of any kind; if you have bee afraid to “come out” to your parents, if you have left the denomination of your family, if you have lived in a city where you didn’t fit in; we have a film for you. This is the story of 3 gay Palestinians who move to Tel Aviv to explore their sexual identity. “Oriented” will be shown Thursday, June 1, 7:00 pm, Eliot Hall. Sponsored by Tanner Center for Human Rights, Unitarian Social Justice Committee and Utahns for a Just Peace in the Holy Land. Free. Panel discussion following 80 minute film. As Unitarians we try to build and more just and inclusive world. Film not suitable for children. Adult language, adult themes.

Attention Committee Chairs! It’s that time of year again. Please send your committee reports to Jenni at by Monday, May 1st to be included in the Annual Report for the 2016-2017 church year.

Communication with those on the other side of the divide On Thursday, May 4th from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. in Eliot Hall, Dr. Wazir Jefferson will join Rev. Tom Goldsmith in facilitating a discussion on communicating with people on the other side of the divide. Our Social Justice Council has made learning to communicate with the conservative right and Trump supporters a top priority. This promises to be a lively discussion. No registration necessary. Just come join us.

Highway Cleanup: May 6 - Looking for a quick and easy way to help the environment, volunteer and connect with other UU’s at First Church?  Join the First Unitarian Highway Cleanup Crew on Saturday, May 6.  Carpool meets in the church parking (Northeast of the Church) lot at 9:00 a.m. and at the Utah Department of Transportation Station (Immediately North of the I-15 at the East Canyon Exit) at 9:30 a.m.  For more information please contact Todd Seymour at  or 801.783.7837.

Scottish Dancing and Lunch Plan to stay after 2nd service on April 30 for a light lunch followed by an afternoon of Scottish (and some English and Welsh) country dancing taught by Martha Veranth. Martha has been teaching dances at the Solstice party since 2009 and loves to get everyone of all ages up and dancing. The music and Martha’s instruction will have your feet flying in no time. Lunch will begin at 1:00, dancing by 2:00. The cost for lunch including Scottish shortbread and expert dance instruction is $12/person, $45/family.

Church Picnic June 11th - First Church Needs Your Help! This year’s picnic is Sunday, June 11, and we have several volunteer opportunities. Help is needed for a supplies and food run (Friday, June 9); hauling tables, chairs, food, etc. to Sugar House Park (Sunday morning), and set-up at the site; grilling hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hotdogs, mixing (soft) drinks, and assistance with cleanup. Religious education has offered to plan activities for our youth.  Volunteers to coordinate other youth or adult activities will be warmly welcomed. Contact Joe Herring at , or 801-440-5521.

Refugee Resettlement Committee Sweep the dust off your porch, wipe the frost off your windows and critically scan inside your house for vibrant living and dining furniture, table lamps, wall art, etc. Spot what you can do without, and can share with families of tired, bright faces new to the Salt Lake Valley arriving in need our help. Seize the item and call Joe DuBray (904-527-9773) or email () and someone from the RRC will pick it up, promptly, to welcome and brighten the Spring of a refugee family.

Social Justice film Have we got a film for you. If you are gay, lesbian, Moslem, atheist, minority of any kind; if you have bee afraid to “come out” to your parents, if you have left the denomination of your family, if you have lived in a city where you didn’t fit in; we have a film for you. This is the story of 3 gay Palestinians who move to Tel Aviv to explore their sexual identity. “Oriented” will be shown Thursday, June 1, 7:00 pm, Eliot Hall. Sponsored by Tanner Center for Human Rights, Unitarian Social Justice Committee and Utahns for a Just Peace in the Holy Land. Free. Panel discussion following 80 minute film. As Unitarians we try to build and more just and inclusive world.

UU Lunch Bunch A family-friendly group for anyone and everyone who would like to get together for lunch and chat with like-minded people. Meet at the Restaurant on Sundays at 1 pm. For more information contact Sonia Carnell at (801) 262-1151 or .

• April 30: Red Moose Coffee Company (1693 South 900 East)
• May 7: Market Street Grill (54 West Market St.)
• May 14: Provisions (3364 South 2300 East)
• May 21st: Congregational Meeting - no lunch bunch today
• May 28th: Flatbread Naepolitian Pizzeria (2121 S. McClelland, Ste. E)

Dinner and Dialogue  Due to the amazing and generous support of so many of you, our Dinner and Dialogue events have been going very well.  It seems that we are getting to know each other better!  Please feel free to host a dinner (or lunch or brunch if you wish) on a date and time of your choosing in your home, or sign up to attend one.  We have newcomers and old-timers alike participating, so be sure to look over the white binder at the Congregational Life Table in Eliot Hall to see what might interest you.   You can contact Darlene Thayne at suppers @slcuu.org or 801-455-6553 if you need any assistance on this.  Let's get acquainted!

Mindfulness Group Every Sunday, meditation is offered as a time to pause, practice calming our thoughts and setting an intention to be mindful in our daily life.  Guidance for developing meditation practice is shared along with suggested websites and reading. The community supports our intention to experience the benefits of being mindfully aware so that we may cultivate and live with calm, peace and ease.  All are welcome. Sundays Following the end of the first service, in the Parlor.

Communication with those on the other side of the divide: On Thursday, May 4th from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. in Eliot Hall, Dr. Wazir Jefferson will join Rev. Tom Goldsmith in facilitating a discussion on communicating with people on the other side of the divide. Our Social Justice Council has made learning to communicate with the conservative right and Trump supporters a top priority. This promises to be a lively discussion. No registration necessary. Just come join us.

Church Picnic June 11th - First Church Needs Your Help! This year’s picnic is Sunday, June 11, and we have several volunteer opportunities. Help is needed for a supplies and food run (Friday, June 9); hauling tables, chairs, food, etc. to Sugar House Park (Sunday morning), and set-up at the site; grilling hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hotdogs, mixing (soft) drinks, and assistance with cleanup. Religious education has offered to plan activities for our youth.  Volunteers to coordinate other youth or adult activities will be warmly welcomed. Contact Joe Herring at , or 801-440-5521.

I grew up in Southern California and attended college at the University of Redlands.  Professionally I am a CPA and have worked primarily in not-for-profit organizations in the areas of secondary and higher educational institutions as well as serving as the Church Administrator at Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasadena, California before moving to Chicago to join the administration at Meadville Lombard Theological School, one of our two UU seminaries.

In July I retired after 12 years serving as the Vice President, Finance and Administration at Meadville Lombard Theological School, sold the Chicago condo and moved to Sandy, Utah to join my husband, Klaus. Needless to say UUism has been a large part of my life for over 40 years so one of the first things I did was look at the two UU churches closest to our home.

Klaus has lived in Utah since being transferred here in 2003.  My daughter, her husband and three of the grandkids joined us from California in August so we are living the intergenerational life after being empty nesters for nearly 20 years. Our two sons are still in California as are my mother who just turned 92, my two brothers and my two sisters so we travel there often.

My involvement in Unitarian Universalism dates back to the 1970's at Neighborhood Church and I have recently joined the SLC Church since moving here last July. Over the years I served on just about every committee at NC and was President of the Board for 3 years from 1994-1997. I also served on the Pacific Southwest District RE Committee in the 80's.  I currently serve on the Association of UU Administrators (AUUA) Board as their treasurer and I am “in training” to join the UUA Fair Compensation consultants group.

I look forward to finding my place at First Unitarian and connecting with the people here.  Supporting our communities of faith is an important priority and I am proud to say that I have pledged my financial support to First Unitarian during the ongoing pledge drive.

Highway Cleanup: May 6 - Looking for a quick and easy way to help the environment, volunteer and connect with other UU’s at First Church?  Join the First Unitarian Highway Cleanup Crew on Saturday, May 6.  Carpool meets in the church parking (Northeast of the Church) lot at 9:00 a.m. and at the Utah Department of Transportation Station (Immediately North of the I-15 at the East Canyon Exit) at 9:30 a.m.  For more information please contact Todd Seymour at  or 801.783.7837.

Plan to stay after 2nd service on April 30 for a light lunch followed by an afternoon of Scottish (and some English and Welsh) country dancing taught by Martha Veranth. Martha has been teaching dances at the Solstice party since 2009 and loves to get everyone of all ages up and dancing. The music and Martha’s instruction will have your feet flying in no time. Lunch will begin at 1:00, dancing by 2:00. The cost for lunch including Scottish shortbread and expert dance instruction is $12/person, $45/family.