Torch Articles

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 9: Black Sheep (1048 East 2100 South)
April 16: Silver Fork Lodge & Restaurant (11332 E. Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd.)
April 23: Arts Fair at the Church
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)

UU Movie Group Our next movie group outing will be on Tuesday, April 18 at 7:00 pm. The movie will be determined one week in advance and an email will be sent out on Thursday, April 13. Contact Helen Stanhope at 801-550-2852 or if you want to be on the email list or if you have any questions.

UU Theater Group Please contact Helen Stanhope at 801-550-2852 or for questions or for ticketing information. Below is a list of scheduled activities for the group. Also, Helen will be retiring from her post after the August Shakespeare Festival. If you are interested in taking over the Theatre Group, please let her know.

• April's Play -- Hand to God at Salt Lake Acting Company. Saturday, April 29. Dinner at the Oasis at 5:00
• May's play -- Will Roger's Follies Pioneer Memorial Theater at U of U -- Tuesday, May 9 at 7:00. Dinner to be determined.
• June's play -- Saturday's Voyeur Saturday, June 24. Tickets will be purchased in early April as it sells out quickly. Cabaret style so bring your picnic dinner and wine to share to the theater. I will make a pitcher of margarita's to share.
• July's event -- Grand Teton Music Festival and camp trip -- July 13 - 16. Information will be coming soon about music performance etc.
• August plays -- Cedar City Shakespeare Festival -- August 2 - 6 -- some people come for the entire series, others come for just a long weekend. Discount hotel rooms available at the Stratford Inn. Go to bard.org for more information and contact Helen for questions.
• October plays -- Fall Cedar City Shakespeare Festival -- October 13 - 14. Again, go to bard.org for more information. Still have discounted rooms at the Stratford.

Swing Dance FUNraiser April 1st with the Stratford Street Band and the Java Jive Singers. $25 in advance. $30 at the door. Holladay City Hall (4580 S 2300 E ) 7-10 PM Dress Up and Have Fun !! Free Dance Lessons beforehand. THIS IS SOOOO MUCH FUN!!! If you have any questions,... snag a choir member - Or, feel free to call David Owens (801-390-0488), or Andy and Marcia Walker (801-891-7030, 801-835-6721)

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.

Friday, April 7, 2017

Potluck: 5:30-6:30pm, Workshop: 6:30-10:30pm

Location: Eliot Hall, First Unitarian Church, 569 S. 1300 E., SLC

RSVP by Email to or via Facebook

Presented by: Wasatch Rising Tide; Hosted by: Environmental Ministry

In this workshop, we will explore the role of civil disobedience and direct action in creating social change. Together, we will explore the histories, strategies, tactics, and techniques of direct action in social justice movements. Learning will happen via role-play, discussion, and analysis. Throughout we will access our hearts, minds, and spirits for the work of creating a more just, livable, and sustainable world.

OWL (Our Whole Lives)

Our award-winning comprehensive sexual education program will begin for first and second graders this Sunday at the 11am service and continuing through May 28. One parent or guardian will need to attend this class with his/her child. A suggested donation of $25 is requested to cover the basic costs of teaching this class.

Child Dedication Sunday, April 9, 9am & 11am services

On this Sunday, we will gather as a congregation to confirm our dedication to the youngest members of our First Church community. This event is for infants, but if you have other children who have not been dedicated, feel free to request their inclusion in this Service. You’ll need to complete a form, which is available in the Infant/Toddler Room (Room 109) by this Sunday April 2, and return to Lissa Lander or Julie Miller. You may also send an e-mail to with the following information:

• Full name of child
• Names of parents or guardians
• Date & place of birth
• Names of siblings
• How long you have been a member or friend of First Church
• A sentence or two about your child’s personality
• Please indicate if you would like to attend the 9am or the 11am service.

Collecting for Refugees

We are teaming up with the IRC to collect gently-used games, toys and NEW stuffed animals for the refugee children who have come to Salt Lake City in recent months. These items are being accepted now through Easter Sunday. There is a box outside the Little Chapel for donations. A “mystery” Easter Egg Hunt is also scheduled on this date (April 16) at our 11am Service for the youngest members of our community.

Thank You from the Pledge Drive

-submitted by Dylan Zwick

Our pledge drive is well underway, and as of the morning of Sunday, March 26th we have received 159 pledges for a total pledge of $380,184. We’re off to a great start, but we still have a long way to go.

Thank you so much to everybody who has pledged. Your support and generosity make this church and everything we do possible.

Thank you, John and Nikki Blackburn, for again letting us use your beautiful home for the Saturday Soiree.

Thank you, Maria del Mar Gonzalez, for helping to cater the Saturday Soiree and for all your work on Celebration Sunday.

Thank you, Steve and Sandy Harty, for the delicious food you provided on Celebration Sunday.

Thank you, Marti Major, for all your help in planning and executing Celebration Sunday, and for your continued help with the pledge drive.

Thank you, Julia Rossi, for your help writing Torch articles, making Celebration Sunday a success, and your continued help with the pledge drive.

Thank you, Ed and Teresa Dieringer, for tasty mimosas.

Thank you, Judy Miller, for all your help with the beautiful food layouts.

Thank you, Java Jive (Jim Thornburg, David Owens, John Major, Todd Seymour, Mary Tull, Stacey Cole, Jessica French, and Becky Heal) for your great performances.

Thank you to the coffee committee and the ushers for all your great work on Celebration Sunday, and every other Sunday!

Thank you, Rebecca Heal, for all your work on the Celebration Sunday invitations, all your work on the pledge committee, and all your work for this church.

Finally, thank you, everybody, for being a part of this church and making it the wonderful institution that it is.

Reverendly Yours (Rev. Tom Goldsmith)

Oh the burden of being the “greatest” nation on earth. We Americans hear that brag so often although it seems to rely on alternative facts. We tell ourselves we’re the best in education worldwide although that’s patently false. We tell ourselves we have the best medical care in the world while our infant mortality rates soar pretty high. The only true category where we’re legitimately on top is military might. A lot of good that has done us over the years.

But there’s a whole different category for measuring nations that centers on “happiness.” It’s a curious distinction between being the greatest nation on earth or the happiest. I’d opt for happy every time.

While the U.S. has been on a trend of getting sadder over the past decade as it is becoming richer, Norway has emerged on the top rung of the happiness ladder. The U.S. is fourteenth. Norway’s secret to happiness may surprise many Americans: It’s about community. The schools, health care, police, in fact all of the nation’s bureaucracies treat people with respect, which makes everyone feel as part of the same community. That’s a concept that doesn’t even register with Americans. It’s about trustworthy relationships among people. Our level of distrust has become commonplace. It is our nightmare. We are not a happy people.

The top five happiest nations are: Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, and Finland. They offer free education and free health care, which allows for a much saner work-life balance. These nations offer a safety net for the poor instead of America’s current perversion of creating more tax cuts for the wealthy. America’s poor are neglected, even blamed for their plight.

The happiest nations, and Canada is ranked seventh, excel at Democratic Socialism. They have perfected Bernie Sander’s campaign platform. I guess all Bernie wanted to do was make America happy again.

I don’t think anybody knows what to do with this kind of information. For many of us, I imagine, happiness is not one of the categories we’d consider for measuring a nation’s success. But basically, is there anything more important for instilling pride in one’s nation? It’s like looking at a mirror. The reflection doesn’t show stock portfolios, bank accounts, or financial planning. But a mirror does reveal worry lines, sadness, as well as a joyful countenance and contentment. A mirror shows whether or not you’re happy. It’s tough to hide.

The happiness statistics make clear that we reflect neither trust nor gladness. We still claim being the greatest nation on earth although it’s becoming increasingly unclear what that means. Happiness on the other hand makes it clear that the people are actually enjoying life. When was the last time we even thought about the American population enjoying life? It’s not even on our radar. We have a long way to go to be a nation of happy people. Don’t let the simplicity of the concept fool you. It may be the most important factor to consider. TRG

There are real grounds now for anxiety about the future of our nation and subsequently the world. For many, the worry has less to do with the one controversial figure currently occupying the Oval Office, and more to do with a spineless Congress that has lost all proportion and meaning in terms of preserving democracy and acting responsibly on behalf of human good.

Not every American leader has enjoyed the support of the progressive population. Many differences have played out in the course of a presidential term or two. But what we face today is a phenomenon new to me: living in fear. If you live long enough you experience ideological battles. You win some, you lose some. That’s what a democracy is all about. But never until this point have we had to endure the dread that accompanies an authoritative president with questionable motives and a shaky psychological profile. He exemplifies a deviancy from a modern democratic and humane society. Our expectations of all cultural norms continuing have been shattered in less than 50 days in office.

The presidency thus far has been single-minded about destruction. All safeguards protecting minorities, women, and the safety of workers have been dismantled. The protection of the planet no longer exists; the goal of a sustainable planet is off the table. Government is but a shell of its former workforce. The new cabinet hell-bent on eliminating the departments they were supposed to lead. White nationalism has replaced any shred of decency in the country, with repercussions felt around the globe. The Republican Congress acquiesces to everything, gambling that passing a right-wing agenda is worth the risk of supporting a madman.

Our church, like many liberal houses of worship, have felt a “Trump Bump.” Why? I think it has to do with the basic gut-wrenching worry we carry in the pit of our stomachs. Inside of two months, the core values of our nation have been annihilated.

We now speak of the “unworthy poor,” and foreigners are perceived as threats to our safety. Facts are irrelevant as is scientific research. Violence is unleashed on sacred values, and again – people are afraid.

In fear, we turn to one another for support and strength. Our worlds are very different now. The word Capitalism has replaced the word Democracy as the banner to which we are to be committed. Capitalism now means freedom and progress. The press has become the “enemy of the people.” Fear drives us to one another in hope of finding solace and coming together in resistance.

Our church has had to stand tall in past eras: McCarthyism, Vietnam, September 11th. Today, our church must continue to provide leadership and vision. These qualities that we look for in a church are found when a creative congregation works closely with its inspired leaders. We are lifted by new numbers in our pews, not only because they like the music, worship, and religious education, but also because they want to work in the trenches of rebuilding our democratic nation. We must be dedicated to getting our hands dirty, and making avenues of possibility viable for people who deeply want to make changes. Together let us grow, build, and encourage one another in the hard work ahead. It’s the best tonic for combatting fear. TRG

Celebration Sunday - The Big Mix-Up

But not what you think! I’m referring to the remarkable mix of generations that collaborated on one outstanding Sunday celebration—the one conducted on March 5. Not only did we have a full-to-overflowing house, but we had every set from our Religious Education program—the elementary-age kids, the junior high group and the seniors rally ‘round the pulpit, each with his or her individual and group insights in what represents the best, the essence, of what it means to be a devoted Unitarian—kind, concerned, fair and inclusive.

The presentation revealed how even the youngest members of our families are able to contribute to a strong sense of community which, of course, is one of the benefits of membership at First Church. This being Celebration Sunday, however, a key theme was taking responsibility for ensuring the vibrancy of the congregation.

Toward that end, Matthew Cockrum (our Minister of Congretational Life) transitioned to the Offering, in which he announced both good news and bad. The good news, said Matthew, is “we have all the money we need! (Pause….) The bad news is, it’s still in your pockets!” Special thanks to David Owens and David Zabriskie for their masterful musical and organizational skills, which energized the entire congregation.

For me, perhaps the strongest and most inspiring memory of the morning was the warm and cohesive sentiment that permeated the congregation—we are here, together, to support what is good and right for our entire community—the Church, our city and our country. My thanks to all who provide the “seeds”—the funds, the time and the talent that support our RE Program.

Just Around the RE Corner

Sunday March 19
RE Council Meeting Room 201, 12:30-2pm

Saturday March 25
Interested in launching a Family Fun Night for our older youth? Meet in the Haven for our first “Movie Night.” Thirteen and up are welcome—adults, you too! Check our community calendar for more information.

Sunday April 2
Our Arts Program ends for children 4 through 11 years of age and we return to traditional curricula/class programming EXCEPT for grades 1 & 2 for whom we will offer Our Whole Lives “OWL” program from 11:00 to noon. For this group, OWL (Our Whole Lives) supports parents in educating children about birth, babies, bodies and families. Parents are required to attend this program offering with their child. If you do not want your child to attend this award-winning program, your child will be able to join another class during this time.

Monday April 3
Family Fun Night. All families, interested members or friends of our congregation are welcome to join us at 6pm for dinner. Adult time and activities for the children to follow until 7:30pm. We strongly encourgage you to pre-register for this event.

Sunday April 9
Child Dedication Sunday, during both 9am and 11am services. If you have an infant or young child whom you want welcomed into our Church community, please let Lissa Lander or Julie Miller know as soon as possible.

Sunday April 16
Easter Sunday. Easter Egg Hunt for the youngest members of our RE community, weather permitting. On this Sunday, The RE program will support our Refugee Committee by collecting gently-used toys or games and NEW (Health Dept. requirement) stuffed toys. Your generous donation will be greatly appreciated by children who arrive in our State with very few, if any, personal items. Your donation can be dropped off in box which will be placed in the Little Chapel marked “Refugee Toy Donation”.

In Service,
Julie Miller, Director of Religious Education

“There are places I remember…” So begins the Beatles song, “In My Life.” As someone who grew up in a military family I developed the habit of living in multiple worlds at once. I always seem to be looking over my shoulder at the place I’ve most recently been, while simultaneously seeking to ground myself firmly where I am and scanning the horizon for what comes next. It wasn’t as nerve-wracking as it may sound to folks who’re more stationary, but I grew up with a subconscious awareness that I never knew how long we’d be somewhere or where we’d go next. And when folks would ask, “Where are you from?” my answer was always wherever we’d most recently been stationed. Our family was always stationed stateside, so my answers were as exotic as Louisana, North Dakota and Colorado - never places like Germany or Guam. We moved around less than many in the military and more than some. But my parents were always eager to find assignments that would give us a sense of stability and bring us into closer proximity with extended family. The result: I have a list of places that have been home. I have a capacity to form meaningful connections fairly quickly. “Moving on” is a natural part of life for me. I have learned how to say goodbye.

A few weeks ago Rev. Tom Goldsmith announced that he and Board had developed a strategy for funding the Congregational Life Minister position for another year and into the future beyond that. This is great news for First Church! You have warmly welcomed me and collaborated creatively about how to better integrate newcomers at First Church, how to provide more robust support for youth and their families. You are ready, I believe, to integrate another minister on a long-term basis into the life of First Church. Kudos to you!

I am not that minister. Though I have treasured (and will continue to treasure) the connections and relationships we have forged here, I joined the First Church staff team with an eye towards two years of service so that I could join my spouse after a year of a commuter marriage while he was in a PhD program at the University of Utah. Ultimately that academic program was not to Chad’s liking and we plan to move on after this second year with you - hoping to return to Seattle (where we were before Salt Lake City). I have come to value the unique qualities and gifts of Salt Lake City and of First Church. The beauty and power of this place and you, as a people, are not lost on me. This area and this movement need First Church and its unique ministries more than ever. You are well-poised for your next steps during this critical time in this country and the global village we share.

As per best practices in ministry, I will keep a distance from First Church after my departure. I will refrain from discussing church business when I leave, though will be available to church leadership for consultation as needed regarding any lingering work. It is important to allow space for you to develop a new relationship with whoever comes next and for me to focus my energies on my next ministry, whatever that is. Please know that I will be rejoicing whenever I hear news of the good work you continue in this place. Rev. Tom Goldsmith will have my contact information if needed and will also carry any good news to you of my future ministries. I already feel embraced by the warmth and caring of this community and know that will encircle me as I continue in future endeavors.

For now, though, we’ve got more work to do! I look forward to continuing to build the infrastructure that will welcome newcomers, support youth and families and better integrate the life of First Church for effective and collaborative ministries that build a just and progressive world!

Here’s to The Work!

Peace, Faith & Passion,
Matthew

More from Matthew

Seeking the Sources - Monday, March 27, 6:45-8:45 p.m. in room 201. Join Rev. Matthew and other seekers for this monthly drop-in session that includes movement, meditation and inquiry. This month we explore the fifth source, “Humanist teachings that counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.” Wear comfy clothes and bring your favorite meditation and yoga supplies.

Youth Ministry - Mark your calendars for the annual Youth-Led service on Sunday, April. 2. First Church’s high school youth (grades 10-12) will explore the seven principles in word and music at both 9 and 11 o’clock services. It’s always a treat!

Rev. Matthew Out of Town - I’ll be participating in a colleague’s installation in Rhode Island and will be out of town the weekend of March 24-27. Don’t worry, I’ll be back in time for Seeking the Sources on 3/27.

Hospitality & Membership - Informal Info Sessions April 2 - New to First Church or Unitarian Universalism? Join Rev. Matthew, Hospitality leaders and other newcomers for drop-in info sessions following the 9 and 11 a.m. services on Sunday, April 2. Meet Rev. Matthew at the piano following services.

"Women Of Courage". This original and powerful work by Mary Lou Prince and Patty Willis uses the combined forces of choirs from First Church and South Valley Unitarian to present this choral concert. Utilizing the extraordinary words of some of the world's most preeminent women, this world premiere performance is graciously gifted to us in partnership with the "Women Of The World"- an organization that is devoted to helping refugee women and their families. While admission is free, a suggested donation at the door of $15 will be equally divided between the "Women Of The World" and our 'Save The Budget' fund. Saturday March 18th, 7:30 PM First Unitarian Church.

Swing Dance FUNraiser April 1st with the Stratford Street Band and the Java Jive Singers. $25 in advance. $30 at the door. Holladay City Hall (4580 S 2300 E ) 7-10 PM Dress Up and Have Fun !! Free Dance Lessons beforehand. THIS IS SOOOO MUCH FUN!!! If you have any questions,... snag a choir member - Or, feel free to call David Owens (801-390-0488), or Andy and Marcia Walker (801-891-7030, 801-835-6721)

Arts Fair April 22nd The Annual First Unitarian Church Fine Arts and Crafts Festival will be held on Saturday April 22nd from 5 to 10 pm and Sunday April 23rd till 1:30 pm. Artists: Please register using the online form found on the Church Webpage: http://www.slcuu.org/component/rsform/form/7-artist-registration-form . This is a fun family event with food and entertainment provided. Artists can show their art for fun at no charge. All sales are handled by the church. Church retains 25%, artist receive a check from the church for 75%. All arts and crafts welcomed. Display space is limited, so sign up early. If you have any question please contact Bill Reed at .

Refugee Resettlement Committee Needs Donations Years before it became famous for the assassination of Julius Caesar in the Roman Senate, the Ides of March marked the first full moon of the new year in Rome If your 2017 New Year’s resolutions faded as fast as the frequency of your gym workouts, the time is at hand for a re-boot. No need to beware the Ides of March and its implications for self-improvement, resolve to do something for someone in need. Donating your gently used furniture to the Refugee Resettlement Committee requires no more than a phone call to Joe Dubray at (904) 527-9773.

Dinner and Dialogue Are you new to our First Unitarian Church congregation? Well, we would like to welcome you and invite you join us for an intimate dinner in a member's home. There is a Dinner and Dialogue binder at the Congregational Life table in Eliot Hall where you can sign up. We have one dinner in March already set up for newcomers only and would like to encourage some of you "old timers" to help us by hosting several more. Of course, we also have dinners for everyone, so please look over the binder and see what might interest you. You can contact Darlene Thayne at 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.

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 noon during the summer. For more information contact Sonia Carnell at (801) 262-1151 or .
March 19th: Pho Thin (2121 McClelland St)
March 26th: Saffron Valley East India Cafe (22 E Street)