January 15th, 10:45 a.m.

Claudette Duff as Frances Ellen Watkins with Rev. Susan Karlson

MLK Day Service: “King For A Day”

In the pulpit: Rev. Susan Karlson

Music Director: Dr. Carolyn Clark

Guest Singers: Faith Music Ministry

Photography: Ruth Benson

The Unitarian Universalist composer and musician, Jason Shelton, wrote a song called "King For A Day". We honor a person through emulation and perhaps we strive to live out the dreams of Martin Luther King best through service. We consider this living legacy for all of us on this Martin Luther King Sunday.

This Sunday, we take a trip back in time to meet an African American Unitarian woman, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (played by Claudette Duff)
who turned the moral arc towards justice with her teaching, lecturing, poetry and fictional writing and her work with the Underground Railroad and the right to vote for those so long denied participation in the democratic process.

Faith Music Ministry

Our musical guests, Faith Music Ministry, performed a medley of favorite songs associated with the Civil Rights movement and the beautiful African American Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing". The congregation, led by Kevin Clark, sang a number of spirituals to remind us of the values of service, freedom and equality that imbue Martin Luther King Day.

Kevin Clark leads the congregation  in song.

Everyone joins Faith Music Ministry in joyful song!

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December 24, 2011, 6:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Intergenerational Service
The Last Straw, based on a book by

Fredrick H. Thury and Vlasta van Kampen.

Our annual Christmas Eve service welcomed people of all ages.

Using the Rev. Greg Ward's intergenerational service, based

on the children's story, "The Last Straw", we told the Christmas

story from another point of view; that of an old camel who was

chosen to go with the Magi to give gifts to the Christ child in

Bethlehem.

Hoshmakatu, the old camel:

Hoshmakatu, an old, foolish, and proud camel, is chosen to carry

the wise men's gifts to the baby Jesus. Reluctantly, he agrees and

boasts to the younger camels that he has the strength of 10 horses.

As he embarks on his journey, people along the way ask him to take

their gifts. Goaded by the younger camels, he keeps adding to his load.

A small child asks him to carry one last gift, a piece of straw for the baby's bed, and Hoshmakaka is brought to his knees by the weight. Jesus reaches out and touches him and "From that time on there was no burden, great or small, that Hoshmakatu would not gladly carry."

From the Rev. Greg Ward's intergenerational service:

From the Rev. Greg Ward's intergenerational service, The Last Straw":
"Haven’t we all found ourselves facing something too big to handle? Something too heavy to bear?...But occasionally we find, there, in the very deepest part of our despair, a voice, a person - some reminder - that we are really more than we thought we were. There is more to us than we figured on. Maybe we can do what we had thought was impossible. Maybe we are stronger, braver, nicer, more patient, more resourceful than, even, we knew. It’s in these moments that we discover something new in us. And a new, fuller, understanding of ourselves is born."

We decorated our tree with donations of children’s gloves, scarves, hats or warm socks for the families of our church partners, El Centro Del Inmigrante.

"The Last Straw" with Michael Porter, Rev. Susan Karlson, Kevin Clark and Kathryn Cohen (Photo by Heather Engle)

Rafael Martinez-Perez, Rev. Karlson and Adele Puccio as Humbug the lamb. (Photo by Heather Engel)

Rev. Karlson, asHoshmakatu the camel, with a little shephard (Photo by Heather Engel)

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Saturday, December 3, 2011 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

159th Jolly Holly Fair

and the 12th Annual Arts & Fine Crafts Gift Sale

Jolly Holly Fair

The annual Jolly Holly Fair, one of the North Shore’s favorite holiday fairs, was held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall at 312 Fillmore Street.

Held consecutively since 1852, the Jolly Holly Fair is brought to the North Shore community through the labor, donations and enthusiastic participation of the congregation at the Unitarian Church of Staten Island. This year's event Chair, Steve Nutt, reports that this was one of the UCSI's most successful Christmas fairs ever, thanks to the hard work and generous contributions of everyone involved!

Economy-minded shoppers found much to treasure.  Once again perennial favorites included the Gourmet Delights booth offering home-baked Christmas goodies; the Boutique which displays an abundance of gently used items just waiting for new owners; handcrafted gifts, seasonal plants and as always, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa to delight the children.

Randy Leason presided in the kitchen, as he has done in recent years, serving up a light breakfast and then his delicious home-cooked lunch.

Photography by Ruth Benson.

Randy Leason dishes up home-cooked fare.

Mrs. Santa hands out candy canes.

Steve Nutt works on hooked rug for the Jolly Holly raffle.

12th Annual Arts & Fine Crafts Gift Sale:

Again this year, the Jolly Holly Fair was held concurrently with the Annual Arts & Fine Crafts Gift Sale, in the Church Sanctuary. The work of this Staten Island-based group of artists included handmade objects that are usable, wearable, displayable, giveable and above all, affordable - from local Staten Island Artists: Florence Barry, Victoria Bellinger, Irma Bohorquez-Geisler, Emily Ellison, Everet, Randall Mooers, Donna Pagano, Kristi Pfister, Andrea Phillips, Sage Reynolds and Joan Schulman

The group has been associated with the Unitarian Church since December of 1999.

Adults and children from all around the community stopped by to enjoy both of these great events, to listen to Christmas music, to see Mr. and Mrs. Santa and to enjoy a delicious buffet luncheon.

Silver jewelry, Arts and Fine Crafts, 2009

Blue and white Half Moon Delft, Arts and Fine Crafts, 2010

New Brighton Holiday Stroll:

The Jolly Holly Fair and the 12th Annual Fine Arts Show at the Unitarian Church of Staten Island was also a stop on the New Brighton Holiday Stroll on December 3rd. In addition, the Holiday Stroll featured stops at the St. Nick’s Fair at Christ Church, 76 Franklin Avenue; the Creative Photographers Guild at 814 Richmond Terrace (entrance on Tysen St.); at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden's special holiday event, Culture Shop, as well as the Staten Island Museum and the Art Lab at Snug Harbor. Holiday Strollers ended the day at the Snug Harbor Botanical Garden’s Christmas tree lighting at 5:00 p.m. and at an opening reception for the Holiday Show at the Creative Photographers Guild from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

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The Memorial Garden—A Place of Memory, Hope and Renewal

October 16, 10:45 a.m.

Michael Anderson, Worship Associate with photos and mementos placed by members of the congregation.

In the pulpit: The Memorial Garden Committee

                   and the Rev. Susan Karlson

Music Director: Dr. Carolyn Clark

Photography: Ruth Benson

We celebrated the anniversary of the Memorial Garden at theUnitarian Church of Staten Island, remembering and honoringthe legacy left behind of those who served this congregationand this community with their whole lives.

After the Service of Remembrance a commemoration

was held in the Memorial Garden.

In the Memorial Garden: Rev. Susan Karlson, Sarah Dolinar, Rona Solomon

Mary Lou Greene

Bradford Greene, Landscape Architect and designer of the Memorial Garden

Humans and animal friends gather in the Church Garden

Of Baby Birds and Wild Cats Rescued

Annual Animal Blessing Celebration

Sunday, September 4

In the pulpit: Rev. Susan Karlson

Guest Musicians: Robert Basey and Tracey Wright

Photography: Ruth Benson

This summer included moments of wonder about animals as baby birds chirped and grew in a birdhouse on our front porch.  We also learned about human behavior regarding animals where people housed exotic wild cats until they

did not go with the furniture.

During this multigenerational service, which was held in

the church yard, we blessed our winged, scaly, aquatic,

equally-comfortable on-land-and-water, slithering and

many legged friends. 

Alan Kindler as Henry Burgh, Susan Karlson and her Way Back Machine, with Morna Martell

The real Henry Burgh, founder of the ASPCA

We had a surprise Unitarian guest from long ago whose ministry was to the animals.  Through the use of Rev Karlson's innovative Way Back Machine, we were transported to the year 1867 and introduced to Henry Burgh, fellow Unitarian and founder of the ASPCA, who told us about the establishment of the motorized horse ambulance, the first of its kind to help sick and injured horses in New York City.

Rev. Karlson with Christine Johnson and her companion, Claire

Michael Porter, Religious Exploration Coordinator, blesses Risa Anderson's Ziggy

We shared story-telling, song and readings and introduced our companions to one another. Everyone was encouraged to bring their companions in a suitable carrier, on a leash or container for the safety of everyone. Those who felt that their animal friends would not enjoy this kind of service, brought a picture, stuffed animal or memento to share.  There was also an opportunity to bless the animals that have died but are part of our ongoing memory.

Bob Basey and Tracey Wright with Rev. Karlson

Morna and Ralph Martell with animal friend surrogate

Hiroshima and Nagasaki:

Retelling the Story in Word and Music,

and a Walk on Sunday, August 7

WaFoo ensemble performing in the Sanctuary: Yuuki Koike (Flute/Sax), Ippei Ichimaru (Sashin/Percussion) and Kazuo Nakamura (Bass)

On August 6 and 9, 1945, the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed by two nuclear weapons dropped by the United States. Within four months, 166,000 were dead in Hiroshima and 80,000 in Nagasaki, killed by burns, debris, radiation sickness and other effects of the bombs.

The story of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, sixty-six years ago, was retold in word and music on Staten Island, on Sunday, August 7 at the Unitarian Church of Staten Island. The program, part of the Arthur Foise Summer Forum, began with music by pianist David Jones and singer Jeannine Otis. It was also told in the music of WaFoo, an ensemble of musicians who blend Japanese and jazz art forms.  The ensemble performed two original pieces by bassist, Kazuo Nakamura.

Witness to Hiroshima

The story of one survivor's experience was told in a video, "Witness to Hiroshima" - a short 16 minute documentary film by Kathy Sloane, about Keiji Tsuchiya who uses 12 powerful watercolors to tell the story of his experiences in Hiroshima as a 17-year-old soldier immediately following the dropping of the atomic bomb. While the film addresses a horrific moment in history it emphasizes how Mr. Tsuchiya has directed his life toward purpose and healing through his lifelong commitments to advocating for atomic survivors and opposing nuclear weapons.

A Thousand Cranes

Mary Campbell and Kathy Santo enact the story of Sadako Sasaki, below  a collection of origami cranes.

Mary Campbell and Kathy Santo enacted  "Paper  Crane Journey; Carrying Sadako's Prayer", the true story of Sadako Sasaki, a young victim of the Hiroshima atomic bomb disaster. She was only two years old when the bomb fell and seemed to be unharmed, but at the age of twelve she was diagnosed with "radiation sickness", an aftermath of the bomb's effects. She takes an old story to heart: If a sick person folds a thousand origami cranes the gods will grant her wish and make her well again.

Sadako died on October 25, 1955. Her friends and classmates folded the remaining 356 cranes to make a thousand. They dreamed of building a monument to her and all the children who were killed by the atom bomb. In 1958 the statue was unveiled in Hiroshima Peace Park. Each year on August 6, the anniversary of the bombing, thousands of people bring paper cranes to adorn the statue.

Solemn Procession

Following the presentation, participants walked in a solemn procession, carrying messages of peace down to the Kill Van Kull waterfront for communal song and reflection, where they were met by White Feather Ancestral Teachers of Wisdom, Native American drummers.

White Feather Ancestral Teachers of Wisdom drumming

Since 1945, no nuclear weapon has been used in a war, and to make sure that they never will be again, commemorations have taken place around the world to retell the story and recommit humanity to a world of peace without nuclear weapons.  This commemoration was co-sponsored by the Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Church of Staten Island and Peace Action of Staten Island. 

June 12, 10:45 a.m.

The Answer is Under Construction: Celebrating Our Year of Religious Exploration

Sue Fertig, RE Coordinator, with RE volunteers

In the pulpit: RE children and youth

Music Director: Dr. Carolyn Clark

Photography by: Ruth Benson

The UCSI Religious Exploration Program provides a nurturing environment where the children explore their spirituality through a process of free inquiry. The answers for how to live and serve this world as Unitarian Universalists are always under construction.

We celebrated our year together by sharing with the congregation meaningful excerpts from our classes.

Louis Vassar-Semanchik and family (top row) in Bridging Ceremony with the RE Youth and Rev. Karlson

Even the littlest REs participated

May 22, 11 a.m. -- Peace Pole Installation

May Peace Prevail on Earth

Members of the UCSI with the traveling Peace Pole, May 22

Procession with Peace Pole

The Unitarian Church of Staten Island, as a member of the Building Bridges Coalition, is participating in the traveling Peace Pole project conceived by Building Bridges. On Sunday, May 22, we installed it during our worship service with the help of our youth. This Peace Pole, with its message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in many languages, is a world-wide symbol of harmony, respect and cooperation between different cultures. It is traveling to 18 places of worship on its way to a permanent installation near the ferry terminal on September 11th. It was at the UCSI from May 22nd to June 4th.

Setting the Peace Pole

The Peace Pole Project was started in Japan by Masahisa Goi (1916 – 1980), who dedicated his life to spreading the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth”. The dynamic musical trio, Brother Sun, played and sang during the service and held a concert that same evening at 7 p.m. (click on "music listen" on the Brother Sun web site and you can hear their beautiful melodies)

Brother Sun

Our children and youth played an important part in welcoming this symbol. In the beginning of the service the children and youth carried the Peace Pole to the front of the sanctuary to music by our special musical guests. During the chalice lighting, the Explorers class led the congregation in reciting Gandhi's prayer just as they do in class.

During the Words for All Ages, the children, youth and adults marked a map of Staten Island with small paper peace poles showing the location of 18 houses of worship that will host the Peace Pole. Each participant read a short description of each house of worship. The installation included The Peace Pole blessing, prayer and message by Rev. Susan Karlson.

For more information about the Peace Pole Project, go to: http://www.worldpeace.org/

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Sunday, May 22, 1:00 p.m.

Odyssey of Lillian Orrok

The term Odyssey refers to a long and eventful journey, from Homer’s Greek epic poem describing the journey of Odysseus after the fall of Troy.

Our Odyssey program honors the elders in our congregation and stimulates dialogue among and between generations. We invite our elders to tell stories about their lives and the congregation. Lillian Orrok's Odyssey in the church sanctuary took place after Sunday services May 22.

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Brother Sun

Sunday, May 22, 7 p.m.

Brother Sun Concert

Brother Sun, a nationally-touring, dynamic male trio, showcasing musician/singers Pat Wictor, Greg Greenway, and Joe Jencks, performed in a concert at the Unitarian Church of Staten Island on May 22 at 7:00 p.m.

Their harmonies, as much as their lyrics, tell what they are about. Calling upon contemporary songwriting, and informed by the deep roots of gospel, blues, and folk, the trio weaves a tapestry of harmony that is brilliantly fresh and yet familiar.

Their combined musical skills make for an unforgettable evening - three rich voices blending on a well-crafted foundation of guitar, slide guitar, and piano.

Cost: $20.00 admission at the door. $10 for children accompanied by an adult. 

Sunday, March 20

Spiral Dance

Spring Equinox Worship Celebration

Directed by: Athena Huckaby with Rev. Susan Karlson

Music Director: Dr. Carolyn Clark

Photography by: Ruth Benson

This multi-generational service takes its inspiration from the earth-centered traditions. With drumming and dancing, chanting and singing, together we co-create a divine exploration of all things spring!

Carolyn and Kevin Clark on plastic bucket and pipe	Bob Basey and Tracey Wright
	Rev. Karlson and Athena Huckaby recreate the myth of Echo and Narcissus, with narration by Morna Martell.

Saturday, March 12th

Religious Exploration Program Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Each year the RE Family invites us all for feasting and fun.They met this year on Saturday March 12th at 6:00 pm. in the church hall. This yearly RE fundraiser supports programming and administrative costs for the program. Head chef will again be Sue Flynn ably joined by Sarah Dolinar and Linda Santlofer. Suggested donation is $10.00 a person, $20.00 per family.

Friday, March 11, 2011

"Larry’s Women Speak Up" Fundraiser

The Arts Committee presented an evening of original monologues, “Larry’s Women Speak Up”, written in the female voice by Larry Schwabacher, on Friday, March 11 in the Church Parish Hall at 8:00 pm. Admission at the door was $15.00.

A Growing Body of Work

Larry Schwabacher says that his dramatic writings over the years have focused on the lives of women. The current performance was conceived as a showcase for his growing collection of theatre pieces about women, in their voices. The show had its debut at the ETG Café in October of last year, followed by a second performance in November at The Dramatists Guild in Manhattan.

Of his collected monologues, Schwabacher says, “This is just the tip of iceberg. I have plenty more women’s monologues to write. What's great about this kind of show is that I can take individual pieces out and add in new ones. The current production has eight new monologues: Essence of a Woman, Simple Changes, Moo Love and Just The Ladies, which is a grouping of five smaller pieces.”

Schwabacher co-directed “Larry’s Women Speak Up” with Arts Committee Co-Chair, Risa Anderson

“New Orleans: Here We Come!” February 4

Fundraiser for the New Orleans Service Trip

by the Young People of the Religious Exploration Youth Program

Directed by: Morna Martell

Music Director: Ralph Martell

Photography by: Ruth Benson

Our Youth members performed readings, poems, essays, monologues and songs about the City of New Orleans. These creative pieces, inspired by the vibrancy and culture of New Orleans, were directed by Youth Advisor Morna Martell.

Susannah sings "The House of the Rising Sun"	Louis on the drums

The New Orleans Service Trip

The trip, which is scheduled for April 2011, will be a joint venture between youth and young adults from UCSI and the First Unitarian Church of Brooklyn. It will involve a week of volunteerism through the New Orleans Volunteer Rebirth Program in areas of New Orleans that continue to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina . The UCSI youth began their mission to New Orleans through the process of grant writing and fundraising that began in August 2010.

A $2,000 Grant

Simone Andrews, one of the youth advisors and chaperones for the trip, inaugurated these efforts by securing a grant for $2,000 to be applied towards trip expenses. However, the momentum did not stop there. The young people themselves have planned and participated in fundraising efforts that included a car wash held in September 2010, a New Orleans Halloween Party, various services throughout the church in exchange for donations, and culminated in the "NewOrleans: Here We Come"performance on February 4.

Delia reads "Life Inside the Astrodome"	Noa reads "I Never Got to See New Orleans"

Megan and Matt read from "Save the Pets: Katrina Rescues"

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Worship Celebration, January 16

Honoring the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In the pulpit: Virginia Allen and Rev. Susan Karlson

Guest Musician: David Jones

Photography:  Ruth Benson

On Sunday, January 16, we gathered together to honor the legacy and continue the work begun by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Worship Service included reflections, poetry and readings from NAACP Staten Island Chapter president, Ed Josey; UCSI members Virginia Allen, Simone Andrews, Sally Jones, Lillian Orrok and Joan Pipkins; a member of Youth Religious Exploration; and Rev. Susan Karlson. Each person reflected on what Martin Luther King has inspired in them.

Mary Hernandez leads the Call to Community

Robert (Babaloo) Basey inspires the congregation to song

Susannah Dolinar reflects on how Dr. King inspired her

Sally Jones reads from Dr. King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail", April 16, 1963

David Jones plays his original composition, "MLK 440", in honor of Dr. King,

Virginia Allen reflects on the legacy of Dr. King

Rev. Susan Karlson in the pulpit

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