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TORTURE IS WRONG
At the urging or our Christian Outreach Board, I am sharing the front page this month with Dr. Ben White. June 2008 is Torture Awareness Month, and the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) is calling on faith communities across the United States of America to express to our government our insistence that torture is wrong.
As Ben notes in his article below, President Bush recently vetoed legislation passed in both houses of Congress that would have banned torture by requiring the US intelligence community to abide by the interrogation restrictions outlined in the Army Field Manual. The Bush Justice Department also sent a letter to Congress arguing that "intelligence operatives attempting to thwart terrorist attacks can legally use interrogation methods that might otherwise be prohibited under international law."
In June, NCRAT is collaborating with Rabbis for Human Rights to encourage faith communities to incorporate a "Prayer of Recommitment" into their religious services during the weekend of June 6-8 (and throughout the month). NCRAT is also encouraging people of faith to sign a "Torture is a Moral Issue" Statement of Conscience on its web site. The Statement reads as follows: "Torture violates the basic dignity of the human person that all religions, in their highest ideals, hold dear. It degrades everyone involved--policy-makers, perpetrators and victims. It contradicts our nation's most cherished ideals. Any policies that permit torture and inhumane treatment are shocking and morally intolerable. Nothing less is at stake in the torture abuse crisis than the soul of our nation. What does it signify if torture is condemned in word but allowed in deed? Let America abolish torture now--without exceptions."
I haves signed the statement. If you would like to sign it, and read more about the campaign to end torture, go to www.nrcat.org. In June, we will once again hang our Torture is Wrong banner in front of our church on Sunday mornings, and incorporate the "Prayer of Recommitment" into one of our services. For now, please read Ben's reflection.
Tom
WHAT'S THIS ABOUT TORTURE ANYHOW?
Ben H. White
Our President has said that we don't torture. Would that this were true. We were all shocked, as were the nations of the world, at the photos that came out of the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, implicating a handful of enlisted personnel. Somehow we weren't as surprised later when it was learned that waterboarding, prolonged sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation and other means of interrogation that can be called nothing less than torture were being approved and condoned at the highest levels of government. Equally offensive has been lack of respect for the sexual mores of Muslim male captives at Guantanamo, forcing highly inappropriate sexual situations using female contractors.
For years the armed forces of our country were bound by the Geneva Accords, which prohibits any sort of cruel treatment of prisoners of war. This has been a matter of pride earned by long years of honoring these Accords, written into the field manuals of each branch of the military services, and a much-deserved honor in the eyes of the world. There have always been exceptions, of course, but never such systematic abuse as in recent history. This policy is in our self-interest, as we can expect reciprocal respect for our own captured personnel in future conflicts. Also those most closely acquainted with torture personally have told us that recipients of torture will tell their torturers what they want to hear in order to stop the pain; in other words, it doesn't work. Not least of all, treating others cruelly, whether detainees or not, robs the offender of his sense of self-worth. Torture done in our name has the same effect on us.
Our own congregation has displayed its TORTURE IS WRONG banner from to time over the past several years. Our own United Church of Christ has publicly proclaimed its opposition to torture and has recently joined with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, which has since its formation in January 2006, over 125 religious groups have joined NRCAT, including representatives from the Roman Catholic, evangelical Christian,mainline Protestant, Unitarian, Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Quaker, Muslim, and Sikh communities.
Their plea is to work to stop the CIA's "alternative interrogation techniques" program, to close secret prisons, to stop sending detainees to other countries to be tortured, to expand the moral consensus among the American people that torture is never acceptable, to enable national denominations, faith groups, national and regional religious organizations, and individuals of faith to engage in efforts to end U.S.-sponsored torture.
The Intelligence Authorization Act of 2008, which would have banned all interrogation techniques by the CIA and other intelligence agencies, was passed by the Senate and House in early 2008, but the House failed to override the President's veto March 11, 2008.
Let us pray for guidance for stopping torture that is done in our name and renew our stance against cruel torture anywhere that it exists.
FROM THE DEACONS
Congratulations to Jack Harris-Bonham and Linda Berard! Jack graduated from Bright Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth with a Master of Divinity degree on May 10, completing another step in his journey toward possible ordination in the U.C.C. Linda graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies on May 25, and in September will begin a one-year residency at Seton, where she expects "to explore the world of hospital chaplaincy." We're proud of what these graduates have accomplished, and look forward to hearing them preach at various times this summer.
As a board we are continuing to reflect on ways our church has celebrated Easter in recent times and to think about how we might approach the Easter season next year. Recently we have begun developing a process for gathering Easter ideas churchwide and determining the wishes and preferences of the congregation. We anticipate that final decisions and plans will be made before the end of the calendar year -- and hope that for now everyone will give fresh thought to how Easter 2009 might be observed, and keep all options open.
We are indebted to the Fine Arts Committee for all its work this year in conceiving and now planning programs and events that will enrich worship and expand understanding of our religious tradition in the months ahead. The first program announced by the committee, a study (and revelation!) of the meaning of the leaded-glass windows in the sanctuary, will begin on June 8. Don't miss this chance to "see the old with new eyes" and learn why (and how) our church windows illustrate events in the life of Jesus.
IN MEMORIUM
Our congregation suffered another loss on April 29th with the death of ling-time member Mary Charles Williams.
Chairs of our Boards
Trustees: Reuel Nash
Deacons: Betty Bodman
Christian Education:
Christian Outreach: Dan Jeffery
Moderator John Goff
WORSHIP GIFTS
Yes, it's that time again, something I look forward to all year long! If you have a gift you would like to share with the congregation during the summer--a favorite poem, something you wrote, a hymn you love that we don't have in our hymnals, a musical offering, a choral reading--anything you could bring to enrich our worship experience, please see me, Nodie Murphy, call me at 255-4602 or email me at nodie@austin.rr.com. I'm waiting.....
WINDOW SERIES
The Fine Arts Committee is sponsoring a series on our sanctuary windows this summer. Whit Bodman will launch our study June 8th, with a reflection during our worship service. We will examine two windows per session. Our meetings will take place after worship on the second Sunday of each month. Come and See!
CCA TALENT SHOW IN JUNE
The Annual, Bi-annual, Semi-Annual or Whenever-We-Get-Around-to-It Talent Show is finally scheduled--on a date you won't forget: June 13, 2008. Yes, Friday, the 13th! We will be providing soups, drinks, and desserts before the show. Nodie Murphy will be signing up acts in the Fellowship Hall after church. Remember, the only limit on the performances (besides "good taste") is that they last no longer than THREE minutes! Our antics will benefit a fund to help pay for a new AC condenser for the Huston-Tillotson library. Please reserve this date; it's a great chance to share your gifts, time AND talent.
"A CONGREGATION OF STRINGS AND THINGS"
Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m.
Our church is so fortunate to have gifted musicians in our midst, but one is leaving us soon. Sarah Gourlie will graduate this spring and begin her new life in Washington, D.C., but before she does, she will join our family of musicians in a wonderful concert of classical and original works in our sanctuary. Aaron Carter-Cohn has written a piece for violin and piano, the trio will play two compositions by Piazzolla, and Sarah will perform a clarinet sonata by Brahms. There will also a piece for the unusual combination of piano, violin, cello, flute and clarinet. Please reserve this date on your calendar and treat yourself to a lively rendition of some beautiful music.
PERSONALS
by Pat Oakes
Our congregation suffered another loss on April 29th with the death of long-time member Mary Charles Williams. Mary Charles had been in ill health for several years. Her memorial service was held at the church on Wednesday, May 7. Her daughter Meredith and son-in-law Graham, having been here several weeks ago just before Easter, returned from their home in England, sadly arriving two days after Mary Charles died. The memorial service was a celebration of Mary Charles' life--her love of travel, languages, and her love of learning. Meredith spoke eloquently about their adventures in England. Meredith and Graham will scatter her ashes, as she wished, between two lighthouses "across the bar" near Salcombe.
It was a joy to see Mary Tomasek at the recent performance of Swanee given by the Round Rock Community Choir. She was there cheering for daughter-in-law Sally Tomasek who lights up the stage when she performs. Mary is currently using a wheel chair while waiting for knee replacement surgery which will take place in a month or so. Nodie Murphy is the choreographer for the group and helped put on a fabulous show which was enjoyed by a number of members of the congregation.
Linda Berard will be exploring a vocation in chaplaincy. She has been accepted into the CPE residency program at Seton. The program begins in September and runs through August 2009. Congratulations, Linda!
Barbara Burnham indulged her love of film during the SXSW Film Festival in March. She got a film pass and saw a total of 12 new movies in a week. (However, this did not approach her total of 20 films at SXSW about 10 years ago.) She has been heard around church touting her two favorites, "The Visitor" and "Then She Found Me." She also saw several wonderful documentaries. A couple of times she ran into fellow Deacon Bill Beardall while she was standing in line. Barbara developed an interest in film in her later undergraduate days at UT, which continued when she moved to New York in the early 1970s. She even thought of becoming a film critic but eventually turned her interest in other directions. Nonetheless, she found it exciting to be a part of the "hoopla" of the film festival and plans to continue seeing a lot of movies this year. Her son, Robin Rosson, is also a film buff, and they have been trading videos and DVDs. Robin just finished the spring semester at Texas State University and is happy to have the summer off to work and make music (and watch movies).
Former members Steven and Jeanine Neuse were in Texas in late April and early May. Jeanine's mother, Ida Belle Nowotny {92}, died April 28 at the Eden Home. They had a celebration of her life Monday, May 5. She was devoted to St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Braunfels, first and only (to date) female president of the church council, named "Queen Mother." Steven and Jeanine; Jeanine's brother Larry and his wife, Darlene; plus grandchildren, Jonathan, Micah, Nicole, Chris, and Michele plus great-grandchildren, Nathanael, Bryce, Jayce, and Seth were present at the service along with a sister-in-law, nieces and nephew. They are all grateful for the gift of her life.
Mary and Matt Blackstock had a week in New Mexico including Santa Fe and Ghost Ranch, learning about some of the world religions, including Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam and a Native American "way of life," as distinguished from religion; much information was new and highly interesting. The first and third presenters had begun as Christians and converted, pointing out that their new religion had evolved in a way that was complementary to Christianity. As they spoke about it, it made a great deal of sense. In sum, it was a highly satisfying week.
Don Miles wrote on May 6, "I'm alive and well in Mexico City after traveling across the country from Veracruz starting on Sunday, April 27. I visited the little village of Camaron, where the French Foreign Legion returns every year to honor their fallen heroes in the worst defeat the Legion has ever suffered. (Chapter 14 in my book.) Spent two nice nights with my niece, Teresina, her husband Alonso, and 3 kids in Puebla. We visited the forts where the original battle took place on May 5th of 1862. The bookstores at the forts and downtown had nothing about Cinco de Mayo! We did some video and still photos around the forts and the cathedral downtown. The big adventure was here in Mexico City. Al Tirado, who has been helping with both photography and translation, "scouted" the neighborhood with me where the locals have been staging a reenactment since 1928. Most of them are descendants of the original 1862 battle in Puebla. It was wild! We got enough photos and video to last a lifetime! Details later. My local paper in Austin, Texas, did a very nice review of my book on May 5 - Cinco de Mayo. It's by Mike Cox, who started reviewing books there in the 1960's. He's retired, now, but still does a book column. It's at his Web site: http://www.lonestarbooks.blogspot.com. I'll be back home in Austin late Thursday, May 8."
Former members Susan (Swallow) and Dave Ashton are pleased to report that their son Jonathan graduated from Austin College in Sherman on May 18th with a degree in English. Jonathan plans to apply to the Peace Corps and looks forward to doing some serious traveling. This summer he will be hiking the Appalachian Trail with some friends, starting in Maine and finishing in Atlanta--15-17 weeks, starting in July and finishing in November. Sarah is a sophomore in Abilene, TX, at McMurray College majoring in elementary education and physical education. Jennie, at 6 feet 2 inches tall, has earned a basketball scholarship at St. Bonaventure in New York State. She graduated from McCallum in May and is looking forward to majoring in business. Katherine has completed the 10th grade at McCallum and is enjoying being involved in basketball, volleyball, and track (shot put and discus). At the end of the school year she was ranked tenth in her class. Continuing the McCallum tradition, Susan is in her 5th year of teaching math and coaching track there. David is still working as an electrical engineer.
Other former members, Omer and Zona Galle, had a great celebration at their home in Liberty Hill on May 31st. There were 3 reasons for the celebration. Their granddaughter Kaitlyn graduated as valedictorian from Llano High School on May 30 and is going to Yale in the fall. Omer and Zona were also celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They also realized that their historic home was 100 years old this year, so they added that to the list. Their daughter Kristin (mother of Kaitlyn and Mariah) is currently serving as interim pastor in San Antonio at Marbach Christian Church. Her husband Brent is the pastor of St. Andrew Presbyterian church in Kingsland. His daughter Rachel is Southwestern in Georgetown.
Marilyn Vaché reports that Cara Firestone (professional name Cara Johnston) sparkled as Carmen's bad-girl friend Frasquita in the recent Austin Lyric Opera production. Cara loved singing in the Dell Hall of the new Long Center -- the acoustics exceed expectation. Other fun things: Olivia won two prizes in the state arts competition for private schools -- a first for an elaborate Renaissance-style dress and a second for jewelry design. She spent two weeks in Florida this spring working at a Head Start program, touring colleges, and learning to parasail and drive boats. She will get to spend three weeks in Germany in June and July, attending a German Waldorf school, living with a family in Darmstadt, and touring.
Tommie and Doyal Pinkard have just returned from Italy, where they attended an Elderhostel program in Sorrrento. In addition to a series of lectures on topics as varied as Greek and Roman archaeology, modern Italian politics, the Italian family, and Sorrentine customs. They visited several interesting places. These included the island of Capri (accented on the first syllable), Paestum (remains of an early Greek settlement of southern Italy), Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Naples. In all, it was a truly wonderful trip. The flight home was terrible, but that's another story!
Marilyn Gaddis and George Carruthers took the train to Springfield, Illinois. for an Elderhostel on "The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln, April 20-25, 2008. They were joined by Wisconsin friends. The program was sponsored by Lincoln Land Community College with top-notch speakers, interesting trips, great accommodations, and a day at the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. They found that their "school book" knowledge about Lincoln was sorely lacking. It was interesting to hear about Lincoln's early life, his various work experiences and law career, his marriage and family, and his life in politics. (Next year will be the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth and Illinois has great celebrations planned.) On Sunday, while awaiting their train, they watched Scout Troops from all over the state march into Springfield as part of the annual Lincoln celebration. A reviewing stand was set up across from the Museum and Eagle Scouts held American Flags as the troops were ordered to "eyes right" and salute while the community band played. With a day to wash and repack, Marilyn flew to Madison, WI, for a reunion of the School of Education Board of Visitors. It was a special time because an alumnus has given money to renovate and complete the Education Building.
JUNE BIRTHDAYS
2 Ches Towery
4 Stephanie Phillips
6 Debbie Appel-Knowlton
8 Katy Phillips
Maggie Towery
9 Rizer Everett
Tania String
11 Cheryl Appel
Jonathan Briggs
14 Whitney Barrett
15 Gavin Patrick Firestone
16 Nodie Murphy
17 Karl Putz
20 Emily Howicz
21 David Ashton
22 Dennis Tingle
26 Garry Cole
27 Marilyn Gaddis
28 Pat Oakes
Vic Appel
30 Eric Mubiriki
THANK YOU
Many thanks to all of the folks who pitched in to help with the meal for the Brazos Association meeting which was held at our church on April 27th. Tommie Pinkard was just back from Italy and was under the weather, but she sent a delicious cake. Other folks who brought desserts, shopped, or helped with the setting up and serving were: Bill Beardall, Greg Futch, Sara Ross, Sarah Gourlie, Hannah Norton, Barbara Burnham, Sarah Bentley, Robin Chapman, Lois Drachenberg, Pat Oakes, Betty Bodman, and Cathy Hubbs. We served about 50 people and a good time was had by all. Special thanks go out to our custodian Victor Cardenas and his son Gustavo who came to check on things early Sunday morning only to find out that the basement had flooded (2 inches worth) after a good rain early that morning. They worked for several hours making everything clean and spotless. It should be noted that the flooding had nothing to do with our former flooding woes in the choir room. This was caused by a blocked drain in front of the church that poured water right into the Appel Room and the downstairs kitchen--the choir room, which has flooded many times, stayed perfectly dry!
BRAZOS ASSOCIATION NEWS, JUNE 2008
At our Brazos Association Spring Meeting, we approved Tamara Franks for ordination pending call after an uplifting Ecclesiastical Council. We also recognized Jack Harris-Bonham as a student in-care. He was taken in-care by our Church and Ministry Committee last January and by the Congregational Church of Austin last summer. Right now, we have a number of people who are in-care and working toward ordination in our Association, which is a joyous sign of full life in our churches. I want to introduce you to them here.
First, we have four who have already completed seminary. Tamara, who is still in-care until she receives a call and is ordained, just graduated from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. She is a member of Friends Congregational Church in College Station, and has been active in the life of that church for several years. Our other in-care person who has been approved for ordination is Carla Cheatham. She is the pastor of our new church start, Creative Spirit in south Austin, is a licensed lay minister in our Association, and has been in-care at Friends Congregational. In addition, she serves as supply minister (a very involved one) at Trinity UCC in Niederwald, and is licensed to serve that church through the South Texas Association. Carla graduated from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Jack Harris-Bonham and Lenni Lissberger both graduated from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. Jack has previously served two churches as a student minister and as an interim minister. He is a writer and has written a number of plays and other works, including a one man show (which he performs) about Stonewall Jackson. Lenni is a member of Friends Congregational and is currently active there in a number of areas. She has worked on a church staff in the Ft. Worth area. She was previously in care in North Texas before moving to the Bryan-College Station area.
Our in-care people who are currently students include Will Heimbach and Ken White, both attending Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Will is a member of the Congregational Church of Austin, and did his internship this past year at United Christian Church in Austin. He is an experienced psychotherapist, and expects to graduate next year. Ken is in his second year at Austin Presbyterian, now full time after starting part-time while still working as a computer software engineer. He is a member of United Christian, and works there as the Youth and Adult Education Coordinator. Ken has had a journey into the UCC from a more conservative Christian background, and brings a keen mind to his theological quest.
Greg Felder, Associate Minister of St. John's UCC in Burton, is also attending Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary as a commuter student. Greg is a licensed lay minister in our Association, and juggles work and school as a part-time student. Right now, he is the pastor in charge of the church while Glenn Schoeneberg is on sabbatical. Greg has not applied to become in-care yet. We deeply appreciate his ministry.
Let's give thanks to God for this group of people among us who are pursuing the call to ordained ministry in the service of Christ and the church.
Blessings in Christ, Liz Nash
Austin Interfaith Follow-Up
On Sunday June 22, Doug Greco, Lead Organizer for Austin Interfaith, will be meeting with the Christian Outreach Board and other interested members of our church after worship to discuss next steps for discerning whether our church will become more active in, and eventually join, Austin Interfaith. If you are interested in learning more about Austin Interfaith, and want to be part of this discussion, please join us.
OUR JOURNEY OF HOPE LAY MINISTRY TRAINING
www.ourjourneyofhope.com
Almost everyone knows someone with cancer - a family member, friend, coworker, neighbor, maybe even yourself. Ministry to cancer patients and their families is critical to their health, well being, support and recovery. Sponsored by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Tulsa and the Health Ministries Association Texas Chapter, this workshop is designed to help lay leaders, pastors, nurses, social workers, Stephen Ministers and others apply holistic principles in this and other caring situations. A day-long training session will be held on SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2008 at First English Lutheran Church in Austin. Contact Rita.Carlson@dshs.state.tx.us for registration and information.
COFFEE HOUR
Please sign up in the Fellowship Room to be coffee hour hosts on an upcoming Sunday. The coffee hour time is such a good opportunity to visit old friends and meet visitors. We keep coffee and ginger ale and some punch fixings in the pantry in the kitchen. There are usually paper napkins, and we use coffee mugs and punch cups to avoid wasting natural resources. Your menu can be as simple or complicated as you want. Cookies and/or chips and salsa are just fine! If you have questions, talk to Pat Oakes, Tommie Pinkard, or Lynne Lemley.
Deadline for July/August VISITOR -- June 18
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