Daydream Theatre presents “The December Rabbi”
October 21, 2008
Daydream Theatre Company is happy to announce its holiday production, “The December Rabbi,” written and directed by Lenny Schwartz and produced by Jim Belanger. The play will be performed in Eddy Hall Nov. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22, all at 8 p.m.
The price for the show is $10 general admission and $5 for Bell Street Chapel members as well as students and seniors.
The December Rabbi is about Ben, a rabbinical student who didn’t want to live anymore. So an angel comes by and shows him what life would be without him in it. Turns out, everyone is better off. And that is where the play begins. What follows is a comedy about family, holiday, atheists, love and a good old fashioned circumcision. It is a show with something for everyone.
Board Bits
October 21, 2008
In this monthly column we summarize the recent activities and decisions of the Governing Board of Bell Street Chapel. It is our goal to keep you as informed as possible about what we do at our meetings, as we represent and are answerable to you, the congregation. Also, we remind you that all our meetings are open. We would be happy if members of the congregation attended. If you would like to make suggestions for the agenda, speak to the president, Don Laliberte.
At our October meeting, the Board was joined by Audrey Greene, chair of the Worship Committee. We discussed the issue of when and how to make announcements about BSC sponsored activities at Sunday services. We agreed that setting the policy should be the job of the Governing Board, not the Worship Committee. We will continue the current practice of having one person make announcements before the service while the Policy and Procedures subcommittee works on this surprisingly emotional and controversial issue.
Audrey also discussed her plans for the Ethical Eating Art Show. She requested that the Board authorize $200 to cover expenses, primarily for publicity. The Board voted to do so.
The minister’s report focused on José’s role in helping the congregation define its mission, vision and covenant. He also discussed our need to address handicapped access; he mentioned that grant money may be available from the Unitarian Universalist Association for this purpose. Don said that Marriage Equality R.I., an organization we would like to support, cannot use our facilities for their board meetings because they require handicapped accessible space.
We planned the Council of Leaders meeting scheduled for the morning of Nov. 1.
That was the major work of the Board in October.
~Carol Crowley, Secretary
Among Us
October 21, 2008
“Believe that to meet the challenge of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for his or her own self, family or nation, but for the benefit of all mankind.”
~Dali Lama
In this column we celebrate milestones and other life events, request healing thoughts for those in need and remember departed loved ones. If you have information you would like to share in this column, or if you know of anyone in need of assistance, please contact Carol Crowley.
Birthday wishes go out to Meredyth Waterman, Heron Greenesmith and Joe Chaves.
We are happy that Ed Merck is recovering well from back surgery.
Carl Freese is making excellent progress following his heart transplant. Carl was a little disappointed that he didn’t see Lindsay Lohan or Britney Spears when he entered “rehab,” but he worked hard nonetheless and was discharged to his home on Oct. 18. It has been a long haul for Carl, but his amazing spirit and supportive family and friends have seen him through. Bell Streeters sent Carl two care packages and a lovely Zen Garden, a special request of his, while he was at Tufts Medical Center. There will continue to be opportunities to help out now that he is home in Warwick.
About 10 Bell Streeters showed up to carry our church banner at the March for Peace and Justice on Saturday, Oct. 11. It was a beautiful day to walk for a good cause!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
~From the Membership and Caring Committee
Ethical Eating
October 21, 2008
The Ethical Eating Study/Action Group
The Unitarian Universalist Study/Action topic through 2012 is Ethical Eating. How we grow, distribute, cook and eat food is an enormous and provocative topic. We will begin our examination with an overview.
With These Gifts
October 21, 2008
Rev. José Ballester
Thanksgiving is fraught with myths, rituals and sentimentality. However at its core lies the memory of plenty and sharing.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
October 21, 2008
Genevieve Peri
Daring to Hope
October 21, 2008
Rev. José Ballester
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once wrote, “We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.”
Day of the Dead
October 21, 2008
Kate Gillis
Join us as we share a time for recollections of those people or pets who have died. Please bring pictures or objects to place on our altar. There will be time during the service for those who wish to come forward and share their stories and memories.
November
October 18, 2008
In looking at previous reports, the finance committee felt a simplified look at income and expenses with explanation may be a better way for people to look at the budget. So, with that in mind, we created this simplified spreadsheet to look at the budget.
|
|
Actual 10/16/08 |
Budgeted 10/16/08 |
+/- |
|
Total Income |
$37,724.00 |
$37,298.91 |
+$425.09 |
|
Total expenses |
$38,971.47 |
$37,298.91 |
+$1,672.56 |
|
Net |
-$1,247.47 |
0 |
|
|
Pledge Income |
$21,985.00 |
Non Pledge Income |
$15,739.00 |
Total Income
So far, we have received $37,724 in income in July 2008, as compared to the $37,298.91 that was budgeted. Therefore, the total income for the month is $425.09 over what we budgeted for the month. Our treasurer, Jim Gillis, is working with our office manager, Heidi Gilkenson, to streamline our budget and presentation.
Total Expenses
We have spent $1,672 more than we are currently budgeted for. The actual expense figure primarily includes staffing, publicity, committee expenses, and repairs and maintenance. We have paid $1,925 in dues subscriptions and $1,758.75 in advertising since the beginning of the fiscal year. We expect expenses to rise in the fall and winter with heating and snow removal costs.
The Finance Committee – Philip Smith, Treasurer Jim Gillis, and myself – are excited about the upcoming year and encourage questions and feedback regarding matters of finance and the budget, and new members.
Respectfully submitted,
Gregory Greco
Finance Committee member
November Calendar
October 18, 2008
Click on calendar for larger image.
