Donna, It was very moving to hear about how rituals have helped ease you through some difficult life transitions. For me, it’s relatively recent that I want to participate in the rituals that most people do automatically–like, this year, we strung Christmas lights in our house.  And, you may have noticed the King’s Cake (with the babies) that was there last Sunday?  I’ll go ahead and attribute that new comfort with rituals, being able to have them in my own life on my own terms, and being able to enjoy that.

Steve, the song you performed from the musical you had written was also very interesting and thought provokin.’  As always, beautifully performed.

Glad you two are back around, you were missed!  Cool that your daughter came too.

Dear Friends,

I know that the news last night of Tyna’s passing was shocking and seemed so very sudden to some of us.  But please know that Tyna was prepared for this outcome.   It doesn’t stop the pain and sense of loss, of course. Watching her amazing strength in the face of such physical misfortune lulled many of us into thinking that she could overcome even this.   It was not to be.  After the surgery, her doctors tried valiantly to stabilize her blood pressure which they did, but within a couple of hours her heart just gave out.   She died in her mother Julie’s arms, with many friends around her in her room. Please continue to pray for her and her family.

Many have inquired about services and arrangements.  Tyna specifically requested cremation with a big shindig next spring at Scarborough Faire, the Renaissance Festival she so dearly loved.  So Julie and I are in the process of arranging the first request this morning.  And for the present, Julie is determined to honor the second half of Tyna’s wishes. If Julie and the family decide in the days or weeks ahead that they need a Ritual or Memorial Service to help bring closure to their loss, one will be arranged and the details sent to all.

We have altered tonight’s Vespers Service, however, so that those of us who need to, may gather to grieve the loss of our dear friend. It will be a chance to gather at church with those we love and those who love us; to light our candles, say and sing our prayers; and reflect on our memories of Tyna.  We will begin to gather over coffee, etc., starting at 7PM with Vespers beginning at 8.  Join us if you can.

Blessings to all for your kind thoughts. -Mark

Rev. Mark Walz
Minister Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff
3839 W. Kiest Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75233

The First Tuesday Social Action Film Festival screened the film “Moving to Mars” on March 1st.  Moving to Mars  follows  a group of Burmese refugees as they relocate to England.  A group from the Dallas community of Burmese Karen refugees joined us and shared their perspectives as well as their musical talent.

More information on the Dallas Karen Community and photographs from last nights event can be found on the One World Outreach blog:  http://oneworldoutreach.blogspot.com/2011/03/film-screening.html

Turtle Creek Chorale | Monday October 18th

Glorian asked me to let you all know about Monday night’s “A Night for Peace” concert by the Turtle Creek Chorale. Find out more by clicking the image above or going here: http://www.turtlecreek.org/concerts/tickets/index.php?tktid=PIH.

Here’s the description from the Turtle Creek Chorale’s website:

Our Partners In Harmony program began seven years ago. Its mission is to appeal to religious organizations that affirm our belief that every human being is created equal. Today, Partners in Harmony comprises over 40 religious institutions. This concert features the Turtle Creek Chorale, the SMU Meadows Chorale, the Dallas Wind Symphony, the Lay Family Organ and over 300 singers comprising a Partners In Harmony massed choir performing peace anthems by Bach, Mendelssohn and Moses Hogan. Also on the program is John Rutter’s electrifying GLORIA for brass, percussion, organ and chorus.

A call to action:
Recently we have seen a lot about gay teen suicides.
Students who are bullied by their peers but no one
stood up for. Come stand up for the kids, teens and young adults.

Join the Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance along with other
GLBT groups and many straight allies in a rally to bring
more attention to these tragic and senseless losses.

Oct. 15th, 2010
Lake Cliff Park, Dallas
(201 E. Colorado Blvd. 75203)
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Wear purple if possible!

To help us all refine our own communications style, Paul Williams will be presenting a communications seminar before the Board Meeting on Tuesday, October 26. The subject matter being covered is Recognizing The 4 Styles Of Communication and Effective E-Mail Communication.

All members of the congregation are welcome to attend and we would love to have as many lay leaders as possible attend. The seminar will begin at 7:00PM and end at 8:00PM to allow Board members to reassemble for the 8:15PM Board Meeting.

Our first outdoor wedding in the Gazebo

It was a wonderful wedding ceremony for two amazing people.  Our first outdoor wedding in the new Gazebo.  The weather cooperated and we even had butterflies dancing in the plants next to the memorial and meditation garden.  That’s a good sign, isn’t it!  Congratulations, Bill & Mike!