Torch Articles

This week is it!!!! On Friday the 20th we will witness what is considered a hallmark of American democracy: the peaceful transition of power from an outgoing president to the incoming one. Peaceful does not describe my emotions. Perhaps fury and rage come closer. But what I do know is that the anticipation is over. No longer speculating about what might happen, we will be confronted with new policies head-on. Our country stands to learn a lot; we as individuals will learn much about ourselves.

Our living room picture window faces west with a clear unadulterated view of the source of where our weather originates. It’s a powerful experience watching a storm develop from afar, and then tracking it as it draws near. Knowing there is no escaping it, we check for candles, make sure that flashlights with strong batteries are accessible, the firewood has been collected and split, and that the dog has been walked while the ground is still dry.

We’ve been watching the political storm develop since November 8th. Sometimes we pretend it’s not really going to hit us; it’s still too far out. But even a stiff wind from Russia won’t derail this storm. It’s going to be an unavoidable blizzard bringing lost freedoms, lost health care, and lost concern for our neighbors. Darkness will descend; time for us to start to collecting a lot of candles. A lot! We’ll be burning them for a long time.

Following our Interfaith Prayer Service on Inauguration Day, I will hop a plane and seek sanity in Phoenix playing with my granddaughter just shy of two and a half. She loves to read, eat pizza, and run around naked. She has her life priorities straight, and I wonder if we shouldn’t all run around naked just to upset the expectations of the new administration. It will be our turn to show that we refuse to play by the rules of common decency. Imagine the tweets.

The next time we meet as a congregation, a new era will be upon us. It will be an era that demands much of us. Our mettle will be tested; our ideals challenged. The meaning of a progressive society turned upside-down. Perhaps this will force us to rebuild with a stronger foundation. But I have a faith to see us through the storm. We will hunker down together, doing the right thing for our neighbor and providing support for one another TRG

In the Life . . . (Rev. Matthew Cockrum)

Proud to Have Served - As we witness the conclusion of the presidency of Barack Obama and the transition to Donald Trump, debate continues about the Obama legacy and the anxiously anticipated consequences of the next President. Like many, I watched Obama’s farewell address with tearfulness. Among his many eloquent comments was the simple acknowledgement of the privilege of serving as the President.

It recalled me to a conversation with my father, now deceased, years ago. My father was an Air Force pilot who flew reconnaissance missions in Vietnam. He and I different on many subjects. But one thing he said to me after I entered into Unitarian Universalist ministry was, “I hoped my life would teach my children to serve something bigger than themselves. I guess in your own way you’re doing that.” It was a rare moment of connection, agreement and affirmation.

I know folks at First Church serve in many ways. Of course there are the daily, all-too-often thankless tasks of making coffee, welcoming newcomers, teaching religious education, coordinating events and collaborating with other community agencies to actively engage in building a just and progressive world. But there are others who serve in the military, in the police force, in public office, on governing boards and community councils.

How do you serve something bigger than yourself?
What are you proud for having served?

Among other things, I am proud and humbled to now have been part of the 125-year history of the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City. I am also proud to have been part of the 25-year history of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden, having served there briefly from 2003 to 2005. Did you know that Ogden turns 25 this year?! Not the city, of course, but our sibling congregation. On Sunday, January 22, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden will celebrate its 25th anniversary as a liberal and liberating religious presence! While a representative our First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City will be there to exend congratulations and greetings, please consider taking a moment to send your own note of congratulations via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UU.Church.of.Ogden/, email: or the old-fashioned way at: Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden, 705 E 23rd Street, Ogden, UT 84401.

The words attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi (12th century Catholic monk and founder of the Franciscan order), “...grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love…” remind me of serving something bigger.

Church at its best is more than a place, it is a way of being in the world that calls us to serve a greater good, building what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others called Beloved Community.

This is, I believe, the work to which we are all called.

This is the “something bigger” we are called to serve.

And this is that for which we can be proud.

Here’s to The Work, friends.

Peace, Faith & Passion,
Matthew

 More from Matthew

Seeking the Sources - Monday, January 30, 6:45-8:45 p.m. in room 208. Join Rev. Matthew Cockrum in this exploration of the sources of our living tradition. We’re often talking about the 7 Principles, but what do you know about the 6 Sources? What sources inform, guide and sustain you? Come to this drop-in session (last Monday of each month, holidays allowing) ready for movement, meditation and conversation. Bring any tools that help you in yoga and meditation. No registration required.

Newcomer Info- New or newish to First Unitarian Church or Unitarian Universalism? Here are some opportunities to learn more and to take the next steps to deepening your spiritual and intellectual journey and actively engaging in building a just and progressive world.

Info Sessions
Thursday, February 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. - Join Revs. Tom Goldsmith and Matthew Cockrum along with other congregational leaders and newcomers! Childcare available (with RSVP to or 801.582.8687 ext. 205) and light refreshments served.

Sunday, February 5 after each service (10:15-10:50 a.m. and 12:15-1:00 p.m.) - Join Rev. Matthew Cockrum and other newcomers for a quick, no RSVP-needed, info session. Meet Matthew at the piano in the chapel following the service.

Next Steps: A Night with the Grand Fromage - For those serious about making a commitment to First Church via membership and pledging. Join church leaders and clergy on Sunday, February 12 4-6 p.m. RSVP required to or 801.582.8687. Childcare available upon request and refreshments (wine - to go with the theme - cheese and non-alcoholic beverages) served.

Youth Religious Education
Having a hard time keeping track of what’s going on in your 6th-12th graders’ religious education experience? Here are a few communication tips followed by details of some upcoming events for First Church youth and their families:

• RE Newsletter - A bi-weekly email Newsletter is sent out by Lissa Lander, Religious Education Assistant, to as many folks as we can track. If you’re not receiving this and would like to please contact Lissa at .
• Registration - First Church’s current practice requires registering your kids every church year. If you’ve been coming but haven’t registered your kids (of any age) you can do so here: http://www.slcuu.org/programs/religious-education/item/93-religious-education-registration-for-children-and-youth
• Facebook - Separate, private, invitation-only Facebook pages are maintained for many of our age groups/classrooms. Here are links to a few:
  6th & 7th grade World Religions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SLCUUSixthSeventh/
  8th and 9th grade Our Whole Lives: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SLCUUEighthNinth/
  10th-12th grades High School: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SLCUUHighSchool/

Some upcoming events:

6th/7th grade World Religions - will be taking a field trip to Calvary Baptist Church on Sunday, January 22, departing from the Little Chapel at 10:30 a.m. in order to arrive at the 11 o’clock service on time. Parents driving anyone other than their children need to provide copies of current auto insurance as well as a valid driver’s license. This group usually meets in The Parlor (Room 225 - 2nd floor above Eliot Hall) 11-12:15 p.m. Sunday mornings. Not on the Facebook Page? Sign up here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SLCUUSixthSeventh/

8th/9th grade Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality education - will continue their weekly sessions 10:45-12:15 in The Haven (Room 214 - 2nd floor above administrative office), with breaks for President’s Day weekend (February 19), Celebration Sunday (March 5) and Easter (April 16). Not on the Facebook page? Sign-up here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SLCUUEighthNinth/

Overnight - A special overnight at the church for any 8th and 9th grade students and their friends is scheduled for Friday, January 20 to Saturday, January 21. Details: We're looking forward to the overnight THIS FRIDAY, January 20 starting at 5:45pm until - Saturday, January 21 at 9:00AM. We will have pizza on Friday, play games all evening, and then a light breakfast on Saturday AM. PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL KIDS ARE PICKED UP BEFORE 9:00 a.m.! Also, don't forget to bring:

• $5 for pizza, drinks, and light breakfast
• Signed permission slip (available at the door):
• Favorite snack
• Sleeping bag, pillow, and sleepwear
• Toiletries
• Favorite Game(s)

10th-12th grades - Continues to meet regularly 10:45-12:45 on Sundays in Room 218 for conversation, exploration and activism. Not on the Facebook page? Sign-up Here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SLCUUHighSchool/

High School Our Whole Lives - Weekend Intensives - February 3-4 and 17-18. Two intensive weekends of Our Whole Lives (lifespan sexuality education) are being facilitated by our trained leaders: Randon Beckstead, Annette Ephroni, James Griner and Mary Elizabeth Mitchell. Parents must attend one of two orientations (Sunday, January 22, 3-5 p.m. or Thursday, January 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.) and youth must be able to attend both weekends (6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday). Requested fee $40. Contact Lissa Lander () to register. Payments can be made on-line here.

Service Trip 2017 - Our youth hope to travel to New Orleans, LA, June 26-July 1, for their service trip. This year we will be working with the Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal. Reserve your spot NOW with Religious Education Assistant, Lissa Lander () or contact Rev. Matthew Cockrum ( or 801.582.8687 ext 205) with questions. Cost of $1400 includes airfare, lodging, meals. Limited scholarship assistance available.

Consulting with the Consultant
Save the Date!

Every organization’s operations are governed by underlying assumptions that may be invisible to the organization’s members but apparent to outsiders. For centuries the governing assumption had the earth at the center of the universe. Then along came Copernicus. 

Arriving in 2015, Rev. Matthew Cockrum brought an experienced outsider’s perspective to First Church even as he rolled up his sleeves and went to work.

As his consulting ministry comes to an end, he has prepared an assessment of organizational strengths and weaknesses. He will present it to the congregation in a town-hall format on Feb. 25 at 9 a.m. Included on the agenda is time for congregants to speak to the issues he has raised. Please make attendance a priority.

Are We Out of the ICU? A Mid-Year Report

By Becky Heal, Member of the Board

We started the church year with the budget in critical condition. At mid-year it’s been upgraded to serious but stable.

This wonderful news is because of the remarkable energy and commitment of our congregation.

Because of you, pledges have increased, members have pledged for the first time, people have been uncommonly generous at Christmastime and the choir has thrown its considerable person-power and energy into selling everything from solar lights to wax candles. (David Owens has yet to unveil his part, so keep visiting the choir table in Eliot Hall -- there’s more to come.)

All of this has helped immensely and the Board is deeply grateful.

1. And, we’re not out of the woods. So far, we’re in the black but that could change with one bad month; and the historic bad months are yet to come.
   Here’s what you can do:
2. If you haven’t already, read Tom’s letter. It’s a love letter to the congregation and an appraisal of our financial situation. It’s important. If you haven’t pledged -- do it. If you haven’t paid your pledge -- do it.
3. Keep supporting fund raising efforts. They might tip the monthly ledger from red to black.
4. Start a serious conversation with yourself, your family, your accountant, whoever needs to help you decide your 2017-2018 pledge. Next year’s pledge drive begins in March and the only way to avoid another year in the ICU is sufficient, generous pledging.

If you have questions about our financial situation, financial stewardship or just want to talk visit the Board table in Eliot Hall. Board members will be available to answer questions and gather feedback. Financial information such as the budget and the monthly report will be available.

You have inspired the Board with your energy, generosity and willingness to roll up your sleeves. We’re half way through this difficult year. Let’s finish strong and healthy.

Congregational Briefs

RRC needs chairs. If the Refugee Resettlement Committee were to tweet a current status report a la Trump, it would write: “Huge shortage of kitchen chairs. So sad.” If you can help with a chair donation, call Joe Dubray at (904) 527-9773 as soon as possible.

Dinner and Dialogue Dinner and Dialogue is going strong! There have already been several dinners, and we have many more in the works clear through May. Feel free to sign up in the white binder in Eliot Hall at the Congregational Life Table to host or attend a dinner in order to connect with people in our congregation. If you have any questions, please call Darlene Thayne at 801-455-6553 or send me an email to .

Mindfulness Group 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 .

• January 22nd: The Corner Bakery (610 South Foothill Blvd)
• January 29th: Indochine Vietnamese Bistro (230 South 1300 East)
• February 5th: Vertical Diner (234 West 900 South)
• February 12th: East Liberty Tap House (850 East 900 South)
• February 19th: Taqueria 27 (1615 South Foothill Dr)
• February 26th: Shanghai Cafe (145 East 1300 South)
• March 5th: Sage's Cafe
• March 12th: Cafe Med (420 East 3300 South)
• March 19th: Pho Thin (2121 McClelland St)
• March 26th: Saffron Valley East India Cafe (22 E Street)

Social Justice Film

-submitted by Barbara Taylor

The Social Justice committee and Utahns for Just Peace in the Holy Land are showing a free documentary, “The Settlements”, Saturday, March 11, 7 pm in Elliot Hall.

During the last week of December, the Obama administration abstained from a vote in the UN Security Council condemning Israel’s settlement policy. Since the UN was formed in 1946, the US as one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, (there are 15 members in all) has the power to veto any vote. The US has used its veto power only 77 times in the 70 year history of the UN, and over half of those vetoes have been to protect Israel.

Let it be pointed out that the US did not vote “Yes” of the measure. We merely abstained, which allowed the resolution to pass 14-0. Netanyahu pronounced that Israel would step up the settlement process and build 5600 new homes in East Jerusalem immediately, yet over 100,000 more Israelis already live in the West Bank today than when Obama took office. Settlements flagrantly violate international law, and the Geneva Convention and damage prospects for a future Palestinian state.

On Saturday, March 11, Eliot Hall, 7 pm, we will show the film, “the Settlements,” a documentary directed by Shimon Dotan, a Jewish professor at NYU. The film interviews people who represent many sides of the issue, including Zionists and Palestinians with new and varied viewpoints. We look forward to a passionate Q&A following the film. Mark your calendars and save the date.

“In the Spotlight”. . . Meet Kaden Colton

-submitted by Jan Crane

I am a recent graduate of the University of Utah. While there, my studies included atmospheric and environmental science and geography. Student groups, such as Students for Queer Arts, Resistance and Education, American Sign Language Club, Environmental Club and the American Meteorological Society student chapter got me to think critically about what I wanted to do once I finished university. While at the U, I also tutored people in math and geosciences. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Environmental & Sustainability Studies and Atmospheric Science with emphasis in natural disasters management.

I was recently accepted into a graduate school for a Master of Science in Geography; I’m hoping to work out the finances. If I can’t, I am also applying for work in the fields of environmental science, atmospheric research, emergency management, and fire safety engineering.

While studying at the U, I wanted to work in fields that would give me relevant experience. For the past few years, I’ve had summer jobs the National Forest Service in Ogden, The Centre for Atmospheric Research in Christchurch (New Zealand) and TRIO at the University of Utah. I also worked at the National Weather Service in Salt Lake where my interest focused on fire weather interactions.

Other pursuits I enjoy are nature photography, painting, spoken word poetry, learning new languages, and computing math. My poetry revolves around disability, activism, LGBT issues and what normalcy means. The languages I know are English and American Sign Language and I’m now studying French, New Zealand Sign Language and Irish. I’m intrigued by spatial statistics and basic calculus. I really consider myself a lifelong learner- always learning is important and sharing that knowledge can help enlighten other people. In the future, I would like to become a professor at a university.

In 2010, while in high school, I was introduced to the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake by a good friend of mine who invited me to Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU). Since then I started to attend regular church services and became an official member by recently signing the book. I have finally found a spiritual place I can call home, a place where I can come and be safe. First Church enriches my life by connecting me to others who think critically about what is occurring around us and where I can engage with so many interesting people from a variety of backgrounds. It is great to know people who are involved in making a difference in Salt Lake City and beyond. Currently, I am involved with the Hospitality Committee, the Small Group Ministry, Anti-Racism Committee and the Young Adult Group. A quote that guides my life is “Nothing about us without us is for us.” I pledge because First Unitarian Church is important in my life- it gives me hope for a better and more progressive future in Utah.

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, January 26th at 7:00 p.m.

Our church will host the annual remembrance for Down Winders. An Interfaith group of clergy will join Tom Goldsmith in exploring the effects of a nuclear world. The choir will join the service.

Are We Good Homeowners?

-submitted by Julia Rossi

Besides preserving our many wonderful programs, the UU congregation is charged with preserving the historic building and grounds we occupy. And this is a big charge. I like to say nothing happens without a space. You cannot have a church service or a Sunday school or a daycare if there is no place to gather. But creating and maintaining space is expensive; there is upkeep, utilities, repairs and updates. Sometimes the space needs to be extended or enhanced.

There was a time when we didn’t think about providing a sound system or grounded plugs or solar panels or even air conditioning. But that was then and this is now. As the needs of our church change and grow, the space also needs to change and grow. Everyone who owns a home knows this. And while it is really fun and exciting to add a new addition to your house, to remodel a kitchen or to re-landscape, most of the things we spend money on are far less glamorous. We replace furnaces, upgrade electrical wires, respond to broken gutters and change filters. We pay for heat and air conditioning and lights and internet access. It’s a bit of a drudge but it has to be done. When someone raises money for a new football stadium, the donors get their names in bright lights. It doesn’t quite work that way when we raise money for a furnace.
So where are we in regards to meeting the needs of our space? Last year, the Environmental ministry and Rev Tom Goldsmith asked the church to undergo an ‘energy’ audit. Sounds like something we can all get behind, right? The audit was done by Nexant Inc. to include electrical, gas, and water usage. While the auditor praised us on how well we are doing given our size, he also made some serious recommendations. Here are a few. Brace yourself. Replace single- paned windows in the parlor and stairwells ($8,000); replace windows or install storm windows in the chapel itself ($47,000); replace chapel doors ($10,000); replace the boiler (between $40,000 and $60,000); replace air conditioning condensers and air handlers (between $65,000 and $70,000).

These are not all that he recommended but they are the biggies. And these do not cover needs that are not tied to energy efficiency such as re-doing floors or re-painting the interior or replacing computers. Of course we can ignore these things, many homeowners do. And, if lucky, the homeowner’s furnace will squeak by until the house is sold. But we are not in that situation because we are not going to sell our house. A good homeowner takes care of replacement needs and repairs. A good homeowner budgets for it and prioritizes what is an emergent need. A good homeowner also understands that unexpected repairs can be needed over night (the old rainy day fund).

How can we be good homeowners? Do we need a long-term building fund? I suggest that we start by educating ourselves and talking about the steps we can take to preserve our space.

Film Screening: Conversation with the Valve Turners

Friday, January 6th, 7:00 PM, Eliot Hall - submitted by Joan Gregory, Environmental Ministry

Cosponsored by: Environmental Ministry, Association for the Tree of Life, and Climate Emergency Coalition
“If people are not acting as if there’s an emergency, people don’t believe there’s an emergency. So for me, this is about acting consistent with the threat I’m seeing.”
– Leonard Higgens, valve turner
On October 11, 2016, five brave climate activists, determined to act commensurately with the truth of unfolding climate cataclysm, closed safety valves on the 5 pipelines carrying tar sands crude oil into the United States – stopping 15% of US oil flow for an entire business day.
"The biggest coordinated move on US energy infrastructure ever undertaken by protesters.” – Reuters
Come listen to the valve turners’ deep reflections about courage, fear, hope, and motivations for action, a web video chat hosted by author Kathleen Dean Moore – a 1:10 hour film – and then join the discussion. We’ll begin with a 7-minute film about the action by Utah’s own Steve Liptay, who faces 2 misdemeanors for his role in documenting the action.
Was this an appropriate and practical response to terrifying climate conditions?
Who are we going to be in the face of what is going on?
What are effective responses to Trump?
How can we support the valve turners in their trials?

“Even as seas rise against the shores, another great tide is beginning to rise — So, let us be .... a tide of outrage against the pillage of the planet, let us be ... a tide of commitment to justice and human rights, let us be ... a swelling affirmation of moral responsibility to the future and to Earth's fullness of life.” – Kathleen Dean Moore, Great Tide Rising

Threatened Bear River Program

Friday, January 20, 7pm, Eliot Hall -submitted by Judy Lord, Environmental Ministry

After years of lurking in the shadows, the proposed Bear River water diversion has emerged as a proposal to provide additional lawn water for Wasatch Front residents. Water lobbyists at the Utah Legislature are proposing to spend at least $2.5 billion to divert the Bear River — the Great Salt Lake’s single largest source of water each year. Although the project has been given initial funding and a green light from the Legislature, many people are left with a list of questions about the project and its impacts: What will happen to the Great Salt Lake's wetlands if the diversion is approved, what are the next steps for the project’s approval process and what can be done to stop this destructive project?

Zach Frankel, Executive Director of the Utah Rivers Council, will present an interactive presentation on the Bear River Water Grab and discuss the many alternatives to diverting the life source for the Great Salt Lake.

It happens every year. The run-up to Christmas makes such demands on people’s time and energy that workaday routines are suspended from mid-November to New Year’s Day. The car’s oil doesn’t get changed, the colonoscopy is postponed, the cobwebs go unchallenged and the furniture donations to the Refugee Resettlement Committee (RRC) cease. Starting off the new year with empty warehouses leaves RRC volunteers scrambling to set up apartments for January arrivals from Sudan and Iraq. Please, as your routine reasserts itself this week, make it a priority to recycle your sofa, chairs, tables and lamps. Call Joe Dubray at (904) 527-9773 to schedule a pick-up.