From the Archives: Summer at UU Lansing – July 7, 2006
What an old newsletter reveals about worship, justice, friendship, and community.
by Ed Busch, UU Lansing church archivist
One of my favorite parts of writing this blog is hearing from members after it's published. Following last Sunday's service, several people commented on my last post. In it, I wrote that the June 9, 1986 newsletter listed “Church leadership included Board President Henry Dykema and Religious Education Director Margo Smith.”
A few longtime members didn't remember Margo serving in that role. Rather than ask Margo directly, I decided to let the archives answer the question.
The March 24, 1986 Liberal Express newsletter provided the missing piece. Renee Swanson was listed as Religious Education Director, and in that same issue I found a short article written by Margo identifying herself as the Interim Religious Education Director. She served in that role until August 1986, when Susan Hollon was listed as the new RE Director.
Mystery solved! It's a good reminder that the archives often have the answers—we just have to know where to look.
As always, if you spot a typo, have a correction, or simply have a question about something you read here, I'd love to hear from you at uucgl.archives@gmail.com.
This week we're looking back at the July 7, 2006 issue of the Liberal Express. Rev. Kathryn Bert was our minister, and Judith Rowell-DeVaney was serving as church president. Some people today think our weekly newsletter is a little long. By comparison, this issue ran 12 printed pages! It was packed with news, events, committee reports, and opportunities to become involved in church life.
Page 1 of the July 7, 2006 Liberal Express.
Proposal 2
The front-page story focused on the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, later known on the November ballot as Proposal 2. The proposal sought to amend the Michigan Constitution to prohibit public institutions from giving preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, and contracting. Supporters argued it would ensure equal treatment under the law, while opponents believed it would effectively end affirmative action programs designed to address historical inequities.
One detail I found especially interesting was how carefully the congregation approached taking a public position. Rev. Kathryn Bert explained that after disagreements surrounding the Vietnam War and later the Sanctuary Movement, the congregation revised its bylaws to establish a thoughtful process for speaking publicly on controversial issues. At least one-third of the membership had to participate, and 75 percent had to agree before the church could adopt a public position. The newsletter reported that 55 percent of the membership participated, and 90 percent of those voting supported opposing Proposal 2.
Rev. Bert concluded with a statement that traced both theological traditions: “It is our faith that leads us to such a commitment. As Unitarians, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all persons. As Universalists, we promote justice equity and compassion in human relations, creating a heavenly earth and thereby demonstrating the everlasting love of God. The conditions which made affirmative action programs necessary have not yet been ameliorated, and so we stand together with One United Michigan in opposing the threat to affirmative action that will be put before the voters in November.”
Reading this article twenty years later is striking. In 2006, the congregation was responding to a Michigan ballot proposal concerning affirmative action. Today, many of the same questions are being debated nationally as the current presidential administration has sought to eliminate many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Whatever our individual views, the newsletter reminds us that this congregation has been thoughtfully engaging issues of equality, opportunity, and justice for many years.
Worship and Learning
Sharing the front page with the Proposal 2 story was the summer worship schedule. On July 9, Charlotte Allen, who was seeking ordination as a Unitarian Universalist minister as a second career, led the service 'How Welcomed Am I?' The newsletter noted that she had ties to the Detroit area and First UU Church of Detroit and would speak about her experiences as an African American within the UU denomination. The accompanying Sunday Morning Forum invited members to 'come and expand your understanding' of racial and cultural diversity as part of the congregation's Journey Toward Wholeness initiative.
The following week, Margo Smith and Marilyn Steegstra led worship together. After solving the mystery of Margo's interim RE position in 1986, it was interesting to find her name appearing several more times throughout this newsletter. In addition to co-leading worship, she thanked volunteers for their work in the Memorial Garden and reminded everyone to water the new plantings.
Later in the month, Michele Root-Bernstein, Laurel Ponist, Harry Schwarzweller, and Dan Talhelm presented 'Our Hobbies, Ourselves.' One observation from their description especially caught my attention: 'Through hobbies such as painting or gardening or running, it may be that we construct an important part of the meaning of our lives.' Knowing Dan Talhelm is a runner, I suspect each presenter reflected on a hobby that was personally meaningful.
General Assembly
Church President Judith Rowell-DeVaney devoted her column to General Assembly in St. Louis. Among the highlights were Rev. Kathryn Bert's acceptance into Final Fellowship, Kathy McWilliams, Teresa Putnam, and Anna Putnam presenting the denomination's Coming of Age curriculum, and Evy Jackson attending her forty-first General Assembly. Many readers will recognize Kathy McWilliams and Teresa Putnam, who continue to be active members of our congregation today. Reading Judith's report reminded me that our congregation has long been active in the wider Unitarian Universalist Association.
Welcoming New Members
The newsletter welcomed Joanne Cameron, Stan and Mae Hartman, Michele Root-Bernstein, Zachary Blount, Mary Turner, and Barb Wilber. One of my favorite parts of old newsletters is reading the new member biographies. Joanne had founded the PeaceMakers quilting group. Stan and Mae were restoring a Victorian home. Zachary was pursuing graduate studies in microbiology and genetics at Michigan State University after hearing a Ten Pound Fiddle announcement on the radio. Mary Turner worked as a physician assistant in a Perry family practice, and Barb Wilber, Business Manager for Michigan State University's Physical Plant, was introduced to the church by Music Director Rachel Alexander. Twenty years later, Joanne, Mary, and Barb remain active members of our congregation.
Life Around the Church
Looking through the calendar, one thing becomes obvious—summer was anything but quiet. Members could attend a free showing of Rivers and Tides: Andy Goldsworthy Working with Time, complete with free popcorn, join the Pretty Good Book Group discussing Sam Harris's The End of Faith, knit after church with the Lettuce Bee Knitters, participate in committee meetings, and prepare for the months ahead.
I especially enjoyed the article recruiting sound technicians. Rachel Alexander assured readers that no experience was necessary and suggested it 'might be an ideal service project for a high school student, and adults are, of course, welcome as well!' Twenty years later, congregations still depend on volunteers willing to work behind the scenes.
Another group that caught my attention was the UU Bike Riders, described as ‘an informal group of bike riders (Schwinns, not Harleys).’ Alice Hill organized the July 9 ‘Return to Sleepy Hollow’ ride. The UU Bike Riders are still an active group in our congregation today, and Alice remains an active member who can often be found welcoming members and visitors at the Membership Table on Sunday mornings.
One tradition I wasn’t aware of before reading this newsletter involved Meadville Lombard Theological School, Rev. Kathryn Bert’s alma mater. Since 2003, UUCGL had presented graduates with a copy of The Wonder of Life, a collection of writings by Rev. Kenneth L. Patton edited by our former interim minister, the late Rev. Maryell Cleary. The newsletter included a gracious thank-you letter from one of that year’s graduates, noting that the Doctorate of Ministry program “serves advanced ministerial aspirations of Liberal Religion in invaluable ways.” It was a touching reminder that our congregation’s support extended well beyond Lansing—and that Rev. Cleary’s legacy lived on through the gift she helped make possible. I found myself wondering how long this tradition continued after 2006. If anyone remembers, I’d genuinely enjoy hearing that story.
The 'Splinters from the Board' column was another reminder of how much volunteer leadership keeps a congregation running. Tammy Lemmer, Marion Walsh, Chris Clampitt, Regina Fry, Don Griggs, Hari Kern, and Deb Bennett accepted new leadership roles, while the Board continued recruiting members for both the Stewardship Committee and a Strategic Planning Committee. Many of those individuals are still active in our congregation today. Twenty years later, developing leaders and encouraging stewardship remain just as important. If you'd like to learn more about our current Stewardship Team, feel free to reach out to me—we're always looking for a few more volunteers.
Looking Back
Reading this newsletter reminded me that while the names, issues, and events change over time, the heart of our congregation remains remarkably consistent. Twenty years ago we were welcoming newcomers, wrestling with important questions of justice, exploring spirituality, enjoying one another's company, and relying on volunteers to make church happen.
One thing that especially struck me was how many familiar names appeared throughout the newsletter. Some are no longer with us, but many continue to enrich the life of our congregation.
By the time I reached the last page, I realized I hadn't simply read an old newsletter. I'd spent a little time with the congregation as it was twenty years ago.
That's one of the things I enjoy most about working in the archives. Old newsletters aren't just collections of announcements—they preserve the story of a living congregation and remind us that today's announcements are tomorrow's history.
Historical Note: Proposal 2 was approved by Michigan voters in November 2006 with approximately 58% of the vote and became part of the Michigan Constitution. It remained in effect until 2023, when the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision ending race-conscious admissions in higher education effectively changed the legal landscape nationwide. The 2006 newsletter captures a moment when our congregation thoughtfully engaged with an issue that continues to evolve today.
Seeking Your Input
If you were part of the congregation during this period, your memories matter to this project. What do you remember about church life in 2006? What made it special? Written recollections are welcome, as are photos, newsletters, bulletins, letters, or other mementos you may have held onto. Even small details or fragments help enrich our understanding of the congregation's history.
If you have something to share, or simply a story you've never written down, please reach out at uucgl.archives@gmail.com.
Acknowledgment
This post was researched and written by Ed Busch. AI writing assistants (Claude and ChatGPT) were used to help organize and refine the presentation of archival content. The research, archival work, and interpretive judgments are the author's own.
About the Author
Ed Busch is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing and serves as the volunteer archivist for the congregation. He is retired from Michigan State University, where he worked in digital preservation and archives.
Through the UU Lansing Archives project, he enjoys uncovering stories from church newsletters, board records, photographs, and local history sources to help connect the congregation's past with its present.
Ed also serves on the UU Lansing Stewardship Team and helps with Building and Grounds projects.
Sources
Liberal Express, July 7, 2006.
Liberal Express, March - August, 1986.