Dear Friends around the globe,
On November 7 we lost one of our strongest and most persistent advocates for international Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist connections. Rev. Polly Guild of Massachusetts died after a period of illness. While her death was expected, it was still a great loss to all who knew her and to Unitarians and Universalists around the globe who may never know the effect of her pioneering work.
As member, leader and friend of the IARF, the ICUU, the Partner Church Council and hundreds of individuals around the world Polly helped grow our sense of community across borders, oceans and continents. It always seemed that if there was a gathering, she was there. A former Executive Member of the ICUU, Polly in recent years sat in as our resident historian and archivist. As new leaders emerged, she helped us learn the history and the context so that we could do our best work.
Sadly, Polly was not able to attend our most recent Council Meeting in Transylvania. However thanks to a little creativity and the help of her family, we were able to send live birthday greetings to Polly over the internet. For a too brief few moments she was with us one more time.
She was a great soul and is greatly missed.
On behalf of the Executive Committee and Staff of the ICUU I send the warmest regards and condolences to Polly's family and to all who are missing this special woman this day.
Rev. Brian Kiely
Unitarian Church of Edmonton
President, International Council of Unitarians and Universalists
Monday, 9 November 2009
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Update from Philippines
Thank you so much for keeping us in your thoughts we greatly appreciate your friendship and support.
The Typhoon rains have brought much destruction to life, property and living especially in Manila. The aftermath of this is starvation. On Negros Island the damage to farms will result to no food in homes. This will create another difficulty when people will go after local money lenders to borrow money for food who will in return charge them high interest. When the other in coming Typhoons will bring in much rain it will prolong the time of farm land preparations for planting, as a result of this people will experience food shortage in their homes. Doldol and Malingin congregations who are in to Rice farming, with bad weather some are unable to dry the harvested rice and it is rotting. The Cropof some others are in the field yet and is under water and some cannot prepare the land for planting for the next season.
In Cabiguhan and Nataban members who plant corn, peanuts and root crops say because of the heavy rain and strong winds the crops are damaged. These are only four congregations I have visited during the last week end.
We are glad that you are there for us to air out our frustrations facing these natural calamities that disrupts life and add much to what people bear with for existence. We who are with the people find our selves helpless most of the time. With all good wishes,
Nihal Attanayake
The Typhoon rains have brought much destruction to life, property and living especially in Manila. The aftermath of this is starvation. On Negros Island the damage to farms will result to no food in homes. This will create another difficulty when people will go after local money lenders to borrow money for food who will in return charge them high interest. When the other in coming Typhoons will bring in much rain it will prolong the time of farm land preparations for planting, as a result of this people will experience food shortage in their homes. Doldol and Malingin congregations who are in to Rice farming, with bad weather some are unable to dry the harvested rice and it is rotting. The Cropof some others are in the field yet and is under water and some cannot prepare the land for planting for the next season.
In Cabiguhan and Nataban members who plant corn, peanuts and root crops say because of the heavy rain and strong winds the crops are damaged. These are only four congregations I have visited during the last week end.
We are glad that you are there for us to air out our frustrations facing these natural calamities that disrupts life and add much to what people bear with for existence. We who are with the people find our selves helpless most of the time. With all good wishes,
Nihal Attanayake
Update from Indonesia
It seems that the earth layer beneath Indonesia archipelago has not yet been stable. After the Tasikmalaya (West Java) earthquake during our Koloszvar meeting, now the earthquake hits western Sumatera (Padang, Pariaman, and now Jambi). We are saddened by the news that it could be more than 2.000 death toll.
There are no direct impact to our church. We have no congregation in western Sumatera yet. But, we are still talking to one family, our member in Jakarta, who is originated from western Sumatera. We are waiting for information about their big family in western Sumatera. We are still looking for any possibility to collect some help to the earthquake victims (may be during the next sabbath worship, there will be some fund collection), and will deliver it through government agencies or NGO body.
The update :
We are relief that the family of our Jakarta member are not affected by the earthquake.
The death numbers of the victim are now 471. Injured numbers 2,818 which are 604 badly injured. The government through the health department said that there are thousands people still buried (either alive or death) under the damaged building.
We will collect the fund today, on the sabbath worship, and will deliver it through Indonesia Red Cross for the victims.
Thank you for your kind attention and the attention of the ICUU as a big family.
Aryanto Nugroho
Indonesia
There are no direct impact to our church. We have no congregation in western Sumatera yet. But, we are still talking to one family, our member in Jakarta, who is originated from western Sumatera. We are waiting for information about their big family in western Sumatera. We are still looking for any possibility to collect some help to the earthquake victims (may be during the next sabbath worship, there will be some fund collection), and will deliver it through government agencies or NGO body.
The update :
We are relief that the family of our Jakarta member are not affected by the earthquake.
The death numbers of the victim are now 471. Injured numbers 2,818 which are 604 badly injured. The government through the health department said that there are thousands people still buried (either alive or death) under the damaged building.
We will collect the fund today, on the sabbath worship, and will deliver it through Indonesia Red Cross for the victims.
Thank you for your kind attention and the attention of the ICUU as a big family.
Aryanto Nugroho
Indonesia
Friday, 2 October 2009
ICUU President on Indonesian Earthquake
Dear Friends in JAGI
It is with a measure of deep relief that I have learned from Aryanto Nugroho that none of your congregations were directly affected by the recent earthquake in Padang. Nevertheless it is a terrible tragedy and natural disaster facing your nation. I am sure many of you know people or families who have been harmed.
As people of faith and empathy, I offer the nest wishes and prayers of the Executive Committee and of Unitarians and Universalists around the world for all people affected by the quake, no matter what their religion or station in life.
As in the case of our brothers and sisters in the Philippines recovering from the floods, I urge all U*Us who are willing and able to support relief efforts for those harmed by these terrible events.
In an uncertain world where environmental disaster seems to be an increasingly common event, we stand in awe and hope before the power of nature. We wish you and the men and women of Indonesia al the best in recovery and rebuilding efforts.
In faith,
Rev. Brian J. Kiely
International Council of Unitarians and Universalists
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
ICUU President on Philippines Storm
September 29, 2009.
Dear Philippine UU’s and Unitarians and Universalists around the world
It is with a heavy heart that I and other members of the Staff and Executive Committee of the ICUU have followed devastating effects of Typhoon Onday from afar. There are few things more frightening than the feelings of powerlessness that can come to us as we stand helpless before the storm. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you struggle with the immediate emergency conditions and with the aftermath of cleaning up and rebuilding lives, homes and businesses.
I hope that many will join me in following the unfolding story. I also invite all who are able and feel so inclined to contribute to relief efforts through your national Red Cross/Red Crescent organizations.
May you in the Philippines find peace and safety soon. May you be spared further setbacks and may you all be graced with the blessings of God.
Sincerely,
Rev. Brian J. Kiely
President
International Council of Unitarians and Universalists
Dear Philippine UU’s and Unitarians and Universalists around the world
It is with a heavy heart that I and other members of the Staff and Executive Committee of the ICUU have followed devastating effects of Typhoon Onday from afar. There are few things more frightening than the feelings of powerlessness that can come to us as we stand helpless before the storm. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you struggle with the immediate emergency conditions and with the aftermath of cleaning up and rebuilding lives, homes and businesses.
I hope that many will join me in following the unfolding story. I also invite all who are able and feel so inclined to contribute to relief efforts through your national Red Cross/Red Crescent organizations.
May you in the Philippines find peace and safety soon. May you be spared further setbacks and may you all be graced with the blessings of God.
Sincerely,
Rev. Brian J. Kiely
President
International Council of Unitarians and Universalists
UU Pilgrimage to Philippines
During March, 2010, the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council (UUPCC) will sponsor a group pilgrimage to experience the remarkable people and culture of the Philippines. There are over 2,500 Unitarian Universalists worshipping in 29 different congregations in the Philippines today, mostly on the large tropical island of Negros. This tour is the second tour which has been coordinated by the UUPCC in coordination with the UUCP. UUPCC Networker for the Philippines, Lee Boeke Burke, and UUCP Chairperson of the Faith in Action Department, Nihal Attanayake, will be your tour guides. The cost of the fall trip is $1450 (with a single supplement of $300). This cost includes all in-country transportation, accommodations, meals, drivers, interpreters and entrance fees. It does not include your airfare to Manila, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, and airport transfers before/after specified trip dates. Your UUPCC registration fee, which is included in the trip cost, pays for your membership in the UUPCC, the cost of processing your application and mailing your travel packet, and an impact fee paid to the UUCP. For more information, check out the UUPCC website, www.uupcc.org.
Monday, 28 September 2009
URGENT! Please donate for Philippine typhoon victims
Folks, This is likely to go down as the biggest catastrophe in the history of the Philippines, even worse than the twin disasters of the earthquake and Mt. Pinatubo in 1990 and 1991. Please try to help. 2 more storms coming so things may get really bad.
In 6 hours last saturday, a month's worth of rain fell, affecting more than 340,000 people in the Metro Manila area. Low-lying Areas in and around Metro Manila were submerged as high as 20 feet. Here is a Facebook photo gallery of the destruction. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=122290&id=710751532&ref=share 48 hours after the rains fell there are still people trapped on rooftops. Some are sick. Many are in danger of dehydration.
Hundreds of thousands have lost their homes and are in shelters. Relief supplies will surely run out fast without donations. To my UU friends, please inform your church mates. Our congregation here was largely spared but so many are not. Thanks for your kind attention. Please be guided by the message below.
For updates, please click here. www.gmanews.tv Bob Guerrero ,YOU MAY DONATE THROUGH http://www.redcross.org.ph. You can also DONATE THROUGH TXTPOWER'S PAYPAL! http://bit.ly/hQtKH or you can donate here, through the Philippine Society of Jesus, Catholic aid group, very good. https://www.myayala.com/sjph/
In 6 hours last saturday, a month's worth of rain fell, affecting more than 340,000 people in the Metro Manila area. Low-lying Areas in and around Metro Manila were submerged as high as 20 feet. Here is a Facebook photo gallery of the destruction. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=122290&id=710751532&ref=share 48 hours after the rains fell there are still people trapped on rooftops. Some are sick. Many are in danger of dehydration.
Hundreds of thousands have lost their homes and are in shelters. Relief supplies will surely run out fast without donations. To my UU friends, please inform your church mates. Our congregation here was largely spared but so many are not. Thanks for your kind attention. Please be guided by the message below.
For updates, please click here. www.gmanews.tv Bob Guerrero ,YOU MAY DONATE THROUGH http://www.redcross.org.ph. You can also DONATE THROUGH TXTPOWER'S PAYPAL! http://bit.ly/hQtKH or you can donate here, through the Philippine Society of Jesus, Catholic aid group, very good. https://www.myayala.com/sjph/
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