Yes!  Distinguished scholars tell us we humans may have an ancient heritage of partnership and peace.  My hope is that the current uprisings mean that people everywhere are beginning the process of reclaiming that heritage.  Surely we have all had enough of domination and war.  -- Shirley Ranck, author Cakes for the Queen of Heaven

Helen’s March 14, 2011 Note:  My love letter of concern to all my Japanese IALRW, International Association of Liberal Religious Women, sisters:

A teapot holding tea leaves becomes active with strong essence when the water is added.  I see you “in hot water” and being strong in this time of tragedy.  Today, it’s so hard to know what the escape of radiation from your quake-damaged nuclear plants really will mean for human health.  However what I have witnessed about all of you is the steadfastness of your supportive interdependence and industrious positive energy.  I’m sure that “when in hot water” from the earthquake, each one of you is becoming strong enough “to take it” and give what you can to your people’s struggle.  This vision I carry inspires me to send, daily, my positive vibrations of concerned love.  May you be safe and able to be resilient every step of the way to recovery.  History proves you’ve done it before.  I hold you in my heart dear sisters.

[Details on IALRW members' aid efforts in Japan are on their Facebook group page.]

Egypt’s weaponless January liberation protest connects to WW II’s A-bomb devastation in Japan.

By Helen Popenoe, (written February 21, 2011, but relevant to Japan’s tragedy, today, in its connection to Michiko Tsuchihashi’s mission, described in this report.)

February Article Introduction (followed by early March responses):

If Jeremiah could have looked at Egypt this beginning of 2011, how would he have interpreted the motivation behind the protestors’ movement?  Might they have baked cakes for the Queen of Heaven in their pre-protest communication?  In WOMUUNWEB’S fall issue, I started a series based on my reactions to presentations I heard at September’s conference for the International Association of Liberal Religious Women (IALRW.)  Now, my second report is an opinion piece about Egypt’s strong protest, one minus the violence of warring with weapons.  The weaponless Egyptian January freedom demonstrators’ success ties in with IALRW’s Michiko Tsuchihashi’s unforgettable sharing of her mission in life. 

WOMUUNWEB’s last issue’s report was based on a description of Dolma’s peace education.  Michiko, in her presentation, acknowledged how Dolma’s  good work in India connects with Michiko’s peace work in Japan.

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“Great planning and presentation!  Wonderful inclusion of participants!  Collage activity was a delightful journey along the path of individual creativity and self-expression.”  What a wonderful experience.”  “Great weekend.”  “This has been an enriching experience.”  “Time to reflect,time to share, time to be joyous and time to be creative.  I loved the ritual, the meditation and the creative activity.”  Thank you, this has been a wonderful way to connect with other women.”  “By the time the date arrived for this retreat, I really had not wanted to come.  I must say I am leaving with energy and sorrow that it is over.  Thank you.”  “Loved the music, loved the collage, and unfortunately loved the food!” “Perfect weekend.”  “What a marvelous way to join with otherUU women in spirit, song and feast.”

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UU Women & Religion Breakfast - June 25, 2010

Millennium Hotel, Minneapolis, MN

Attendance: (See sign-in sheet for complete names) Gretchen, Nancy, Shirley, Dorothy, Roberta, Terri, Lynn, Laura, Caroline, Rosemary, Sue, Colleen, Linda, Susan, Martha, Laurie, Claudia(?), Geri, Misty

I.    Opening: Gretchen Ohmann led us in the chant, “I give thanks” with drumming.

II.   Introductions Around the Circle (sign-in sheet was also passed)

III.  What is Women & Religion all about?

Gretchen presented a brief recap of the UUWR annual report.  Projects included: the International Convocation of UU Women; a vendor / information booth at General Assembly selling curriculum, CDs, jewelry, etc.; participating in the Margaret Fuller celebrations; promotion of “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven” curriculum.

Gretchen reported that two new women’s regional groups have been initiated this year, in Florida and St Lawrence District.  They join active women’s groups in the following districts: Central Midwest, Northern New England, Pacific Central, Thomas Jefferson, Joseph Priestley, and South West.  She encouraged all groups represented to send notices of their events to UUWR so that they can be posted on the website and included in the newsletter.

At this time, UUWR is focused on facilitating communication and sharing of resources between the various UU women’s groups.

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