I visited Antarctica 8 years ago. Little did I know how much this trip would change me.  We traveled to the Antarctic peninsula, which is a sometimes rough 2 day ship ride from the southern tip of Argentina.  

     Before we could leave the ship to set foot on the continent of Antarctica, we were required to vacuum our coats, pockets and camera cases for any contaminants. We also had to step with our boots into pans of disinfectant.

     Since 1959, the Antarctic Treaty has governed Antarctica. Currently there are 47 member nations, all of whom work together to protect this precious biome. To me it was an example of how good things can be, and should be, with regard to mankind’s treatment of our earth home.     

     My memory of Antarctica is that of a heavenly cathedral abounding with wildlife. Magical icebergs and snowy mountains form the walls of this watery cathedral. Many birds fly high above the coast; cheerful penguins make a noisy racket as they enter and return from the ocean at the shoreline.  Most impressive were the majestic humpback whales.     

      My moment of eternal reckoning came though when I heard the booming, resounding calls of the humpback whales as they approached our Zodiac raft. Unbelievably large, they were curious about us. They lifted their heads from the water to look at us.  I also felt them glide directly under the Zodiac, so close the bottom of the boat underneath, that I could feel the dorsal fins sliding across. They could have easily flipped the entire boat and drowned us by thrashing around in the water. Yet, they treated us with dignity and respect. I became deeply ashamed of my own species at that time. Historically, we have not treated these large mammals with the same dignity and respect in return.   

     At that moment, I vowed to be a better steward for the animal and plant species we share the planet with. That is, to honor the 7th principle of Unitarianism. We must demonstrate high regard for the interdependent web of life we are part of.  If any part of the web is destroyed, the whole web will disintegrate.  

     As one person I can do only a little, but together we can, and must do a lot more. Please remember in your prayers that mankind is but one life form amidst a glorious cacophony of species. Pray for the wisdom to see how we can better fit into this world.
- Susan Wester

Interfaith Transgender Day of Remembrance Service
6:00PM - 8:00PM 
Temple Beth El and Livestream
2702 Arbor Dr.
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 238-3123
 office@tbemadison.org
Contact Melissa Osborne
(608) 238-3123
office@tbemadison.org
http://tbemadison.org

6:00pm - 7:00pm ~ Community Resource Fair
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ~ Interfaith Service
The Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance honoring the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. We gather to remember, and we will continue to gather until we are all accepted for just being us, human beings. The Temple Beth El community shares this solemn day of remembrance with many interfaith partners and is proud to be the host congregation for this event this year.
Transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith started this tradition in 1999 in memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who had been killed the previous year. It became an annual tradition to honor all transgender people who lost their lives to violence because of who they were.
Please review TBE’s in-person guidelines before attending this event in person.
To view this event on livestream, go to YouTube at http://www.tinyurl.com/TBEYTLivestream.

Co-sponsored by:
Beth Israel Center
Bethany United Methodist Church
Briarpatch Youth Services (Teens Like Us Program)
Circle Sanctuary
Congregation Shaarei Shamayim
Covenant Presbyterian Church
El Tawhid Juma Circle-Madison
First Baptist Church of Madison
First Unitarian Society of Madison
Holy Wisdom Monastery
Jewish Federation of Madison
Jewish Social Services of Madison
Lake Edge UCC
League of Women Voters of Dane County
Madison Christian Community - Advent Lutheran Church and Community of Hope UCC
Madison Insight Meditation Group
Memorial United Church of Christ
Middleton Community Church UCC
Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
PFLAG-Madison Pres House (Queerly Beloved; FACETS)
Pres House Apartments
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church
St. John's Lutheran Church
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Temple Beth El
The Crossing Campus Ministry
Trinity United Methodist Church
Vivent Health
Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice

Wadjda

The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this is a story of a spunky, independent 11-year-old girl who wants to ride a bike, wears Converse sneakers and loves to compete against her (male) best friend. Beautifully done, the film explores topics such as religious traditions and laws, but it’s also an incredible study of female empowerment. Follow along, and cheer for Wadjda as she fiercely makes a place for herself in the w
world.
Rated PG 
98 minutes
Released in August 2012  
Recommended for ages 8+
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/469581790777

Shop and Give!

Porchlight will be at First Unitarian Society again this year with all of their delightful goods, including fruit spreads, pickled products, and scone mixes. Come to the Atrium on Sunday, December 18, right before the 9AM service or during the 10AM-11AM coffee hour to purchase something for yourself or something to gift.             Sales benefit Porchlight's programs and you! 

The MOSES Ministry Team of First Unitarian Society meets Wednesday, December 14, at 4PM.
Topic: Moses Meeting Link
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85275789992
If you'd like to learn more about what the FUS MOSES Team is doing to hasten humane criminal justice reform, please join us.
For more information about our team, contact Kathy Luker @  kathy.luker@gmail.com,

  A NEW Social Justice Team has formed. The Reproductive Freedom Ministry Team has met twice, and we invite you to join us at meetings or events. 

This team continues collecting resources, researching a potential speaker to talk to the congregation between services, and is looking into peaceful vigils to draw attention to the issues we're facing.