The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica

Featured Articles - July, 2006

Town Hall Meeting on Building Plans

At a town hall meeting on Sunday, July 30, at 11:30 a.m., the Building Committee will present the latest word on our building plans. By then we anticipate that the revised plans for our application to the Santa Monica Planning Commission will be ready for congregational review.

At the May 21 annual meeting the congregation authorized the Board of Directors to submit an application for revisions to our Conditional Use Permit to the city. The following amendment was added to the authorization: “. . . prior to submitting the application the Building Committee [will] prepare a mailing with the plans and information about the plans, and hold an informational meeting for the congregation . . . .”

This application is to modify plans for phase two of the building program, which involves new classroom space and a social hall. We hope construction can start as soon as possible after we complete the moving and renovation of the cottage.

As those who attended the annual meeting know, there has been a change in the earlier plans. The Santa Monica City Council imposed a condition that we secure 12 nearby parking spaces to be available during all church operating hours. Because of board concerns that we could not meet that requirement without its impacting or eliminating our programs, we have redesigned the area to conform to zoning regulations without the requirement that we obtain a variance.

The building committee looks forward to discussing those plans with you. Please try to attend the meeting. If you are unable to, please contact Carol Agate with your comments and feedback.

Pipes are Grand Marshals in Gay Pride Parade

The Rev. Ernie Pipes and Maggie Pipes drew thunderous applause at the recent West Hollywood Gay Pride Parade. A banner held in front of the convertible they drove in proclaimed that in 1959 he was the first minister in the Los Angeles area to perform commitment ceremonies for gays and lesbians. Also participating in the parade were Kris Langabeer, Debbie Menzies, and Skye Menzies-Langabeer; Linda Van Ligten and Alyssa Wood; Liza Cranis; Katrina Thompson and Coltrane (asleep in his stroller); Judy Federick; Pat McGuire; John Fels and Ron Crane; Carol Agate; Kathy Cook; Cathie Gentile; Janet Goodman, Karl Lisovsky, John-Michael Lisovsky, and Angela Lisovsky; and Carmen Drum and Lloyd Drum.

Tributes to Warren Mathews - 50 Years at UUCCSM

1956-2006 -- Having joined our congregation 50 years ago, Warren was first elected to the board in 1969. Since then (in the past 37 years) he’s been treasurer four times (including the current 2006–07 term), and almost continuously either on the board and/or the Finance or Personnel Committees.

Carol Agate: Thanks, Warren, for always being there. You have been there whenever I needed your help or advice. You’ve been there for the church, patiently explaining financial projections, doing your best to help us understand them. You’ve been in the office, teaching our bookkeeper and doing the job yourself when we have been between bookkeepers. You’ve been honest and straightforward, qualities I admire and appreciate. How lucky we are to have your abilities and dedication applied to the service of the church.

Wally Boag: So the word is out that Warren Matthews has had 50 years’ participation with UUCCSM. That is exciting. Ellen and I have only 17 years with the church. We met Joyce and Warren on our first Sunday. They were fast to take us to lunch that day to find out all about us. I have enjoyed Warren ever since with his many talents. As a comic I was pleased that he laughs at my gags. Over the years I have produced some vaudeville shows for the church and Warren was always the stage manager. He knows where every light and mike is in the building. He also knows where every church dollar is. So let’s have lunch Wednesday.

Rob Briner: Although I’m a relatively recent member of this community, as the church historian (since 2003) I’ve gleaned the reach and depth of Warren’s work and contributions from the archives. Without exaggeration, the documents show that he’s been involved in and done everything — from grunt physical work to cerebral planning, mechanics to administration, problem avoiding to problem solving. Many others have made stellar contributions over long periods of time, often over decades, but I can’t identify anyone who has done as much over all of the past five decades. Quite frankly, I am in awe of his knowledge and skills, and have absolute confidence that our church has been run honestly and with integrity significantly because of Warren’s thousands of hours of volunteer labor. As a postscript, I recently asked Warren about his professional and semi-professional singing experience. I was flabbergasted to hear that he began singing in college (MIT) with the Handel & Haydn Society of Boston, then with the Robert Shaw Chorale in New York, then under Howard Swan at Occidental College (while he attended Cal Tech), and then with other ensembles in Los Angeles including under Jester Hairston, Roger Wagner, and Gregg Smith (all are well known names in the field). So, Warren has excelled in his chosen profession, our church community, and in the arts — which is pretty much the definition of “Renaissance Man.”

Peggy Butler: Warren, how do I admire and appreciate him? I will count a few ways: (1) As a willing volunteer who will do anything the church needs. No job too small or menial nor too difficult; (2) As the financial volunteer who oversees the records of the church and the staff members who keep them. A patient, helpful teacher; (3) As a voice of reason and sensibility. His thinking is clear and to the point; (4) As a supportive friend who is respectful, kind, and caring; and (5) etc., etc., etc.! The fourth attribute is the one I want to elaborate on. When I staffed the church office he was available to me for any assistance both professionally and personally. When I had a heart attack and subsequent surgery, Warren took over my applications for Social Security benefits and disability insurance. He prepared the forms, brought them to me for signing, and saw that they were mailed, which was a great kindness to me at a very difficult time. Thank you, Warren, for all you have done for the church, for me, and for the example you are as a truly loving, generous man.

Melinda Ewen: Warren, more than any other person, has created the infrastructure of the UUCCSM organization. He is our mentor.

Milton Holmen: During the 50 years that Marion and I have been members of UUCCSM, Warren Mathews has made a significant contribution to every aspect of the church and its operations. I cannot imagine the church’s long period of growth, community involvement, and service to its members without Warren’s enthusiastic participation in generating, planning, conducting, and managing needed activities, large and small. His leadership has included analyses of problems and opportunities, recommendations for preservation of our best programs, and suggestions for new programs to fill in gaps as our congregation and the world around us have evolved. His leadership style is participative rather than authoritative, which has contributed to the growth of others. His example of selfless service has inspired many members of our congregation to be active. Additionally, he has done much to maintain and improve the physical condition of the church, contributing time and effort largely unseen. We have all enjoyed the results of Warren’s dedication.

Barbara Kernochan: To give an adequate history of Warren’s extensive involvements here at the corner of 18th and Arizona, one would of course have to ask Warren. I can attest to our shared time on the Board, overlapping stints on the Personnel Committee, and several fun-filled retreats, during which Warren’s job was to ask the probing questions and answer many more than he posed. His academic mind, demanding incisive thinking, bold action, and grammatical accuracy, are tempered by wit, a ready laugh, and the beautiful singing voice that could have nudged his life in very different directions. He served as mentor for at least one Coming of Age class, has crawled under the sanctuary (for the sheer filthy thrill of it, I suspect), and has frequently been observed in tennis whites wrestling computer glitches into submission in the office. Indeed, it is possible that he actually built the church office, but I lack documentation on this point. He is of course brilliant, and can be utterly maddening. Frequently, he is maddeningly brilliant. To have these gifts bestowed upon us throughout such a span of time and with such depth of commitment, we are grateful beyond measure. Thank you, Warren, again and again.

Carol Kerr: As UUCCSM’s board president for the past three years, I have become Warren Mathews’ biggest fan — bar none. He is the “go to” person for just about everything — a credit to his extensive service to our church and the breadth of his institutional knowledge.

Ofelia Lachtman: When a church congregation has had a volunteer around for over fifty years who has both perspicacity and perspicuity, it’s a darned lucky congregation. Warren Mathews has both, along with an overflowing generosity and — most of the time — a somber patience. He listens well. Whenever I have a question to do with the church, or not, I go to Warren for an answer or advice. Thank you, Warren.

Anne MacQueen: When I was a new hire in the church office (in 1991) as a finance assistant, it was Warren Mathews who explained the job and gave me a quick course in accounting. Of all the chores set out before me, balancing the books each month seemed especially important. Oh dear, it wasn’t long before there was suddenly a large imbalance — two or three thousand dollars I recall. And Warren did not come to my rescue! I struggled for several months until finally one morning I found the error. I was almost delirious with joy when I told him, and he just beamed. I’m certain Warren could have done it with far less sweat. But, as a generous and wise teacher, he let me have the pleasure of solving it myself. Warren, I trust you are reading this. I am keenly aware of how much the church has benefited from your involvement, but now I want to speak personally. I came to know you as a man of rare nobility with “a beautiful mind.” You have enriched my life. Thanks, and happy 50th anniversary with UUCCSM.

The Rev. Judith Meyer: For many years Warren has been a virtual staff member, working closely with each of us on everything from finance to personnel to computer issues. He has been a trouble-shooter, mentor, and leader. As a member of the staff, I thank Warren especially for all the ways he has helped us. He has been a caring listener and trusted advisor. He has been the voice of wisdom and compassion when difficult decisions have needed to be made. He understands the delicate and vulnerable workings of a church and its ministry and enabled us to do more than we could have on our own. Of all the roles Warren has played and contributions he has made to the life of our church over these years, his work in supporting and guiding the staff is what I cherish most.

Ernest Pipes: Volunteer organizations often are unaware of the fantastic talent that sometimes drops into their lap. With a Ph.D. in physics from MIT (and mathematical wizardry you wouldn’t believe), Warren went on to become a Vice President of Hughes Aircraft in charge of an entire division (electronics, I believe). Upon retirement he brought these high-powered skills in administration, management, and personnel recruitment to the corner of 18th and Arizona. For many years he was the CFO (chief financial officer) for the church, overseeing the books, making financial projections, and bringing to each annual congregational meeting a lucid picture of the church budget — which he always helped to frame. When the office needed to hire new personnel, he saw to the job descriptions and, often, the interviews. When the church by-laws needed tweaking or major overhaul, Warren brought his sharp mind to that task. And in all of this he saw as his underlying job training others to take over what he was doing, so that the church would “never be overly dependent on one person.” Volunteer organizations are rarely so greatly blessed.

John Raiford: Warren is my version of the gold standard as a church member: ethical, hard-working, dependable, knowledgeable, and intellectually stimulating. It is a delightful experience to watch him polish off a hearty lunch (including appetizer, main course, dessert, and libation) while giving mini-dissertations on matters ranging from music to science to politics to community affairs. To my knowledge, no financial wizard from our congregation has ever successfully challenged Warren’s many-faceted presentations on the church’s financial status (such as at annual meetings). And he has a readily available sense of humor, which he frequently uses — just for the fun of it. I feel fortunate to be Warren’s fellow church member and friend.

Nancy Shinno and Patrick Burrows: It’s hard to think of the church without thinking of Warren. When we joined in1994, we heard he is the one person who has his finger on the pulse of everything happening. Also that he is not “the power behind the Throne”; he is the Throne. Some even call him “Chancellor.” We’ve experienced Warren and Joyce as warm, welcoming, supportive people sharing in joys and sorrows of life. It’s not unusual to drop by the church and find Warren donating his time and energy. He is truly devoted to the congregation and a great person to know. Warren, let’s do this again in another 50 years!

Peter van den Beemt: Warren Mathews saved me from a huge embarrassment when Wally Giffen and I planned a Dining for Dollars event that included dinner for 80 people and a two-hour concert. The call for the dress rehearsal the night before was an hour before the show. We were having problems with the soundboard and the engineer I had asked to help couldn’t get it working. After eight months of hard work, disaster was imminent. Warren was at the church that night and he fixed the problem, then ran the soundboard for the rehearsal and the concert. He did a tremendous job and saved our lives. Warren and I have faced many issues together, sometimes on the same side and sometimes not. In every case he was calm and wise and helped reach a fair and effective solution. My admiration for Warren is unbounded, and I am honored to have had such a long association with him.

Jacki Weber: What Warren Mathews is, is what I aspire to be. Warren is a thinker. He works through scenarios and expresses them, yet he doesn’t seem to grow attached to them and he’s always willing to consider another’s viewpoint fully. He’s joyful in conversation and in service. He’s a workhorse, but not a martyr. His generosities of both time and of money are unparalleled. And he’s a master on the tennis court. I’m so pleased to share this community with him, to learn from him and enjoy his company!

Our Weekend at Camp de Benneville Pines

	John & Ron in a pensive moment on the porch
We know it's de Beneville when Sue brings a puzzle with no borders.
	It must be Jacki's turn to chase the kids.
This year, Sudoko was the favorite game.
	Two boys and the mountain air would knock anyone out.
Emmy plans her next move.
There are always babies to borrow.
	Greg couldn't decide which instrument to play, so he chose both.

Building Plans Dominate Discussion at Congregation's Annual Meeting

A major order of business at the 79th annual congregational meeting on Sunday, May 21 was the election of the board and nominating committee. Elected as president was Charles Haskell, who explained his plans for the coming year. Other officers are Ron Crane, first vice president; Peter van den Beemt, second vice president; Dayla McDonald, secretary; and Warren Mathews, treasurer. Elected as members-atlarge for two-year terms were Rebecca Crawford, Bronwen Jones, and Pat Parkerton. Phyllis Kory was elected as member-atlarge for one year, completing Peter van den Beemt’s term. Carol Kerr will automatically fill the position of immediate past president, and Patricia Wright and Marv Pulliam will remain on the board, serving the second year of their terms as members-at-large.

Elected to the nominating committee were Edna Bonacich and Anne Gustafson. Remaining members are John Fels, S.J. Guidotti, Linda van Ligten, and Victor Paddock.

Members of the congregation reported on their work for us this year. Our minister, the Rev. Judith Meyer, also read the names of members who have died since the previous annual meeting. Warren Mathews, on behalf of the Finance Committee reported that for the first time in several years we anticipate no problem remaining in the black. The budget passed unanimously. Reports were then presented by President Carol Kerr and Capital Campaign Chair Ron Crane.

The Building Committee report by Alison Kendall drew the most discussion. She and our architect, Ralph Mechur, showed the substantial change in plans necessitated by the decision of the Santa Monica City Council. The congregation voted to authorize the board to proceed with its Conditional Use Permit application to the city council. The next building vote was to proceed with relocating and renovating the house at 1248 Eighteenth Street. It passed with three votes in opposition.

The meeting ended with the installation of the new officers, board members, and members of the nominating committee.

Dean Voegtlen's Fabulous Pancake Breakfast Lives On!

About eighty people attended this year’s event, which was held in Forbes Hall on June 10. Dean’s original pancake recipe is used, which requires the eggs to be separated and the egg whites to be beaten, giving the pancakes that special lightness. The pancakes are served with real butter and maple syrup, along with a fresh fruit salad, bacon, sausage, juice, and coffee. Chefs and food preparers included Gerald Saldo, Kirk Silsbee, Mort Postel, Joyce Holmen, and Ellen Levy.

Emily Hero was a big help with the setup and flowers; she cooked some cakes on the electric griddle, too. Elizabeth and Stella Saldo, Jessie Dietz and Ian Postel also helped with the setup. Jessie organized Pancake Games for the kids with Ian’s help. Thanks to Tom Ahern, Peter van den Beemt, Mort, Joyce, Dale, Lisa and everyone else who helped with the big clean-up. This Dining for Dollars event was organized by Bob Dietz.

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