Look Back – Thanksgiving Week 1999
By Ed Busch
As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s step back 25 years to the week of November 15, 1999.
National Headlines in November 1999
In the wider world, major headlines captured public attention. Microsoft’s legal troubles were front-page news, and Hillary Clinton announced her Senate run. On the environmental front, the U.S. government ramped up action against Clean Air Act violations, while Congress prioritized funding for education and defense.
In Michigan, local concerns included Y2K preparedness and expanded health insurance access for children.
Life at UU Lansing in Thanksgiving Week 1999
At UU Lansing, the Rev. Barbara Edgecombe led our community, with Bob Lovell serving as president. The Liberal Express newsletter reflected the vibrant, diverse activities that defined our congregation. Upcoming church services were shared:
1. Thanksgiving Intergenerational Service
2. “A Letter to the Dean”
3. “The Holidays – Here They Come”
4. Holiday Offering Sunday
Events on the Calendar:
From choir rehearsals to book clubs, the church calendar brimmed with opportunities for connection:
Peace Team
Yoga classes
World Religions discussions
“Owning Your Religious Past” workshops
Board meeting
Choir
Youth Choir
Mother/Daughter Book Club
Father/Son Book Club
Social Action
Earth Centered Ceremony
In the newsletter body, Rev Edgecombe shared a meditation piece by the Rev. Gary Kowalski about giving thanks to the earth.
Religious Exploration (R.E.) Highlights
The R.E. program was thriving, with a mix of holiday traditions and forward-looking initiatives:
Annual Deck-the-Halls ornament-making and solstice celebration
Ice skating and caroling events
Announcement of the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program for grades 7–9, set to launch in January 2000
The facilitators for OWL—David Hill, Lara Campbell, and Lori Kunze—were introduced, ensuring a welcoming and educational experience for youth.
Adult R.E. and Connecting
Adult R.E. announced a potluck and video discussion. They would be viewing Bill Moyer’s “World of Ideas” series which included interviews with writers and artists on the “national soul”.
The Circle Suppers group announced they had a record number attending with 69 and at eight dinners.
Financial Updates and Fundraising
1999 marked the beginning of credit card payments for pledge contributions, a new convenience for members. The Meijer and Kroger gift certificate fundraiser was also a notable success, raising $2,500 to support church activities.
(Fun fact: While paper certificates are now a thing of the past, Kroger continues to support UU Lansing through their rewards program. Check out our latest newsletter for details on how to participate!)
Spotlight on All Souls UU Church
The Liberal Express featured updates from All Souls UU Church of Lansing. This group, formed in 1994 by members seeking a more diverse and socially active congregation, had just relocated to a former location of the First Universalist Church of Lansing (1955-1966) at 230 S. Holmes in Lansing. Though their journey ended in 2001, their spirit of inclusivity remains an inspiration.
Other Topics
Other topics in the newsletter were Chris Christoff’s Political Discussion group on second Sundays, a help wanted for a church caretaker, some Ten Pound Fiddle Coffeehouse information, and an “All in the Family” section with information about losses the congregation had suffered and health issues.
Celebrating Membership and Connection
The newsletter announced a special milestone: the opening of the Membership Book for signing on December 5. These moments of formal commitment highlight the enduring sense of belonging in our community.
Closing Reflections
Thanksgiving Week 1999 was a time of activity and gratitude at UU Lansing, echoing themes that remain central to our congregation today.
Have memories or photographs from this time? Share them with us at uucgl.archives@gmail.com—we’d love to hear your stories and add them to our archives. Below, I’ve included some photographs from Rev. Edgecombe’s May 18, 1997 installation.
Thank you for joining me on this trip down memory lane.
[Edit suggestions from ChatGPT]
Rev. Barbara Edgecomb and possibly her granddaughter, 2009.0066.
Jim Smith, Gene Mellen, and Mary Smith at Rev. Edgecombe’s installation, 2008.0389.
Bruce Ambrose, Jim Davis, Bill Benallack, Bob Lovell at Rev. Edgecombe’s Installation, 2009.0071.
From Rev. Edgecombe’s Installation, 2009.0073.