May 2008 Schedule of Services and Forums:

10am Forum
A MONTH ON LABOR ISSUES
May 4: "Globalization: The State of European Labor v. US Labor"
Kim Scipes, speaking
Labor in the United States is in terrible shape today:  a smaller proportion of private sector workers are in unions today than were in 1930.  We know globalization is affecting our economy: could that be the cause? Yet when we look at European Labor, while it is not doing as well as it had done in the 1970s and ‘80s, it has suffered nowhere as badly as US Labor. This suggests that while globalization may be affecting Labor in Europe as well, there is a qualitative difference in how Labor is being affected: what could be causing the difference so as to hurt Labor more in the US? Kim Scipes, a long time global labor activist, will speak on what is going on with the labor movement in the United States, how it is being affected by globalization, and why things are worse for Labor in the United States as compared to Europe.

11am Service
May 4: Our 32nd Annual Austin Scholarship "Celebration of Life"
Mr. Charles Anderson, speaking and the Reverend Brian H. Covell, convening
Join us for one of the "high holy days" of the TUC church year!  Thirteen college-bound West Siders have been selected by our Austin Outreach Committee to receive scholarship grants in what promises to be a most moving ceremony.  Charles Anderson, a long-time Chicago Public School counselor, administrator and friend of TUC will offer the keynote address.  Get here early this morning-the Sanctuary seating will be at a premium!

10am Forum
May 11: Board and Board Candidate Forum
The board will take the 10 a.m. forum time to introduce trustee candidates and to talk in general about what's happening around the church preparatory to the annual meeting.

11am Service
May 11: "Composing Motherhood"
The Reverend Covell, convening
The joys and challenge of balancing artistic creativity with raising a family is our focus this Mother's Day!  Our Director of Music Donald Neale and colleagues will perform a selection of music from the composer (and mother) Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel (1805-1847).  Brian will note how she overcame familial pressure in favor of subservience to become an artist rivaling her supportive younger brother Felix.  Please bring your favorite pictures of Mom for display this morning-you'll have a chance to comment on what made her unique!

10am Forum
May 18: "Working Class Solidarity-US and Mexico"
Leah Fried, speaking
She will speak on Building Working Class Solidarity in the US and Mexico. The United Electrical Workers (UE), a labor union in the USA and the FrenteAutentico del Trabajo (FAT), an independent labor union in Mexico came in contact with each other during the struggle against the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In 1992 the UE and FAT entered into a "Strategic Organizing Alliance" to build a new kind of international solidarity focused on organizing and based on rank-and-file involvement. Both UE and FAT are committed to self-determination for workers, democracy and social movement unionism. Leah Fried has been an organizer with the UE for over 10 years, organizing in Chicago and Los Angeles. She has been involved in cross-border solidarity with the FAT by both organizing support for the FAT in the US and working directly in Mexico with this independent trade union. Tom Broderick will facilitate.

11am Service
May 18: "Somewhere Ages and Ages Hence"
The Reverend Covell, speaking
Brian will review where we've been and where we're going together in his fifth Annual Meeting sermon at TUC.  It's a good time to do so, as the congregation will vote to approve our long-awaited long-range plan later in the day.  We'll also conduct our first-ever all-TUC "Coming of Age" ceremony as a part of the service.  Come ready to watch, listen, and then let your voice be heard!

10am Forum
May 25: "Using the Law to Cripple Workers"
Edward Burke, speaking
He will speak on the legal obstacles/hindrances that have been put in place by the current Bush regime to cripple the organizing of workers.  Edward (Ned) Burke is General Counsel for Teamsters Local 705. He practices labor law exclusively and has represented many unions in the past. Ned has practiced in all areas of labor law and has been an attorney for 20 years. Currently he negotiates union contracts and represents Local 705 before the National Labor Relations Board. He also advises unions on strategy and organizing and is very active in the wider labor movement. Tom Broderick will facilitate.

11am Service
May 25: "Defining Moments"
Mr. Joe Kransdorf, convening
The chair of our Sunday Service Committee has once again prepared what promises to be yet another in a string of impressive and meaningful lay-led "Celebrations of Life"!  This Sunday, Joe and a collection of his fellow congregants will describe how certain experiences have changed, and perhaps defined, their lives and religious outlooks.  A great way to spend Memorial Day weekend!