We often sing the hymn “May Nothing Evil Cross This Door” in our Sanctuary, but news about evil and war and torture seep constantly and unavoidably into our consciousness from the outside world. From within our portals, many members of this congregation work hard to deal with these matters through our various advocacy groups. In this issue, we highlight two of these groups. A profile of Newton Bowles focuses on his distinguished career with the United Nations since its inception, particularly his work for UNRRA and UNICEF. Another article details work by members of our congregation on behalf of the UU-UNO. Finally, an abbreviated sermon preached by Hanan Watson at the UU Fellowship of Briarcliff, Croton and Ossining, NY delves into the workings of our All Souls Peace Task Force.

On the spiritual side of the ledger, is a report from the retreat attended by members of Lifescapes, a service opener and impressions from five very different memorial services.

Finally, our recurring column (Beyond the Church Doors) about the outside activities of members of our ministerial staff, this time about Walter Klauss and Melaney Mashburn, and short reports (Ministerial Journeys) about the ordination of our newest minister, Cheryl Walker and the installation of our recent Assistant Minister, Alison Miller, as Minister of the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship in Morristown, NJ.

—Marietta Moskin

In future issues of the Quarterly, we would like to highlight special achievements in the lives of our members: books, articles, awards, performances, etc. Please let us know about your recent achievements, creative or otherwise. Please contact Marietta Moskin at 212-289-7900 or by e–mail at m.moskin@verizon.net.

Contributors to this issue:
Lois Chazen
Marietta Moskin
Pamela Patton
Linda Rousseau
Hanan Watson