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Foothills Unitarian Church
furthering the reach of Love in our lives,
in Northern Colorado, and beyond
February 18, 2015

ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER IN COMING MONTHS

 

We have much enriching transition work to do together over the next four months. Toward the end of June, I will be departing with, I expect, an abiding sense of satisfaction and gratitude for the honor of serving you.

Recently, I undertook with your Board an interim assessment of our mutual ministry. I was pleased to be able to report great progress in governance and administration. You are growing nicely into the physical and spiritual infrastructure appropriate to the large church that you are.


 I was pleased as well to review significant steps forward in other areas of ministry, including worship, religious education, and service to the community.  You are building nicely on your cherished relationships and common values. All of these advances are made possible by the vision and hard work of board, staff and hundreds of volunteers.


 As we continue to "Build a New Way" some of the transition tasks that I and your trustees want to focus on for the remainder of this church year include:

--Implementation of governance that encourages creativity and efficiency while enhancing democratic process.

--A wildly-successful stewardship campaign

--Support for a search for a new senior minister characterized by trust and good will.

--Launch of a leadership development program.

--Revitalizing your partnership with a Unitarian church in Transylvania.

--The continuing work of the Transition Team and all the congregation in the developmental tasks of interim ministry.


Of course, all this will not be completed in the next few months. Yet I know that you will have able leadership in moving from transitioning to thriving, and that I will hand things off as gracefully and helpfully as I know how.

 

As for me, I'll be heading for home in San Francisco and perhaps further adventures. But before I get ahead of myself, I do want to invite your good faith and great help as my ministry among you is completed.

Best,
David Keyes
Interim Senior Minister

 

Join us this Sunday - We Are Building A New Way
Sunday Worship at 9am and 11am

GIVING IT ALL AWAY
 

This Sunday, February 22nd, the Rev. Daniel Kanter, Senior Minister at First Unitarian Church of Dallas, will join us as a special guest speaker. Rev. Kanter and his church have achieved some amazing goals together. In 2005, First Unitarian Church of Dallas launched a $9 million capital campaign that was part of a five-year strategic plan. The campaign helped expand outreach into the larger Dallas community, improve communications, create better religious education facilities, enhance pastoral care for its congregation's members, and help members develop their spiritual lives. In addition, the church recently completed the construction of about 26,000 square feet of new space for religious education classrooms. Rev. Kanter is an engaging and dynamic speaker you're sure to enjoy.

 

Rev. Kanter will help us kick off our Annual Pledge Drive, which is the time each year when you let us know what donations you intend to make to the church. This allows the church to plan for what engaging programs will be offered in the coming year. The Pledge Drive will run from February 22 to March 15.

 

Also on Kickoff Sunday, kids can enjoy some fun activities in the RE Building. We hope you will join us!
 

Opportunities to Explore Purpose this Month
  • Vespers Service on February 19th at 6 pm - On Finding Our Voice
  • Worship Service on February 22nd Featuring Rev. Daniel Kanter
Concepts to Explore
  • What is your individual sense of purpose? What tools do you use to discern your purpose?
  • How does an individual sense of purpose relate to a shared sense of purpose? What tools are needed for communal discernment?
  • How do we live in alignment with our purpose? What tells us when we are on or off track?
  • The concept of discernment more generally - how it differs from decision making.  The tools of discernment both individual and communal
  • Calling - what is it, does everyone have one, is it one-time or ongoing?
  • How does our life purpose relate with what we do for a job? Should it? Must it?
  • What happens when your sense of purpose - what you are "meant" to be doing, just doesn't work out? How do we deal with this kind of disappointment or confusion?
For more about this month's theme - Purpose

Faith Forward - featured blog post from a Foothills Leader
The Next Big Thing:  Vespers

 

Please join us for our monthly evening service of song, reflection, quiet and ritual.  This month our theme is inspired by the song by the Wailin' Jennys, "One Voice."  Childcare is available if you notify [email protected] no later than Wednesday at 1 pm, although we find that many children over age 8 enjoy attending this 40 minute service.

One Voice - The Wailin' Jennys
One Voice -
The Wailin' Jennys
Further the Reach of Love: Connect, Grow and Serve

Senior CoupleTuesdays 2/24, 3/10 & 3/24
10:00 am - 12:00pm Location - Rooms 221 & 222

led by Janet Seeley MD - Janet leads the Conversation Project in Larimer County and Bonnie Inscho LSCW - Bonnie has worked as a Medical Social Worker

Session 1.  2/24   The Conversation Project (TCP) - A national movement started by journalist, Ellen Goodman, which is dedicated to helping people talk about their values and wishes

Session 2. 3/10  Advance Care Planning -  Advance Directives, but more than just basic forms!  We will cover the basics of Living Will, Medical Durable Power of Attorney, DNR, and MOST forms.

Session 3. 3/24     Book Discussion - Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande.  Subtitled, "Medicine and What Matters in the End," the author proposes that end-of-life priorities may be more than just about prolonging life.

SIGN UP HERE or call the office 493-5906

 

 

 

Our annual Winter Chamber Music Concert will be offered on Saturday, March 7th, at 7 pm.  An elegant evening of classical music, conversation and refreshments, this is a highly anticipated concert each year.  Ticket includes Artist Reception following the concert.

Performers scheduled to appear: Victoria Loran, Ann Schnaidt, Katherine Azari, Foothills Madrigal Singers, Seraina and Johannes Gessler, Steve Herbener,  Ryan Marvel.   Tickets on sale now!

Childcare is available with a reservation - [email protected]

Info?  Ryan Marvel 970.581.0120 or a member of the Music Committee.\

 

 

 

 

Mindfulness Enso Everyday Mindfulness Class - Saturday, February 21st 11am - noon RE Room 222

You hear the word "Mindfulness" a lot these days : from hospitals to churches, from schools to boardrooms, to any place where  people  want to  reduce stress, improve performance, and enhance quality of life and relationships.    But what is mindfulness anyway, what are the benefits, and how do you train yourself to be more mindful?  First, mindfulness does not mean sitting on a meditation cushion for hours .  Mindfulness is about having good control of your attention - not an easy task in today's world where we are bombarded with information.  However, there are techniques for gaining better control of your attention  that can be practiced in everyday life. Join us for an introduction to mindfulness and the art of "intention and attention".  Jay Ham will give a brief introduction to mindfulness and its benefits, lead us through some simple mindfulness and meditation techniques we can practice at home and work,  and provide a host of  resources for expanding your mindfulness studies on your own.

Topics  include: The latest science on the benefits of mindfulness (mindfulness and the brain) How mindfulness is linked to Eastern thought and our UU principles Techniques for mindful breathing, eating, listening, walking ... Meditation Stress Reduction Mindfulness techniques for kids

Please join us - "Mindfulness : its not what your think !" SIGN UP HERE

 

 Sunday Morning Adult Discussion Group

9:15 am on Sunday, February 22 in room 226.
Join us!

The discussion topic for 15 February is the second and third chapters of 'Moral Tribes: Emotion, Reason, and the Gap Between Us and Them by Joshua Greene and published by Penguin Books. The second chapter is titled 'Moral Machinery' and the third 'Strife on the New Pastures' and are the final chapters in a section of the book on moral problems.

For further information call Bob Milhous 484-9760, email: [email protected].

 

The Endowment Committee is proud to announce the grant awards for the 2014 fiscal year. The endowment is funded through donations from church members typically but not always as bequests from estates, donations in memory of another, or donations from the church membership. The endowment is invested with the UUA and earnings from those investments are spent each fall in the form of grants after an application process.

This year the first grant of $4,800.00 was issued to the church to support the Assistant Minister Fund.

The Namaqua Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Loveland is in the process of purchasing their first building. Marty Tharp and Bruce Croissant requested the issuance of a grant to aid them in their purchase. The committee approved $3,000.00 to the Namaqua Congregation.

Finally, a grant of $3,072.00 was issued to help fund the replacement of the church's phone system.

The grants were approved by the church's board.

The church's endowment exists because of the generosity of current and past church members. Truly a gift to the endowment fund is a gift that keeps on giving. If interested in contributing to the endowment please contact an endowment committee member or a church staff member.

 

 

Social Seniors Potluck

The Seniors Potlucks in January and February were a huge success! We had a great turn out and lots of fun.  We'll next be gathering on March 2nd and hope you'll join us.  Come and try it out! A chance to socialize and chat and mingle.  All are welcome - couples and singles, men and women, long time members and new friends.  Bring an appetizer or salad or main dish or dessert to share.  Wine would also be welcome.  Come at 5 and we'll enjoy mixing a bit before we eat.  If you need a ride, contact the office and we'll coordinate one for you.  We'll end around 7 pm.  For more info, Hugh Price ([email protected] or 224-3203) or Howard Spivak ([email protected] or 472-0204).

 


This and other big questions for our Intro Sunday March 1st at 10:10 

We meet the first Sunday of each month between services for quick overviews of introductory subjects to Unitarian Universalism. This month we'll focus on Unitarian Universalist theology, especially around the question of "what does it mean to be human" and "what is the purpose of living."

Your ministers and membership committee are excited to offer this new program, a part of our 4 Ways to Connect Series for those who are new, feel new or are looking to re-new with our community Just drop in. Questions - Contact Gretchen at [email protected].

 

Rev Gretchen Haley and Eleanor VanDeusen DRE will provide an overview of our monthly theme, "Belonging". What are the big questions people of different ages and stages are asking about Belonging? What books, movies and other touchstones explore Belonging? What does Unitarian Universalism have to say about Belonging?

Join us as we explore these questions and more. We'll provide resources for small group leaders and RE Guides, as well as anyone who wants to delve more fully into the monthly theme. Just drop in. Feel free to bring a sack lunch. Childcare offered - send your children's ages to [email protected]. Contact Gretchen at [email protected].

 

 

 Whether you are new, feel new, or want to renew, please join us!

This class explores what it means to be a member and how to get the most out of your membership.  Come with your questions...literally - as one of the highlights is a jeopardy-style game that also offers lots of information about what a meaningful path of membership means at Foothills.  Led by our Associate Minister, Rev. Gretchen Haley with support from the Membership Team.

A light breakfast will be provided, as well as gourmet pizza lunch.

Childcare offered on request - send your children's ages to [email protected] no later than March 5th. Sign-up here or at the Visitors' Kiosk in the foyer on Sunday.

 


You hear the word "Mindfulness" a lot these days : from hospitals to churches, from schools to boardrooms, to any place where  people  want to  reduce stress, improve performance, and enhance quality of life and relationships.    But what is mindfulness anyway, what are the benefits, and how do you train yourself to be more mindful?  First, mindfulness does not mean sitting on a meditation cushion for hours .  Mindfulness is about having good control of your attention - not an easy task in today's world where we are bombarded with information.  However, there are techniques for gaining better control of your attention  that can be practiced in everyday life. Join us for an introduction to mindfulness and the art of "intention and attention".  Jay Ham will give a brief introduction to mindfulness and its benefits, lead us through some simple mindfulness and meditation techniques we can practice at home and work,  and provide a host of  resources for expanding your mindfulness studies on your own.

Topics  include: The latest science on the benefits of mindfulness (mindfulness and the brain) How mindfulness is linked to Eastern thought and our UU principles Techniques for mindful breathing, eating, listening, walking ... Meditation Stress Reduction Mindfulness techniques for kids

Please join us - "Mindfulness : its not what your think !" SIGN UP HERE

 

 

We all have times in life where we need a little extra support of one kind or another.  Sometimes, that necessary support is a little extra financial help. When members of our congregation find themselves in a financial crisis, we are grateful to be able to offer the support of our Ministers' Discretionary Fund.  Maintained entirely separately from the church budget, the Discretionary Fund is overseen by Foothills' professional ministers to ensure confidentiality and integration with a full range of pastoral care.

Over this past calendar year, the Discretionary Fund received a total of $4,958 in general donations; $2,819 was collected by way of the Christmas Eve Offering, and the Fund was further supplemented with support from the Caring Team with an additional $1,000 for a total income in 2014 of $8,777.  This generosity from our congregation resulted in $2,510 being distributed in rental assistance, $510 in help for food, $1,298 to support medical assistance, $200 in legal assistance, and an $1,221 to support miscellaneous other needs.

This Fund and its use are a really wonderful demonstration of our congregation's generous support for one another.  If you would like to be a part of this important ministry, we invite your continued donations to the Ministers' Discretionary Fund. Please write "discretionary fund" on the memo line of your check.  Thank you for your generosity.

 

At the request of our Nominating Committee, a special congregational meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, March 8th, 2015, for the purpose of electing our ministerial search committee.  The meeting will be held at 10:15 a.m. (between services) in the sanctuary.  All members are encouraged to participate in this important event in the life of our church!

 


Join To Mentor Homeless Families -  

One Village One Family You are invited to become part of a network of concerned individuals to mentor homeless families back into a stable living situation.  The Foothills Unitarian Church will be forming teams to work with families to secure housing and achieve self-sufficiency.  This process will involve 2 to 3 hours of training, a commitment to 6 months of Family mentoring, and helping to raise %1500 to $2000 to assist with rental costs.

 

If you are interested please visit the Homeless Gear website which has a more complete description of One Village One Family. Contact Gretchen Haley to join in this effort.

 

 

 

How did it feel your first time walking in a Unitarian Universalist congregation? Do you remember wondering where to go and what it would be like? Once we're here, we get to pass on that welcome to those just finding their way.

Sign up to be an usher, greeter, or to make coffee - and help us further the reach of love through these acts of hospitality and welcome.

Job descriptions are available on the sign up page - which on our website, click the button, "Sign Up."

Every Sunday we can use a few more helping hands - sign up today. It's fun, easy, and a wonderful way to connect to our Foothills Community more deeply.

 

Stewardship Committee seeks Volunteers
 The Pledge Drive is coming and it's going to be a blast - literally! - high energy and short. The Stewardship Committee is gearing up and we need some volunteers right away. The countdown has begun, so please let us know if you can help by contacting Erin Hottenstein or emailing  [email protected]. Thank you.  

 

Ongoing Groups and Classes
Join one of our ongoing groups and classes....Choir, Song Circle, Small Groups for Seniors, Chant Group, Drum Circle - and more!     

 

meditation

This meditation group is an opportunity to explore meditation techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy and develop compassion, love, patience, generosity and forgiveness.  Meditation as a spiritual practice is often used to clear the mind and ease many health issues, such as high blood pressure, depression and anxiety and create a sense of well being. Stop by on you way home from work to experience meditation and begin your week in a mindful way.

 

 

 

                 
Give in Gratitude
Share the plate for February - Beloved Community


 

Practice Generosity: Our religious community offers each of us an opportunity to practice generosity through our shared giving for a larger good. Your financial support to the church shows your values being made real in the world. Our Share the Plate recipient in February is

Beloved Community Ministries of the Mountain Desert District. 
 

Learn more about Beloved Community here. 


Companioning Immigrant Families - learn more

 

Our Share the Plate program has been incredible in the ways we've been able to give generously to our community.  Check out our report since we started in September 2014, here.  
Further the reach of Love
in our lives, 
in Northern Colorado,
and beyond

Event Listings by Date
More information on these events can be found in today's "Extra" or on the church calendar and website
  • February 22nd - Special Guest - the Rev. Daniel Kanter from First Unitarian in Dallas
  • March 2nd - Senior Social Potluck
  • March 7th - Path to Membership
  • March 7th - Winter Chamber Concert
  • March 8th - Congregational Meeting - 10:15am
Find Foothills Unitarian Church on Facebook 
The Foothills Unitarian Church "Extra" is published each Wednesday and features articles from church leaders and staff, congregational events coming up in the next couple weeks, as well as a few save the dates.  The deadline for submission is Tuesday at noon for inclusion in Wednesday's publication.  Contact Carolyn at [email protected] if you have church-related info to share.