Neighborhood Weekly News
January 11, 2018
Worship
This Sunday's Services

January 14th
Only Love Can Do That
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, Parental Leave Consulting Minister 
9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

On MLK Sunday we gather, in thanks for the life and ministry of Martin Luther King Jr., "not because we wish to worship him as a saint, but because we wish to embody his dream as a possibility we make real" (Wayne Arnason). How can we make King's dream real today? 


Upcoming Services

January 21st
2018 Board of Trustees Service: Statements of Faith.  

Last year, Neighborhood Church's nine Board members explored the ends that we as a church had developed together through readings, prayers, homilies and music. This year, our Board members will present their statements of faith over two services, one week before our church youth present theirs as their Rite of Passage. We welcome you to an opportunity to get to know your Board members even better through an informative and spiritual service.

January 28th
Rites of Passage Service


Upcoming Events:


January 8 - January 14
  • Wenesday, January 10: Social Justice Knitting, 7:00 p.m., NH Dining Room 
  • Saturday, January 13: Awakening the Dreamer Changing the Dream Symposium, 9:00 a.m., Ross Chapel
  • Saturday, January 13: JUUstice LA Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Room 21
  • Sunday, January 14: Sunday Worship, 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
  • Sunday, January 14: Green Council Meeting, 10:45 a.m., Dining Room
  • Sunday, January 14: Writing as a Spiritual Activity, 12:45 p.m., Music Library
  • Sunday, January 14: Young Adult Group, 1:00 p.m., NH Upper Room
  • Sunday, January 14: Shakespeare Group, 1:00 p.m., NH Living Room
January 15 - January 21
  • Thursday, January 18: White People for Racial Justice, 7:00 p.m., NH Living Room
  • Sunday, January 21: Sunday Worship, 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., Sanctuary
  • Sunday, January 21: Green Council Presentation, 10:45 a.m., NH Living Room
  • Sunday, January 21: Music Search Committee Roundtable, 12:45 p.m.
  • Sunday, January 21: Writing as a Spiritual Activity, 12:45 p.m., Music Library
  • Sunday, January 21: Young Adult Group, 1:00 p.m., NH Upper Room
  • Sunday, January 21: AIM Meeting, 1:00 p.m., NH Dining Room
January 22  -  January 28
  • Wednesday, January 24: Social Justice Knitting, 7:00 p.m., NH Dining Room
  • Sunday, January 28: Sunday Worship, 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
  • Sunday, January 28: Valentine's Card Making, 10:00 a.m., Ross Chapel
  • Sunday, January 28: Writing as a Spiritual Activity, 12:45 p.m., Music Library
  • Sunday, January 28: Neighborhood People of Color Meeting, 1:00 p.m., NH Living Room
  • Sunday, January 28: Young Adult Group, 1:00 p.m., NH Upper Room
  • Sunday, January 28: Awakening the Dreamer Changing the Dream Symposium, 1:00 p.m., Sanctuary


Visit our web calendar for more upcoming events. 
MONDAY, JANUARY 15
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY



Congregational Life

Saturday, January 13, 2018 9:00-1:30 --  OR -- Sunday, January 28. 2018 1:00--5:30
Free and lunch provided!

"One of the most transformational events I've ever experienced at Neighborhood Church happened last October, when I participated in a workshop co-sponsored by the Pachamama Alliance and Neighborhood Church. If you feel helpless in the face of current events, global warming and climate change, this brief and highly engaging workshop will help you, as it did me, contend with the facts, find hope in the positive things that are happening, and recognize your own tools for change you never knew you had. I hope you will consider attending one of the two workshops scheduled. I truly can't recommend this highly enough!


 
Are you committed to saving our fragile planet for your children and grandchildren, so that they have a healthy place to live? Are you committed to following through on the promise we collectively made in May, when NUUC's congregation voted unanimously to adopt a Net Zero project? Then join Green Council for its official launch of Net Zero this month! "Awakening the Dreamer" is a powerful and inspiring workshop created and led by Pachamama* Alliance-which we are honored to get here. It is offered twice: this Saturday morning, and on Sunday afternoon January 28. Please choose one workshop and sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nuuc-net-zero-workshop-awakening-the-dreamer-changing-the-dream-tickets-41284442880. There is also a link to sign up on the Church's website homepage (right side) http://neighborhooduu.org. Free lunch provided!
 
Hosted by Pachamama Alliance and Neighborhood UU Church

For more information please visit the following:

*Pachamama means "Mother Earth" whose body is our home-the only one we have! If we lose her, we lose our home.
PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MUSIC SEARCH COMMITTEE ROUNDTABLE

Last month, the Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church Music (Director) Search Committee began its work to recommend a candidate to replace Stephen Grimm, as Musical Director. The committee is honored and excited to be part of this process.

To date, we have reviewed congregational planning information, collected from visioning activity participants, from two years ago, and we are considering the dialogues that took place during last fall's Town Hall discussion.
In continuing this collaborative and transparent approach, the Music Search Committee is now preparing to hold roundtable focus groups to learn what congregation members find moving, purposeful and meaningful in a church musical experience.

We would appreciate your support and attendance at the Roundtable, particularly if you have not participated in either the visioning process of two years ago, or the more recent town hall meeting.
The Music Search Roundtable will take place on Sunday, January 21st from 12:45 to 2:00 PM; lunch is included for all participants. If you would like to come for lunch, food will be available at 12:45 PM, before the start of the 1 PM Roundtable.

Live sign-ups for the Music Search Roundtable will conclude this Sunday, January 14th, after each service, on the church lawn. You can also sign up for the Roundtable by sending an email to nuucmusicfuture@gmail.com.

Starting Monday, 1/22 through Sunday 2/4, the Committee will launch surveys to gather additional information from congregation members who did not have a chance to attend the Roundtable. There will be more information provided about the surveys next week.

Winter Camp at Camp de Benneville Pines 

March 2 - 4, 2018

Winter is Coming and so is Neighborhood's Winter Camp: March 2 - 4, 2018. This is a fun time to relax and recreate with other Neighborhood Church members at beautiful Camp deBenneville Pines in the San Bernardino Forest. Sign up on the patio after services. CLICK HERE for registration forms! The mountains are calling!

WhaleCoast Alaska 2018

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Alaska? If so, WhaleCoast Alaska 2018 is for you!  Four Alaska UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program this summer.  See Alaska through the eyes of local UUs, with friendly homestays and unique tour activities.  See wildlife, including moose, bears, caribou, whales, bald eagles, seals, and otters. Visit Denali National Park. Experience Native Alaskan culture.  Forget the cruise ships - our program is the best way to visit Alaska! Tours led by Dave Frey, member of the Fairbanks UU congregation and Alaska travel expert. Find out more about this Alaskan trip of a lifetime. For complete information go to:   www.WhaleCoastAK.org , email dfrey@whalecoastak.org or call 907-322-4966.  
Discount for groups of 8 or more. We would love to share our Alaska with you!


Neighborhood Church is a caring congregation. The Pastoral Care Team and minister are here to help you in times of crisis or need and to rejoice with you in times of celebration. We can provide meals, rides, run errands, and offer one-on-one support.  Please contact Sue Iri , Pastoral Care Coordinator, if you or someone you know needs assistance.

Our parental leave minister, Rev. Rebecca Benefiel-Bijur, will be available for pastoral care visits and counseling sessions for members on a limited basis. Sunday worship is a time when we witness the joys, sorrows, and life-transitions of the congregation. Do you have a life event (birth, marriage, illness, death, milestone or celebration) which you would like shared in the order of service or lifted up in the prayer? Email Rev. Rebecca at: rbjur@neighborhooduu.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH REMEMBERS

Long-time member and friend, Duane Erway, who passed away at his home in Kailua Kona, HI. His ashes were scattered at Red Hill, his favorite diving spot. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and his son, Donald. 

CLICK HERE for Duane's Obituary
Religious Education

Creative Mediation for Beginners 

Creative Mediation for Beginners - Join Mindful Change Educator and Life Coach Christine Jary for meditation on Fridays at  7PM  beginning  January 12, 2018 . Creative Meditation for Beginners is designed for people who find it hard to stop their minds from thinking or to sit in the Lotus pose (cross-legged) for an extended time. The class provides alternatives to both these beginner challenges and help you learn to develop a practice that brings peace, clarity, and the much needed pause to modern life. No experience necessary. For more information contact Christine Jary at csjary@gmail.com.


Parenting Session with Jeremy O'Brien, LCSW
Sunday, January 14th, 12:45 p.m.
Room 4, $10 per person

Join Child and Family Therapist Jeremy O'Brien for "How to Encourage Independence in Your Teens (Without Ignoring Their Needs or Limits)." The session will be held in Room 4 of the Program Building at 12:45 p.m. $10 per person, payable at the session. Parents only. Childcare is available upon request. Contact Director of Religious Education Matt Vasko for more information or to schedule childcare at mvasko@neighborhooduu.org.


Social Justice


Interested in being on a board of a local non-profit?

Jericho Road Pasadena's innovative board development training program, The Leadership Connection (TLC), will be offered again on March 6th, 13th and 20th.  Back by popular demand, trainers Mitch Dorger and Judy Plunkett will provide 9 hours of training on how to join a board and be a great board member. TLC is a win-win-win:
  • nonprofits will benefit by getting new, qualified board members, which is crucial for nonprofits' success
  • individuals will benefit by engaging in their community personally, sharing their time and talents as a nonprofit board member
  • businesses will benefit by demonstrating their commitment to the community through substantive service
If you are interested in serving on a nonprofit board in the San Gabriel Valley, visit with us on the patio January 14th, send your resume to Melanie at MGoodyear@JRPasadena.org or call with any questions: 626-714-7234


Yard Sale for Victims of Police Brutality
Saturday, January 27 at 9 AM - 1 PM
580 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
 
What better way to start 2018 than to declutter your living space? Get rid of stuff that you don't need, hogs valuable space, and drags you down. Imagine if that stuff could also benefit people in our community--specifically those suffering from excessive use of force by police. These victims and their families are left with unexpected expenses, e.g. medical and funeral/burial costs, loss of wage earner, and attorneys to seek justice for their loved one. Please open your heart--and your closet-for a yard sale to raise funds for our neighbors wronged by the Pasadena police. Bring items to the Social Justice table on Sunday, or arrange for drop off at NUUC another time. Contact Stephanie at sballard@neighborhooduu.org.  Hosted by White People for Racial Justice of San Gabriel Valley.  
CLICK HERE for more information.
Who Knew?
by Sara Willard of the Social Justice Knitters

You've undoubtedly seen a blurb in the Neighborhood e-news and Sunday green sheet about the Social Justice Knitters meeting every other Wednesday. But do you know what we do?

Nearly 10 years ago, one intrepid knitter started the group for "anyone who knits or would like to."  We immediately knew we wanted a purpose, so we researched and selected a needy remote area in Mongolia--cold, impoverished and welcoming of warm hats and scarves.  For our first project, we made and sent children's items.  When we received photos of a school class of small children opening our box with delight and each getting a hat which they wore with big smiles, we too were touched and warmed.

We've continued to choose a recipient who could benefit from our knitting.  These have included Afghans for Afghans (through the Red Cross), the Lakota Sioux nation in South Dakota, LACounty/USC Hospital (hats for premies), and most recently, Pasadena's Affordable Housing Services and affiliates for the unhoused/poor. Over the years we've mailed or delivered 90-100 large packing crates filled with hand-knitted clothing items, as well as occasionally selling dishcloths at Church and giving the proceeds to Affordable Housing.

CONTINUE READING BY CLICKING HERE
Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church
301. North Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
626.449.3470 | www.neighborhooduu.org
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