OCTOBER 2016 - In This Issue:
SUNDAY SERVICES
TWO-SERVICE SCHEDULE 9:15 & 11:00
October 2 
"Little Women Reconsidered" Marion Hirsch, preaching
Share the Plate: Habitat for Humanity 
The book Little Women by Louisa May Alcott has been in print since it was first published in 1868 and is a beloved book, especially to young girls.  Louisa May Alcott was a radical -- a Transcendentalist, a Unitarian (of sorts) and a feminist.  Yet her famous book as been seen by many as just a sentimental 19th century story for gentile women.  Marion Hirsch, Director of Religious of Education shares reflections on Little Women's radical vision of gender identity and feminism which is as fresh and inspirational today as it was 150 years ago.  And good news for men too.  A production of Little Women, adapted from the novel will be performed at the church November 11-13.
 
October 9 
"Politically Correct" Randy Lewis, Guest Minister 
In a volatile election year, it is not difficult to find a scapegoat to demonize, and it appears that one such culprit is the idea of political correctness. The anti-PC movement has become truly vocal in discouraging respectful dialogue and decent public decorum: many people, politicians, and even preachers seem to have decided that it is now in to just say whatever is on their minds, no matter whom it offends. This new clarion call - to offend - has created a climate of anger, disillusionment, and downright nastiness, and it is not just here in the U.S.; it is all over the globe. It seems as if the world has lost its collective mind, its sense of fairness, and in some cases its humanity. Is there a way back or a hopeful path forward? Come join me as we explore a case for political correctness.
 
Minister Randy Lewis is a proud, passionate liberal thinker, social-justice advocate, entrepreneur, creative thinker, and songwriter whose mission is to try be the change that he wants to see in the world.  Randy is also a husband, father, and community minister. He holds an undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, and a Master of Divinity degree.

October 16
"Can People Change?" Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
This service will be inspired by the Jewish high holy day of Yom Kippur. This holy day calls for Teshuvah, which may be translated as "turning." This morning we'll explore what causes someone to stay stuck and what causes a person to change.
 
October 23
"Witches" Rev. Thom & Special Guest
Share the Plate: El Centro Hispano
Two years ago it was zombies. Last year it was vampires. This year, Rev. Thom and a special guest will talk about witches. In particular, we'll connect the "witch hunts" and "witch trials" of yesteryear with today's current events.
 
October 30
"Day of Remembrance" Multigenerational Service
Join us for a Multigenerational Service that will include child dedications, a story from Rev. Thom, and a ritual of remembrance appropriate for all ages. All are invited to bring a photo or small object of a loved one they would like to remember.
 
SERVICES AUCTION
Frolicking, FrightfUUl, FUUndraising
One+ Month and Counting
October 29, 2016    
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
NOTE TIME CHANGE: At the last meeting of the Services Auction committee, we decided to begin the auction a half hour earlier to better accommodate families with young children. Childcare and children's activities will be provided. To reserve childcare, signup at Services Auction table on Sunday or contact Bonnie Nelson at: (919) 929-7054 or nelsonbjmj@gmail.com. It will provide a great chance for children to practice wearing their Halloween costumes and a parade might also materialize in the Courtyard.

Within These Walls: A Services Auction troupe will perform at both services on September 25. There might be an opportunity for the congregation to join in on the festivities.  

Ticket Sales begin September 25:
Tickets ($10 for adults and $5 for youth) will go on sale in the Jones Building following church services beginning on September 25. The price of your ticket will include a scrumptious buffet, the opportunity to bid on treasures both at the silent auction and the live auction, and musical entertainment. We are encouraging attendees to don their favorite Halloween costume and be ready for a truly spUUky and fUUn evening.       

Volunteering:
There are more than 50 volunteer opportunities for eager helping hands: advance ticket sales, registration, set up, decorations, food and beverage servers, childcare, live auction, silent auction, and cleanup. You may schedule your volunteer opportunity by stopping by the Services Auction table or contacting Ivy Brezina at 415-663-8703 or ivy.brezina@yahoo.com and selecting the perfect fit for your talents.

Donating: (Deadline for registering donations is October 16) The Services Auction is both our biggest fundraiser and biggest fun-raiser. Yours for the asking (or right price) - fabulous parties, delicious dinners, vacation stays, outings, concert tickets, professional services, and much, much more. Each service is donated by members of the congregation. Go online at togetherauction.com/ccchuu to check out what is being offered or to enter your own contribution. Note: Donated items can be brought to the church office the prior week before the auction between 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. or to the Community Room Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. (Please label as an auction item).
 
Donate to the 2016 Services Auction Today!
TOWN HALL MEETING
SPACE FOR THE FUTURE - WHERE TO PUT EVERYONE!
Rooms for our burgeoning RE Program. Dedicated space for our youngest children. Accommodations for meetings of committees, SEA offerings, covenant groups. Handicapped access (including ramps and lifts). Enlarged and gender neutral bathrooms. Music room with direct access to sanctuary for choir members and performers. Storage for historic materials, play backdrops, membership materials, etc.
These (and other) are all items the Space Reassessment Task Force is proposing as we look toward meeting the needs of the Community Church family during the next ten years.
The report is posted on the church website

Plan to attend the Town Hall Meeting scheduled for October 23 in the Sanctuary following the second service where church members will be taken on a virtual tour of needs (and proposed solutions) and have an opportunity to ask questions about a capital campaign designed to meet the most pressing needs.

NEWS FROM THE BOARD
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The Nominating Committee needs candidates to serve on the Board of Trustees.
 
Two elected Board members will serve for standard 3-year terms, and one will serve of just 2 years, starting in January. The person elected as Vice President for 2017 will then succeed as President for 2018, and as Past President for 2019.

The ability of the Board to make plans and goals that include our diverse perspectives depends on you. The Nominating Committee is looking for Members who are interested in making decisions about our plans for growth, preserving our fiduciary stability and realizing our vision.

While the time commitment is significant, the opportunity to learn more about our Church, contribute your own ideas, and share a deep sense of community with your fellow trustees is incredibly fulfilling.
Please consider offering your voice, expertise and time.

Please stop by the Nominating Committee table at Coffee Hour to learn more. Or contact a member or the Nominating Committee - Elsbeth Van Tongeren, Steve Warshaw, Joe Farinola and Mike Gilliom.

TREASURER/ASSISTANT TREASURER OPENINGS
Openings for church Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer positions.  If you enjoy playing with numbers and contemplating balance sheets and income statements, the church has a job for you. 
Minimum two-year commitment.  Please contact Laurence Kirsch at 415.663.8608 or Bill Poteat at 919.448.8840 for more details.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
ALL CHURCH DINNER
AND OPEN MIC NIGHT 
Bring the whole family for an evening of entertainment and good food on Friday, October 7.

All Church Dinner is from 6 - 6:30 pm in the Jones Building. $3 per person for catered main dish. Bring a salad, fruit, side dish or dessert to share.
To RSVP for the dinner  contact Marion Hirsch.

Do you have a talent to share: poetry, drama, music, magic or dance? Or maybe you just want to be an audience member. Open mic is at 7pm in the Sanctuary. 
To sign up contact: email Brian Moyer.
SERVICES AUCTION
Put a circle around October 29, and plan to join the fun at this important church fundraiser. See the article above for more information!
WORSHIP, MUSIC & ARTS
FALL PLAY: LITTLE WOMEN
November 11-13 "LITTLE WOMEN," adapted by Marisha Chamberlain, will be performed in the sanctuary. The classic children's book was written by Louisa May Alcott.  Alcott was a prolific writer and a member of the group of influential Unitarian Transcendentalist thinkers living in Concord, Massachusetts in the mid-19th century which included neighbors Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The novel follows the lives of four sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March - detailing their coming of age and is loosely based on Alcott and her sisters' youth.  The play is directed by church member Marni Goldshlag.  If you are interested in being involved with the show, please email Marni.  
 
LITTLE WOMEN BOOK DISCUSSION:
Saturday, November 5, 10-Noon
In celebration of our church's production of Little Women, come share some tea and cookies and discuss the novel. Our discussion will be led by Marion Hirsch who has read the book more times than she can count.  The book is widely available in libraries, bookstores and on the internet.
TIME FOR GREENING
Yes, yes, we know it's only October; however, the winter holidays will be here before long and it's time we started planning for the annual Greening of the Church. We'll kick off the holidays on Saturday, December 3rd by hanging lighted garlands, making wreaths, decorating trees and assembling gift baskets for the women and children at the IFC's "Homestart" shelter. We'll follow this with our traditional chili, salad and cornbread supper and sing-along with the UUkes.

The Greening is a fun, family friendly event, but it doesn't happen automatically. It takes volunteers to plan each part of the event, to see that all the necessary supplies are on hand and to organize all the folks who come to the Greening. Becky Waibel and Kathy Putnam have already volunteered to oversee the whole kit and caboodle. Barbara Chapman has agreed to plan the supper. Ruth Leopold will do the publicity. However, we still need some volunteers to organize the gift basket and wreath-making portions of the Greening. To volunteer, please call Ruth at 919-537-8853, or email at: ruthaleopold16@gmail.com.                              
 
Let's get ready to "deck them halls"! 

JUSTICE & SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY
Save the date for TABLE, October 16. This year's Empty Bowls event will be held on the Weaver Street Market lawn in Carrboro from 3:30-7:00 pm. 100% of the proceeds will go to help TABLE provide emergency food aid to local hungry children! The event will feature a silent auction, raffle, live bands, and delicious soup and sandwiches from local vendors, including Provence, Weaver Street Market, Carolina Inn, Neil's Deli, Lantern, and more. Plus you will also get to select a locally crafted pottery bowl of your choice! Beer and wine will be available for purchase. For ticket information, go to TABLE's website and click on events.
JUSTICE UNITED
ORANGE COUNTY JUSTICE UNITED turned out nearly 500 supporters at our 2016 Fall Public Assembly at St. Thomas More Church, our largest gathering to date. Glenn Mehrbach and members of the Community Church choir welcomed all with inspiring gathering music. Assembly speakers called on us to take action on two important justice issues by:
1)    voting in support of the 2016 Bonds for Affordable Housing and Schools in Orange County on November 8;
2)    exploring ways to reduce the regulatory fees and fines that have cost Orange and Chatham County drivers, 77% of them Latino, over $1.70 million in recent years.
Save the date, Sunday, Oct. 23, for a beer and hymns benefit at Cat's Cradle in Carrboro. 100% of the profits go to Justice United! Look for the Justice United table on October 16 and 23 for more information or visit their website at www.ocjusticeunited.org.

SHARE THE PLATE
SHARE THE PLATE DEADLINE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016
FOR REQUESTS JANUARY 1, 2017 TO JUNE 30, 2017
        
Please send nominations to stp@ c3huu.org. For more information please go to http://www.c3huu.org and click on Share the Plate under Justice and Service.
 
Thank your for your participation, your support and your generosity. We look forward to working with you!

STP - OCTOBER 2:
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
This fall we have the opportunity to participate in building our 21st Habitat home right here in Chapel Hill, in the historic Northside neighborhood! The Oct. 2 Share the Plate collection will help provide funds for our share of this house. Our church has a strong history of partnering with Habitat for Humanity and other churches to provide homes for community families, who are cost-burdened and may live in substandard or overcrowded housing. Church partners pay half the house construction costs; Habitat the other half. Families repay the Habitat share in mortgage payments. Church members help the family with construction. If you can't be here on Oct. 2 you may drop off or send your contribution to the church office. Please make checks payable to The Community Church of Chapel Hill UU and put Habitat for Humanity in the memo line. Thank you!

STP - OCTOBER 23:
EL CENTRO HISPANO 
As many of you know, Community Church has supported the work El Centro Hispano in Durham, and more recently, in Carrboro for many years. The Durham location serves over 1,000 clients annually, while the Carrboro location averages 300 clients each month.

Since Linda Esquivel assumed leadership of the Carrboro office in July of 2015, she has instituted many new programs including volunteer orientation, community service, health education, tutoring for students, including mothers and valid picture IDs for clients. She has reached out to UNC students to help establish these new services for the center.
 
Jasmine Mendoza Sosa is the enthusiastic new director of the Center for Employment and Leadership (formerly the Workers Center) and expresses a deep understanding of the problems of the workers and has instituted many new programs. The number of workers served monthly has varied from 146-295 according to the season.

ECO'S ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER
 
First Sunday Recyclables - Oct. 2: Eyeglasses (prescription, nonprescription, loose lenses, sunglasses, cases), batteries (AAA - D, button, rechargeable), natural and synthetic corks, plastic pencils, pens, and markers.
 
"Help Bring Nature Back Home" is the fall focus of ECO's theme "CARING FOR THE EARTH STARTS WITH US." Click here for ideas for your yard.
 
ECO would welcome your help with logistics for the environmental collaboratory of North Carolina UUs to be held on Saturday, October 8 from 10:30-4:00 at the Community Church. If you would be willing to help by offering your home for a Friday night stay for those traveling a long way or helping to serve lunch, p lease e-mail ECO or come to the ECO table on October 2
to learn more.
 
THE POOP ON PARKING 
We had enough spaces on Sundays from June 19-Sept. 18 (newsletter deadline).  However, that would NOT have been true several times if volunteers hadn't used alternative parking.  Even now, parking for second service is tight; we need a few more dedicated volunteers to routinely utilize alternative parking then.  There is also a need for more nearby parking spaces for those with mobility issues.  A report of the parking numbers through September will be complete and available at the ECO table Oct. 2.
ECO will be talking with few groups (Membership, Caring...) about how to better utilize current parking spaces to meet needs.  We'd like your input, too.  If you have particular needs or ideas (besides valet parking!), please share them at the ECO table on Oct. 2 or email them to eco@c3huu.org
 
LEARNING & FELLOWSHIP
SANCTUARY FOR DIALOGUE
The Sanctuary for Dialogue team is pleased to offer to congregation members, at Rev. Thom's request, a dialogue on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.   The dialogue sessions will mostly occur between mid-October and mid-November.   We anticipate that three meetings will be needed per dialogue group.  We're planning on different groups meeting Monday, Tuesday and Friday evenings, and Sunday afternoons, depending on participants' availability.    We're tabling each Sunday through October 9.   Come see us to learn more and register, or email dialogue@c3huu.org.
 
We also want to make you aware that Public Conversations Project in Boston, who trained our dialogue facilitators, has asked to present a facilitator training workshop for other institutions at the Community Church.   The dates are February 23-25.   There will be an introductory workshop, also presented by PCP, on October 24.   If you know of other institutions who might be interested, please come by on a Sunday or email dialogue@c3huu.org.

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS
Join us at SEA in October as we continue our fall Thursday evening courses!

Joan Garnett will offer "Who was Spinoza and What does he say to me in today's world?" from 6:30 to 8:30 pm 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, and 11/17. This course will explore the 17th century Dutch philosopher's thoughts on freedom and separation of church and state.

"The Righteous Mind," led by Joe Swain and Steve Warshaw will be held 10/27, 11/3 and 11/10 from 7 to 9 pm and is based on Jonathan Haidt's book "The Righteous Mind."

Also, Karen Rossie will offer "The Grace in Aging: Awakening as you Grow Older" by Dharma practitioner Kathleen Singh 10/27 and 11/3 from 7 until 9 pm. Please visit the SEA table after service for more details.
UU READERS
On Saturday, October 15, at 10:30 in the Kirby Room, Carolyn Holt will lead our discussion of Radical: My J ourney out of Islamist Extremism, by Maajid Nawaz. Raised in England, by age sixteen, the author was a recruiter for an Islamist group. In prison in Egypt at age 25, his views turned completely around. Learn what changed him, and his beliefs on how terrorism can be overcome.

In November we are reading Grass, Soil, Hope-A Journey through Carbon Country, by Courtney White.

Nominations for our 2017 reads are due to Carolyn Holt by October 12. We will vote to select our 2017 reads on November 19.
 
WOMENCIRCLE

Bag Lunch in Duke Gardens and an Afternoon at the Nasher Museum of Art, October 5.
Bring a bag lunch and join us for lunch in the gardens and an afternoon at the Nasher on Wednesday, October 5. Parking at Duke Gardens is $1 per half hour and limited. If you wish to carpool, meet at 11:30 p.m. in front of Trader Joes at Eastgate Mall. If not carpooling, meet at the Pergola (H2 on the garden map) at 12:00.

The Nasher is hosting a special exhibition entitled "Southern Accent: Seeking the American South in Contemporary Art."
Admission to the museum is $5. Rain plans: Carpool at 12:30 p.m. or meet at the museum at 1:00 p.m. For additional information email Melva Okun o r call 919-624-4382.

COMMUNITY CLICKERS
Join us from 2-4 p.m. on October 5 in the Commons area and/or from 7-9 PM on October 17 in the Straley Room to click, chat, and piece together shawls. It takes 18 blocks (7" x 9" made from washable acrylic, #4 worsted weight yarn) to make each shawl that we will donate to UNC Hospice in Pittsboro. The shawls will be used by patients for warmth and comfort and will remain with their families. We are patterning our group after Clicking for a Cause at Eno River UU Fellowship where ideas for patterns can be found . Can't knit or crochet? We will teach you! Have leftover yarn or needles and hooks you no longer use? We will take them! Meeting attendance is not required! Donate finished blocks at our table on the third Sunday of each month (10/16)!   Email Susan Blanchard or call 919-237-2401 for more information.
 
COMMITTEES AND MINISTRIES
COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY
Hold the Date: October 16
TABLE will be hosting its fourth annual Empty Bowls event on Sunday, October 16, 2016, from 3:30 pm - 7:00 pm at Weaver Street Market in Downtown Carrboro. 100% of the proceeds will go to help TABLE provide emergency food aid to local hungry children. With your ticket, you will enjoy live music from local group Americana and Bluegrass musicians Guilty Pleasures, and receive a meal of hearty soup, sandwiches, and a dessert, as well as a locally made pottery bowl. Beer and wine are available for purchase. For ticket information, go to TABLE's website at www.tablenc.org and click on events. Hope to see you there!
MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY
October 2-October 8 is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Each year, the week provides an opportunity to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care.
One in five adults experience mental illness problems every year and 50 percent of chronic mental illness begins by age 14. Although many people today understand that mental illness is a medical condition, individuals and families affected by mental illness are still often subjected to stigma and discrimination. The National Alliance on Mental Illness ( NAMI ) is calling on all of us to shine a light on mental illness so we can begin to replace stigma with hope.

The goals of our Mental Health Ministry are to develop ways to support those who are dealing with mental illness in themselves or in their families and to continue the dialogue with the congregation.
Click here for information about how you can help using Facebook .
COMMONS COLLABORATIVE
We welcome all to share the light, warmth and fire of our church community. A collaborative effort has been addressing how the Commons space can better communicate our message, while effectively serving its numerous functions. 

You may have noticed the cleaned carpet and fresh paint, the modest but cheerfully functional and coordinated cabinets, and the "Connections Showcase" in the rear hallway. Remaining elements will be completed over the next few weeks: a digital "Announcements" Center; a mural of "Our Story" that will present lovingly gathered, old and new facts and photos; and a surprise transformation of the pillar.   

The Commons space being key to the mission of the Membership Team, Rachel Rose and members of that Team will actively oversee keeping things nice. Please enjoy the new features, and help by being gentle on the furnishings and considerate with your stuff. Questions or comments? Contact Gail McKinley or Rachel Rose.
THE VIEW FROM THE ROOF
Building & Grounds Update:
Five of us joined our September WorkPARTY last month. If you are free First Monday mornings, please consider joining our happy group for a morning of light work and a tasty lunch at a nearby eatery! As temperatures moderate we are doing more groundskeeping. This winter we plan to tackle more indoor painting. There is always something for everyone, so please come on down on Monday October 3 at 9 a.m.

Thanks to ECO for testing and turning over an ecologically friendly solution to weed control between the pavers in the courtyard. See the article on the Commons Upgrade for more facility news! Any groups who want to take on a few hours of deep cleaning or yard work, please contact Brad.

Next B&G WorkPARTY - Monday October 3 @9:00AM. Lunch out ~noon. See something amiss? Email maintenance@c3huu.org or catch Brad at church.

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS NEED TO BE IN BY OCTOBER 16

Submit articles to  c3hoffice@gmail.com 

Please remember the 150-word limit for submissions.

 

If you would like to learn more about joining the Community Church of Chapel Hill, please contact our Membership Director, Rachel Rose, by calling the office (919) 942-2050, emailing c3hmembership@gmail.com, or find her at one of our Sunday services. Whether you are brand new or a longtime attendee, and whatever your beliefs or background, we welcome you to our community of friendship and ideals.