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UPCOMING SUNDAY SERVICES, 10:15 a.m.
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Sunday, March 5
"Nevertheless, she persisted."
Service led by members of the
Worship Committee.
Adult choir
will sing.
Sunday, March 12
Rev. Joanne preaching.
Children's choir will sing.
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Sunday, March 19
A Solor Celebration
Adult choir will sing.
Spring break for RE. Special activities offered for children.
Sunday, March 26
Rev. Joanne preaching.
Spring break for RE. Children join adults in worship. A child dedication will be part of the service.
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IN THE INTERIM
Rev. Joanne Giannino
Interim Minister
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Can you believe it’s already March? The wheel of the year is turning towards spring, and we are more than half way through our interim church year together. Since mid-August you have engaged in the interim process with me. We have gotten to know each other. We have asked each other questions. And, we have tried some things together.
Now it is time for the Board and I, along with members of the Transition Team, to conduct an interim progress appraisal. Some of you will remember that during a period of interim ministry a congregation has five basic tasks to work towards:
1. The congregation has claimed and honored its past. The congregation has engaged and acknowledged its griefs and conflicts.
2. The congregation recognizes its unique identity and its strengths, needs, and challenges.
3. The congregation has a clear understanding of the appropriate leadership roles of minister(s), church staff, and lay leaders. The congregation has successfully navigated the shifts in leadership that may accompany times of transition.
4. The congregation makes appropriate use of District, UUA, and other outside resources.
5. The congregation is in proud possession of a renewed vision and strong stewardship, prepared for new growth and new professional leadership, ready to embrace the future with anticipation and zest.
How do you think you’ve done over the two-year period – with both Rev. Janet Newman and myself? How do things look and feel from your vantage point?
What else could we address? Is there something else we could try together? Perhaps there is something you would like to talk about? Please let me know.
I have regular office hours Tuesday through Thursday, days and evenings. And, as always, if there is an emergency, please call.
In faith,
Rev. Joanne
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Cindy Wakeland
Director of Religious Education
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The Religious Education (RE) Committee has completed a Scope and Sequence for the next three years for curricula to be used with the children and youth RE classes. Now, it’s time to begin recruiting for the coming RE 2017-2018 year. We hope you will consider becoming a UUCUC RE teacher for this coming year.
Teacher Job Description: UUCUC is looking for adults with an open heart and mind to be our RE teachers. Pre-School through 7th Grade: If you would like to be a teacher with our youngest UUs and middle-schoolers, you will be one of four (4) teachers per semester per class. Each person will be available at least 6-8 weeks and lead the class 3-4 times per semester. Our goal for each class is to also have at least two (2) leaders who can be available both semesters. Teachers will meet in August and December with their age-group teams to create a teacher lesson plan. Each team can divide their teaching time according to their individual schedules, allowing for teachers to attend service or travel. Each teacher will have a copy of the curriculum (some of it is available on the UUA website). Lead teachers would need to commit to 1½ hours on Sunday morning and about 1½ hours of preparing for class. The curriculum is a good guide in telling you what to do. If needed, the Director of Religious Education (DRE), committee and others are available for support with class instruction or projects, all you have to do is reach out and ask. 8th-Grade through 12th-Grade: Teaching OWL and YRUU classes do have teams of teachers but may rotate differently, the team will decide on how to split the teaching time.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in and would like to learn more, CONTINUE READING HERE
. You can always contact Cindy Wakeland, DRE at re-director@uucuc.org for any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you.
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MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Sherry Bohlen
Membership Coordinator
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REFLECTIONS ON WOMENSPIRIT RETREAT
In early February, I attended a WomanSpirit workshop where I met Sister Simone Campbell (of “Nuns-on-the-Bus” fame). During her dynamic and engaging keynote address, she shared sage advice to help us through the challenging times ahead.
She offered the following 5 steps that she feels are imperative for us to “Reweave the Fabric of our Society”....
CONTINUE READING HERE.
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HOSPITALITY TEAM B!
Thanks to Marilyn Ryan and Kathleen Robbins, Hospitality Team Leaders for the month of February. Thanks to all the Hospitality Team B volunteers who assisted Marilyn and Kathleen each Sunday during the month. February Hospitality Team volunteers will be acknowledged in the eNews in early March.
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BE THE FACE OF SUNDAY MORNING: JOIN A HOSPITALITY TEAM!
Hospitality Teams are in charge of Sunday morning hospitality (e.g. bell ringing, welcoming, ushering, providing decorations and refreshments) for two months during the year. Hospitality Teams are a great way to meet people and serve our congregation in a fun and important way. All members and friends are encouraged to join a Hospitality Team. Each Team has 30-35 members so you do not need to help on every Sunday assigned to your Team. Stop by the Hub table on Sunday mornings to sign up for a Hospitality Team (or to find out if you are already assigned to a Team.) Questions? Contact Peggy Patten of the Membership Committee, m-patten@sbcglobal.net.
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SOCIAL ACTION & RACIAL JUSTICE NEWS
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MARCH 2017 SHARED OFFERING
Our shared offering for March is Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County. From their website: Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County and ReStore is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry that works to eliminate poverty housing and to make adequate housing a matter of conscience and action. Habitat welcomes partners from any faith – or no faith tradition – who are willing to help improve the lives of families needing safe and affordable housing. Habitat serves people regardless of race or religion. By the end of the year, 77 families in our area will have purchased simple, decent, affordable homes through Habitat.
Our church has supported Habitat financially and through volunteer work crews for many years. We expect to again, to organize work crews for some of the spring/summer build dates. But, during March please give financially to this worthy charity.
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SOCIAL WITNESS ACTIVITIES THROUGH THE UUA
Every 2 years the national Unitarian-Universalist Association (UUA) debates and then adopts a major social issue to study and on which to take action. When an issue is adopted it sets in motion a 4 year process of study, education, and activity.
These issues, called Congregational Action Study Issues (CSAIs) are voted on at the General Assembly. Last year, a CSAI was adopted titled “The Corruption of our Democracy” (focusing on the impact of corporations and money on the democratic process), and 2 years before that, the CSAI voted on was “Escalating Inequality” (focusing on economic justice)... CONTINUE READING HERE.
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Mark your Calendars! Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) Film Viewing:
CRACKING THE CODE: THE SYSTEM OF RACIAL INEQUITY
March 12, 2017
Doors open at 2:00 PM; Film at 2:30 PM
Discussions to follow.
Childcare will be available.
From director and educator Shakti Butler, comes a new film that asks America to talk about the causes and consequences of systemic inequity. Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity features moving stories from racial justice leaders, including Amer Ahmed (hip-hop activist, spoken word poet, diversity consultant and college administrator) and Michael Benitez (national social justice educator and activist-scholar). (English, 2014, 75 min) at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Champaign-Urbana.
Join us - We need your input.
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CHURCH & SOCIAL HAPPENINGS
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Help Put Love Into Action
The Sunday before Valentine’s Day was the kickoff for our 2017 stewardship drive, “Putting Love Into Action.” You probably know that the budget for all UUCUC programs depends on the pledges received. The Board of Trustees is leading the congregation to increase our pledging by 7 percent, overall. Financial priorities this year include search costs for a settled minister, employing a part-time bookkeeper, and continuing to meet UUA compensation standards for salary and benefits for all of our employees, as well as continuing to support our many fine programs. If you did not pick up your packet on kickoff Sunday, be watching the mail for yours to arrive. Please read the contents and return your pledge as quickly as possible. Thanks so much!
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This year's Service AUUction will be held on
Saturday, April 15th
. Don't miss this wonderful event which, in addition to being a great party, is our biggest fundraiser of the year! Please also think about services that you could offer for sale to your fellow churchgoers: do you have a skill or talent that you can share or teach? A theme dinner party you've been dying to host? A piece of equipment you'd be willing to lend? A fancy car that people might like to ride in (I'm looking at you, Dave...)? If you know already what you'd like to donate, please visit our donation form.
If you have any questions about donating, or about the auction itself, please email the Auction Committee at auction@uucuc.org.
We'd also love to hear from you if there is any service you'd like to see offered.
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THANKS from the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
Our church received a thank you letter from UUSC President and CEO Thomas H. Andrews for our Guest at Your Table gift in the amount of $1,490. Thank you to Director of Religious Education Cindy Wakeland for making sure we participated this year. Thank you to the youth who performed a UUSC skit in November to kick off the giving. And thanks to all of you who filled those GAYT boxes with coins, bills and checks. Contributions support the UUSC to put our values to work with international partners working for social justice and collaboration around the globe.
Well done, Rev. Joanne
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YOU ARE INVITED TO UU CIRCLE SUPPERS!
Q & A
What are Circle Suppers?
Circle Suppers are an opportunity to share dinner & conversation with other members & friends of UUCUC. They are usually held in a member’s home, and each person brings a dish as designated by the host to share with others. They are a great way to get better acquainted on an informal basis.
How often do Circle Suppers occur?
Circle Suppers occur once a month, on the 2nd Saturday of the month. You can sign up for just one, all year, or just a few—it’s up to you.
How many people usually attend a supper?
Anywhere from 6 to about 11, depending on how many folks sign up. If considerably more sign up, there will be more than 1 supper at different members’ homes.
Can I bring my children?
Circle Suppers are intergenerational, so yes, children are welcome at Circle Suppers.
OK, I’m in! Where do I sign up?
Sign up at the Hub Table in the Fellowship Hall, or email circle-supper@uucuc.org. There will be a form you fill out with the dates you’d like to participate, and an informational sheet you keep for your reference.
I’d like to be a host; how can I do that?
We can always use folks who are willing and able to host! Just sign up on the same sheet where you sign up to attend a Circle Supper.
For more information, contact Sara Schumacher at skspa20@hotmail.com, or Nancy Dietrich at nancydietrich01@gmail.com
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Spirituality and the Environment from a Unitarian Universalist and Bahai Perspective
Sunday, March 5, 2:30 p.m.
Channing Murray Foundation
1209 W. Oregon, Urbana
Free and open to the public
The presentation by the Green UUs of the Unitarian Universalist Church and the Bahais of Urbana-Champaign, is part of an ongoing series by different faith perspectives regarding beliefs and practices that motivate them to work for environmental justice. Individuals of all spiritual/philosophical backgrounds welcome.
Sponsored by Faith in Place, Channing Murray Foundation, and the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
CLICK HERE to see full Upcoming Events' Calendar
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A friendly reminder when submitting for publications:
- Submit one email per announcement per publication.
- Submit a new email for each date.
- Utilize this format for the email subject line: Publication (eNews, OOS, eUniter), date of publication (1/26/2017), from (committee name)
- Any questions, email Rosalyn Maziarka at admin@uucuc.org.
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SEND SUBMISSIONS FOR FUTURE PUBLICATIONS TO:
Please send your news submissions via email. All submissions should include your name and phone number within your email. All submissions may be edited for clarity or shortened.
eNews Deadline – Wednesday Noon
eNews is the church's weekly electronic update. If you would like to remind others about the next weeks and/or weekend event, briefly update the congregation on a committee’s new project, or remind people to save a date, then use eNews.
Order of Service Deadline – Wednesday Noon
Please keep submissions to 50 words or less.
eUniter Deadline - Third Thursday of each month
eUniter is used to communicate church-related activities, classes, and news about members and friends.
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Our Staff
Cindy Wakeland - Director of Religious Education, re-director@uucuc.org
Sherry Bohlen - Membership Coordinator, membershipcoordinator@uucuc.org
Matt Sheppard - Music Director
Matthew Gladden - Accompanist
Rosalyn Maziarka - Office Administrator, admin@uucuc.org
Beth Cobb - Assistant for Services
Myron Winkler - Sexton
Cody Foster - Sunday Sexton
Mary Foltz - Childcare Coordinator
Stepanie Cobb - Kitchen Helper
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