February 3
Reckoning with White Supremacy (Part One)
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
As we begin African-American history month, Rev. Thom's sermon will explore how we can we can approach the legacy of systemic racism in a way that is courageous and theologically informed. This is Part One. Look forward to Rev. Thom and Marion Hirsch sharing the pulpit later this spring for Part Two.
February 10
The Letter: A Valentine's Multigenerational Service
Rev. Thom, leading worship
Our February multigenerational service will include the latest installation of Frog & Toad Puppet Theater. Frog & Toad is a beloved Community Church tradition stretching back to the early 1980s. Come see our puppeteers* present "The Letter," a reflection on love, friendship, vulnerability, and the challenges of waiting.
February 17
Mitakuye Oyasin
Rev. Thom, preaching
The title of this sermon comes from the Lakota Native American tradition. The phrase means "all my relatives" and is the Lakota expression for what Unitarian Universalists call the seventh principle, "Respect for the interdependent web of life of which we are a part." Join us for a service exploring the meaning of this principle.
February 24
Campus Ministry Service
The annual Campus Fellowship Service is a great opportunity to hear what is going on the spiritual lives of the college students who are members of the UU group at UNC sponsored by The Community Church.
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Frog & Toad Puppeteers Wanted!
Our February 10 multigenerational worship Service will include a return of Frog & Toad puppet theater. Frog & Toad have been a beloved Community Church tradition since the early 1980s. We are seeking puppeteers, narrators, and set designers for February 10. Please contact Rev. Thom if you are interested.
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MUSICAL NOTES
by Glenn Mehrbach, Music Director
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With the start of a new year, it's a great time to take action and join one of our musical groups here at The Community Church. Both adult choirs, the
Community Church Choir and the
Community Church Singers are beginning to learning new music for the coming months, and the
Children's Choir, always looking for new members, is poised to sing at all the Multi-Generational service. I'm also always looking to find new
instrumentalists in the congregation, to enhance the music at certain services, or to participate in an informal "Jam Session" for those who just want a fun and relaxed place to play music, which may or may not lead to playing in services.
Finally, the Music Team has decided on a theme for this year's Music Gala, which will take place on Saturday, April 13, at 7pm in the Snctuary. Although we don't have a title yet, we'll be looking for music about one or more of the "
Seven Deadly Sins." All are welcome to participate, and we encourage collaboration. Please contact Music Director
Glenn Mehrbach with any questions, or to sign up to perform.
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COMMUNITY CHURCH CONCERTS PRESENTS
THE SELDOM SCENE
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Sat., Feb. 9, 8 p.m.!
An American bluegrass band formed in 1971, The Scene has been instrumental in starting the progressive bluegrass movement as their shows include bluegrass versions of country music, rock, and even pop. Tickets available HERE or between services in Jones Building. Advance: $25; Door: $35. Questions/to volunteer,
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We are sad (for us) and happy (for her) to announce that
Andrea Sordean-Mintzer, Congregational Administrator,
will be leaving her position on February 25, 2019.
Andrea has served our church with distinction for over 16 years. With retirement for Andrea not too far off in the future, she has decided to step away and see what the future holds. We wish her only the best in her future endeavors. Please join us on February 17 during both Coffee Hours to honor and celebrate Andrea's service to our congregation.
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COMMUNITY CHURCH DAY OF SERVICE-
ANNUAL PLEDGE DRIVE
Our Annual Pledge Drive is going to take a new approach this year. We are going to have a church-wide Community Day of Service on Saturday, March 2nd.
Different groups, committees and ministries in our church will provide us with a chance to volunteer to help our broader community.
During the month of February, we will have sign-up sheets after each service for each of the volunteer projects.
We would love to have 1,000 volunteer hours of service. To do this and the good work we are committed to we need everyone to pitch in.
We will give our time and use our talents to reach out to the local community. At the end of our day of service we will commit our treasures to the church's annual pledge drive. We'll have a pledge packet for each household to pick up . Our goal is to get pledges turned in by the following week. We look forward to your help and participation in the Community Church's inaugural Day of Service.
Contact Mary Beth Powell or Bill Rote for information.
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BIG NEWS ABOUT THE BUILDING PROJECT
The Congregation's January 13 vote authorizing a construction loan has launched ACTION to make the new addition a REALITY! Negotiations are under way with financial, construction and town permitting entities, aimed at a ground-breaking date of June 9, 2019. The new Gap Strategy Task Force has begun meeting to organize and galvanize congregational support for activities which will target the projected $200K gap between forecasted total capital funds available and estimated construction costs. A new publication, "Building Blocks: C3HUU's Building Project Update," has distributed its premiere issue and will provide narrative and pictorial updates as the project proceeds. Copies are available at the Building on Our Legacy display in the alcove between kitchen and stage, and on-line via the Building on Our Legacy section of the church website, along with building sketches, lots of other details, and contact information.
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The View From The Roof - February 2019
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The Manse sewer project is completed (yay!), connecting the Manse to OWASA and the new Courtyard and Commons entry lighting project is underway. Our next big change will be contracting out an exterior painting and repair job for the Sanctuary, Commons and Manse this spring. And with the approval of the new Jones Addition Project, we are planning the Jones classroom cleanup starting in June. Stay tuned!
Free time on Monday mornings? Consider joining our merry band of Spiritual Mechanics, performing church maintenance projects followed by lunch out. We share our home repair skills and enjoy learning new ones. Prefer gardening? Watch for courtyard gardening days starting back up in the spring.
And always remember, YOUR JOB is to email
Brad
or catch him at church whenever you see something amiss. Early reports save $$$!!!
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The Music Team is looking for more members to join the Sound Room team, which helps set up and monitor the sound system during services. No experience necessary, and you can learn all you need in a ten-minute training session.
Please contact Music Director, Glenn Mehrbach for more information, or to sign up to help out.
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MEMBERSHIP TEAM - WELCOMING MINISTRY
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The Community Church Connections Survey 2019: Your connectedness to the church is important to our shared community, and the Membership Team aims to serve by helping folks connect with the church.
If you didn't see this survey in your inbox, please complete this short (under five-minute) survey to let us know how you're doing. Feedback will be shared with the minister, staff and program leaders as appropriate.
Help make Sunday mornings happen - Become a Greeter! Our church is busier than ever, and we need folks to help welcome people in to our church on Sunday morning and we have many Greeter spaces open over the next few weeks!Please take a moment to
sign up to be a Greeter, and help new people see what our community is really like.
Please join us when you can for this simple, but important work. Imagine a service without Greeters!
Thanks so much - your help is appreciated!
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Bronwyn Merritt will be presenting paintings from her Twenty-One Goddesses Collection in the Sanctuary from January 5th through February 23rd. This is what she has to say about this collection: 'A favorite subject of mine is portraying images of women and animals and their magical connections. These women are willing to share their gifts and to receive wisdom. Their hands are outstretched and open signifying their desire to give of themselves, and their intention to accept help from others. The inspiration for this series are strong, generous, and capable women, whom I have portrayed as Goddesses'.
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CHILDREN'S & YOUTH MINISTRY
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THANK YOU, GRACIAS, MERCI, TAKK, ARIGATO TO...
Steve Warshaw for his workshop for the High School Youth Group entitled "Better Angels-- It Matters What We Believe --Why the Left and Right Think Different and what we can do about it."
Kathy Farinola and Dave Morgan for their presentation to the children in the Water and Fire Circles about Habitat for Humanity.
Allison Mercer-Smith for her presentation about Death to the Coming of Age class.
Donna Washington for storytelling at the January Family Dinner.
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How do I find out more about the Children's and Youth Ministry Program?
There is lots of information on the church website with details, dates and how to register. You can also get on the mailing list for the weekly emails which tell you what is happening on the upcoming Sunday and what fun events are coming.
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FAMILY DINNER 2/23--Games Night -- Board Games, Cards
5:00-6:00 Dinner
6:00-6:30 Games!
Bring your favorite board games. Candy Land, Checkers, Uno ...
This is an event especially for young families, though everyone is welcome. It is an early dinner and short, fun family program so little kids can get home for an early bedtime. Come and get to know other church families and have some fun.
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Bountiful Bags will be handed out by Maureen and Shannon on February 3rd for the benefit of the Inter-faith Council for Social Serves Food Pantry. Please return Bags in one to two weeks. We appreciate your help in providing for those in need.
Helping prepare and serve dinners at the IFC is one of our church's oldest service projects. It continues on the 1st Friday and 3rd Tuesday of each month, (Feb. 1 & Feb. 19), but there have been some changes. The volunteers do less of the cooking, since a staff person now works part-time as cook. We still need to provide a few prep cooks. All the serving is done by us. Maureen O'Rourke has become the dinners' leader. It is possible now to sign up to work online!
Sunday, 1/27 is the last day for the sign-up sheets on the Kiosk.
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ECO'S ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER
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First Sunday Recyclables
Feb. 3 at coffee hour:
Cell phones, including chargers. As every month, ECO is also collecting batteries (AAA - D, button, rechargeable), corks (natural and synthetic), and tiny bits of metal (paper clips, nails, screws, etc.).
Letter Writing Opportunity
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says we must drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 if we are to prevent some of the worst effects of climate change. The year 2018 was a grim one for the environment, with Hurricane Florence here in NC, wild fires in California and other western states, and record breaking heat in various parts of the world. Write a letter to your legislators on Feb. 3 telling them you want them to take strong and swift action on climate change. ECO will provide pens, paper, and talking points at their table.
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GRADUATION BASKETS FOR MEN'S SHELTER RESIDENTS
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- The Fourth Wednesday Covenant Group is collecting donation to make Graduation Baskets for Men's Shelter residents who graduate to move into their own apartments. We are hoping to make 15- 20 baskets. We will be collecting donations from 2/3 - 2/24. Please help by bringing the following items in new or excellent used condition:
BeddingCleaning supplies
Dishes
Kitchen supplies
Coffee pot
X-Tile
Dead bolt door locks
Pots and pans
Please look for the donation boxes in The Commons! Thank you for help!
or email Dawn or call her at (919) 608-7283 with any questions.
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What does hunger look like in our community? In some families, parents and caregivers struggle daily with the choice between meeting their household needs or providing a steady supply of nutritious food for their kids. More than 2,600, or almost 1 in 3, school aged children in Chapel Hill-Carrboro receive subsidized school meals. TABLE's mission is to provide healthy, emergency food aid to local kids at risk for hunger. This school year TABLE volunteers have filled almost 600 bags weekly with nutritious food which are then delivered to schools and after school programs so that these children will have food for weekends and school breaks when they don't have access to their free school meals. Your STP donation on Feb 10 will help to keep TABLE's shelves and refrigerators well stocked and the weekly bags full!
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Holiday Meals Share the Plate - Thank You
$1,748 for Holiday Meals!! The Community Service Ministry thanks you for your generous contributions to the Holiday Meals Share The Plate in November. The money you gave provided nutritious meals for 70 families in our community. The holidays are over for this year, but it is good to know that many of our neighbors - young, old and in-between - enjoyed a holiday meal. After all, being together and sharing is what this season is all about. Thank you!
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SHARE THE PLATE THANKS YOU!!
The Share the Plate (STP) Committee extends a hearty THANK YOU to this congregation for another year of fantastic support for our 25 Sunday collections in 2018 that supported worthy groups/endeavors locally, nationally, and abroad. $41,110.02 was donated and delivered to such groups as IFC, El Centro, UU'S for Justice in the Middle East, El Futuro, TABLE, Habitat for Humanity, Center for Ethical Living & Social Justice Renewal, and many more. STP also supported an emergency collection for Shelter Neck flooding rescue. The STP Steering Committee meets twice a year to review, select, and schedule applicants for STP Sunday collections and supports project coordinators in preparations for their STP Sunday presentations. We welcome new members to the committee! Interested? Contact: Jill Baker or Jane Provan. Again, THANK YOU, Community Church!!
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WomenCircle
Making Your Own Soaps Monday, February 4 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Jones Building. Rose Swimm will conduct the workshop. Rose has retired from her family business, CandleScience which is located in Durham. (CandleScience sells the raw materials for candles and soaps, but does not sell finished products.) We will melt soap into bases and add fragrances and dyes to create uniquely shaped and scented soaps as a treat for yourself or for Valentine's Day gifts for a special friend. Workshop is limited to 20 participants. CandleScience is donating the supplies, but participants may make a $5 contribution to the church. Note: RSVP by emailing Carol or call her at 919-619-4462.
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SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS (SEA)
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SEA is offering a range of courses for winter/spring 2019.
Finding Meaning and Spirit in Aging led by Rev. Thom at Carol Woods Wed. 1-3 PM 2/13-3/6
Art and Theology led by Rev. Thom 7-9 PM Thu. 3/7-4/3
Preaching Practicum led by Rev. Thom 7-9 PM Thu. 4/11-5/9
Tai Chi led by Joe Swain continues as drop-in and includes beginners: 7-8 PM Wednesdays
Register for Preaching Practicum by contacting Rev. Thom. To register for other courses find the SEA table during Coffee Hour or sign up HERE.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG ADULTS
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Covenant Group -- The 20s and 30s Covenant Group meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday from 7-8:30 for fellowship and spiritual deepening. It's a drop-in group. Sign up link.
20s and 30s Facebook group--Contact Marion Hirsch at hirsch.marion@gmail.com for more information.
UNC UU Campus Fellowship meets Wednesdays in the Student Union in 3509 from 5-6 PM. To get on the mailing list contact Marion Hirsch at hirsch.marion@gmail.com
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BOOK DISCUSSION FOR FEBRUARY
On Saturday, February 16, at 10:30 in the Kirby Room, the Nonfiction Readers will discuss Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World through Islamic Eyes, by Mir Tamim Ansary. Ansary wrote this book as an alternative to Eurocentric accounts that minimize the role of Islam in world history. It is not a scholarly textbook, but an attempt to capture the meaning of history from the standpoint of a community that once thrived but has been overshadowed and disrupted by Western development. Steve McNeary will be leading our discussion. The Nonfiction Readers meet on the third Saturday of each month. New members and drop-ins are welcome.
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Winter's stark fingers
Point to Summer's abundance
Each,in essence, Both
Outdoor Connections February 16th
In the Tao, knowledge is seen as the first step towards awareness. For Winter Trees, gaining knowledge and ID skills can be easy thanks to the generosity of Frank McKeever, who will lead our February outing to White Pines Nature Preserve. (Meet at the church at 10:00, Sat.,Feb. 16 to carpool.) Lunch to follow at the Small Café in Pittsboro.
RSVP
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MEMBERSHIP TEAM - WELCOMING MINISTRY
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MULTICULTURAL WELCOME TRAINING: FEBRUARY 17, 1PM
The Membership Team is proud to present a workshop:
Multicultural Welcome!
This workshop, based on curriculum from the Unitarian Universalist Association, will help us learn how to better:
+ embody our UU values as a congregation
+ question our assumptions
+ welcome ALL, from the first visit until the end of the course of belonging to our religious communities.
Come join us for an engaging, informative workshop February 17, 1-3PM.
Lunch & Childcare provided with RSVP.
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ENDOWMENT GRANT OPPORTUNITIES AND INFORMATION SESSION
For the grant cycle beginning July 2019, the Endowment Committee is offering two opportunities for distribution of funds as follows:
(1) $7000 to support the Building Program. The Endowment Committee will seek congregational approval for these monies to be set aside until such time, no later than December 2020, as specific fit-up or other project completion needs are known and articulated to the Endowment Committee via the grant application process.
(2) $2000 will be available for other opportunities (non-Building Project-related) that support new and/or ongoing ministries either within or beyond the church walls.
Applications and instructions will be available on our
website by
February 1.
The Endowment Committee will hold an informational session after the 2nd service on
February 17, to provide interested parties with a review of the application process, the timeline for each of the two types of grants, and answer questions about types of projects that might be supported.
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Join the Community Clickers! We use needles and yarn to create comfort and warmth for our community. We just delivered 11 baby hats to the American Heart. These will be given to area babies born in February to raise awareness about heart disease. Our ongoing project is to make shawls for patients at UNC Hospice. On March 2nd, we will make a Sunshine Lap Blanket (in bright, sunny colors) for Charles House as part of the church's day of service. Shawls and blankets are made with 7" x 9" knitted and crocheted blocks (please leave two 18" yarn tails at opposite corners) of washable acrylic, #4 worsted weight yarn. Join us on Wednesday February 6th from 2-4 pm in the Commons Area and on Monday February 18th from 7-9 pm in the Straley Room.
Can't knit or crochet? Come learn!
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STAY CONNECTED
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