The Overlook
Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville 
3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810  
February 7, 2019
Vol. 19 Issue 6
In This Issue
Upcoming Events  
   
Thu. 2/7
Huntsville Feminist Chorus
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Choir Room
 

Fri. 2/8
Awareness Through Movement 
10:00 a.m.
Adult RE Room


Sun. 2/10
New UU Class
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.  
Adult RE Room
 
Sunday Service
10:45 a.m.
Sanctuary  

Music Committee Meeting
12:30 - 1:30 p.m  

OWL Parent Meeting   
12:45 - 4:00 p.m.
Fellowship Hall


Tue. 2/12
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Forum on Predatory Lending
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Good Shepherd UMC


Wed. 2/13
Soul Matters Small Groups
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
[Group C]

UUkulele Fun Group
5:45 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal 
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Choir Room


Thu. 2/14
Huntsville Feminist Chorus
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Choir Room

PFLAG Support Meeting
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Adult RE Room


Fri. 2/15
Awareness Through Movement 
10:00 a.m.    
 Adult RE Room

Sun. 2/17
New UU Class 
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Adult RE Room
 
Soul Matters Small Groups  
9:00 - 10:30 a.m. 
Group D
 
Sunday Service
10:45 a.m.
Sanctuary
 
OWL Meeting   
12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
RE Wing 
   
Girl Scout Troop Meeting
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Justice Room 
UUCH Annual Certification
 
Each January, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) asks UU congregations nationwide to report on specific data. The following information was reported by UUCH to the UUA in January 2019:
  • Current membership: 169
  • Average Sunday attendance: 100 (calendar year 2018)
  • Current RE registration: 83
For the church year ending June 30, 2018:
  • Total pledge income: $178,409
  • Individual & family pledging units: 96
  • Total operating expenses: $183,697
For comparison purposes, the following was reported last year, in January 2018:
  • Membership: 170
  • Average Sunday attendance: 109 (calendar year 2017)
  • RE registration: 80
For the church year ending June 30, 2017:
  • Total pledge income: $194,094
  • Individual & family pledging units: 94
  • Total operating expenses: $203,288 
Submitted by the Membership Committee
Huntsville Assistance Program 
The Social Justice Committee  has a goal to collect at least 100 items each month for the food pantry.  
 
Please put your nonperishable food items or personal care products donations in the basket in the church foyer for the Huntsville Assistance Program. 

They run low on cereal, canned fruit, mac and cheese, peanut butter, instant mashed potatoes, Hamburger Helper-type meals, and canned veggies -- but not green beans or corn.
   
They are always grateful for our donations. Thank you for your continued generosity! 

Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee
UUkulele Fun Group
The UUkulele Fun Group is open to everyone, regardless of skill level.
 
The group meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 5:45 p.m.
Girl Scouts at UUCH

We are living the Girl Scout way at UUCH and looking for friends to join us! Girl Scouts at UUCH meet biweekly to enjoy adventures, friendship, and fun together.

Contact Harper Goodman for more information.
UUCH Choir

The UUCH choir practices on Wednesdays in the Choir Room. Our start time has changed to 7:00 p.m. Whether you know how to sing or would like to learn, we would love for you to join us! If you plan to attend but cannot, or if you have other inquiries, please contact Pam Siegler at 931-307-4994 or via email .
Awareness Through Movement
 
The Feldenkrais Method of Awareness Through Movement class will start again with lessons that  use small, gentle movement, imagination, and sensing. Mats will be provided, but feel free to bring anything you might need to make yourself comfortable lying on the floor. If you are unable to lie on the floor, please let us know, and we will make an accommodation for you.
 
This Adult RE class, led by Sally Locklear, is drop-in, with no experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. 
 
We meet each Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the Adult Religious Education Room.
 
For further information, contact Adult RE chair Nancy Finley

Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education Committee
Time to Return
Guest at Your Table Boxes

Now that we are through the holidays, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Guest at Your Table program is wrapping up, and it is time to return your Guest at Your Table boxes!
 
Even if you didn't participate in the Guest at Your Table program, please consider giving to the UUSC in an effort to advance human rights for all.
 
There are three ways you can return your contribution to the UUSC:
  1. Bring your box to church, and place it in the basket in the Fellowship Hall (cash or check; if cash, provide the information on the side of the box)
  2. Send a check directly to UUSC at UUSC, PO Box 808, Newark, NJ 07101-0808
  3. Donate online here.
Thanks for your contributions!
 From the 
Property Committee

Want to learn a new skill? We are looking for you! We do not discriminate on any basis whatsoever -- including  tool ownership. Feel free to come in disguise!

The  Property Committee needs the occasional help keeping the lights on in the church. Literally, we need people to help change light bulbs.

Come help on one project with no long-term commitment required. Or, for those who want to work with a team, we do have a few bigger projects, such as painting Rev. Ed's office and replacing boards on the playground fort.  

If you are interested in learning more, talk to Wanda Snoddy, Brad Korb, Tim Miller, or Jeanne de France. For those who are introverted, you can also email us.

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UUCH 2018-19
Board Members
 
President:  
Susan Coddington  
 
Vice President: 
John Schulz

Secretary:
Nancy Finley

Treasurer: 
David Bollinger 

Trustees: 
Ed Bernstein
Theresa Miller

Nick Wilbourn
 
 
Interim Minister:
The Rev. Edward L. Brock

Do you have an agenda item for the Board?  
The Board respectfully requests that all agenda items for the meeting be submitted to Board President Susan Coddington  no later than one week prior to the meeting (i.e. the Tuesday before). You may text or call her, or send a copy of your request via email. The next board meeting will be Tuesday, February 26.

The Overlook is a publication of The Unitarian Universalist Church, 3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810


Interim Minister:
 

The Rev. Edward L. Brock

Board President:  

Susan Coddington    

Editor:  

Nick Wilbourn 

 

Newsletter deadlines are each Monday at midnight.
Any committee with newsletter announcements should send submissions to news collator Willette Battle at
uuch@uuch.org.  

 

Office Hours:

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Monday - Friday

 

Office Phone: 256-534-0508
Email:
uuch@uuch.org

Minister's Email: minister@uuch.org

Website: www.uuch.org 

 

Sunday Services are held 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Children's Religious Education held concurrently. Nursery available for ages 3 years and under.

 

For more info on any event, contact the church office.

 
Upcoming Service
 
Sunday, February 10, 2019 
        
" Spirituality in the Key of Life"
(Part 2)
The Rev. Ed Brock
 
Over the years, I have noticed that UU congregations struggle with understanding the value and place of spirituality. Considerable effort goes into whether UUs should be religious, not religious, anti-religious, spiritual, agnostic, undeclared, or any other variation thereof. Alternatively, much discussion has focused on whether social action is a surrogate for spirituality. Is there a way to cut through a polarized and confusing debate to a meaningful and productive discussion of the matter?
 
Over the last 20 years, much research (from people without an agenda) indicates that spiritual practices can have very positive mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. This research may provide a clue for a path forward beyond the polarized debates within and beyond our religious group.
 
In this sermon series, I will share some experiences leading me to conclude that this is an important issue, how research from unexpected places confirms the value of spirituality, and how UUs might make use of this information.    
This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)

Action Day! All rooms will participate in inreach/outreach projects that put faith into action in the service of community.

Transformers and YOUUTH will continue their creative planning for the youth-led worship service on February 24.
 
For more information, contact Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education, or Steve Rittenberg, CYRE Chair.

CYRE registration is open! All families, new and returning, should register each year.  Click here to register!
Future Worship Services
February's Theme: Trust
   
FEBRUARY 17
Visiting UU Minister
 
FEBRUARY 24
Youth-Led Service    
OWL Parent Meeting
This Sunday, February 10
Sexuality Education for Youth

The CYRE program is planning two OWL classes to begin Sunday, February 17 , for grades 7-9 (ages 12-15) and grades 10-12 (ages 15-17). OWL offers a beautiful curriculum, aligned with UU values, for building holistic identity and sexuality awareness in young people. OWL fosters authenticity, safety, comprehensive understanding, and self-worth and, in general, provides the tools a young person needs to make healthy choices about relationships and sexuality.  Each class will be led by a committed team of trained facilitators. 
 
A mandatory parent orientation meeting will be held following the church service THIS SUNDAY, February 10, for parents/guardians of young people who wish to participate in the program, or who are considering participation. We will take a good look at the curriculum's values, topics, format, and schedule. The parent meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall starting around 12:45 p.m. Lunch will be provided by the CYRE Committee, with the actual meeting beginning at 1:00 and ending by 4:00. Childcare will be provided in the RE area. This meeting is for parents and guardians only.­ Youth must have signed permission from all parents/legal guardians to participate in OWL.
 
OWL class size and the number of families we can accommodate at the orientation are limited.  Please RSVP to DRE Erin Reid by February 8.
 
Read more about OWL here.
 
Here are some OWL testimonials from UU youth around the country:
 
"I think I got a wonderful sex education at church. I am so thankful my parents put me in the program.  It's nice to be able to say I attended a church that made me proud of my sexuality and not ashamed of it." (Carrie Duncan Newman, Des Moines, IA)
 
"People never BELIEVE me when I say that I took an in-depth sexuality education course at my church in eighth grade, and that it was awesome." (Alex Calvin, UMBC)
 
"OWL was the best church year of my life." (Lynn McCann, Westford Academy)
 
"OWL saved my life!!!" (Olivea Effie-May Wooden Virta, Santa Fe, NM)

Sponsored by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee
"New UU" Class Continues February 10 and 17
What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? Guided by the Tapestry of Faith Curriculum, we will offer a three-part series that explores important themes in UU congregational life -- our worship and theology, history, covenant and polity, faith development, social justice, and membership. This program is particularly focused on introducing newcomers to Unitarian Universalism, but those of us who have been here for a while will also be able to share and connect with others as we explore our own beliefs and how they intersect with the UU tradition. Everyone is welcome!
 
Join us on February 10 and 17 for this chance to learn and share. Please come even if you cannot attend each session. Meet for coffee and refreshments at 9:00 a.m. in the Adult RE classroom; discussion starts at 9:15. Pam Korb and Nick Wilbourn will facilitate the discussion.
 
Contact Nancy Finley for additional info. Childcare will be provided.
 
Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education and Membership Committees
Forum on Predatory Lending

The public is invited to a forum on predatory lending at Good Shepherd UMC on Tuesday, February 12. For more information, see the flyer below or read more online.

 
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
Chili Queen Jeannie Hosmer  
Is Crowned!
 
It was quite an evening! For the next year, Jeannie Hosmer can proudly wear the chili  crown and cape and wave the coveted Red Ladle! This is her first win, and we bow to her chili expertise.
chilipepper Winners:
        
Best in Show: Jeannie Hosmer 
Mild: Jo Broussard
Medium: Brad Korb
Hot: David Bollinger
White: Amanda Schuber
Veggie: Tim Miller
Honorable Mention : Jeremy Wright  
 
Luscious chili from 19 UU chefs made the blind taste-judging difficult for judges Monty Moore, Bryan Walls, and Malcolm Goodman. Decorations and setup of the Chili Hall were by Fran Alexander, Gail Williams, and Theresa Miller and crew. Masters of Ceremony Fran Alexander and Susan Coddington guided the evening fun.
 
Over 80 UUs and friends savored chili and fixins as they were regaled with music and dancing . There's always something new with our talent! Thanks to Susan and Tim Coddington for setting up and running the sound equipment.
 
Thanks to John and Eleanor Schweinsberg and Gary and Barbara Hitt, who presided over the adult beverages table.
 
Thank you to all who participated by decorating and bringing chili, music, and fixins. Special recognition goes to Tim Miller, who brought his home-brewed beer. Several of you get a very special thank you for staying to help clean up so that we ended on the same high note as the rest of the evening.
 
The Hospitality team sponsors this fun event, and we wish to thank our leaders, Jessica Schulz and Kathyrn Heath, for their help coordinating.
 
Blessings to you all from the Hospitality Committee (Audrey, Bob, Fran, Jefflyn, Jessica, Kathryn & Steve)
Music Notes

Hello, all! The Song of Trust this month is a round called "Wait in Love" by Loretta K. Notareschi. We start the month singing "Wait in love, Wait in peace, Wait in silence, Never cease, Wait."

From week to week, we will change the word "wait" to "hope" and "pray". We need one other word for the last Sunday. What do you think?

I also wanted to give a huge shout-out to those who sang in our first monthly multi-generational pickup choir! What fun! We will be trying to have them now on a monthly basis on the last Sunday of each month.

I hope to see/hear YOU!

Pam Siegler
UUCH Music Director / Certified Music Leader  
Social Saturday
February 23rd
Let's Do Lunch!
 
Our next Social Saturday will be held on February 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. This event is a casual social time for people to get together, share a meal, and chat -- maybe find out that they share a common interest or have a need that another could meet. Anything can happen when UUs get together! So plan to come and join the group. 

It is a both a potluck and a brown bag, so your choice to bring a dish to share, or keep it simple and brown-bag it. Everyone is welcome, but seniors and new members are especially encouraged to attend, meet some folks, and feel like part of our UUCH family.  We h ope to see you there!

Sponsored by the Hospitality, Membership, and Care Committees
The Knit Wits 
The next Knit Wits meeting will be held on Saturday, February 23, at 12:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall You can bring your lunch if you would like and join us for Social Saturday, which starts at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  Or you can just  come to chat, eat, knit, and/or crochet. 

The Knit Wits are part of the Care Committee, and no skill at knitting is required! The Knit Wits make Care Shawls for church members undergoing health challenges, as well as baby blankets, and also take on a variety of other projects, such as the yarn-bombing on the playground fence. You are welcome to join the group, and if you wish to learn to knit or crochet, there are good and patient teachers who would love to help you learn. Hope you can join us for a relaxing afternoon with friends.  
 
For more information, email Barbara Hitt.

Sponsored by the Care Committee
All-Ages Pickup Choir 
 
  
Want to be part of a choir but don't have the time? The UUCH Music Program hosts a pickup choir opportunity for all ages. Many children, youth, and adults want to express themselves through music but can't come to regular Wednesday night choir practice. The UUCH All-Ages Pickup Choir offers a flexible, multi-generational alternative. 
 
On February 24anyone who wants can attend a short rehearsal at 9:30 a.m. in the Music Room. The pickup choir will run through the song a few times and then enjoy sharing the musical message with the congregation that same day.
 
Music will be accessible and interesting for all ages and skill levels, starting at four years old.

For more information, contact Pam Siegler, Music Director.

What Are 
Soul Matters Groups?


UU "Soul Matters" Groups are a way to feel truly engaged in our church, to deepen connections with others in our spiritual community, and to enhance our personal journeys to wisdom and meaningful lives. We currently have four groups running at UUCH, and we encourage more people to participate in the program. Those who have participated often say it is the most meaningful thing they do at our church!
 
Soul Matters Groups are designed as a companion program to a congregation's worship and religious education ministries. Congregations using Soul Matters have monthly themes, such as "compassion", "forgiveness", or "truth", which are integrated in all aspects of the church. Being a part of a Soul Matters Group allows you to go deeper in the themes that are being discussed in worship or in children's curriculum in an intimate, small group setting.
 
What do you do in a Soul Matters Group?
 
Each month, participants are given packets that contain resources for individual exploration, including questions, exercises, readings, music, and videos on that month's theme, and they can choose how they want to engage with the topic before meeting with the group. Participants then come to the group to discuss the theme. You take it at your own pace; there is not a lot of required reading, but there are plenty of materials to engage you through the month. You spend as much, or as little, time as you wish with the materials before the meeting.
 
Groups typically meet once a month at the same time, and meetings are usually 90 minutes long. The format is designed to make sure that everyone who wishes to speak is heard, and that we listen to one another without debate, judgment, or interruption. Questions provide opportunities for the group to explore the theme together. Trained facilitators guide the group through the format and help to make sure that the environment is a welcoming and moderated space for all to share and learn.
 
How can I join a group?
 
We are currently adding some new Soul Matters Groups. If you are interested in participating or learning more, please contact Nancy Finley.
votives
Care List
 
This Sunday, February 3, 2019,  at our Circle of Candles:
 
Theresa and Tim Miller lit a candle of sorrow: My sister, Lois, reached the age of 79, but her past few years held much pain and suffering. She died on Saturday with 3 of her siblings present to give her love and release her. The day before, she said she couldn't take anymore and said "Let me go." She is the second of my 6 siblings that we have lost. Thank you for all the love and concern you have shown for her and my family. We will travel to Ohio and W.V. this week.  
 
LaDawn Edwards lit a candle of sorrow: Rev. Clark Olsen, who witnessed the murder of James Reef in 1965 in Selma, died on January 21. Rev. Olsen answered MLK's call after "Bloody Sunday" to march for civil rights. He testified in the trial, which resulted in the attacker's acquittal, prompting outrage across America.  
 
The Delacey Family lit a candle of joy: On February 1, our family marked the 3-year anniversary of the adoption of Ana, Richmond, and Benjamin, solidifying our Delacey family.