In This Issue
-Quick Links
-Happening Soon
-Upcoming Service
-Board Report
-COVID-19 Policy
-Share the Plate Week
-AL Hispanic Dinner
-This Sunday in CYRE
-UUCH Young Adults
-Adult Book Discussion
-CASA TEMP$ Work Day
-Little Food Pantry
-Cooking In Hard Times
-Donate with Text Message
-In Case You Missed It!
-COVID-19 Relief Funds
-Care List
-Upcoming Events
-Minister Info
-UUCH Board Members
-Church Info
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Happening Soon
Thurs. November 5
Adult Book Discussion
6:30 p.m.
Sat. November 7
Share the Plate Ends
CASA TEMP$ Work Day
9:00 a.m.
Thurs. November 12
PFlag
6:30 p.m.
For all upcoming events, please see Check Events tab at the top of the newsletter or see the upcoming week's list near the end of the newsletter.
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"Where Do We Go from Here?"
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
November 8, 2020
10:45 a.m.
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In our reading last week, Luke Stevens-Royer wrote, "And regardless, I remember: the world won’t be destroyed, entirely, by this; the world won’t be saved, entirely, by this.”
Wherever you are in this moment, whether you are celebrating, or grieving, or still very much uncertain, we are still moving forward. Our call in this world has not changed and we must return to our loving task of healing the world.
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Meeting ID: 229 305 601
November Theme – Healing
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Board Report
The UUCH Board met virtually on October 27, 2020, to conduct the regular business of the church.
- It reviewed the ideas submitted for fundraising during the building closure and was grateful for the creative ideas put forth. Upon examination, it was decided that many of the ideas submitted could be encompassed as service auction ideas and that we should organize a large online service auction for January. A team was formed to pursue this auction.
- A Conflict of Interest Policy was approved to submit with the 501(c)(3) packet application.
- The Board also approved playground repairs to be conducted in accordance with the budget and our COVID-19 policy and continues to explore paths for sanctuary renovation.
- We have received the final note payment from Blossomwood Foundation for the property on Governor’s Drive.
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Shalin Mody was approved as the new co-chair of Technology along with Matthew Bollinger.
The next official Board Meeting will be a joint meeting for November and December and will be held on Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m.
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UUCH COVID-19 Policy Clarification
Hi all,
The Board wanted to share with the congregation a clarification to our existing COVID-19 policy. This clarification is regarding restroom use when you are at the church under any of the conditions that are allowed by the policy. It was never our intent to prohibit all use of the restrooms. We were trying to guard against planned events where regular use of the restrooms was assumed to be allowed. We fully understand that if you are at the church or on the church grounds for an activity covered under the policy, there may be an urgent need to use the restroom. In those cases, please use the restrooms in the RE wing of the building. This will provide our staff with the safest possible environment.
On a regular basis, the Board reviews UUCH’s COVID-19 Policy, considering national and community trends. In addition, we monitor neighboring UU churches and other organizations to keep current on best practices. We also rely heavily on guidance from the Unitarian Universalist Association. On October 26, 2020, the UUA reaffirmed their commitment to being guided by “science and our deepest values” when considering when gathering together as congregations or meeting in-person (especially indoors) would be safe. I invite you to read the guidance here: https://www.uua.org/safe/pandemics/gathering-guidance.
The first two recommendations are:
- In the midst of uncertainty, the UUA stands by our spring 2020 recommendation that congregations plan for ongoing virtual gathering and operations through May 2021. This applies to worship, events, rites of passage, and more.
- We strongly discourage smaller in-person gatherings (such as meetings or one-to-one pastoral care) at congregations in indoor spaces, even with masks. Even the best masks are not 100% effective in preventing the spread of the virus from person to person. Our values of safety and inclusion call on us to minimize risk. We do not always know who might be most vulnerable to being harmed, or killed, by this virus.
So, for the foreseeable future, our church’s COVID-19 policy will remain in place, with the above clarification regarding restroom usage. While we all yearn to be together under one roof, I am so proud to be part of a congregation that shows abiding care and concern for the most vulnerable, inside and outside our congregation.
Yours in community and health,
John Schulz, UUCH Board President
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UUCH Covid-19 Policy
Adopted by the Board of Trustees 8/25/2020
Out of love and respect for every member of the congregation and in an ongoing effort to promote public safety during the COVID-19 outbreak, the leadership of UUCH has developed the following policy. This policy covers any event or gathering sponsored by a committee or an established part of church ministry (i.e. Hospitality, Social Justice, Soul Circles, Music, RE, etc.), whether at the church or off-site. It also covers any event or gathering on church property, even if not sponsored by one of the aforementioned groups. This policy will remain in effect until amended by the UUCH Board of Trustees.
Building Use
- Due to the risk of community spread of COVID-19, all in-building meetings, functions, and rentals are postponed until further notice.
- It is our intent to minimize the number of people in the church at any given time. Very small groups of 2-3 people who have specific projects that require extended building access should contact the church office to schedule a low-traffic time to be in the building.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please do not come to the church building for any reason.
- If you have a pressing need that requires entry into the church, please contact our minister, Jaimie Dingus, or our office administrator, Holly Hinkle, to let them know you are coming (contact info below).
- In order to retain a safe working environment for all church staff, visitors are required to wear masks at all times while in the church building
- Social distancing is recommended, even while masked.
- We have placed hand sanitizer on a table outside the office. Please use the hand sanitizer before entering the office.
- Visitors should please refrain from using the church bathrooms.
Meeting on Church Grounds
Groups of 10 or less are permitted to meet outdoors on church grounds while adhering to the following guidelines:
- No communal singing.
- No food service or sharing.
- Please do not plan on using the church bathrooms. (In case of urgency, please use only the restroom in RE Wing, and enter the building one person at a time.)
- Masks and facial coverings are strongly encouraged.
- Please maintain a minimum of 6 feet of social distance.
- Give thought to accessibility inclusiveness (lawns are often not accessible to wheelchair and walker users).
- When inviting participants, be clear about the inclusion or exclusion of small children and others who might find it hard to observe physical distancing.
Our top priority in these times is to keep everyone in our community safe and healthy.
Please honor our church covenant by abiding by this church policy, and encourage others to do the same. The church staff is empowered to ask anyone to leave our property if they are unable or unwilling to abide by these safety policies.
Contact Information:
Submitted by the Board
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Share the Plate Week
Sunday, November 1 - Saturday, November 7
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The UUCH Board has approved a new Share The Plate (STP) arrangement: Beginning October 2020, we began receiving STP donations Sunday through Saturday the first week of each month for three-month periods, thus four STP recipients per year, scheduled by the Social Justice Committee (SJC). (The Board may schedule special STPs.)
Through Saturday, November 7, 2020, we will receive STP donations. If writing a check, it helps to add STP on the line item. STP plate donations can be made online this week at our website (under Connecting, Donate, Give Now), click on “Select Fund” and select "Plate" or click the button below and select "Plate" for the fund.
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This will be the second month of three (October-December) for regular plate-partner the Jerrod Michael Lockett Foundation, a public non-profit organization striving to decrease the potential for violence in our communities. Nominated for STP by Sally Locklear.
Since losing his younger brother, Jarrod M. Lockett, to gun violence, Justin Lockett founded the Foundation in 2013 to educate families about the effects of gun violence, how to properly have preventative conversations, and provide outreach programs within the community supporting families who are victims of violent crimes. The Foundation has since provided community outreach programs to include scholarship opportunities, Christmas giveaways, back-to-school drives, volunteering with local schools, the Special Olympics, educational trips, and other events.
In 2017, Justin created the “League of Legacy” mentoring program focused on uplifting and empowering young men to become the best versions of themselves. Justin reminds his followers: “Your legacy is not something that you leave behind for someone, but something that you leave in someone.”
Members and friends of the congregation may nominate future plate partners through the chair of a UUCH committee or directly to Social Justice. Each proposed partner should be a 501(c)(3) community service organization.
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
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Annual AL Hispanic Association Christmas Dinner/Party
UU’s yearly hosting of the annual AL Hispanic Association (AHA) Christmas Dinner and Party has taken on a different form this year due to COVID-19. No big dinner for 100, no brightly decorated fellowship hall and festive tables, no kids on Santa’s lap being given presents, BUT one part hasn’t changed: we are still asking for monetary donations for gift cards for older children and teens. The Hispanic Association provides presents for younger children. Hospitality is coordinating gift baskets of cookies and RE is involved (stay tuned).
Monetary donations will be accepted through Nov 30 by check (note AHA in line item) and online at UUCH.org. Click on the “Donate” button below or on our website, under Connecting, Donate, Give Now, click on “select fund” and scroll down to "Hispanic Association Christmas Party." Let’s brighten up the holidays for our Hispanic neighbors! |
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Submitted by the Social Justice Committee |
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This Sunday in Children and Youth
Religious Education (CYRE)
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"Healing"
We will continue our monthly theme of HEALING.
Special announcement! VIRTUUAL CYRE has a new meeting time on Sunday morning. We will meet at 9:30 a.m - 10:30 a.m. to give us a little more time together. Thanks for the great energy!
YOUUTH Group (grades 7-12) will meet at 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Zoom link will be shared via email and our CYRE Family Facebook group.
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Registration for the new year in CYRE is still open!
Please use the link below to register your children and youth. Whether you've registered in the previous year or are brand new, we'd love to include you in our joyful and welcoming community of all ages. If you'd like more information about the CYRE Program, please contact DRE Erin Reid or CYRE Assistant Harper Goodman.
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Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee |
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we invite you to reach out to us.
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Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee |
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How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Thursday, November 5th
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The opposite of "racist" isn't "not racist." It is "antiracist." This word usage is an essential point made in Ibram X. Kendi’s book, How to Be an Antiracist, which will be the topic of the next UUCH Adult RE Book Discussion. Kendi's concept of antiracism has become fundamental in the conversation about racial justice and helps point us toward new, liberating ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. In the form of memoir and social commentary, Kendi asks us to envision an antiracist society and how we can play an active role in building it. The book is considered essential for anyone who wants to go beyond an awareness of racism to the next step of genuinely contributing to a just society.
Join us via Zoom for the Adult RE book discussion of the second part of the book on November 5th, facilitated by LaDawn Edwards and Nicole Sharp. You do not need to have attended the first meeting to attend the second. Everyone is welcome!
To attend the Zoom meeting, link here.
Submitted by the ARE Committee
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CASA TEMP$ Work Day
Saturday, November 7th
9:00 a.m. - ~1:00 p.m.
Here’s an opportunity to help people in our community! UUCH will be participating again this year in the annual effort to winterize homes of local seniors.
The Care Assurance System for the Aging (CASA) Taking Energy Measures Personally equals Savings (TEMP$) program is an annual one-day event in which teams of CASA volunteers weatherize the homes of CASA clients by putting plastic on windows, insulating pipes, caulking breaches, installing smoke detectors, replacing storm doors, and performing other small repairs. Similar to the past few years, we will be working on two homes of low-income seniors in neighborhoods near our church.
These energy efficiency tasks will help these low-income senior citizens spend less on heating over the winter. This activity requires only a few hours of your time, but several people are needed to complete the two homes that UUCH has committed to complete this year. Home repair skills are not required, just the desire to help out. Materials are provided by CASA and UUCH will have at least one experienced person at each home to help guide the activity.
On Saturday, November 7th, we will gather at the church at 9:00 a.m., carpool to the homes, and we should be finished by 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m.
Please contact Brad Korb via email or phone 256-508-5263 if you are interested in helping out or would like more information.
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
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The Little Food Pantry Needs You!
Our Little Food Pantry is being used heavily. Every day that it is filled, it is emptied by a variety of people, both homeless and families. Your help is needed. Please sign up using the SignUp Genius link below and pick a day to help those in need.
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Submitted by the Social Justice Committee |
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Rice and Lentil One-Pot Meal (Bengali Khichudi or Khichdi)
by Teri Thomas
This month’s recipe is what we will be cooking for our Zoom Dinner on November 13 at 6:00 p.m. If you don’t want to buy the spices, more than likely I will have plenty to share if you don’t mind picking them up at my house. Also, there’s a very good sale going on now through November 9 at Indian bazaar on University Drive.
Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes
During the Hindu festival of Durga Puja, Bengali and Oriya families make this special rice and lentil dish as an offering to the goddess. After the offering, it is offered to the rest of the congregation as a nourishing meal for the body and soul. Khichudi is a very nutritious, mellow, and comforting one-pot meal, which is delicious with any combination of vegetables.
Ingredients:
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3 Tbsp. ghee or 2 Tbps. vegetable oil, divided
1 Tbsp. cumin seeds
2 to 3 dry red chilies, broken in half
2 Indian or Mediterranean bay leaves
1 (1 inch) piece of ginger, slivered
1/2 tsp. asafetida
1 tsp. turmeric powder
1 c. rice
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1 c. split yellow mung beans (moong dal)
1/2 c. finely chopped carrot
1/2 c. chopped potato
1/2 c. peas
1 medium tomato, chopped
Kosher salt
4 c. water
2 tsp. sugar
1/2 c. raisins
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- In a heavy saucepan with lid, heat 2 Tbsp. of ghee (reserve one for garnish) or until it is shimmering (or heat 2 Tbsp. of oil). Add the cumin seeds, chilies, bay leaves, and ginger, and saute until the seeds crackle. Add the asafetida and turmeric and stir for no longer than 10 seconds.
- Add the rice, mung beans, carrot, potato, peas, and tomato. Stir together with the flavored ghee. Season with salt. Add the water, sugar, and raisins. Stir again.
- When the mixture starts to simmer, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 25 minutes. Check once while cooking to see if the water has dried out. If so, add more to ensure that the beans and rice are cooked completely. The consistency of the khichudi should be rather mushy, like a risotto, so if the grains are slightly broken or the khichudi is a bit runny, it's okay. Serve hot with a garnish of the remaining ghee (do not garnish with vegetable oil) and a side of Spiced Fried Eggplant.
Make it faster: Mix 2 Tbsp. ghee with the cumin seeds, red chiles, bay leaves, and ginger in an electric pressure cooker and heat on saute for 30 seconds. Add the asafetida, then the turmeric, rice, beans, sugar, raisins, and vegetables; pour in 2 1/2 c. water. Stir, bring to a simmer, and close the lid; pressure cook for 10 minutes at high pressure. Use the quick method to release the pressure.
Cooking Tip: If you plan to leave out all of the vegetables in this dish except the tomato, reduce the quantity of water by 1/2 cup.
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee
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Donating by Text or Online |
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To give a plate offering to UUCH from your mobile device, text the amount (without dollar sign) to 833-559-0257, and follow the instructions. Text giving is by debit or credit card only.
Like our other online and mobile giving options, this option is through Vanco, is secure, and has a good option for "plate" donations.
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Submitted by the Finance Committee |
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Worship Service Recording
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
"Election Anxiety"
November 1, 2020
Did you miss our virtual worship service on Sunday?
Want a midweek re-watch?
Fear not, you can click here to see the recording.
Remember, the building is closed,
but CHURCH is open!
Submitted by the Worship Committee
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COVID-19 Relief Funds Available
Funds are available for members of the congregation who have been negatively impacted financially by COVID-19.
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Care List
This Sunday at our Circle of Candles:
Heather Kyemba lit a candle of concern: We’re praying for a peaceful election week.
Pam Siegler & Erin Reid lit a candle of concern: Pam and Erin are both having health issues. Please hold us in the light.
Barbara Hitt lit a candle of gratitude: Thanks to many members of the Care Committee who so generously supported a church member in need. Our community in-reach is part of what makes our church so special.
Angela Arnold (she/her) lit a candle of joy: For this UUCH family, and the opportunity for us to be together on Zoom for all of these months. Joy for the caring and concern we offer each other and to our community.
Karen Colvin lit a candle of concern: Praying for teachers and students.
Paul and Bridgit lit a candle of concern: We are indeed praying for a peaceful election and a peaceful transfer of power.
Kathryn Heath lit a candle of gratitude: Thank you to the Worship Committee and all who make this service possible.
Rita Scholes lit a candle of concern: My mom is 90 and has end stage Alzheimers. We haven't seen her since Feb. We were told that 2 patients in her facility have COVID-19.
Teri Thomas lit a candle of gratitude: KC, thank you! Husband teaches and I just finished four weeks of subbing. Kids and teachers are struggling with the masks!!
Karen Colvin lit a candle of concern: Kids are also struggling with virtual learning. I teach in a title 1 school. Many of my students have slow internet.
Rita Scholes lit a candle of gratitude: Thanks for allowing me to share Sundays with all of you.
Greeter - Tim M. lit a candle of joy: I sure like Rev. Jaimie's plan for Tuesday! Love the guitar, John. And the syncopated melody!
Paul and Bridgit lit a candle of gratitude: Really like today's message Thank you.
Willie Robinson lit a candle of gratitude: Great sermon Rev. Jaimie! You Rock!
Karen Colvin lit a candle of gratitude: Thank you for letting me visit! I will attend the election results zooms!! ☮️
Denise (she/her) & Monica (she/her) lit a candle of gratitude: Thanks all who help put this together and keeping us connected!!
Vally lit a candle of gratitude: Thank you. Peace to all during our coming week. Hugs and love from Foss and me.
Rev. Jaimie Dingus lit a candle of joy: For our UUCH Community. Joy for the UUCH Halloween Party and seeing the children, youth, and families gathering for fun in spite of all. What a blessing our Community is to us. And, all of the volunteers; lit a candle of sorrow: For all of those near and far impacted by COVID-19; and lit a candle of prayer: For peace, a peaceful election, and for teachers.
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Upcoming Events
Please note that all meetings, worship services, and gatherings will be held online until further notice. Please check our Facebook page and website for updated information and links.
Thursday, November 5
Worship Committee
5:30 p.m.
Soul Circle (Group B)
6:00 p.m.
Adult Book Discussion
6:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 7
Share the Plate Week Ends
CASA TEMP$ Work Day
9:00 a.m.
Sunday, November 8
CYRE
9:30 a.m.
Worship Service
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
10:45 a.m.
YOUUTH Group
4:30 p.m.
Monday, November 9
Social Justice Committee
5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 10
Soul Circle (Group A)
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day
Soul Circle (Group C)
1:00 p.m.
Susan's Happy Hour
5:00 p.m.
Meeting ID:
847 8458 5916
Choir Practice
7:00 p.m.
Meeting ID:
910 8283 2653
Thursday, November 12
Worship Committee
5:30 p.m
PFlag
6:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 15
CYRE
9:30 a.m.
Soul Circle (Group D)
9:30 a.m.
Worship Service
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
10:45 a.m.
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Minister
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
Office Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday by appointment.
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UUCH 2020-21
Board Members
President:
John Schulz
Vice President:
Nick Wilbourn
Secretary:
Nancy Finley
Treasurer:
Bob Locklear
Trustees:
Suzey Delacey
Jack Long
Bryan Walls
Minister:
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
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 John Schulz via email no later than one week prior to the meeting (i.e. the Tuesday before). The next board meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 6th at 2:00 p.m.
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Office Administrator
Holly Hinkle
Main Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday
9:30 am-1:30 pm
*Please email office if you need building access.
Phone:
256-534-0508
For more info on any event, contact the church office or visit our website.
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The Overlook is a publication of The Unitarian Universalist Church, 3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810
Editor-in-Chief:
Laurel Bollinger
Editor:
Holly Hinkle
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PO Box 5545
Huntsville, AL 35814
(256) 534-0508
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