News from Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville

The Feldenkrais Method of Awareness Through Movement class uses small gentle movements to improve your overall well being by learning to fully use ourselves mentally and physically.

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 usually meet each Friday at 10:00 a.m. We will have our last class of the year December 7, then restart in the new year.

UUCH Adult Religious Education focuses on the whole spiritual person, mentally and physically, so come join us!

For further information, contact Adult RE chair Nancy Finley.

Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education 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.

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 .

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. We are recruiting girls and helpers for the 2018-19 school year.

Contact Harper Goodman for more information.

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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, January 22.

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 age 3 years and under.

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

Upcoming Service

Sunday, December 9, 2018

" Encountering Mystery: A Larger View"

The Reverend Ed Brock

This is part two of a two-part series on the theme of Mystery. The first sermon was made through a deeply personal lens. This second is presented from a much broader lens.

Thinking about the mystery of life does not have any immediate pragmatic value, and so it does not usually work its way into our daily lives. However, the experience of mystery can shift our thinking about day-to-day matters in important ways.

Never in history have we known so much about nature and the universe that gives us reasons to appreciate and understand the mystery of life. Understanding this aspect of life, the depth of mystery that permeates life, can bring us into a more authentic way of living.

This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal.This Sunday in RE we will be learning the story and rehearsing our parts for the Christmas Pageant on December 16. Parts are still available for children and youth who did not get to choose last week. More information is in the article below.

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!

UUCH-AHA
Annual Christmas Party

The UUCH-AHA (Alabama Hispanic Association) Christmas Party will be held at the church on Saturday, December 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. At this annual event, the AHA distributes Christmas presents to the children of selected families. UUCH hosts the event in our Fellowship Hall, provides a Christmas luncheon, and helps fund the gifts.

In order to once again make this party the success it's been in previous years, we need your help in one (or more) of the following ways:

Make a donation to help pay for gifts.
Donate food or money for the luncheon menu.
Assist with setup on Friday, setup on Saturday, and/or cleanup on Saturday.
Be a server at the luncheon.
Greet guests. Since many of our guests have difficulty with English, we ask you to PLEASE volunteer to help with greeting if you speak Spanish.

Questions? Contact Betsy Applegate (256-426-4153), Gail Williams (256-880-2925), Michele Clark (Social.Justice@uuch.com), Kathryn Heath (256-457-1753), or Jessica Schulz ( Hospitality@uuch.com ).

You'll want to be part of this heartwarming holiday event. You'll be giving a special gift to our local Hispanic community and to yourself.

Sponsored by the Social Justice and Hospitality Committees, and by the Alabama Hispanic Association

All-Ages Holiday Movie Night

December 15

Join the Children's RE Committee as we host our 3rd Annual UUCH All-Ages Holiday Movie Night!

Please join us at 5:00 p.m. to decorate cookies while we enjoy cocoa and cider. The movie will start at 6:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee

It's Pageant Time!

UUCH's Annual Christmas Pageant will be performed during the Worship Service on Sunday, December 16!

Children who participate in the pageant should:

be at least 4 years old (we have parts for youth and adults, too!)

be able to attend a short rehearsal during RE this Sunday, December 9.

be able to arrive at church early (9:45 a.m.) on the day of the pageant (December 16) for a quick run-through.

be able to supply simple costume items (e.g., bath robes, etc. -- no sewing or elaborate costuming required).

If you'd like to be part of this exciting production, you may contact Erin Reid at (256) 694-6786 or via email. There are parts for everyone!

Sponsored by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee

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Winter Solstice Candlelight Service

Wednesday, December 19

Amanda Schuber

Since ancient days, people have gathered at the time of the winter solstice to welcome the sun and the return of light. In the darkest season of the year, we too are invited to gather in community to share in the mystery and miracle of the natural world. The returning light has long been a sign of rebirth and a source of hope. In the soft glow of candlelight, open yourself to the wisdom of the ages through silence, music, and the poetry of the season.

The Winter Solstice is a time to journey inward and reflect on the lessons, joys, and sorrows of the last year. It's also a celebration of the light and darkness in each of us. Join us for a service of readings, songs, stillness, and ritual.

There is a harp prelude beginning at 6:45 p.m., with the service starting at 7:00 p.m.

All are welcome. Refreshments, provided by the choir, will be served following the service.

Sponsored by the Worship Committee

Gift Idea

Looking for a unique gift for that special someone who has everything? Consider donating a hymnal in honor or in memory of those you love.

The paperback (teal) hymnal is $18.00, and the hardback (grey) hymnal is $27.20. As a bonus, we will place a name plate in the hymnal honoring the person of your choosing for a lasting gift.

For this holiday season, give a lasting gift of music by donating a hymnal to our congregation. Theresa Miller will have a table in the Fellowship Hall after church on Sunday with more information.

Sponsored by the Worship Committee

Save the Date

UUCH's Annual Chili Cookoff will be Saturday, January 26.

Entertainment, chili and fixins, and warm fellowship are offered. Who could ask for more on a cold winter's night?

Sponsored by the Hospitality Committee, with Fran Alexander leading the event

Multigenerational Pickup Choir

Want to be part of a choir but don't have the time?

Beginning in January 2019, the UUCH Music Program will host 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 will offer a flexible, multigenerational alternative.

On the last Sunday of each month, anyone who wants can attend a short rehearsal at 9:30 a.m. in the Choir Room. Singers ages 4 and up will run through the song a few times and then enjoy sharing the musical message with the congregation that same day.

For more information, contact Pam Siegler, Music Director.

Guest at Your Table (GAYT) is the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about UUSC's work to advance human rights around the globe. This year's theme -- Justice Across Borders -- celebrates the bravery, innovation, and reach of UUSC's grassroots partners. From the Northern Triangle of Central America, to the deserts of Mexico and Arizona, to detention centers in the United States, the road away from danger is paved with injustices. Partnering with grassroots allies along the Central American migration trail, UUSC addresses root causes, supports migrants in transit, and protects the right to seek asylum. With your support, UUSC and our partners are not only responding to extraordinary challenges of today, but also addressing root causes of injustice and building the capacity to respond to future challenges.

The GAYT brochure describes four UUSC partners who can be the guests at your table. You are encouraged to set out a box at your table to represent one of these or another guest. Boxes and brochures are available in the Fellowship Hall. The GAYT program will run through the end of the year, and we'll collect the boxes in January.

Please contact Brad Korb at 256-895-9303 or via email with any questions.

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.

Care List

This Sunday, December 2, 2018, at our Circle of Candles:

Amanda Schuber lit a candle of sorrow: A dear friend's teenage son took his life last week. I pray for strength and peace for his family.

Dan McKitrick lit a candle of sorrow: Wishing for my friend, Jenny, to embrace her family and friends and not despair.