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Upcoming Events
Sat. 12/7
Leadership Workshop
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
All Ages Movie Night
5:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Sun. 12/8
Social Justice Committee Meeting
9:30 a.m.
Worship Committee Meeting
9:30 a.m.
Worship Service
Rev. Ed Brock
10:45 a.m.
Music Committee Meeting
12:30 p.m.
Tues. 12/10
Board Meeting
6:30 p.m.
Wed. 12/11
Soul Circle Small Group Ministry (Group C)
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
UUkulele Fun Group
5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal
7:00 - 8:45 p.m.
Thurs. 12/12
PFLAG Meeting
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 12/14
Hispanic Association Dinner
11:30 a.m.
Sun. 12/15
Soul Circle Small Group Ministry (Group D)
9:00 -10:30 a.m.
Worship Service
Rev. Ed Brock
10:45 a.m.
Tues. 12/17
Council Meeting
6:30 p.m.
Wed. 12/18
Choir Rehearsal
7:00 - 8:45 p.m.
Sat. 12/21
Solstice Service
6:30 p.m.
Sun. 12/22
Annual Christmas Pageant
10:45 a.m.
Tues. 12/24
Christmas Eve Service
5:30 p.m.
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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.
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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.
Please, no canned corn, beans, or peas! They are currently overloaded with those items.
Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee
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UUCH's Free Food Pantry is installed in the parking lot and is now stocked. The Social Justice Committee will restock the pantry with non-perishables, as needed, and you can, too.
See the Social Justice Committee for more information on what items are in need.
Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee
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UUCH 2019-20
Board Members
President:
John Schulz
Vice President:
Denise Runnels
Secretary:
Nick Wilbourn
Treasurer:
David Bollinger
Trustees:
Ed Bernstein
Jack Long
Bryan Walls
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 John Schulz
via email no later than one week prior to the meeting (i.e. the Tuesday before).
The next board meeting will be Tuesday, December 10
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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:
John Schulz
Editor:
Nick Wilbourn
Office Hours:
Monday & Wednesday:
7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday:
7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Minister's Office Hours:
Wednesday:
10 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday:
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Other times by appointment.
Office Phone:
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.
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Upcoming Service
"Reflections on the Seventh Principle"
Rev. Ed Brock
Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven basic principles. These principles are not doctrines or creeds but distilled wisdom forming a living tradition to guide us individually and collectively.
There is a growing interest among UU congregations to celebrate Chalica,
a week-long intentional effort to honor our Unitarian Universalist principles. This idea for a specific UU holiday first emerged in 2005 out of a wish to have a holiday organized around Unitarian Universalist values.
Chalica begins on the first Monday in December and lasts seven days. Each day, a chalice (or candle) is lit, and the day is spent reflecting on the meaning of that day's principle and doing a good deed that honors that principle. There is a Chalica Facebook page, blog, and many Chalica-themed videos on YouTube to help people understand this idea.
In the spirit of Chalica, I will continue with my presentation on our UU Principles. Last week I spoke about the first principle, and this Sunday I will talk about our seventh principle.
The seventh principle states that we affirm and promote a "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."
I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
Future Services
December 15 - Rev. Ed Brock
December 21 - Solstice, Amanda Schuber
December 22 - Rev. Ed Brock
December 24 - Christmas Eve, Rev Ed Brock
December 29 - Fire Communion, Amanda Schuber
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This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)
Christmas Pageant preparation!
This Sunday we will make decorations and props, learn songs, and cast parts for the
Christmas Pageant on December 22
. There are parts for everyone! Please come on out and be part of this annual tradition.
Parents/guardians should plan to come to the RE area following the service to confirm their children's participation. More information is in the
article below.
Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee |
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This Saturday, December 7, from
9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Rev. Ed Brock will lead a
leadership workshop at the church.
The focus of this workshop will be on sharing and discussion of the new policies and procedures manual. The new manual has been developed over the last year and will define how the church operates.
These updated policies and procedures are a work in progress, and they will be developed further over the next few months.
All policies and procedures can be revised or changed in any way the Board chooses at any time. So, no part of this document is set in stone. Any future Board and Minister can change or amend them. But the policies and procedures manual we have created represents a very good framework for going forward.
In this workshop, Rev. Ed will explain the many ways clear policies and procedures are essential to the long-term thriving of the congregation. All UUCH leaders, and members and friends of the church interested in leadership, are encouraged to attend.
I hope to see you Saturday!
Submitted by the Minister
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Guest at Your Table
boxes and envelopes are currently being distributed. The little boxes provide a visual tool for promoting the concepts of striving for justice and for sharing our bounty with those who have less. The little box is your "guest" for a month. Place the box on your table where you and your family share a meal. "Feed" your guest coins, dollars, and checks made out to UUSC. Guest at Your Table boxes will be collected on the following Sundays: December 22 and 29, January 5.
Also, in the entrance foyer or Fellowship Hall, pick up UUSC's Stories of Hope booklets and donation envelopes. The envelopes are intended for adult donations to UUSC, a membership organization devoted to advancing human rights and social justice worldwide.
Many people join or renew their membership through the Guest at Your Table program. A donation to UUSC through Guest at Your Table in the amount of $40 enrolls you as a member of UUSC. Contributions of $125 or more are matched by the UU Congregation of Shelter Rock, New York. UUSC members receive a quarterly newsletter about UUSC programs and receive a 20% discount and free shipping on all Beacon Press books. If you prefer, you can join or renew your membership online.
For more information, contact Social Justice Co-Chair Ken Sandlin.
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee.
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Annual Christmas Pageant
December 22, 2019
UUCH's annual Christmas Pageant will be Sunday, December 22. 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 on Sunday, December 15
- be able to arrive at church early (9:45 a.m.) on the day of the pageant (December 22) 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, please come to RE on Sunday, December 8, for our Christmas Pageant Prep and Casting of Parts.
Parents should plan to come to the RE area and confirm their children's participation following the service. You may also contact RE Assistant Harper Goodman.
There are parts for everyone!
Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee
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We are seeking contributions of decorations in the colors of red, white and gold. If you would like to contribute, please leave items in the box at the back of the Sanctuary by
this Sunday, December 8.
Join us after the service on
December 15 to decorate our holiday tree.
We hope you will join in the fun!
Submitted by the Worship Committee.
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Alabama Hispanic Association Dinner and Christmas Party
The Alabama Hispanic Association and UUCH dinner and Christmas party is scheduled for
December 14.
This event will be held in the Fellowship Hall, and dinner will be served at 11:30 a.m., followed by a visit from Santa for the children. A sign-up sheet is posted in the Fellowship Hall, or you may sign up
online.
We will need help with decorating, food for the dinner, setup, clean up, and working the dinner, which is fun and rewarding. Families who attend this dinner and party have been very appreciative. Please help as you can.
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee.
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All-Ages Holiday Movie Night
The Children and Youth Religious Education Committee will host UUCH's 4th Annual All-Ages Holiday Movie Night this Saturday, December 7.
Please join us at 5 p.m. to decorate cookies while we enjoy cocoa and cider. Vegan and gluten-free cookies will be offered. The movie will start at 6 p.m.
Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee
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During December and January, we will share the Sunday offering with
First Stop, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation established in 2001 to reduce the number of homeless persons in Huntsville and Madison County by forming relationships of trust, providing basic needs, and offering guidance toward stable, independent living in housing.
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
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Solstice Service
December 21
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 will be a harp prelude beginning at 6:45 p.m., with the service starting at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by the Worship Committee
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Christmas Eve Service
On Tuesday, December 24, at 5:30 p.m., we will hold a Christmas Eve worship service at the church.
The Christmas Eve Service will consist of readings from the Christmas story, meditative readings, traditional Christmas hymns, and brief reflections on the meaning of the season.
One typical feature of the Christmas Eve Service is a collection for the Ministerial Discretionary Fund. This fund allows the minister to offer help to members and families of the church who need financial assistance during the course of the year. Please be mindful of this special offering if you plan to attend this service.
The Christmas Eve Service is open to all, so feel free to bring visiting relatives to the service.
Submitted by the Worship Committee
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The Pelvic Floor: Health and Awareness
The pelvic floor is a part of your body you may not give a lot of thought to until you experience a problem related to it, such as incontinence or lower back pain.
The pelvic floor is involved in many basic life functions as varied as digestion, elimination, reproduction, breathing, and balance. A healthy functioning pelvic floor promotes greater health in all of these areas. The pelvic floor musculature works in a coordinated system of muscles to support the hips and lower back.
Starting in January as part of Adult RE,
Feldenkrais Method® teacher Sally Locklear would like to offer a series of classes designed to strengthen and support the natural functions of the pelvic floor. If you would be interested in a class like this, please let Sally know, and she will figure out what would be the best time for the most people.
For more information, contact Sally Locklear
via email or phone (512-657-6169).
Submitted by the Adult Religious Education Committee
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Care List
This Sunday, December 1, 2019,
at our Circle of Candles:
Amanda Schuber lit a Candle of Joy: Thank you to the Girl Scouts, and especially Michelle Clark, for keeping our Little Food Pantry stocked. Being here during the week, I often meet the people who use the pantry, and I know how much it changes their day-to-day lives. They are always so grateful. We can never know the full impact of our work, but what we do does matter.
Suzey Delacey lit a Candle of Joy: After our whirlwind trip to NYC and Philadelphia chaperoning 90-something teenagers, I am so grateful for the warm welcome back home today.
The Congregation lit a Candle of Celebration: Wishing Rev. Ed a very happy birthday. We have loved getting to know him and his many contributions to our community.
Jack Long lit a Candle of Joy: My son who is in the Navy is visiting. He is taller than me, and my 12 year-old grandson is a whole 4 inches taller than me, too.
John Jeter lit a Candle of Sorrow: A sad remembrance. My father died on Thanksgiving Day -- Nov. 28, 1957-- sixty-two years ago. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday.
Gwen Summer Snow Peters lit a Candle of Sorrow: Thinking of the people of China (Hong Kong).
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