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Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church
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This month's theme: World Religions
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A Letter from Your Minister
Rev. Mary Frances Comer
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Religion isn’t about believing things. It's ethical alchemy. It’s about behaving in a way that changes you, that gives you intimations of holiness and sacredness.
~Karen Armstrong
Dear Folks,
Welcome to the month of August and to our monthly theme of World Religions.
Our speakers this month will share from the faith traditions of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The service I lead on the final Sunday of the month will...
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Music and its Role in Religions Around the World
Kaarin Record Leach
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Because of the crucial role music plays in all our lives, it’s very difficult to imagine what life would be like without it. Music communicates emotions, thoughts, and inspirations that transcend race, religion, and culture; as such, it plays a vital role in the emotional and spiritual well-being of our lives. Its harmonies, rhythms, and tone colors have a way of filling in the gaps in thought, feeling, and emotion that words cannot, resulting in a deeply powerful experience, made even more powerful when accompanied by spiritual reverence...
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Our Church As An Internship Congregation
Rev. Mary Frances Comer
When I came on board as your minister, I reviewed a document called the “2020 Vision.” This document was compiled years ago—perhaps with input from some of you—as a way to look into the future with very particular aspirations. I’ve asked the Board of Trustees to review the document as we prepare to set new goals together for the years ahead. Many of the goals listed in that document involved tremendous growth in numbers, additional staff members, and more. Some of the items have not come to pass. For example...
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Holly Brown
Part-time Ministerial Intern starting this fall
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Thirty Years at Piedmont UU
Anne Laukaitis
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I joined Piedmont UU in June 1999, so I am observing an anniversary of thirty years as a member! Such a long time! So much has happened in the church’s life and in my life as well. I was a timid joiner, visiting many times in 1998 and 1999 before taking the membership leap...
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Our Annual Giving Campaign and Membership Renewal
Soon, our Generosity Team will be revealing our theme for this year’s giving campaign! We will kick off the campaign with a Gala on September 7th at the University Gathering. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.
Formerly referred to as Annual Commitment Time at Piedmont UU Church, there are many terms used to describe this yearly practice of budgeting and preparing for the year ahead in various churches. Some of those include...
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August Theme and Guest Speakers Biographies
During the month of August, we are focusing on world religions and the topic of justice. We are privileged to welcome three guests each from a different tradition: Rabbi Dr. Andrew Ettin of Temple Israel; Muslim social justice activist, Rose Hamid; and Rev. Kathy Beasley, recently ordained in the Unity Church. I look forward to...
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Newcomer Orientation—Sat., Aug. 10th, 11 a.m., University Gathering
If you're a newcomer to Unitarian Universalism or to Piedmont UU Church and would like to learn more about either, or if you're interested in becoming a member, we welcome your participation in this event led by Rev. Mary Frances.
RSVP to
membership@puuc.org.
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Pictured above are some of our teachers and volunteers from 2018-19
Religious Education Teacher Appreciation & Information Session
Sunday, August 25th at 5:00 p.m.
If you taught last year or a
re interested in teaching this year, please join us for an appreciation dinner and information session in the sanctuary of the University Gathering. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience to
re@puuc.org.
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Chalice Circle Sign-Up
Chalice Circles run from September through May and provide an opportunity for members of Piedmont UU Church to participate in a small group ministry. The structure of this small group which meets monthly offers the opportunity to engage in the spiritual practice of deep or active listening.
Please
RSVP
here to sign up for a Circle (we have several in various homes and one that meets at church).
The intimacy of these small groups allows for a deeper level of connection with members of Beloved Community. Our Chalice Circle topics and discussion prompts correspond with our monthly themes.
The format of the meetings is structured to include...
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Charlotte PRIDE Is This Month!
PRIDE festivities begin in Charlotte the week of August 9th and culminate with the PRIDE Festival on Saturday, August 17th and the PRIDE Parade on Sunday, August 18th. Would you like to volunteer to help out with the float? Ride the float? Walk alongside? Help at the booth?
We are seeking a point person for float decoration on the morning of the 18th so that we may participate in the parade.
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University Gathering Yard Sale
Saturday, August 24th, 7-1
Drop off donations:
Thursday, 8/22 from 4-8pm
Friday, 8/23 from 8am-8pm
All items must be priced (using white stickers/tags) by the person donating. Stickers/tags available on the Sundays leading up to the sale and at drop off.
Stay tuned for a yard sale date for the Salisbury Gathering in the fall.
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Save the Date: September 1st — Our Annual Blessing of the Backpacks
Students of all ages, teachers, principals, professors, librarians, and anyone else who'd like to participate, bring your backpack to church with you on September 1st!
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Save the Date: September 15th — Chalice Circle Fellowship
If you participated in Chalice Circles last year or would like to join a circle in September, you are warmly invited to attend this night of fellowship and information. Stay tuned for more details in our weekly announcements or RSVP
here if you want to sign up now.
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A Cup of Courage
Sept. 21st from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Presented by Brave Step and Survivors to Thrivers ~ Going Forward, this workshop will be held at the University Gathering (9704 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC) from 9-11 a.m. on Sept. 21st. Come hear inspirational speakers with the opportunity to engage in conversation around this important topic. Join us to bravely explore the impact sexual abuse has as survivors, loved ones, community advocates, and those wanting to learn more.
RSVP to Rev. Mary Frances Comer,
maryfrances@puuc.org or register online at
bravestep.org. If you'd like to help with hospitality for this event contact Rev. Mary Frances. There is no charge for this workshop.
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Get ready….
Don’t get caught …
UP MALLARD CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE!
GOODS AND SERVICE AUCTION
Saturday, November 9th at 5:30 pm
What is the Goods and Services Auction?
It’s PUUC's biggest fundraiser and a great social evening, too! Bid on dinners, parties, excursions, & diversions, tasty food items, creative arts & crafts, and services of any kind.
Who donates the auction items?
YOU DO! We all have special talents to share. Anything you’re good at or enjoy doing can be turned into an auction donation. Use your imagination, or check out the sample catalogs from past auctions.
Who attends?
EVERYONE! The success of this event depends on enthusiastic bidders. Even if you’re not sure you want to bid, join us anyway for a fantastic social evening.
Count me in! What do I do now?
Start thinking about your donations, then fill out and submit your auction forms. When the auction catalog is distributed, study it and mark all the great items you want to bid on.
Come to the auction on Saturday, November 9th at 5:30 pm to have fun and bid on great items.
SUGGESTIONS FOR DONATIONS: Gourmet Dinner, Game Night, Theme Party, Museum Trip, Yard Care, Cook out, Gift Basket, Baked Goods, Alterations, Movie Night, Picnic Nature Hike, Tennis Lessons, Window Washing, Yoga Lessons, Handyman Services, Closet Organizing, Cooking Class, Genealogy Research, Kayaking and More!
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Fellowship Events in August
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The Monthly Fellowship Dinner will be on hiatus in August.
It will return in September with soup, salad, and breadsticks.
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August Game Night
Friday, August 23rd, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
University Gathering Sanctuary
Join us for fun and fellowship. Bring a game to share, or choose something to play from the game library. Youth 12+ are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Questions? Email Ali at
all.star@mac.com.
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Piedmont UU Church Financial Health: June 2019
June Income $17,993
June Expense $17,632
June Cash Flow $361
Year to Date Income $119,438
Year to Date Expense ($113,219)
Year to Date Cash Flow $6,219
Would you like to contribute to the financial health of our congregation?
Click here to make a donation now. Thank you for your generosity.
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9:45 a.m. at the University Gathering
12:30 p.m. at the Salisbury Gathering
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Sunday, August 4th, 2019
“The experience of Hajj (Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca)”
Rose Hamid, guest speaker
This is the time of year of Hajj. Hajj is an Islamic tradition honoring the faithfulness of Abraham and his family. Long before the Islamic tradition began 1367 years ago, pilgrims have been going to Mecca since the time of Abraham, 4000 years ago.
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Sunday, August 11th, 2019
“Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue”
Rabbi Andrew Ettin
Commitments to justice and righteousness stand at the center of Jewish ethical teachings, as this verse from Deuteronomy attests. We learn, however, not only from precepts and parables but from experience, from negative examples as much as positive ones. Rabbi Ettin will explore some personal examples and encounters shaping his perspective on Jewish teachings about justice.
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Sunday, August 18th, 2019 at 9:45 a.m.
(Combined Service at University Gathering for both Gatherings)
“Courage to Love"
Rev. Kathy Beasley
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin
Having the courage to love is the destination of a journey filled with twists, turns, ups and downs enough to distract us from our Soul’s purpose– to know and live a more connected existence. Join us as we explore together the individual and communal narratives of love, loving and being the presence of love in a time such as this.
Today will be a combined service in Charlotte followed by a caravan to Charlotte PRIDE for our presence in the parade.
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Sunday, August 25th, 2019
“A Common Thread”
Rev. Mary Frances Comer
Karen Armstrong notes: Religion isn’t about believing things. It’s ethical alchemy. It’s about behaving in a way that changes you, that gives you intimations of holiness and sacredness. Today we consider how religion can be used as a tool of oppression or as a path to justice and peace as we consider the common thread that runs through the world’s religious traditions.
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Charlotte Pride Interfaith Service
Sunday, August 11, 2019 | 4-6PM
Caldwell Presbyterian Church
1609 E. Fifth St., Charlotte, NC 28204
FREE
Charlotte Pride’s annual LGBTQ-affirming Interfaith Service is open to all people of all faith backgrounds in the community. This year, in recognition of Stonewall, the Interfaith service “comes home” to its original host, Caldwell Presbyterian Church.
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“Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.” MLK, Jr.
Visions, Voices, Actions: People of Faith for Creation Care
How do we respond?
As a nation we have a long history of displacement and disconnection from the land that has disproportionately affected Black and brown peoples and which is inextricably linked to the current climate crisis. Whether you are already responding, or are not sure where to begin, please join us to share your wisdom, learn from others, and discuss the role of the faith community for creation care.
Union Presbyterian Theological Seminary
12–1:30 pm
Vegan and non-vegan lunch options
Co-sponsored by the Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice and the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation
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