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Two Services: 9:30am & 11:15am
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September 1
Lisa Garcia-Sampson, Guest Minister
For many, September 1st signals the end of summer relaxation, and a return to a seemingly constant state of busyness. Our American culture has long held exhaustion as a badge of honor, so it's no wonder so many of us struggle to master the art of rest in our day-to-day lives. But, what is spiritually at stake when we tell ourselves we can't afford to press pause on work?
Lisa Garcia-Sampson is a candidate for ministry in the Unitarian Universalist Association. She graduated from Boston University's School of Theology in 2018 and most recently served as the Ministerial Intern at First Church Boston. Lisa just moved to the Triangle with her spouse, Ry, who is a new Family Medicine Resident at Duke. Some of her passions include studying sports as religion, sacred language in Unitarian Universalism, and the rise of the "Spiritual but not Religious" in our country.
September 8
Nothing We Do Will Be Perfect
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
As we roll into another church year, it is important remember that our life as a community will include mistakes, miscalculations, imperfections, and things that just don't work out as we had planned. How can we lean into our imperfections? How can we regard being imperfect as a blessing instead of a curse? You are invited to read Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd's article of the same title if you wish.
September 15
Reading Fiction as a Spiritual Practice
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
As you may know, your minister is an avid reader of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more! Come learn about the spiritual impacts of reading fiction as well as recent scientific research into the brain changes that occur from reading fiction. And, don't worry, this will be a sermon that includes and makes space for the world's biggest fans of fiction as well as those who are not.
September 22
Rev. Sadie Lansdale, Guest Minister
This Sunday, Rev. Sadie and Rev. Thom will swap pulpits! Rev. Thom will preach at the UU Church of Greensboro, and their minister, Rev. Sadie, will preach at The Community Church.
September 29
Christian? Non-Christian? Or, Something Else?
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
Is Unitarian Universalism a Christian religion? Is it a non-Christian religion? Or, is the answer a bit more complicated? In this sermon, Rev. Thom will talk about the roots of Unitarianism and Universalism within Christianity, as well as how we might understand our faith today in the fullness of its blessed diversity.
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Dear Beloved Congregants,
When I became the minister of The Community Church in the summer of 2014, I wrote a newsletter column about how to best connect with me. Now, as I begin my sixth year with you, it is probably past time that I reshare this information.
Our church has grown considerably over the past five years; we are fast approaching 450 Members! I feel blessed to be able to work alongside the best program and administrative staff a church could hope for, as well as a large group of committed and talented lay leaders. Even so, being the solo minister of a church this size is demanding. What follows are some suggestions for how to best connect with me.
When am I in the office?
I am generally in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm. In addition, I typically have evening meetings at church 2-3 evenings each week and I am, of course, at church on Sundays. I take Mondays as my day off and spend Fridays doing sermon and worship service prep off-site. I can meet by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and can make time to meet at another time if necessary.
What is the best way to reach me?
Often, the best way to reach me is to text or call my cell phone: (919) 259-2009. I widely publicize my cell phone number: it is in the signature line of every email I send, on the back of every Order of Service, and it is on the church voicemail. During daytime hours this can be the fastest way to reach me. I give it out broadly because I want you to be able to reach me in case of crisis. Feel free to save that number in your contacts. Thus far, everyone has been respectful and responsible and has not abused having my phone number by contacting me at ungodly hours with concerns that are not emergencies. If it is a true crisis - a true emergency - please call
anytime
.
What about email?
Email can be a good way to get in touch with me. My email address is
revthomb@gmail.com
. Please realize that I can receive as many as 100 emails in a single day and it is impossible for me to respond to every email as soon as one might like. You have the best chance of emailing successfully if you follow
our church's email policy
. It is helpful if you let me know how you want me to respond and in what time frame. If I am not as responsive to your email as you would like, feel free to send a follow-up email asking me to get back to you. Or, send me a text.
What about social media?
You are encouraged to join
our church's Facebook group
, an online community for those who are a part of our church. People use this page to share photos, advertise upcoming events, communicate member-to-member requests, and sometimes discuss interesting topics. It is not a high-traffic group. It is also a closed group, so you will have to ask to join and be approved by a moderator.
I also invite you to connect with me on Facebook. I don't send "friend" requests to members but I gladly accept anyone in the church who wants to "friend" me. My level of activity on social media varies and my Facebook community includes parishioners, minister colleagues, and friends from various stages of my life. My posts are widely varied and may include thoughts about church, family photos, music reviews, and more. I only accept "friend" requests from people younger than 18 with parental approval.
What are bad ways to reach me?
Please don't call the church office. If you do, Rachel will have to take a message and give it to me for me to call you back. It is better to contact me directly.
The "messenger" feature of Facebook is not a great way to reach me. These messages frequently wind up in other folders and I find it hard to stay on top of these messages.
Posting something on your Facebook page and hoping that I see it is also not dependable way to reach me.
I hope this guide provides some helpful hints for how best to be in touch with me, and I look forward to speaking with you!
Rev. Thom
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ART IN THE SANCTUARY
Colors of Nature, artist Miriam Sagasti's show of watercolor and acrylic paintings, will be on exhibit from September 7 - October 27th in the Sanctuary. Sagasti looks for details, close-ups, and shapes to form interesting compositions in her paintings. Please visit Miriam's website here.
Sagasti has a diverse artistic background. She has been an interior designer, a children's book illustrator, and holds a certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration from the Botanical Garden at UNC Chapel Hill.
Sagasti has earned many awards for her work and has been selected for several juried shows. She has been a member of the Orange County Artist Guild for many years and has participated in many of the guild's open studio tours and special shows. Her paintings are in numerous private collections.
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MUSIC NOTES
by Glenn Mehrbach, Music Director
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As the new church year starts, it's a great opportunity to join one of the many music groups at the church. The choirs are just starting to learn new music for the year, so it's a great time to join. Find more information on the church Music Program page. There's always opportunities for instrumentalists, too, as I often program both classical and contemporary pop music for services. And don't forget the UUkes. For more information about anything here, contact Music Director Glenn Mehrbach.
This year we're also producing our bi-annual musical, "Shrek the Musical," which has the largest cast of any show we've put on. Technical element of the show are also huge, so if you'd like to help with set building, props, costumes, special effects or sound, we'd love to hear from you. We'll fit the commitment to your availability. Contact Director Glenn Mehrbach for more info.
Lastly, save the date for our next "Choir Sunday," during both services on December 22, the morning at the Winter Solstice. Music is still being considered, but at least some music will reflect the occurrence of the Solstice.
See you in church!
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CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY
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WHAT A WONDERFUL SUMMER!
THANK YOU, GRACIAS, MERCI, TAKK, ARIGATO TO...
- Many thanks to Krista Westervelt who led the Summer Art Project.
- Thanks to the amazing Hogwarts on the Hill Team who created such a wonderful intergenerational experience, especially Selden Holt and Lisa Lackmann who led the effort.
- Many thanks to Donna Washington who shared her storytelling with the children in August.
- Gratitude to the Youth Ministry Team for painting the parking lot lines!
- Thanks to the volunteers and especially those organizing the church renovation project. The light, fresh, clean spaces in the Jones Building are so appreciated!
- Thanks to Alan Reece for directing Chalice Camp this summer.
- Thanks to Nancy Mayer for the Red Cross CPR class she led for the youth staff.
- Thank you to Kat Good, Assistant Director of Religious Education for her leadership this summer while Marion Hirsch was on study leave.
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HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM?
There is lots of information on the church website with details, dates and how to register. You can also get on the mailing list for the weekly emails which tell you what is happening on the upcoming Sunday and what fun events are coming. To get on the mailing list, email Marion Hirsch.
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2020 COMMUNITY DAY OF SERVICE
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WE'RE BACK! Planning has begun for the church's 2nd Community Day of Service: March 7, 2020!
Last year's Day of Service and Annual Pledge Drive was so successful that we're going to do it again. Please be thinking of potential community service projects that can be done by Members, Associates, family and friends to improve and support the broader community beyond our walls here at the Community Church. We will be approaching the various church committees/ministries/groups this fall for your ideas of potential community service projects. You don't even have to be a member of a committee/group to submit an idea to us if you'd like! We do expect the planning and organizing, however, to be done by a team of people who are willing to plan it and make sure it goes smoothly on the actual Day of Service. Quesions? Please reach out to Bill Rote or Mary Beth Powell.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY
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FAMILY DAY AT HABITAT SITE The Building Hope partnership, which includes The Community Church, plans a Sept. 14 Family Day to kick off this year's Habitat for Humanity project: townhouses for low-income senior citizens in Hillsborough's Crescent Magnolia neighborhood. The Building Hope partnership also includes United Church of Chapel Hill, St. Thomas More Catholic Community, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
The kick-off will include morning and afternoon shifts available for families (teens ages 14 and up) with a potluck lunch and kick-off event in between shifts. Adults can begin framing the last townhouse building in Crescent Magnolia, and teens 14 and older can landscape completed townhouses. There will be four buildings, with 24 townhouses in the completed project. CLICK HERE to sign up for landscaping and framing. Teens 14 and up are welcome to come for the landscaping only, but will need an additional minor waiver.
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ECO'S ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER
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SUPPORT GLOBAL YOUTH-LED CLIMATE STRIKES On Friday, Sept. 20, join young people in the streets to demand an end to the age of fossil fuels and emergency action to avoid climate breakdown. School strikers across the world, led by 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, are calling on all concerned humans to join massive climate strikes and a week of actions starting on September 20. ECO and Side with Love will be tabling in September with information about local actions such as the Triangle Climate Strike.
BIRD FRIENDLY HABITAT SURVEY OF CHURCH GROUNDS Jim George led ECO in arranging with New Hope Audubon Society to have the church´s 13.6-acre grounds evaluated for their ecological status in supporting birds and pollinators. The survey found that 70% of our grounds comprise native trees, bushes, and flowers; while 30% are non-natives, with several seriously invasive species which pose a threat to our existing native diversity. The complete report, which was funded by ECO, is available by contacting Jim George. Next steps are being considered.
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SEPTEMBER 8: DOW SCHOLARSHIP, SUSTAINABLE AG CONFERENCE
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The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA), is a farmer-driven nonprofit organization that helps people in the Carolinas grow and eat local, organic foods by advocating for fair farm and food policies, building systems family farms need to thrive, and educating communities about local, organic agriculture. Part of their mission is to increase the number of small farms and to train young farmers in organic, sustainable agriculture. Their annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference gathers farmers, researchers, educators, and activists for workshops and panels, inspiring talks, and local farm bus tours. The William W. Dow Scholarship is designed to give beginning socially-disadvantaged farmers and ranchers a low-cost opportunity to participate in this conference, focusing on farmers of color, women, and other traditionally disadvantaged individuals. If you love our access to local, organic food, click here to learn how CFSA works to build a just, healthy food and farming future.
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SEPTEMBER 22: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
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As part of our church's ongoing Habitat for Humanity project, we have the opportunity to help build Crescent Magnolia, a 24-townhouse complex for low-income senior citizens in Hillsborough. The
Sept. 22 Share the Plate collection will provide funds for our share of this much-needed housing. Our church has a strong history of partnering with Habitat and other churches to provide homes for community families who are cost-burdened and may live in substandard or overcrowded housing. Church partners pay part of the costs; Habitat and other funders provide the other half. Families repay the Habitat share as mortgage payments. Church members help with construction. Your donation in the
Sept. 22 STP will continue our Habitat mission. (Not here Sept. 22? Please send your contribution to the church office, with checks payable to The Community Church of Chapel Hill UU. Put "Habitat" in the memo line.) Thank you.
CLICK HERE for more information.
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July Share the Plate: School Supplies Report - Community Services Ministry Many thanks to all the generous congregation members.Donations came to $1640 at the Service, and an additional $364 afterwards.This enabled us to purchase packs and supplies for 150 packs, which were distributed equally to Chatham and Orange schools.Leftover supplies were also donated to Chatham and Chapel Hill schools. A hard working team packed the supplies one night, and cleaned up in less than 90 minutes.
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| ALL CHURCH POTLUCK PICNIC |
Please join us for an evening of fun and fellowship!
Saturday, September 7th, 2019
New Hope Camp & Conference Center
4805 N. Carolina 86 Chapel Hill, NC 27514
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
~Rain or Shine~
New Hope Camp is located about twenty minutes north of our church on Hwy 86. It is a lovely wooded setting with covered eating space, nearby bathrooms and plenty of parking -- all of which are wheelchair accessible. There are soccer goals, volleyball nets, and playgrounds nearby. Bring balls, frisbees, jump ropes and/or hula hoops. Consider bringing a chair for ample elbow-room, post-dinner visiting and/or campfire watching. Please plan to bring a dish to share along with your own drinks (ice water provided). After dinner we will have group games: balloon squeeze, spoon races, sack races, three-legged races, tug-of-war, and more.
Please visit the church's website or click HERE for more information and to sign up.
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SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS (SEA)
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NEW SEA COURSES - SEA launches many new courses this fall.
You can revisit summer Preaching Practicum sermons and dive more deeply into them: Trey Kennedy Sep. 12, Allison Mercer-Smith Sep. 19 and Amy Glazier Sep. 26.
Other new courses include:
- Depolarizing Within by Steve Warshaw and Joe Swain Sep. 27 and 28
- Ethics and Money by Larry Mason Oct. 3, 10 and 17
- Naming and Claiming the Divine by Karen Jessee and Leigh Hall Oct. 10, 17 and 24
- The Present Moment by Caroline Sherman, Lisa Lackman and Paige Smith Dec. 5 and 12
...Or climb aboard one of our traditional flagship courses:
- Tai Chi by Joe Swain on Wednesdays, starting Sep. 4, or
- Wellspring I (see below!) by Marion Hirsch 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, starting Oct. 2.
There's also our Spiritual Retreat piloted by Karen Jessee Oct. 5.
Register at the SEA table during Sunday Coffee Hour or sign up HERE.
WELLSPRING IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE SPIRIT - PRACTICE & SOUL
What will you do with this one wild and precious life?" asks the poet Mary Oliver.
UU Wellspring is a 10-month program of distinctly Unitarian Universalist spiritual development designed to help participants answer that provocative question. The program celebrates the depth and breadth of our rich religious tradition and is entered on developing a daily spiritual practice, regular group meetings, and deep listening to one another. In Wellspring 1, which is a prerequisite for all other years of UU Wellspring, participants are challenged by, comforted by, and inspired by each one of the six UU sources. They learn not just about Unitarian Universalism, but also about how to integrate their Unitarian Universalist faith more fully into their daily lives. Wellspring begins in October 2019 and meets twice a month. Applications are due September 10. Limit 6 participants. More information about Wellspring and applying is HERE. Questions? Contact Marion Hirsch
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG ADULTS
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Covenant Group The 20s and 30s Covenant Group meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday from 7-8:30 for fellowship and spiritual deepening. It's a drop-in group. Contact Marion Hirsch for more info.
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COVENANT GROUPS START IN OCTOBER
Covenant Groups are a great way to get to know people at church and deepen spiritually. Covenant Groups provide each group member an opportunity to develop connections within the church, as well as to explore some of the major issues of life. A typical meeting combines centering readings, personal check-ins and individual sharing focused on a particular theme. What unites the members is a desire for connection with others and a deeper spiritual connection in their lives. Our groups have 7 to 10 members with a trained facilitator. Covenant groups meet monthly. In addition to the regular monthly groups there are also several themed groups for parents and young adults. HERE is more information about covenant groups and sign up for open groups HERE .
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Check out the two beautiful shawls that the Community Clickers have donated to the Fall Auction! Most of the shawls that we make are given to UNC Hospice in Pittsboro, which then distributes them to patients at UNC Hospice Home or other patients at facilities and homes within Orange and Chatham County. Join us at our September meetings: 2-4 pm on Wednesday, September 4th (Commons Area) and 7-9 pm on Monday, September 16th (Straley Room). We will design one or two shawls then sit, click, and chat. Can't knit or crochet? We can teach you! Stop by our table on Sunday, September 15th to learn more or contact us here. We use needles, hooks, and yarn to create comfort and warmth for our community.
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NONFICTION BOOK DISCUSSION FOR SEPTEMBER
On Saturday, September 21, at 10:30 in the Manse, the Nonfiction Readers will discuss Eleanor and Hick: The Love Affair that Shaped a First Lady, by Susan Quinn. The book is the story of thirty years of an amazing relationship, and how it influenced American history. Carolyn Holt will be leading our discussion. The Readers meet on the third Saturday of each month. New members and drop-ins are welcome. Click here to contact the group.
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Women of all ages are invited to the WomenCircle meeting on Friday, September 6 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Jones Building to hear storyteller Donna Washington sharing stories about motherhood and mothering. In addition, she will share tricks of the trade with us and lead us in telling our own stories. Refreshments and child care will be provided.
Please RSVP for child care to Ivy Brezina or 415-663-8703 by Saturday, August 31.
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Paddle and Potluck Picnic, Sat. Sept. 21
Paddling a canoe
Probably won't make you smile,
Unless you're human.
Join us for an easy paddle on Cane Creek Reservoir, our own 500 acre pocket wilderness. No motorboats, cheap canoes and kayaks, competent (?) guides, great company. Carpool from the church at 9:00. RSVP HERE.
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Fall in Love with Our Mountains, Oct. 25-27
Life recycles change
Falling leaves, falling water
All the joy is now
With 250+ waterfalls within a few miles of town, Brevard is a natural gateway to the best of Carolina in the fall. Reasonably priced rooms, pretty good restaurants and pretty great company will keep being astonished by nature comfortable. Reservations need to be confirmed by Wed., Oct. 9th. RSVP HERE.
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Let us begin! Rare Women, a new group for senior (self-defined) women will start meeting in September. Due to the large initial response, there will now be three groups: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, led by Bonnie Gilliom and starting on September 12th; 1st and 3rd Mondays, 2-4 pm, led by Carolyn Holt and starting on September 16th; 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, led by Susan Blanchard and starting on September 19th. From September 2019 through January 2020, we will be reading and discussing chapters from Joan Chittister's book, "The Gift of Years - Growing Older Gracefully." We will use the book as a guide for self-exploration and sharing, i.e. we are not reviewing the book. Check our webpage for more information and our guidelines. Fill out the form on the website to be added to the Rare Women email list. Questions?
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Help us build our beloved community by taking part in the...
2020 PHOTO DIRECTORY!
FINALLY, put faces to the names!
Members & Associates, please contact Rachel Rose to be part of the upcoming Photo Directory. Photo sessions are quick (~2 minutes!), fun and easy! Connect with Rachel on a Sunday morning, or W - F, 10-2pm, from now until November 30."Models" get to pick their favorite shots, and Rachel will happily send you all the images! All you need is a solid-color top (except for red), and a smile (or not)! Are you ready for your close-up?
<---- Just look at how nice Carol Palm looks in this example!
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BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE
- JONES BUILDING FIX-UP ("PHASE I" OF THE BUILDING PROJECT)The C3HUU Summer Project of fixing up the Jones Building spaces will soon wrap up! By the time you read this, hopefully, most of the rooms will be usable for meetings, RE classes and interim work space, but the project has added some shifts in September to work on finishing touches. PLEASE SIGN UP IF YOU CAN HELP. Also, mark your calendar to join in a *CELEBRATION* of all the volunteers' work, during either or both coffee hours on September 29.NOTE: As future time permits after September, volunteer teams will continue to work on residual to-do's in the Jones Building, some of which can't be completed until the new building construction reaches a certain point.
- NEW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ("PHASE II" OF THE BUILDING PROJECT) Good News! Having received favorable feedback from the Town Planning Commission on our building plans, our architectural and engineering team has taken the next step in the building design process. This will enable the engineer to develop a detailed price estimate based on expectations of getting the official go-ahead (approval of building permit) from the Town this fall. That said, we have also been advised to expect a higher price than last year's estimate, due to rising construction costs. The Gap Strategy Task Force is developing a plan, based on last December's "Minding the Gap" strategy paper, to deliver on the Board's commitment to resolving the funding gap without encumbering the church's annual operating budget. The plan will be presented for discussion with the congregation in September.
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Unbelievable! Fewer than 7 full weeks remain until the 2019 Fall Auction on Saturday, October 19th! Please enter your donations today at the catalog website. Check out the auction website for more details and to VOLUNTEER ON LINE to help set up and run the auction and/or bring delicious finger food. It takes a village of Community Church members and friends to make the Fall Auction, the largest FUNdraiser of the year, a fabulous evening for all. On auction night, the doors will open at 4:30 pm for registration and browsing. The Silent Auction will start at 5 pm and the Live Auction about 7 pm. There will be free child care for toddlers through 10-year-olds. Tickets ($10) will go on sale September 15th. For more information and to volunteer to help, contact Don and Susan Blanchard or visit the Fall Auction table after services, beginning on September 8th.
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NOMINATIONS FOR NEW MEMBERS FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Church Board of Trustees will need 3 new members for 2020. Candidates will serve 3-year terms: a Vice President for 2020, becoming President for 2021 and Past President for 2022, and 2 candidates as Board Members.
The Nominating Committee -
Jane Provan,
Laura Gilliom,
Abbie Beasley-Crombie and
George Thompson - will announce nominations
October 15. The election will begin
November 8; results will be presented
December 1. Please contact a committee member if you are interested in serving on the Board. Deadline for application:
October 1. The committee will be tabling at Sunday services
September 15, 22, and 29 with more information available about board responsibilities. A committee member and possibly a board member will be on hand to answer questions.
Go HERE for more information about the Board of Trustees.
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LOST & FOUND SEASONAL PURGE SEPTEMBER 10
Our Lost & Found bins are getting too full! On
September 10th, we will be clearing out Lost & Found bins, so please check them if you think you might have left something at church. Our Lost & Found bins are located by the entrance to the Admin Lobby near the mailboxes.
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COMING SOON: AN EXPERIMENTAL ORDER OF SERVICE FORMAT
In order to be more responsible stewards of the church's finances and lessen our impact on the environment, we will be introducing a new, experimental Order of Service format that has some new features - it will include more information and incorporate inserts as "Featured Events". We project that we will reduce our environmental impact (paper consumption, ink, electricity, etc.) by 60-75%, and our related expenses (copier maintenance, more costly colored paper, etc.) by 50%.
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STAY CONNECTED
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