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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.
Thurs. May 7
Coffee Chat with LaDawn
3:00 p.m.
Meeting ID: 815 1458 1576
Soul Circle Small Group Ministry - Group B
7:00 p.m.
Fri. May 8
Soul Circle Small Group Ministry - Group C
1:00 p.m.
Sun. May 10
Worship Service Erin Reid and Harper Goodman
Meeting ID: 229 305 601
Tues. May 12
Social Justice Committee Meeting
9:30 a.m.
Lunch Chat with Amanda
11:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 865 7313 2824
Web of Life Garden Group
4:00 p.m.
Meeting ID: 895 841 687
Password: 447671
Wed. May 13
Happy Hour with Susan
5:00 p.m.
Thurs. May 14
Coffee Chat with LaDawn
3:00 p.m.
Meeting ID: 815 1458 1576
Sun. May 17
Sunday Worship
Rev. Ed Brock
10:45
Meeting ID: 229 305 601
Soul Circle Small Group Ministry - Group D
2:00 p.m.
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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 is scheduled
for
Tuesday, May 26.
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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:
Tuesday:
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday:
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
* Please email office if you need building access outside of the posted times.
Minister's Office Hours:
By appointment only.
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
Now One Foot, Now the Other:
Celebrating Multigenerational Community at UUCH
May 10, 2020
Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education, and Harper Goodman, Religious Education Assistant, will lead the congregation in a celebration of our multigenerational community at UUCH. The service will include music, photographs, art, skits, and words from all ages. We are a community of friendship across every age and stage of life! We will include a recognition of the volunteers in the Children and Youth Religious Education program, a bridging ceremony for two youth, and a tribute in honor of Mother's Day. This service will be especially accessible for all ages.
Click here to join our virtual worship service at 10:45 a.m. this Sunday, May 10; Meeting ID: 229 305 601
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This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)
There is still time to send in your child or youth's contribution to the virtual worship service this Sunday. We invite church families to:
1. Send a photo of your child, plus one sentence they would like to share about their experience in their RE group or at church this year. You can type the sentence or record a short video of them saying it.
Children and Youth may also create a drawing of something they enjoyed in RE or church this year.
2. Send any church photos you've taken this year, especially ones that include your family. You can take new pictures of yourselves at home enjoying the virtual worship service, lighting a chalice, or doing anything else that feels like part of your spiritual journey.
3. Especially for YOUUTH (grades 9-12), we will be having our first virtual bridging ceremony for two youth. Please send a picture of yourself offering a farewell to our bridging friends: Sarah Korb and Abigail Fox.
4. Finally, if a child or youth would like to do a reading or be part of special music or creative activity during the service, let me know, and I'll find a special place for them. I will need to know this ASAP.
ALL CHURCH MEMBERS AND FRIENDS:
If you have a photo that shows a multigenerational friendship from church, please send it. This can be people of any age being together at a church activity.
Send all materials to DRE by Thursday, May 7.
Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee |
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Hi all! So good to see so many of you sharing our Zoom service Sunday! I hope you all feel the blessed circle of community buoying you in the midst of these stressful times.
I wanted to share the full context offered by Darrell Grant for his piece "Rise Up." We listened to it Sunday, but I'll attach the link in case you'd like to hear it again. His full contextualization follows:
As the first wave of the coronavirus passes over us, people are yearning to "get back to normal." But, as experts from all fields of endeavor tell us, "normal" is still a long way off, and for many of us, there is no "going back."
Two weeks ago I heard some words from Unitarian minister Bill Sinkford that spoke to this reality with deep eloquence:
"There is no uncertainty about the suffering around us, nor uncertainty that the worst is still days ahead for us. The possible futures we face never included an absence of suffering.
But the possibilities for how we move through this time are many, and the outcomes... the community that will emerge out of these trials... those possibilities are many, as well... and it is in the choices that we make that glimpses of hope can be found...
One possibility is that we will accept these evils as the best we can do. Those of us who are privileged enough and lucky enough to make it through will sink back into that normalcy in which evil is allowed to triumph.
We will be unwilling or unable to sustain our awareness of the suffering around us. We'll go along to get along. Closing our eyes to the suffering around us, we'll gather at our tables again, share the bread and the wine and the fellowship, and enjoy our privileged places. Without changing the rules. Without challenging whether the way things are, the way things have been, is the way that things have to be.
But that is not the only possibility."
Sinkford's words inspired me to ask if the artists I knew would be willing -- even in this time of forced isolation -- to come together in an expression of possibility for this season of rebirth. The answer was a resounding
yes!
Some years ago I wrote a suite called "Step By Step," inspired by the story of civil rights icon Ruby Bridges. The finale of the piece is a song called "We Rise" -- a reference to Maya Angelou's powerful poem "Still I Rise" -- that speaks to a similar message. With the help of Portland-based audio engineer Sacha Muller and video editor Cosmo Spada, recordings of 24 singers and musicians (most using their smartphones) came together in a matter of days.
This is an offering made from our impulse to share what we have, of our thirst for human connection fueled by compassion, and our willingness to rebuild trust, expand community, and stand for justice. I'm humbled by and grateful for the offerings of the artists and humans who made this work possible and who make such offerings in their own communities.
Through this project, we encourage others to be a part of this wave: raising awareness and offering support for efforts that spread this sense of new possibility. I hope it will inspire the spirit of Ubuntu in others. If you enjoy this video, please share it. Love bigger, imagine harder, and dream wilder, and share the wave of possibility that is sweeping our world for a brighter, more loving, and more just and sustainable future.
Pam Siegler
UUCH Certified Music Director
Submitted by the Music Director
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Pictures Needed
On May 24, our Worship service will be in celebration of transitions that are happening during this time of physically distancing: graduations, weddings, births, funerals, etc.
As life marches forward, despite our distance, it is important to take the time to honor and celebrate the lives and milestones that make up the human experience.
The Worship Committee invites you to share photos of loved one who are graduating (all ages and stages of graduation are welcome), new babies (pregnancy pictures welcome), friends and family we have lost but been unable to properly celebrate, weddings, etc. Photos will be used in a slide show during our service.
Please submit photos no later than May 20 by clicking
HERE. Please put
May 24th Photo in the subject line.
Submitted by the Worship Committee
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Ministerial Search Committee
As most of you have heard, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Huntsville voted last Sunday to call Rev. Jaimie Dingus as our new settled minister. The Ministerial Search Committee was very pleased to hear that there was unanimous support for Rev. Jaimie. When we contacted Rev. Jaimie with the results, she was delighted and felt like it represented what she has thought all along -- UUCH and her ministry are an excellent match.
From this point forward, the Board will be making arrangements with Rev. Jaimie for the future transition, and the work of the Ministerial Search Committee is basically finished. We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you who participated in the Candidating Weeks, found time to get to know Rev. Jaimie, and showed up to vote. The meetings through the week were so successful because we have such a thoughtful and insightful congregation who asked great questions and took the time to participate in Zoom meetings and worship services. While it has been a long journey for the MSC, it has been a genuine pleasure to serve this congregation, and work on this team. Thank you for your confidence and support. We look forward to our future together as a growing, loving church.
Your Ministerial Search Committee
Betsy Applegate
Laurel Bollinger
Suzey Delacey
Nancy Finley
Vickie Goodman
Barbara Hitt
Brad Korb (Chair)
Tim Miller
Submitted by the Ministerial Search Committee
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Let's Get Social
Coffee Hour Updates
Every week we have three opportunities to come together via Zoom and catch up with friends, old and new. Please note that two of the chats have changed times.
Tuesdays at 11:30 am, join Amanda Schuber for a lunchtime chat.
Wednesdays at 5:00 pm, join Susan Coddington for a Happy Hour visit.
Meeting ID: 847 8458 5916
Thursdays at 3:00 pm, join LaDawn Edwards for a coffee chat.
Meeting ID: 815 1458 1576
Submitted by the Care Committee
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Worship Service Recording
May 3, 2020
Did you miss our virtual worship service last 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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To give a plate offering to UUCH from your mobile device, text the amount (with dollar sign) to 833-559-0257, and follow the instructions.
Like our other online and mobile giving options, this is through Vanco, is secure, and has a good option for "plate" donations.
Text giving is by debit or credit card only. To give from your bank account, you can still use the UUCH website or the GivePlus+ mobile app.
Submitted by the Finance Committee
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The Care Committee doesn't just tend to the members of our church community. We also tend to the people in our congregation's families, light candles for their dear friends, and offer assistance to the other church committees when they need us. Supporting the Little Free Food Pantry is an example.
While some Social Justice Committee funds are given by the church itself, MOST of the food in the pantry is donated by individual families -- either picking a day every month through Signup Genius or less formally adding extra items on family grocery shopping that they drop at the church when convenient. The Food & Personal care items drive we did over the winter helped keep the pantry going when lockdown started in March, interrupting the regular donations of food every Sunday. Church-purchased food is kept in the kitchen or overflow box near the RE wing doors to balance out donations and offer a variety -- protein, starches, vitamin-rich foods, and a few "comfort food" favorites.
Volunteers who have checked the pantry since February report that usage is 10-12 customers per day, with an increase the last week of every month. In contrast, the first week of the month (right after SNAP and disability payments arrive) has a drop in pantry customers.
We get regular feedback from our pantry users -- lots of appreciation, a glimpse at their family situation and circumstances, and sometimes a request for a favorite food (like grits) to help life feel more normal in these difficult days.
This summer, the Care and Property Committees will begin an effort to grow some fresh food to share. We have a 4x8 ft. plot and a few containers, and we are finding space among the flower beds for a "stealth Victory Garden." Contact the Care Committee
if you would like to help. Naturally, socially distancing guidelines will be observed.
Submitted by the Care Committee
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Like a Good Neighbor. . .
We Fill the Pantry
The Little Free Pantry has been well used in recent weeks, with an estimated 12 people visiting per day. Even with daily restocking we sometimes find the shelves completely empty. Do you have a little extra you could share with needy families? Maybe you tried a new type of pasta that your spouse didn't like and are wondering what to do with the other 11 boxes. Just email and we can do a porch pickup to maintain your social isolation.
Any food added to our Little Green Food Pantry would be helpful. We need a variety of items, including c
anned meats, cereals, mac and cheese, pasta, peanut butter and jelly, ravioli, energy bars, fruit cups/cans, pasta sauce, soups, packets of dried potatoes, canned milk, instant ramen, baby wipes, canned veggies, oatmeal, etc.
Please
contact the church office if you would like to schedule a drop-off and request assistance. Or feel free to stop by and stock the pantry on your own.
There is a black storage box located just outside the door that you can place extra pantry supplies in. We have a list of volunteers who will be stopping by to put extra supplies in the building and restock the pantry as needed.
If you would like to sign up to bring food and restock the pantry, please
click here to choose a slot(s).
Submitted by the Social Justice and Care Committees
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Cooking in Hard Times
This week Teri Thomas offers a recipe for black eyed peas, greens, and andouille soup.
Being raised by mid-westerners, the only greens we ate were spinach. When I married a man from Louisiana, something had to change. He loves turnip greens. This soup is his favorite, as it also includes sausage, another great love of his. I feel like I have a hit when it is also a favorite with his family! FYI, I use a chicken andouille that I get it Costco, as I am allergic to red meat. As my husband is very picky about sausage, it is amazing that he finds this an absolutely great substitute for pork.
- 1 lb. andouille sausage, cut into chunks
- 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cups peeled, diced potatoes
- 2 15-oz. cans black eyed peas, rinsed
- 10 oz. fresh turnip greens, leaves torn to your preferred size
- 6 cups water
- 1 tbsp. Better than Bouillon, chicken flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a large pot, fry the onions in the olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes. If you are using pork sausage, you can fry that with the onions as well. (As chicken sausage is easier to dry out, I put it in with the black eyed peas, towards the end of cooking.)
- Add a cup of water to the pot, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the chicken bouillon, stirring to make a very blended, condensed chicken stock.
- Add the rest of the water once this is done.
- Add potatoes and turnip greens.
- Let simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
- Add the black eye peas (and chicken sausage if that's what you're using).
- Simmer for about another five minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste.
Serves 6, generously.
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee
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Care List
This Sunday, May 3, 2020,
at our Circle of Candles:
LaDawn Edwards
lit a candle of Joy: For
John Jeter, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Friday.
John and Jessica Schulz
lit a candle of Concern:
Sandy Garson is still in a lot of pain from the shingles she has been suffering.
Ken Hines
lit a candle of Joy: A friend is coming home from the hospital after a very frightening and lengthy stay.
Nancy
lit a candle of Joy: My niece,
Kacey, delivered a healthy baby boy on Thursday. He weighed 6 lbs. 8 oz. and is named
Elijah. Wishing him a happy and healthy life.
Melissa Hammel
lit a candle of Joy: Wonderful memories of my sweet mom, and finding one of her diaries as a teenager.
Tom and Maria Rhamstine
lit a candle of Concern: My brother-in-law,
James Lewis, fell off a ladder at work and fractured two bones in his left wrist and one in his right elbow. He will have surgery next week. Also, keep my sister Lydia in mind as they also have a 6 week-old baby (Susanna Joy).
Paul & Bridgit De Moor
lit a candle of Joy: What a gorgeous spring, and we are so happy to be on the threshold of calling a new minister.
Angela Arnold
lit a candle of Joy: My friend Rita is online again. Our beautiful service extends all the way up to Ohio!
Audrey and Jon Fox
lit a candle of Joy: Happy Vesak, the full moon this week that marks the Buddha's birthday, his enlightenment, and his release from samsara.
Daniel McKitrick
lit a candle of Joy: Love it when Mother Nature makes outdoor service such a luxury!
John and Jessica Schulz
lit a candle of Sorrow: Our longtime friend and San Diego neighbor
Lori lost her fight against cancer. She will be missed greatly.
Matthew B.
lit a candle of Sorrow: I was assaulted on Wednesday night, but I am recovering. I'm very appreciative of both the support I've received and Huntsville PD.
Rachael Schieb
lit a candle of Sorrow: Please, light candles for my tribe, one is on a ventilator and his wife is sick, too. I have fear of never seeing them again.
Jack Long
lit a candle of Joy: So glad I don't have COVID-19. Blessings to those who test positive.
Ward and Jane Welty
lit a candle of Joy: We will celebrate 48 years together Wednesday, May 6.
Miranda Durbin
lit a candle of Hope: My job might actually let me convert to 100% teleworking even after the virus has passed.
Deb & Suz Delacey
lit a candle of Joy: The Delaceys have a new dog! He's a sweetie, named
Tobi -- Tobi Wan Kenobi.
Amy Strickland
lit a canedle of Joy: We camped in our yard last night and enjoyed a campfire with s'mores and virtual scout troop!
Kathy Fisher
lit a candle of Sorrow: My friend and neighbor is not expected to live through the weekend. Her tests have come back negative for the virus, but her doctors believe it has been the cause. Our children grew up together.
Erin Reid and Pam Siegler
lit a candle of Sorrow: Sorrow for two aunts in the hospital with blood clots, at the same time. Prayers and hopes for full recovery. Joy for how well they are doing so far and for family coming together to support.
Deb & Suz Delacey
lit a candle of Joy: Two of our sons will have birthdays on May 5th!
Kristen Ogwaro
lit a candle of Concern: For the young and old who have died of this virus, especially indigenous Americans.
Kristen Ogwaro
lit a candle of Joy: Our daughter was born on May 5th, 1969.
LaDawn Edwards
lit a candle of Joy: My herbalist's daughter,
Tori Ann, who I have known for 20 years, gave birth to a daughter at 5:30 a.m. So delighted to welcome a new generation!
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