Upcoming Events
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).
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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
"Poems as Revelation and Scripture"
Rev. Ed Brock
This Sunday I will talk about the role and meaning of revelation and scripture for traditional religion and how poetry sometimes serves those same purposes.
Poets often speak from a perspective outside the normal and common cultural assumptions of society. Some poems convey a truth or image that is like a revelation, awakening us to a new way of seeing ourselves and the world. This Sunday I will read a short selection of poetry that has a revelatory quality.
Can the idea of scripture be liberated to include both ancient and modern writing? I will explore this idea Sunday and look forward to seeing you then.
Future Services
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)
This Sunday is our Christmas Pageant rehearsal! We will learn the story and rehearse our parts for the Christmas Pageant on December 22.
Parts are still available for children and youth who did not get to choose last week. More information is in the
article below.
Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee |
Join us
after the service this Sunday (December 15) to decorate our holiday tree. This is a volunteer effort, and no special skills are required. All are welcome!
Submitted by the Worship 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).
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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Alabama Hispanic Association Dinner and Christmas Party
The Alabama Hispanic Association and UUCH dinner and Christmas party is scheduled for
this Saturday, 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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Ministerial Search Update
Next week, your Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) will submit our church's Documents Packet to our UUA Ministerial Transitions Coach for review. This is a final step in preparation for the formal posting of materials, which allows us to receive applications from potential minister candidates.
The Documents Packet describes the church in detail; expectations of the position; the history of our church; our current governance, vision, and mission; information about Huntsville; and much, much more. In addition, the packet contains videos of members and staff that were taken a few weeks ago. This information will give candidates a clear vision of who we are and what we want in a settled minister.
At the same time, minister candidates are preparing their materials, which will go online January 1. At that time, the fun begins. Your MSC will quickly start reviewing all the candidates, and the candidates will begin reviewing churches.
January will be a busy month of phone interviews, reference checking, and narrowing down to a list of "pre-candidates" who the MSC will interview in depth in February and March. We will keep you posted as the process moves forward. As always, be sure to contact us if you have any questions about the ministerial search process
.
Submitted by the Ministerial Search 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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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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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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Care List
This Sunday, December 8, 2019,
at our Circle of Candles:
Jeannie & Ray Hosmer lit a Candle of Sorrow: A dear friend had emergency surgery on Thursday. Positive thoughts and prayers to ease her pain and expedite her healing are greatly appreciated.
Bryan Walls lit a Candle of Sorrow: For the fallen Huntsville police officer, Billy Clardy, his family, and all those at HPD.
Willie Robinson lit a Candle of Sorrow: For the sailors who lost their lives this week in Florida and Hawaii. Our thoughts are also with the police officer killed in the line of duty in Huntsville.
Bryan Walls lit a Candle of Sorrow: Diane f
ell and brok
e her foot yesterday; she is recovering at home.
Ashley Creekmore lit a Candle of Sorrow: My father fell back in mid-November, hurting his back. He is very uncomfortable and in a lot of pain. Physical therapy is not helping, and the doctors have not been able to find anything so far.
Jack Long lit a Candle of Joy: So happy that I got to see my son, Cole, over Thanksgiving. He came home from the Navy, where he is currently serving on the aircraft carrier Eisenhower.
A candle of joy was lit: Congratulations to Erin Howard, Grand Marshal of the Huntsville Christmas Parade.
A candle of joy was lit: It's so nice to see Erin Reid, our Director of Religious Education for Children and Youth, who is currently on a much deserved sabbatical.
Torin Kyemba lit a Candle of Joy: I had a Christmas piano recital yesterday! I played two songs. One was called "The Coventry Carol", and the second was "Rockin' around the Christmas Tree". It was a joy when it was my turn, but a bore for the other 45 minutes. I also enjoyed The Muppet Christmas Carol, which was the movie at church last night.
Laurel Bollinger lit a Candle of Joy: After over 26 years at UAH, I officially retired as of December 1st. Time for the next phase of my life -- so, definitely a big change!
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