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Upcoming Events
Thurs. 9/26
Faith in Action Meeting
5:15 - 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 9/28
Newcomers Social
Offsite
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 9/29
Worship Service
Rev. Ed Brock
10: 45 a.m.
Tues. 10/1
Soul Matters Sharing Circle Group A
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Wed. 10/2
Soul Matters Sharing Circle Group B
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Sun. 10/6
CYRE Committee Meeting
9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Worship Service
Rev. Ed Brock
10: 45 a.m.
Potluck Lunch
12:00 p.m.
Mon. 10/7
SoulCollage
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Wed. 10/9
Soul Matters Sharing Circle Group C
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
UUkule Fun Group
5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Thurs. 10/10
PFLAG Meeting
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Adult RE Room
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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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During August and September, we will share the Sunday offering with the Huntsville nonprofit
Knight's Village.
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, October 22
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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
Newsletter deadlines are each Monday at midnight.
Any committee with newsletter announcements should send submissions to news collator Amanda Schuber at uuch@uuch.org.
Office Hours:
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
Ministers Office Hours:
Wednesday:
10 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Thursday:
8:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Other Hours by appointment.
Office Phone:
Minister's Email: minister@uuch.org
Website: www.uuch.org
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
The Religious Naturalism of Don Crosby
Rev. Ed Brock
The sermon this Sunday is the third and final sermon in a series about religious naturalism. We have explored the thinking of Loyal Rue and Ursula Goodenough, and this week we will look at the perspective of Don Crosby.
Crosby is a retired professor, writer, and leader in the religious naturalist movement. He grew up in Pensacola, Florida, attended Davidson College in North Carolina, and trained for the Presbyterian ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. After three years in the parish, he switched to teaching.
Crosby began to develop his version of religious naturalism in writings dating from the early 1990s, reaching fuller expression in
A Religion of Nature in 2002, and continuing to the present. Major influences on Crosby's outlook are the findings of contemporary science, especially in the fields of evolutionary biology and ecology.
I will frame my remarks about Crosby and religious naturalism within the context of the rapidly changing developments happening in the ecological movement in this country and worldwide.
Future Services
October 6 - Rev. Ed Brock
October 13 - Rev. Ed Brock
October 20 - Rev. Ed Brock
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This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)
CYRE groups will meet in their rooms to continue exploration of the theme "Side with Love." This week is an OUTREACH ACTION day, so each room will be involved in a special project that puts UU faith into action.
RE registration is now open for the 2019-20 year. Register here!
For more information on the CYRE program, please contact Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education; Harper Goodman, RE Assistant; or Steve Rittenberg, CYRE Chair.
Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee |
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What is Soul Matters?
UU "Soul Matters" Sharing Circles are a way to feel truly engaged in our church, to deepen connections with others in our spiritual community, and to enhance our personal journeys to wisdom and meaningful lives. We currently have four groups running at UUCH, and we encourage more people to participate in the program. Those who have participated often say it is the most meaningful thing they do at our church! Soul Matters
Sharing Circles are designed as a companion program to a congregation's worship and religious education ministries. Congregations using Soul Matters have monthly themes such as, "compassion", "forgiveness", or "truth", that are integrated in all aspects of the church. Being a part of a small group allows you to go deeper in the themes that are being discussed in worship or in children's curriculum.
What do you do in a Soul Matters Sharing Circle?
Each month, participants are given packets that contain resources for individual exploration that include questions, exercises, readings, music, videos on the theme, and individuals can choose how they want to engage with the topic before meeting with the group. Participants then come to the group to discuss the theme. You take it at your own pace; there is not a lot of required reading, but there are plenty of materials to engage you through the month. You spend as much, or as little, time as you wish with the materials before the meeting. Groups typically meet once a month at the same time, and meetings are usually an hour to an hour and a half long. The format is designed to make sure that everyone who wishes to speak is heard, and that we listen to one another without debate, judgement, or interruption. Questions provide opportunities for the group to explore the theme together. Trained facilitators will guide the group through the format, and help to make sure that the environment is a welcoming and moderated space for all to share and learn.
How can I join a Sharing Circle?
We are currently adding at least one new group. If you are interested in participating, please contact Adult RE chair
Lynsie Lamitie.
Submitted by the Adult Religious Education Committee
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UUCH Newcomers' Social
Saturday, September 28
If you started attending UUCH within the past year or so, we hope you will make plans to attend the Newcomers' Social on Saturday, September 28, at 6 p.m. This casual evening of fellowship and fun complete with food, drinks and childcare will be held at the home of Brad, Pam and Sarah Korb. We look forward to this social opportunity to get to know you better, and to help you get to know us better, too.
If you'd like to attend this social event, please RSVP
by Sunday, September 22. We look forward to seeing you there!
Submitted by the Membership Committee
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"New UU" Class
Starts October 13
What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? Guided by the Tapestry of Faith Curriculum, we will offer a three-part series that explores important themes in UU congregational life - our worship and theology, history, covenant and polity, faith development, social justice, and membership. This program is particularly focused on introducing newcomers to Unitarian Universalism, but those of us who have been here for a while will also be able to share and connect with others as we explore our own beliefs and how they intersect with the UU tradition. Everyone is welcome!
Mark your calendars now for the Sunday mornings of October 13, 20, and 27 for this chance to learn and share. Meet for coffee or tea at 9:00 a.m. in the Adult RE classroom; discussion starts at 9:15.
Contact Adult RE chair Lynsie Lamitie for additional information. If you need childcare during this time, please contact Lynsie at least a week before the class session.
Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education and Membership Committees
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Wana be part of the chuch choir but don't have the time? The UUCH Music Program will once again host a "pickup" choir opportunity for all ages.
The last Sunday of each month, anyone who would like can attend a short rehearsal at 9:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Singers ages 4 and up will run through the song a few times and then enjoy sharing the musical message with the congregation that same day.
The next opportunity is this Sunday, September 29. For more information, contact Music Director Pam Siegler.
Submitted by the Music Committee
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UUCH Climate Strike
September 20, 2019
Pictured above are UUCH members and friends who participated in the Global Climate Strike on September 20.
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
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First Sunday Potluck
October 6
 Please join us after the service on Sunday, October 6, for our monthly First Sunday Potluck Lunch.
Fall is in the air... Do you have a favorite autumn dish you'd like to share with your UUCH friends?
Drop off your dish before the service, either on the tables in the corner of the Fellowship Hall, or in the warming ovens in the kitchen.
Please tell us about the food you are sharing (for example: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, contains nuts, etc.) by filling out the tent cards on the counter.
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee
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Ministerial Search Committee Hosting Cottage Meetings
In October, your Ministerial Search Committee will be sponsoring cottage meetings with the purpose of having group conversations about the future of UUCH and the search for a new settled minister. It is an opportunity for people to hear and build on what others say, and for the Ministerial Search Committee to continue to gather input to guide us in our search process.
All members and friends of UUCH are encouraged to attend. Sharing insights and generative thoughts will help us explore together, and find out what others are thinking about our congregational culture and our hopes for new ministerial leadership.
We have three opportunities for your convenience:
- Brunch at the home of Sally and Bob Locklear, 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5
- Appetizers at the home of Betsy Applegate and Alice Dilbeck, 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15 (This meeting will have childcare available.)
- Happy Hour at the home of Barbara and Gary Hitt, 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19
Please sign up in the fellowship hall on the poster so we can plan on numbers of people at each meeting. Or you may contact the MSC at to let us know which meeting you would like to attend.
Why do we keep asking for your input? Because it matters -- to us, to the new minister, and to you. The recent survey and upcoming Cottage Meetings are an incredibly important part of the search process. So please attend a meeting, and let your thoughts be part of our congregational future.
Thank you in advance for your participation!
Submitted by the Ministerial Search Committee
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Sharing the Offering
October - November
During October and November, we will share the Sunday offering with Meals on Wheels, which provides one nutritious meal daily, Monday-Friday, year round (some holidays excluded) to Huntsville seniors age 60 or over, who are unable to cook for themselves, have no one available to cook for them, and are primarily home-bound.
Meals include an entree, vegetable, fruit, bread, and milk. Volunteers deliver meals to the client's home between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. There is no charge, but a donation based on income is suggested. Menus are planned by a registered dietitian.
If you or someone you know is in need of this service or would like to volunteer, please call 256-382-0920, or contact them via email.
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
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SoulCollage
Adult RE is rebooting SoulCollage! Psychology author Stanislav Grof calls SoulCollage "the most original contribution to the batter of tools for deep self-exploration and psychology in years." Based on the work of Seena Frost, SoulCollage is an easy, creative way to get in touch with your right-brain, intuitive self. We will cut or tear out images from magazines and glue them on a card.The use of images instead of language helps us to connect with the parts of ourselves that can't be put into words. Each card is personal and unique because everyone chooses images that speak to them.
Adult RE is offering two options for interested participants. First, Introduction to SoulCollage® will be an abbreviated, introductory class at Sunday October 6, at 10:00 a.m. This session will finish in time for the Sunday worship service.
Our second option, Exploring SoulCollage®, will meet the following Monday evening, October 7, from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Participants are welcome to come to either or both event(s) as they wish.
We hope to continue in that pattern of the first Sunday of each month and the following Monday evening of the month. If you require childcare, please contact us in advance to allow for proper planning.
Submitted by the Adult Religious Education Committee
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Photos with Fido and You
Sign Up Now!
Pets are family, too! Did you know your doggy, kitty, hamster, or other favorite non-human can be part of our family church directory photo?
Our response has been great, and available times are filling up fast. The dates are October 21-23. Don't procrastinate. Sign up now!
Submitted by the Membership Committee
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Mark your calendar because this year's UUCH Service Auction takes place Saturday, November 2, at 6 p.m. The theme is "Peace, Love, and Service" in honor of the 50th anniversary of Woodstock!
We need YOUR DONATION of services, crafts, and events to make it a success. More details and donation forms will be available in the Fellowship Hall.
Volunteers are needed to help set up and clean up, and we'll need auction table monitors, spotters, and runners. If you want to help, please send an email to service.auction@uuch.org.
We'll be rockin' our hippie outfits for this one!
Submitted by the Finance Committee
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Care List
This Sunday, September 22, 2019,
at our Circle of Candles:
Kathy Fisher lit a candle of joy: Today's choir anthem is the first one I played with our choir in 1996! Also, a happy birthday to my son and son-in-law, who had birthdays last week. Love to Rob and Rob!
LaDawn Edwards
lit a candle of joy
: I am grateful for the wisdom and leadership of Swedish climate activist
Greta Thunberg
. On Friday, the 16-year old inspired millions to strike for climate justice. The Huntsville protest had over 50 people, including 10 UUs.
Kathy Fisher lit a candle of sorrow: I am heartbroken over the death of a friend, the mother of one of my students. Rest in peace, dear Rusla.
Amanda Schuber lit candle of concern: I have been dealing with some rather serious health issues the last two weeks. We are still trying to figure out what exactly is wrong, but I have a great medical team, and I'm confident that we will get some answers. In the meantime, I'm grateful for all the good wishes, hugs, and support.
Ilene Sparks lit a candle of joy: Many thanks and much love for all the birthday wishes.
Patti and Jim McKee lit a candle of joy: We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to host six "Citizen Ambassadors" from Cameroon, Bangladesh, India, Sweden, Slovenia, and France through the organization Global Ties Alabama. This is an international program with local ties to Huntsville.
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