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Newsletter Update: Due to the new editor and in order to make the newsletter friendly to several platforms (computer, phone, etc.), some aspects of the newsletter have changed. Take a look at the new "Check Events" button above as well as several other buttons. Please send your feedback to uuch@uuch.org. We hope you enjoy the new look!
This Sunday in Children and Youth
Religious Education (CYRE)
LEGO Earth-based Traditions
Every other Sunday this summer we will use a UU LEGO curriculum to "piece together" our six UU sources. Families, join us this Sunday from 3:00-4:00 p.m. to build a better understanding of "Earth-based Traditions."

Following CYRE, we will meet for our biweekly YOUUTH Group from 4:30-6:00 p.m.

R.E. Collaboration

In addition to traditional R.E., on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. during August, there will be an opportunity for kids ages 4 years through 6th grade to join an R.E.-style Zoom call with fellow UU kids from around the country. These calls will last around 30 minutes and feature stories, lessons, and activities. This is a great way for your kids to meet UUs from beyond our Huntsville bubble. More information will be emailed to families.

Meeting links will be emailed to registered families. More details about our summer schedule can be found on our CYRE Facebook page and via email. If you are interested in joining us but you're not registered in the CYRE program, send an email to DRE Erin Reid. You can also register your children and youth below. We'd love to include you in our joyful and welcoming community of all ages.
Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee

UUCH Young Adults Group
If you're interested in getting involved with UUCH's young adult group,
we invite you to reach out to us.

For questions or more information, please contact Nicole and Shalin.

UUCH Covid-19 Policy
Adopted by the Board of Trustees 8/25/2020

Out of love and respect for every member of the congregation and in an ongoing effort to promote public safety during the COVID-19 outbreak, the leadership of UUCH has developed the following policy. This policy covers any event or gathering sponsored by a committee or an established part of church ministry (i.e. Hospitality, Social Justice, Soul Circles, Music, RE, etc.), whether at the church or off-site. It also covers any event or gathering on church property, even if not sponsored by one of the aforementioned groups. This policy will remain in effect until amended by the UUCH Board of Trustees. 

Building Use
  • Due to the risk of community spread of COVID-19, all in-building meetings, functions, and rentals are postponed until further notice.
  • It is our intent to minimize the number of people in the church at any given time. Very small groups of 2-3 people who have specific projects that require extended building access should contact the church office to schedule a low-traffic time to be in the building.
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please do not come to the church building for any reason. 
  • If you have a pressing need that requires entry into the church, please contact our minister, Jaimie Dingus, or our office administrator, Holly Hinkle, to let them know you are coming (contact info below).
  • In order to retain a safe working environment for all church staff, visitors are required to wear masks at all times while in the church building
  • Social distancing is recommended, even while masked.
  • We have placed hand sanitizer on a table outside the office. Please use the hand sanitizer before entering the office.
  • Visitors should please refrain from using the church bathrooms.
 
 
Meeting on church grounds
Groups of 10 or less are permitted to meet outdoors on church grounds while adhering to the following guidelines:

  • No communal singing.
  • No food service or sharing.
  • Please do not plan on using the church bathrooms.
  • Masks and facial coverings are strongly encouraged.
  • Please maintain a minimum of 6 feet of social distance.
  • Give thought to accessibility inclusiveness (lawns are often not accessible to wheelchair and walker users).
  • When inviting participants, be clear about the inclusion or exclusion of small children and others who might find it hard to observe physical distancing.
 
Our top priority in these times is to keep everyone in our community safe and healthy.  Please honor our church covenant by abiding by this church policy, and encourage others to do the same. The church staff is empowered to ask anyone to leave our property if they are unable or unwilling to abide by these safety policies. 
 
 
Contact information
Holly Hinkle, Administrator, 256-534-0508, uuch@uuch.org
Jaimie Dingus, Minister, 256-534-0508, minister@uuch.org
John Schulz, Board of Trustees President, 619-961-5000, president@uuch.org
Submitted by the Board

State Mask Mandate Extension
The state mask mandate is expiring 8/31. If you think it should be extended through 9/30, please give Governor Ivey a quick call at 334-242-7100.

Just give your name, location and and a short statement as it is saving lives. The more calls she gets the more likely she will be to extend it.

Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
Music Notes
"Now let us sing to the power of the faith within...lift up your voice...be not afraid...sing to the power of the faith within...and the hope within...and the love within...and the joy within!"

Can you find an hour on a Wednesday night to join others in our beloved community as we navigate Zoom music fellowship to bring music ministry to our worship?

Choir will begin next Wednesday, September 2, at 7-8:30 PM. One of the online tools we will be using is My Choral Coach, the choir learning platform recommended by ACDA (Alabama Choral Directors Association). There is even more guidance in learning to sing your part than at our regular rehearsals at church(🤷‍♀️) so I invite you to give it a try!!

Just email Pam Siegler and we will send you the links for your smartphones and computers!!! You can also call Pam Siegler at 931-438-8987 or Becky Adams at 256-609-9181.

Submitted by the Music Committee
Donating by Text or Online
To give a plate offering to UUCH from your mobile device, text the amount (without dollar sign) to 833-559-0257, and follow the instructions. Text giving is by debit or credit card only.
 
Like our other online and mobile giving options, this is through Vanco, is secure, and has a good option for "plate" donations. 
To give from your bank account, you can still use the UUCH website or the GivePlus+ mobile app.
Submitted by the Finance Committee

COVID-19 Relief Funds Available
Funds are available for members of the congregation who have been negatively impacted financially by COVID-19.
If you are a member of UUCH and have financial needs caused by the pandemic, please contact Board President John Schulz or a member of the Care Committee.

Submitted by the Board

Our Little Food Pantry Needs You
Our outdoor food pantry is being heavily used, with an estimated 12 visitors per day, both families and homeless individuals. YOU can help keep it stocked by signing up below. Remember to place vegetables in zip lock bags so that they do not leak if spoiling.

Current requested items:
  • blankets
  • sunblock
  • bug spray
  • wipes
  • dog food
  • school supplies
  • soap & shampoo
  • deodorant & other hygiene items
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
Cooking in Hard Times 
Safe Social-Distanced Gatherings

By Kathryn Heath

When we were missing a couple of our closest friends, with some careful planning we were able to share some conversation, a drink, and a simple meal. With a screened-in porch, a deck, or just a backyard area, you also can invite a couple of people to join you for a socially-distanced gathering. Start with a yard stick or measuring tape. Place chairs over six feet apart with a little side table by each if possible. If you don’t have enough lawn chairs, just ask folks to bring their own folding chair. Believe me, they will be so happy to get out of their houses, they won’t mind!

For our little gathering, we asked our friends to wear their face masks. We met them at their car to guide them directly to the screened-in porch where we had fans set up to cool the area and to direct the air flow. Hand sanitizer was on each table and one bathroom was sanitized for their use. Candles and strings of lights helped with outdoor lighting and little vases of flowers from the garden added a festive air. Visitors brought their own drinks, and we provided a simple meal of grilled fish, salad, and bread. One person in our household served plates and brought them to the porch. We provided large napkins suitable for eating outdoors.

We were all very happy to see each other in person and to spend some time together after months of isolation.

Submitted by the Hospitality Committee

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.

Sun. August 30
CYRE Kids Chat with Other UU Kids
(for ages 4-12)
9:00 a.m.

Worship Service
Rev. Lucy Bunch
10:45 a.m.
Meeting ID:
229 305 601

CYRE Summer R.E.
3:00 p.m.

Jr./Sr. High YOUUTH Group
(upcoming 7th-12th)
4:30 p.m.


Mon. August 31
LaDawn's Garden Social (weather dependent)
10:00 a.m.


Tue. September 1
Soul Circle
(Group A)
7:00 p.m.


Wed. September 2
Susan's Happy Hour
5:00 p.m.
Meeting ID:
847 8458 5916

Worship Committee
5:30 p.m.

Choir Practice
7:00 p.m.
Meeting ID:
910 8283 2653


Thu. September 3
Soul Circle
(Group B)
6:00 p.m.


Sun. September 6
Worship Service
10:45 a.m.
UUCH 2020-21
Board Members
 
 President:
John Schulz
 
 Vice President:
Nick Wilbourn

Secretary:
Nancy Finley

Treasurer: 
Bob Locklear

Trustees: 
Suzey Delacey
Jack Long
Bryan Walls

Minister:
Rev. Jaimie Dingus

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 Tues, Sept. 15th.
The Overlook is a publication of The Unitarian Universalist Church, 3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810

Minister:
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
Board President: 
John Schulz
Editor:
Laurel Bollinger
Main Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday
9:30 am-1:30 pm
*Please email office if you need building access.
 
Minister's Office Hours:
By appointment only.
Office Phone: 
256-534-0508
Office Email: uuch@uuch.org
Minister's Email: minister@uuch.org

Sunday Services are held virtually
10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For more info on any event, contact the church office or visit our website.
PO Box 5545
Huntsville, AL 35814
(256) 534-0508
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