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The Overlook
Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville 
3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810  
November 14, 2019
Vol. 19 Issue 46
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
 
Thurs. 11/28
Thanksgiving
Office Closed


Fri. 11/29
Awareness Through Movement
10:00 a.m.
 

Sun. 12/1
RE Committee Meeting
9:00 - 10:15 a.m.

  
Rev. Ed Brock
10:45 a.m.

First Sunday Potluck
12:00 p.m.


Mon. 12/2
Exploring SoulCollageĀ® 
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.


Tue. 12/3
Soul Circle 
Group A
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.


Wed. 12/4
Soul Circle 
Group B
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal
7:00 - 8:45 p.m.
 

Sat. 12/7
Leadership Workshop
9:00 - 2:00 p.m.
 
All Ages Movie Night
5:00 - 8:30 p.m.  
U Ukule le  
Fun Group
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.
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
 
UUCH Free Food Pantry 
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 will be Tuesday, December 10 .
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: 
256-534-0508
Office Email:
uuch@uuch.org
Minister's E mail: 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.
 
Upcoming Service

"Reflections on the First Principle"
Rev. Ed Brock
 
Unitarian Universalist congregations agree to affirm and promote seven principles. These principles are not part of a system of doctrine, nor are they religious dogma, but rather guides for living. They provide direction for those of us who choose to participate in a Unitarian Universalist religious community. They help us navigate life in a way that is meaningful and fulfilling.
 
The first of these seven principles is "The inherent worth and dignity of every person." This Sunday I will explore what this means for those who take this principle to heart.
 
I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
   

Future Services    
December 8 - Rev. Ed Brock
December 15 - Rev. Ed Brock  
December 21 - Solstice, Amanda Schuber 
December 22 - Rev. Ed Brock
December 24 - Christmas Eve, Rev Ed Brock
December 29 - Fire Communion, Amanda Schuber   
   
December Theme: Awe
This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)
It's Game Day! Bring your favorite table and floor games to play with church friends and guests. 
 
For more information on the CYRE program, please contact Harper Goodman, RE Assistant; or Steve Rittenberg, CYRE Chair.

Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee
First Sunday Potluck
This Sunday, December 1 
   
This Sunday, December 1,  is our monthly potluck lunch. We invite you to join us after the service for this special opportunity to meet new friends and enjoy each other's company while sharing a delicious meal. Bring your favorites, whether homemade or store-bought. Maybe you have a winter holiday dish you'd like to share.  
 
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 (example: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, contains nuts, etc.) by filling out the tent cards on the counter.  
 
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee. 
Guest at Your Table 
   
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. 
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)
If you'd like to be part of this exciting production, please come to RE on Sunday, December 8, for our Christmas Pageant Prep and Casting of Parts. 
 
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 
Deck the Halls  
     
Help us deck our halls for the holiday season. We need helpers to build wreaths and hang garland after the potluck this Sunday, December 1.
 
We are also seeking contributions of decorations in the colors of red, white and gold. If you would like to contribute, please leave items in the box at the back of the Sanctuary by December 8.
 
Finally, join us after the service on December 15 to decorate our holiday tree.   

We hope you will join in the fun!
 
Submitted by the Worship Committee. 
Alabama Hispanic Association Dinner and Christmas Party
 
 
The 5th annual Alabama Hispanic Association dinner and Christmas party is scheduled for December 14.  
 
We have collected a separate plate collection each Sunday in November to cover the cost of presents for the teens. With a personal wish list in hand, UUCH youth purchase the presents we provide.
 
A sign-up sheet will be posted for the event. We will need help with food for the dinner, setup, clean up, decorating, and working the dinner, which is fun and rewarding. Please help as you can.
 
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee 
Leadership Workshop 
 
 
On Saturday, December 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Rev. Ed Brock will lead a leadership workshop at the church.
 
The focus of this workshop will be on sharing and discussion of the new policies and procedures manual. The new manual has been developed over the last year and will define how the church operates.  
 
These updated policies and procedures are a work in progress, and they will be developed further over the next few months.  
 
All policies and procedures can be revised or changed in any way the Board chooses at any time. So, no part of this document is set in stone. Any future Board and Minister can change or amend them. But the policies and procedures manual we have created represents a very good framework for going forward.
 
In this workshop on December 7, Rev. Ed will explain the many ways clear policies and procedures are essential to the long-term thriving of the congregation. All UUCH leaders, and members and friends of the church interested in leadership, are encouraged to attend. 
 
Submitted by the Minister
All-Ages Holiday Movie Night  
 
 
 
The Children and Youth Religious Education Committee will host UUCH's 4th Annual All-Ages Holiday Movie Night on December 7.

Please join us at 5 p.m. to decorate cookies while we enjoy cocoa and cider. Vegan and gluten-free cookies will be offered. The movie will start at 6 p.m.

Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee
Share the Plate 
 
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 
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 
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  
The Pelvic Floor: Health and Awareness
The pelvic floor is a part of your body you may not give a lot of thought to until you experience a problem related to it, such as incontinence or lower back pain.  
 
The pelvic floor is involved in many basic life functions as varied as digestion, elimination, reproduction, breathing, and balance. A healthy functioning pelvic floor promotes greater health in all of these areas. The pelvic floor musculature works in a coordinated system of muscles to support the hips and lower back.  
 
Starting in January as part of Adult RE, Feldenkrais MethodĀ® teacher Sally Locklear would like to offer a series of classes designed to strengthen and support the natural functions of the pelvic floor. If you would be interested in a class like this, please let Sally know, and she will figure out what would be the best time for the most people.  
 
For more information, contact Sally Locklear via email or phone (512-657-6169). 
 
Submitted by the Adult Religious Education Committee  
votives
Care List
 
This Sunday, November 24, 2019,  at our Circle of Candles:
 
A Candle of Joy: Amanda Schuber is happy to announce that though she can't yet say where, she has finally secured a ministerial internship.