Upcoming Events
Sun. 10/6
CYRE Committee Meeting
9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Introduction to SoulCollage
10:00 a.m
Worship Service
Rev. Ed Brock
10: 45 a.m.
Potluck Lunch
12:00 p.m.
Renovations Walkthrough
1:00 p.m.
Sanctuary
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
Sun. 10/13
Social Justice Committee Meeting
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Worship Committee Meeting
9:30 - 10:30 a.m
Worship Service
Erin Reid, DRE
10: 45 a.m.
Congregational Meeting
12:00 p.m.
Music Committee Meeting
1:00 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).
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
"What Is Prayer?"
Rev. Ed Brock
Soon, I hope, I will be introducing my new book about the Serenity Prayer to the congregation.
In the meantime, I wish to talk this Sunday about the basic idea of prayer.
Prayer is a verbal ritual, comparable to other types of rituals, rooted in history and tradition. Prayer has been honored by millions of people through history who found the practice meaningful and valuable.
Is prayer just a verbal gesture toward an imaginary force? Is prayer the evocation of an imaginary helper, a trick, a wily subterfuge, useful solely for its capacity to assuage anxiety? Is prayer an anxiety reducer with no real underlying meaning or purpose?
If not, what is it?
This Sunday I will explore some various meanings of prayer and attempt to lay the groundwork for a deeper appreciation of prayer.
Future Services
October 13 - Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education
October 20 - Rev. Ed Brock
October 27 - Rev. Ed Brock
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This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)
CYRE groups will meet in their rooms for classes. The activity this week will include a fire drill and a special surprise from the Fire Department!
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 Board Report
September 24, 2019
The UUCH Board conducted its regularly scheduled meeting on September 24, 2019.
The Board approved a recommendation from the Renovations Task Force to tentatively accept the bid of Lee Builders to complete proposed sanctuary renovations. This follows the Task Force meeting with the Music and Worship Committees to discuss sanctuary aesthetics as they apply to renovations. On October 13
, a special congregational meeting will be held to vote on whether to move forward with the proposed renovations.
The Nominating Committee formally presented Paul Wieland as a candidate for the vacant Property Chair position. The Board unanimously approved Paul's nomination to the role.
The Board approved a motion to grant a period of uncompensated personal leave to Director of Religious Education Erin Reid from mid-October to mid-February. Easing the RE program's operational burden during this time will be Harper Goodman (current CYRE Assistant) and Jessica Zelaya (temporary Youth and OWL Coordinator/Program Assistant). Total compensation for additional hours for these positions will not exceed the budgeted amount for RE staff during this timeframe.
Rev. Ed is currently leading an effort to revise UUCH's policies, which will be presented for Board review incrementally in the near future. The policies will also be presented for congregational review.
The Property Committee provided updates on several items of note:
- A church fire drill is scheduled for October 6.
- A property work day will be scheduled for late October or early November.
- The Property Committee is currently working to address issues regarding some of the church playground equipment.
We are currently completing the process to designate UUCH as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The next Board meeting will be Tuesday, October 22.
Submitted by the Board
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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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Sanctuary Renovations Walkthrough
After potluck
this Sunday
(October 6), you are invited back to the sanctuary to learn more about the proposed renovations to the chancel area. Members of the Renovations Task Force and Board will host a "walkthrough" of the proposed renovations to be completed in the sanctuary and their impact to UUCH church life. They will also be available to answer any questions you may have.
As described in the special notice you received earlier this week, a
congregational meeting will be held after church on October 13
to vote on the proposed sanctuary renovations.
This is the culmination of months of work by the Renovations Task Force, which consulted with the Worship and Music Committees in recommending this proposal, which was recently approved by the UUCH Board.
In the meantime, we hope to see you Sunday after potluck!
Submitted by the Board and Renovations Task Force
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Awareness Through Movement
A 6-week Awareness Through Movement course will begin Friday, October 25, at 10 a.m
.
Awareness Through Movement® classes (ATM) are a learning process that invites a person to explore how they move and function in the world. The one-hour session consists of verbally directed movement sequences that encourage participants to explore motions within their own capacities and comfort range.
As awareness and
movement improve, the means to change patterns of thinking, sensing, feeling, and interacting with others improves, as well.
Submitted by the Adult RE Committee
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First Sunday Potluck
THIS SUNDAY, October 6
 Please join us after church service this 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 (MSC) 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 are encouraged to attend. 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 on the poster in the Fellowship Hall so that we can plan for the appropriate numbers of people at each meeting. Or you may contact the MSC at MSC@uuch.org to let us know which meeting you would like to attend.
The survey and 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 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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Alabama NAACP Convention
Join us at the 67th Annual Convention of the Alabama NAACP, October 10 - 13 at the Embassy Suites in Huntsville.
Sen. Doug Jones will speak on Friday, October 11, at 6:30 pm. This meeting is free.
Rev. Dr. William Barber II, NAACP board member, president of Repairers of the Breach, and chief architect of the Forward Together Moral Monday Movement, will speak at the Freedom Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 12, at 6:30 pm. The cost for this will be $55.
Please contact
Ken Sandin
if you would like to join the UUCH Social Justice Committee at the banquet.
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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(Almost) Last Call for Directory Photo Sessions
We hope you've already signed up for your FREE 8x10 portrait! Phone and email reminders will be sent to you a day or two before your appointment.
Each family who brings non-perishable food items to their photo session will receive $5 off their photo order (if they choose to buy photos). Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP) will reap the benefits of those food donations.
There are still appointment times available.
We also need volunteers on the photography days to greet and register our families. Shift sign-ups will be available during potluck.
Submitted by the Membership Committee
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Mark your calendar because this year's 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 29, 2019,
at our Circle of Candles:
Rachel Scheib lit a candle of sorrow: My chosen family niece, Dorthy Joy Peck, has lost her grandfather and her father, my friend Jonathon Peck. My little gurl is only 22, strong but sad in her loss. Peace to Jonathon.
Nick Wilbourn,
lit a candle of gratitude: It's been quite a week. My father spent most of Friday and Saturday hospitalized for a moderate arterial blockage. Though not ideal, it could have been much worse. Despite the flawed nature of our nation's for-profit healthcare system, I am grateful for modern medicine and even more thankful for my father's health. And on a sunnier note, this week Zac and I signed a lease on a house and are joyous during the hectic throes of moving.
Kathy Fisher lit a candle of honoring the birthday of my mentor and dear fiend, Don Watters, today.
Theresa and Tim Miller lit candle of concern: My 82 year-old sister, Romey (Rosemary), has had a rough week in the hospital. She is recovering from pneumonia and a broken ankle. While she was there, she had a few episodes of irregular heart activity; tests showed no heart attack, but fluid around the heart. She may be in a skilled care facility for a couple of weeks. Prayers and healing energy are appreciated.
Cheri Smith lit a candle of joy: I am so thankful for everything, especially the support of the church that helped me through my ordeal. I am so happy to be back!
Jeannie Hosmer lit a candle: Positive energy and payers requested for my youngest sister, who is undergoing testing to rule out uterine cancer.
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