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Upcoming Events
Thurs. 10/24
Faith in Action Meeting
5:15 p.m.
Faith Presbyterian Church
Fri. 10/25
Awareness Through Movement Class
10:00 a.m.
Sat. 10/26
Rocket City Pride
11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Campus 805
Church Halloween Party
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Sun. 10/27
New UU Class
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Adult RE Room
Sunday Service
Rev. Ed Brock
10:45 a.m.
Hospitality Committee Meeting
12:00 p.m.
Adult RE Room
Wed. 10/30
Choir Rehearsal
7:00 - 8:45 p.m.
Fri. 11/1
Awareness Through Movement Class
10:00 a.m.
Sat. 11/2
Service Auction
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 11/3
9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
CYRE Room
Introduction to SoulCollage
10:00 - 10:45
Adult RE Room
Sunday Service
Dia de los Muertos
10:45 a.m.
First Sunday Potluck
12:00 p.m.
Mon. 11/4
Exploring SoulCollage
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
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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. In
September you donated 90 items.
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 29
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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
Loss, Suffering, and Healing
Rev. Ed Brock
Loss and suffering are inescapable aspects of life. An additional layer of suffering is added to the initial reaction to suffering and loss as we seek to hide our suffering. By hiding our suffering and loss from others, we think that we will be saved from rejection, judgement, or censure from others.
Suffering can be redemptive if it transforms us by, for example, making us more compassionate. But this is by no means an inevitable outcome. Suffering, allowed to fester, generates bitterness.
The effects and influence of suffering and loss are multi-generational.
A church is one of the few places left in our society where the realities of suffering -- both individual and collective -- can be addressed openly, with an eye for transformation.
Future Services
November 3 - Day of the Dead Service
November 10 - Rev. Ed Brock
November 17 - Rev. Ed Brock
November 24 - Annual Bread Communion
November Theme: Attention
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This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)
CYRE groups will meet in their rooms to continue exploring the theme "Side with Love."
As is our tradition at Thanksgiving, the Social Justice Committee and CYRE hold a creative action day on Sunday, November 10, during RE time, where
children and youth will assemble meal packs for distribution by First Stop in Huntsville's homeless community. You are invited to donate items in the
food collection bin in the Fellowship Hall. Needed items include individual servings of canned fruit (pull-tops) and pudding cups.
All donations need to be received by November 3. We thank you for your generosity in supporting the outreach work of our children and youth!
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 |
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As we did last year, we will hold a Dia de los Muertos service on Sunday, November 3. Dia de los Muertos means "day of the dead" and is a traditional celebration in Mexican and Mexican-American cultures used to remember those who have passed away, honor their ancestors, and consider their own mortality.
Mexican people throughout North America gather at the cemetery on Dia de los Muertos with candles, flowers, photos, and favorite foods of their ancestors or loved ones, and sit and tell stories and sing songs of remembrance. In churches and homes, a Dia de los Muertos ofrenda, or altar, is set up with photos and beautifully decorated skulls made of sugar.
YOU are invited to bring a photo, memento, or trinket in memory of ancestors, loved ones, friends, and pets who have passed away, and place those items on our ofrenda.
Submitted by the Worship Committee
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"New UU" Class Concludes
This Sunday, October 27
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!
Join us on October 27 for this chance to learn and share. Please come even if you were not able to attend earlier sessions. Meet for coffee or tea at 9:00 a.m. in the Adult RE classroom; discussion starts at 9:15. Childcare will be provided.
Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education and Membership Committees
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Faith in Action Alabama Meeting
The next meeting of the Faith in Action Alabama Huntsville hub will be
October 24 at 5:15 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church. The focus of this meeting will the upcoming FIAA statewide Voter Rights Restoration Campaign.
The state of Alabama is building more prisons, yet continues to strip deserving people of their voting rights while denying them full citizenship. Be among the first in Huntsville to receive political education training as we prepare to launch our upcoming 2020 Voter Rights Restoration Campaign, "Who Counts in Alabama?"
FIAA is encouraging each member church (UUCH is a member) to develop a team of people who are interested in joining this campaign and willing to work towards restoring voting rights for the thousands of people (mostly African American) who have lost their voting rights but are eligible to get those rights restored.
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
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UUCH Participation in Rocket City Pride
We have a booth for Rocket City Pride this year, which will be held
this Saturday, October 26 at
Campus 805. We need any and all help to keep our booth manned and share the love of UUCH with Pride attendees.
The celebration lasts from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., so we are hoping we can have pairs or trios work in small shifts.
Answering questions at Pride is an easy and fun way to let people know that we exist, and we might just be the home they've been searching for. To volunteer, please contact
Lynsie Lamitie or
Dan McKitrick, or
sign up online.
Submitted by the Adult Religious Education Committee
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Ministerial Search Committee Update
Thank you to all those who attended the Ministerial Search Committee cottage meetings the last few weeks, and to the hosts who provided pleasant settings for our discussions. The meetings were well-attended, and the MSC learned much from your comments and questions. We intend to include some of the information from these discussions in our "Congregation Record" that will be previewed by our minister candidates. We were pleased to see that many of you now are learning more about the search process and feel confident that it will identify the minister that fits our needs at UUCH.
We are still analyzing the data from the congregational survey that we administered recently. Thank you to the 109 individuals who completed a survey online or in paper copy. We will share much of this data in the future, but we presented some of data at the cottage meetings. Here were some early summary answers to a few questions on the survey:
What are the top five reasons you attend UUCH?
* Community 77%
* UU Values 67%
* Intellectual stimulation 41%
* Spiritual growth/healing 31%
* Social action/service activities and adult education/enrichment 29%
What are the top five reasons you attend worship services?
* Celebration of common values 75%
* Sense of belonging 74%
* Personal reflection/meditation 61%
* Intellectual stimulation 61%
* Music 54%
What are the most important parts of the worship service?
* Sermon 84%
* Sharing joys and concerns 53%
* Instrumental music 40%
* Choir 35%
* Singing hymns 35%
What are the most important Sunday sermon topics?
* Spiritual growth 53%
* Values and perspectives on social issues 51%
* Philosophical ideas 48%
* Personal growth 47%
* Coping with life 44%
Watch our newsletter for more summary data from our survey and cottage meetings. If you have any questions about the search process, please contact the
MSC.
Submitted by the Ministerial Search Committee.
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Awareness Through Movement
A 5-week course of
Awareness Through Movement® classes begins this
Friday, October 25, at 10 a.m.
Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) classes 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 also improves.
Submitted by the Adult Religious Education Committee
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UUCH All-Church, All-Ages
Halloween Party
Ghosts & Goblins, Creatures & Critters, Kids & Adults --come one, come all to our all-church Halloween party, which will be
Saturday, October 26, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
The Halloween Party is an all-ages party, for children and adults alike, sponsored by the Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE) program. We'll have dancing, a cakewalk, and other surprises. Favorite dance tunes for all generations will be provided by DJ Ted Cannon. It's fun for everyone!
A sign-up poster for the party can be found in the Fellowship Hall after the church service.
Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee
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The UUCH Service Auction will be Saturday, November 2, at 6 p.m. We need your DONATIONS to make it a success.
The donation deadline is Monday, October 28. Jump the lines, man! It's outta-sight! Be groovy! Eat, drink, and place your bids! Childcare will be provided.
Members of the Establishment 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 email us.
Remember, there are three (3) ways to donate:
- Fill out the forms available in the Fellowship Hall
- Send an email with details about your contribution
- Fill in the online form
We will once again offer you an opportunity to win a lovely quilt (donated by Susan Coddington) during a raffle. The lucky winner will be able to select from those on display in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $5 each, or 3 for $10, and sold after Sunday services.
Your forms and emails pre-register you as a bidder. REGISTER EARLY. Auction night checkouts will be in order of registrations. DOOR PRIZES will be given throughout the evening, and you must be present to win.
Submitted by the Finance Committee
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Food Sign-Up for Service Auction
It's that time again! On Saturday, November 2, we will gather for our annual Service Auction, a favorite fun- and fund-raiser!
You can help by signing up to bring a snack to fuel our bodies while we bid on amazing items and services.
You may use the sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall or sign up online. Contact Hospitality co-chairs Jessica Schulz or Kathryn Heath with questions. Thank you in advance!
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee
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Multi-generational Pickup Choir
Want to be part of the choir but don't have the time? This is your chance! The UUCH Music Program hosts a "pickup" choir opportunity for all ages the fourth Sunday of each month.
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 opportunities to join the pickup choir are
Sunday, October 27, and
Sunday, November 24.
Submitted by the Music Committee
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CASA Home Winterization Day
The morning of
Saturday, November 2, UUCH will participate in the annual CASA home winter-ization day.
This year we have selected 3 houses to winterize by applying plastic to the windows and making minor home improvements.
Extensive skills are not necessary to participate. This is a fun and rewarding experience. If you are interested in helping, please contact
Gail Williams or the church office.
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
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Coffee House to Showcase
UUCH Talent
Please join us in the Fellowship Hall on
November 9
at
6:30 p.m.
for a night of fun and great entertainment.
It will be like The Moth Radio Hour, a poetry slam, an open mic music night, So You Think You Can Dance, and The Comedy Store all wrapped into one event. And probably more!
You will be treated to coffee house-style light desserts, with coffee and espresso. Other drinks will also be available. We are working to put together an eclectic night of entertainment featuring the very talented members of the congregation and friends.
Please contact
John Schulz with any questions, and especially if you want to sign up to present your personal style of art -- be it spoken word, music, dance or anything else. There is a sign-up poster in the Fellowship Hall.
Our goal is a great night with friends, sharing our many forms of personal expression. Be there, or be square!
Submitted by the Music Committee
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Join us for a Property Work Day on Saturday, November 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Help to maintain our church property through fun, accomplishment, camaraderie, and pizza, with a bit of work! Transform the playground and courtyard, brighten the church, and beautify the grounds. Tasks will range from cleaning the playground and weeding flower beds to replacing light bulbs and painting.
No special skills are needed for most tasks, but if you have experience installing doors or doing minor electrical work or painting, all the better. Help out for an hour or several hours. Childcare will not be provided, but children are welcome to help.
Submitted by the Property Committee
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Ready to Become a UUCH Member?
If you've been attending UUCH long enough to know that this church community feels like your spiritual home, you may be ready to take the next step and become a member. During an upcoming November Sunday service, we will welcome new members as they "sign the book" and officially join our church.
If you are ready to become a member or would like to find out more about the process,
please contact Pam Korb by November 3.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP
Because we are a democratic community, members are collectively vested with responsibility for the congregation. Members may vote at all congregational meetings, be elected to the governing Board, be appointed as committee chairs, and participate in all activities of the congregation.
Because we are a covenanted congregation, members have certain responsibilities to the congregation and to each other. These responsibilities are best fulfilled by:
- Regular attendance at worship
- Voting at congregational meetings
- Making financial contributions
- Contributing time and talent
- Spiritual growth and development
Submitted by the Membership Committee
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In cases of injury, infirmity, or illness, the Care Committee furnishes and delivers meals to members and friends of UUCH. Other available services include driving congregants to a doctor's office, a hospital, or a drugstore; visiting those who are homebound or confined to nursing or assisted living facilities; sending "get well" and sympathy cards; and assisting the Hospitality Committee at funerals and memorial services.
If you, or someone you know, needs assistance from the Care Committee, please
contact us.
Submitted by the Care Committee
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Care List
This Sunday, October 20, 2019,
at our Circle of Candles:
Haley Clark lit a candle of joy: After 6 years of trying, I finally got into my school spelling bee. I think it will be so much fun, and I'm very excited.
Miranda Durbin
lit a candle of sorrow: Please send love and light to the
Bohanon Family. My best friend's mother passed away early this morning. Her name was
Sue
.
Mari Hinckley Wear lit a candle of joy: Kristabelle made all As and Bs on her report card!
Maria Coble lit a candle of concern: My father, J.P. Lofgren, will undergo a heart catherization tomorrow morning. Hopefully, all will go well.
Kathy Fisher lit a candle of sorrow: Two weeks ago, my former sister-in-law died suddenly and unexpectedly. Apparently she had a heart attack or a stroke. I'll always remember her as a bright, black-eyed, shiny black-haired, energetic imp. Love to all her family.
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