Unitarian Universalist Village Church 


403 Barcelona Road

Hot Springs Village, AR 71909

501-922-1255

Newsletter November 2023

President: John Swinburn (jsswinburn@gmail.com)

Minister: Rev. Mark Walz (minister@uuvc.org)

Bring the Good by Rev. Mark Walz

  

Having been a religious pilgrim myself, I understand the anxiousness that comes when seeking a new church or the fear that can grip us because of unpleasant or even abusive events in a prior religious experience.

 

But church is truly different here because we are building a sanctuary wherein wisdom and goodness abides. Our Unitarian Universalist Village Church is not a place to remain fearful. Here we are thrown together with folks who come to resolve deep issues of connection and community.

 

Continue Here

President's Message by John Swinburn


I sat in on the recent orientation for prospective Members of UUVC, facilitated by Patty Dacus. Listening to participants talk about their backgrounds and their varying degrees of familiarity with Unitarian Universalism and with our church, I was struck by how much experiential diversity they bring to our congregation. Whether they opt to join UUVC or, for now, remain Friends, the infusion of new ideas and perspectives they bring to us is certain to change UUVC as we understand and embrace the intellectual and emotional gifts they bring to us.


We must be careful not to overwhelm them by asking too much of them...


Continue President's Message

November Sunday Services


November 05 – Worship -- Rev. Walz & Rabbi Levy (tentative)

November 12 – Insight – Dr. Wade Derden - NPC

November 19 – Worship – Thanksgiving – Rev. Mark

(Followed by Thanksgiving Dinner)

November 26 – Insight – Ask the Minister Anything 


The cloth with the pumpkin chalice was appliqued by Nola Abraham.

The fall scene in the background was devised by Ducky Berkley and Becky Hamilton. Thank you to these creative people for adding seasonal color to our sanctuary.

CLEAN-UP TIME! by Susan Cockrell, Building Chair


Saturday, Nov 4th, starting at 9 a.m. we are going to do some “sprucing up” at the church. I’ve noticed some cleaning elves have gotten an early start on us – thanks! We have some caulking to do, window washing, dusting, etc. Nothing too heavy, so there will be something everyone can help with! Just a few hours and we’ll be done in time for the College Football games! You can sign up ahead of time or just show up! Check in by back door on Saturday for assignments. Also, let me know if you have noticed anything that needs attention (fix’n). See you Saturday!  

babbling-brook-sm.jpg

The Green Team by Deanna Tolliver


Equal Exchange offers a wide range of fair trade, organic coffee, chocolate, tea, and cocoa direct from small-scale farmers. Our Equal Exchange product cart is self-serve and available in the Community Hall seven days a week. One of the many products available is decaf coffee.


Do you know how coffee is decaffeinated?

 

Most of the big coffee vendors use chemical solvents to remove the caffeine (Starbucks is one) and there is concern that some solvent remains on those coffee beans. But Equal Exchange coffee does not have chemical residue because...


Click here to continue Green Team

2024 ACES Auction Scheduled by Becky Hamilton


In lieu of a building fund pledge drive, we will conduct an auction in April 2024. All net proceeds will go into the building account. So, put on your thinking caps as to what you'd like to donate.


ACES stands for Art, Culinary, Experiences and Services. Examples from previous years' auctions include art, homemade breads, cookies and pies, pet sitting services, round-trip rides to/from the airport, excursions to area museums with lunch included and so much more.


There will be plenty of opportunities to volunteer to assist in various ways. More information will be forthcoming after the holidays. 

Book Report by Steve Rittenmeyer, Hearn Library Attendant


This month’s “Book Report” takes up banned books, additions to the collection, and the continuation of the effort to locate books that seem to be missing from the collection.


Continue Reading Book Report

UU-Computers 4 Kids+ by Bob McCleskey, Director


Symbiosis

Def: “A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence”

Which describes the win-win-win relationship between the UU-C4K+ program with Esther Dixon and the UUVC Social Justice Committee. A local nonprofit, Diamonds In The Rough, was the Share-the-plate recipient in August. Esther Dixon is it’s founder and also the program director of “Stone of Help Resource & Life Center”, a faith based nonprofit associated with the Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Hot Springs. The nonprofit provides outreach, resources, education, and assistance to those less fortunate. Through the association with UU C4K+, Stone of Help Resource & Life Center will establish a new youth program which will include a computer lab (4-6 units) and work areas (2) to provide reading, tutoring, and enrichment programs to at-risk youth. 


Education by Susan Cockrell


The three classes that started in October continue into this month. The Meditation class, which has been a hit, ends on Nov. 1. Steve Rittenmeyer’s class "Christian Nationalism" ends Nov. 16, and our distinguished visitor Dean Gayther's continuation of “The Meaning of Life” series will conclude the same day. More classes will be offered after the holidays.


I am asking for suggestions for movie nights. I thought we might have a fun Christmas or Hallmark-tyoe movie in early December to get us in the mood for the holidays. Any ideas??


Grief Support by Liz Miller

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The Grief Support session will take place this month on Nov. 14, at 9:30, and in the following months the group will continue to meet on the second Tuesday, instead of the fourth.


Many people need extra emotional support during the holiday season, so if you have a friend who has experienced a loss, even if it was not very recent, please encourage them to attend. The group is confidential and open to people both inside and outside of the congregation. Contact me if you need more information.

Social Justice by Alana Clegg

Note: Alana agreed to chair the SJ Committee following Anais Troadec's resignation for health reasons. Thanks, Alana!

 

The Share-the-Plate for November is Christmas Baskets. We have pledged food and gifts for six families (12 children) this year, so please be generous. in December, Martha Thomson will again oversee volunteers to shop and prepare the baskets and deliver them a few days before Christmas.

 

We provide volunteer at Jackson House the third Tuesday of each month to prepare lunches for the needy. We arrive by 10:30, hand out the meals from 12 to 1:00, help clean up and by 1:15, we are done. Isabel, the chef and kitchen manager, directs the whole operation. It’s fun and feels good to know we helped serve 140+ people a well-balanced meal.  It takes four of us to be efficient, and we need more volunteers so the same few people aren’t the only ones.….


Please continue reading Here

She Did It!

On Oct. 21, our intrepid Past-president, Kim Townsan, took the challenge and went "Over the Edge."


Kim rappelled down the side of a three-story building and raised $1350 for Jackson House, the crisis center in Hot Springs UUVC has long supported. Brava, Kim!

WHO DOES WHAT? by Susan Johansson


Do you ever want to find out who decorates our building? Who keeps up our landscaping? Who oversees our Welcome tables on Sundays? Who counts the money we collect on Sundays? Who is in charge of our Library? Etc., etc., etc.?


Try clicking on the link below and you'll discover a wealth of knowledge as to all the people in our congregation who make this church run smoothly. No need to try to find someone who might know someone who knows where to find someone to assist you with your suggestions or concerns. 


 WHO DOES WHAT LIST


Or go to www.UUVC.org. Scroll down the "Home" page to the bottom. "Who Does What" is the 2nd item from the bottom of the 2nd column. Then click on it.


Corrections, revisions, additions, or suggestions will be appreciated. Please send an email to Office@UUVC.org, and Place "SUZ" in the SUBJECT line.

Serena Gonzales, left, shown here with new Member Theresa Dybul, was one of the hosts at the Halloween Party at UUVC.

Kim Townsan, right, was the other host. Ducky Berkley is on the left. The evening included a group premiering their Celtic Witches Dance.

HALLOWEEN PARTY!

October 29, 2023

Guests brought canned goods for the food pantry and a dish for the pot-luck dinner. All UUVC was invited to this private party!

Interest Groups


UUVC Pickle Ball: UUVC Pickleball plays at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays at the DeSoto Courts. Contact Dane Nielsen at 501 915-4450.

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Monday Golf: 18-hole Golf 8:00 - 2:00, 9-hole Golf 8:30 -12:30. Contact: Ron Nance, 870 267-4711

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Mahjongg: Mondays at 1:00 in the Community Hall. Contact Dee Offerman at offermanrn@gmail.com

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Sleeping Mat Group: First and Third Wednesdays of the month from 9:30 – 11:30. Contact Marilyn Matzek, 501-922-4909

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Stitchers: Second Wednesday from 1:00 - 3:00 in the conference room. Contact Marjorie McCleskey, 501-915-0237

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Men's Group: Thursdays 8:30 - 9:30 at Debra's Good Eats, 198 Carmona Rd. Contact Rev. Walz, 214-755-4315

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Friday Golf: 18-Hole Golf 8:00 - 1:00. Contact Tom Tirrell, 501-915-2436

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Game Night: Second Saturday at 5:00. Bring a dish to share for a potluck meal. There are many kinds of games to enjoy after supper. Contact Cindy Nance, 337-278-4004.

Click this button to check the UUVC Calendar for Details

Unitarian Universalist Principles



We covenant to affirm and promote:

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth;

4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process;

6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

WHERE TO VIEW US


Website: www.uuvc.org


Facebook: www.facebook.com


Messages and Sermons: uuvc.org/videos

Unitarian Universalist Village Church Newsletter November 2023

Editor: Meg Koziar kozimeg@sbcglobal.net