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SUNDAY WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP |
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Sunday Programming
TWO SUNDAY SERVICES: 9:30AM & 11:15AM
9AM:
- Live Religious Education Service on Zoom
9:30AM:
10:30AM:
11:15AM:
12:15PM:
1PM:
Sunday Evening
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February 5
“The Happiest Place on Earth”
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics recently published a study on the places where Americans are happiest. It turns out the answer is not Disney World. It’s church! Paradoxically, even in an age where church attendance is declining, Americans report that participation in religious community is a leading source of happiness and meaning. Join us for a service exploring our commitment to lives of meaning, service, and joy. Both services will also include a recognition of our newest Members.
February 12
Frog & Toad Puppet Theater
Rev. Thom Belote and Marion Hirsch, leading worship
Forty years ago, Rev. Gordon Draught introduced puppetry to worship services at Community Church. This morning, join us as we continue that tradition by re-enacting one of Arnold Lobel’s beloved stories. We’ll be joined by Frog and Toad for this multigenerational service that will be fun for all ages.
February 19
Restful, or Restless?
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
Several ministerial colleagues recently shared with me that they are reading books about rest. (One recent book, “Rest Is Resistance,” is written by Tricia Hersey, who calls herself the Nap Bishop.) I will be the first to admit that this is not my strength, and I try to resist temptations to rest. Come and hear the reflections and challenges posed by this new literature.
February 26
Campus Ministry Sunday
This is a great opportunity to hear what is going on in the spiritual lives of the college students who are members of the UU group at UNC sponsored by The Community Church. Join us this Sunday for a service led by the members of our UNC Campus Fellowship.
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ORIENTATION FOR NEW MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Orientation occurred on January 4 2023 from 1 PM- 4 PM -- a successful governance transition. New Trustees and the new Assistant Treasurer began their 3-year term with an orientation at the home of Glenn Davis led by Past President Barbara Chapman, current President Glenn Davis and Rev. Thom Belote.
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ANNUAL DAY OF SERVICE IS BACK! Sign up now! Saturday, March 4 the annual Day of Service returns. This year’s theme is March Madness! Help us make a 3-pointer by joining your fellow UUs to collectively contribute volunteer efforts to improve our community and to celebrate the conclusion of the annual pledge drive.
This is a great opportunity to achieve our church’s mission by working as a team with family and friends and sharing the good energy of your hands and heart. Please sign up for a Day of Service volunteer activity at the Day of Service table hosted during the Sunday Socials after each church service in February, or in the link in upcoming Weekly Announcements. Jump higher and get ready for the madness!
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SHARE THE PLATE (STP)The Share the Plate (STP) Committee is seeking new members to assist our new co-leaders Jerel Bonner and Brenda Rogers! We thank Jane Proven and Jill Baker for their leadership and Maureen ORourke for her work on the committee in the past!
The committee’s mission is to support the outreach ministry of our UU congregation through the Sunday morning collections for specific causes or 501-C3 organizations. Committee members will attend two face-to-face committees (fall and spring) to review and select the STP organizations from the applications submitted by the congregation. Members will serve as a “guide” for one to two of the STP organizations to assist the sponsor in carrying out the STP Sunday morning collection. The guide’s role usually takes no more than four hours spread over a period of weeks.
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YEIMY'S GOOD NEWS! On Dec. 16, Yeimy had her day in court to ask for asylum. You may remember, she is a transgender woman who came to us three-and-a-half years ago from El Salvador. She had been in one of the terrible border detention centers for several months before we sponsored her.
Rev. Thom and Mary Hulett went to Charlotte with her to her hearing. The immigration court there is notoriously difficult--94% of the asylum cases heard there are denied. Yeimy, like many trauma survivors, has difficulty recalling specific details that support a credible fear of return. We were worried. But the judge believed Yeimy's testimony and was aware of the awful conditions in El Salvador. She said that she couldn't send Yeimy back into such conditions and granted her asylum!
We are all overwhelmed with gratitude and want to share this good news with you, and also our great thanks, for without your help this could not have happened.
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NC’S PEATLANDS ARE A MAJOR FACTOR IN CLIMATE CRISIS – FOR GOOD OR BAD
Did you know that peatlands store more carbon than all the trees on Earth? Did you know that North Carolina has over 500,000 acres of peatlands on its coastal plain? ECO didn’t!
Peatlands are soils that accumulate partially decayed organic matter deposited by plant communities they support. In a natural state they remain very wet from ground water. Peatlands store huge amounts of carbon in this process and can store even more in years to come if they remain intact or are restored.
Restoration is needed for much of NC’s peatlands because they were ditched and drained for farming and forestry decades ago and are pretty much abandoned today. When peatlands dry out, they release carbon 24/7 into the atmosphere. They also catch fire easily, causing wildfires that can smolder for months, releasing massive amounts of carbon rapidly into the air and increasing global warming.
In March find out what is being done in NC to address this important factor in the climate crisis.
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CONCERT FOR A CAUSE - COME JOIN US! We invite you to hear the beautiful music of Chopin and Shostakovich, while raising money for a great cause, The Carolina Abortion Fund. Join friends here at church for a lovely afternoon of music on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 3 PM. A donation of $20 is suggested. The music is provided by Deborah Davis on cello and Deborah Hollis on piano. Please invite your music-loving family and friends to join us. This annual Concert for a Cause is coordinated by the Side With Love team at church.
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SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS |
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BUILDING YOUR OWN THEOLOGY 2023 (BYOT) IS STARTING IN FEBRUARY ON THURSDAYS
Led by Bill Rote
Thursdays at church 6-8 PM, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16
There’s a classic UU class everyone should take at least once. Answer the great questions for yourself...
BYOT addresses five questions that characterize any personal religious quest: Who am I? How do I know what I know? Who or what is in charge? What is my purpose in life? What does my death mean? It is a small discussion-based course . There are readings and/or exercises to do in preparation for each class meeting. By the end of the course each participant will have written her/his personal creed. Contact Bill Rote.
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HERSTORIES: THE GODDESS, GRANDMOTHERS, AND YOU Through the ages the Goddess, by many names and in many forms, was central to human culture. In Europe and beyond, She was seen as Maiden, Mother and Crone, and these images empowered women in their own lives. Patriarchy and monotheism suppressed Goddess worship, yet we can find traces of Her presence, passed on through generations of oral tradition, and carved in stones long buried. We can still reclaim Her power. On February 27 at 7:00 p.m. WomenCircle invites women of all ages to learn some of this Goddess herstory and to consider the place of the Feminine divine in our lives. (This is a repeat of a gathering we offered last year, for those who missed it.) Participants will make Herstory beads to celebrate the Goddess, our grandmothers, and the years of our own lives. Pre-register with Ruth Gibson by February 20 so that we can properly prepare supply packets. A donation of $5 to cover supplies will be appreciated.
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NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTION:
Please welcome Jerel H. Bonner
Jerel says, "I've been a UU since '97, and during COVID I decided I wanted to find a place that was closer to me, to do whatever I could to reduce my carbon footprint. The Community Church was the first place I visited and I liked the atmosphere and vibe so much, I decided to join. The UU mission aligns and is a strong fit with my personal mission statement. " Jerel is originally from New York City, but has lived in the Triangle for many years. He also spent a lot of time working in and exploring China. Jerel sayds that he knew that The Communtiy Church was the right place when he "noticed that everyone was having too much fun and still growing spiritually. " He adds, "I'm working with Share The Plate, starting a blood drive committee, and participating in Special BUUddies."
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JOIN REV. THOM & RACHEL ROSE FOR EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP CLASSES:
3/2 & 3/9 & 7PM - OR -
NEW! Sessions 1 & 2 Combined into a "Super-Session"
2:30 - 5PM, Sunday, 3/19
Are you considering Membership? Interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism, or our church community?
On Thursday evenings, 3/2 & 3/9/23, at 7PM, and -- NEW! -- Sessions 1 & 2 Combined into a "Super-Session" 2:30 - 5PM, Sunday, 3/19 Rev. Thom & Rachel Rose will offer a two-part Exploring Membership class. The class will provide an introduction to Unitarian Universalism and our congregation, the meaning of Membership, provide an opportunity for reflecting on our spiritual journeys, and give you a chance to meet others who are newer to The Community Church. Please RSVP by sending an email to Rachel Rose. . If you have already taken the Exploring Membership class and feel ready to join, you can sign the Membership Book in person with Rachel Rose on any Sunday morning, or with Rev. Thom by appointment. Can't make it this time? Let Rachel Rose know if you can participate on March 2 & 9 -- or -- March 19.
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SUNDAY SMALL GROUP SOCIAL CONTINUES IN THE NEW YEAR!
Join Rachel Rose for this important time of connection. We will continue meeting on Sundays in February (Please note: no online Sunday Social 2/5/23). We have an icebreaker, join in random groups (it's fun!) and have a time of sharing and fellowship, followed by a closing reading. We hope to see you there!
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HELP MAKE SUNDAY MORNINGS HAPPEN - SERVE AS A GREETER! Our church is busy, and we need folks to help welcome people - both newcomers and longtime members - into our church on Sunday morning... and we have some Greeter spaces open over the next few weeks! Please take a moment to sign up below, and help new people see what our community is really like. Please join us when you can for this simple, but important work. Thanks so much - your help is appreciated!
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2023 PHOTO DIRECTORY
PICTURE DAYS AT CHURCH!
FEBRUARY 7, 10, 14, 17, 19, 24, 26 & 28
MARCH 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 & 17
2023 PHOTO DIRECTORY: Get your photos taken Sundays, after after services, or on a “Picture Day!” Members and Associates are invited to have their photo taken for our 2023 Photo Directory - Please schedule an appointment with Rachel Rose if you'd like to be included. It takes fewer than ten minutes, and it helps us connect as a community! Already had your photo taken, but you'd like a new picture? No problem! Rachel Rose would be happy to give you another session.
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DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS? A magical music event is coming up the afternoon of March 25, featuring beloved performers DANA LUNDQUIST and GLENN MEHRBACH. Dana’s glorious voice and Glenn’s unparalleled piano artistry will thrill you whether or not you’ve ever experienced a summer evening concert in a small church in the heart of Florence, Italy. This event benefits our church’s annual fall auction. Hosts Gail McKinley and Bill Poteat will serve Italian-inspired bubbly beverages and goodies during intermission.
When: Saturday, March 25, 3 PM
Where: Community Church of Chapel Hill
Tickets: $35 General Admission*
*Sign up for available seating now! Reservations and payment requested by March 23.
Email Joan O'Brien to reserve the number of places you want. Then, learn how to mail a check (put "Auction" on the memo line) or to make a payment (use 'DONATE NOW' button, then under 'One Time Donation' select 'Fall Auction').
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NONFICTION BOOK DISCUSSION FOR FEBRUARY On Saturday, February 18 from 10:30 AM to 12 PM, the Nonfiction Readers will discuss The Violence Inside Us: A Brief History of an Ongoing American Tragedy, by Chris Murphy. Elected to the US Senate from Connecticut a month before the 2012 Sandy Hook mass shooting, Senator Murphy shares his personal understanding of how deep-rooted violence is in America and considers gun violence prevention measures. Themes include violence related to racism and the legacy of slavery, ethnic and immigration issues, economic inequality, and sky-high gun ownership. A thoughtful and well-researched book. Joy Blevins will be leading our discussion, which will be held via Zoom. New members and drop-ins are welcome. Contact the group to ask questions or to be placed on the distribution list for meeting information.Contact the group (nonfiction@c3huu.org)
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QUUILTERS
We meet on Saturday, February 4, 9 - 11:30 AM in The Gathering Room. Our focus is making as many quilted placemats as we can by the March 4th Community Day of Service. Ready-to-Sew kits are available to begin at this meeting and/or to take home to finish. You may bring your sewing machine, cutting and ironing equipment if you wish. Please wear your facemask and bring any current or recent personal projects to share with us.
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RARE WOMEN We are women (mostly retired) who ARE OLDER, WISER, AND RARE and meet on Zoom in three different groups. Joann Haggerty’s group meets 2-4 pm on the 1st and 3rd Mondays; Bonnie Gilliom’s group meets 10-11:30 AM on every Thursday; and Susan Blanchard’s group meets 1:30-3:30 PM on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays. We are discussing selected chapters from My Grandfather’s Blessings by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. Discussion questions can be found here. Discussions in Rare Women are intended to prompt us to share thoughts, feelings, values, courageous examples, friendships, and life experiences with group members. However, what is said in Rare Women, stays in Rare Women. NEW MEMBERS are welcome to join any of our three groups. The meeting schedule and discussion topic for each group are posted on the Rare Women webpage.
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OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS: SATURDAY HIKE, FEB 11, 10:30 AM, IN DUKE FOREST
We’ll meander the Rhododendron Bluff Circuit - down the gentle slopes and along the bank of New Hope Creek. It's an easy hike - about 1 hour. Park at Duke Forest Gate 26, which is 0.5 miles west on Whitfield Rd from the intersection with Erwin Rd. Then we’ll have lunch at Lucha Tigre, a restaurant with Asian & Latin fare (lunch menu), at 746 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill. Outdoor seating is available. We have a reservation at 12 PM.
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MARCH NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 15
The Community Church of Chapel Hill Board of Trustees wants to hear from you!
If you would like to learn more about The Community Church of Chapel Hill,
please contact Rachel Rose, our Director of Membership & Communications:
Whether you are new, or a longtime attendee, and whatever your beliefs or background,
we welcome you to our community of friendship and ideals.
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106 Purefoy Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-942-2050
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