TUESDAY, JULY 18

Admit it: you're enjoying yourself, aren't you? So much variety, so many friendly exchanges, so much inspiration, so much sleep – well... We hope Monday's workshops, nature trips, and worship left you hungry for more. We've only just begun! For today, let's try turning our world around with a kind word, a smile, or a "thank you."

TUESDAY SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

7 am - 8 pm: SUUSI Dining Hall Hours, Courtyard Dining Hall

8 - 8:30 am: Group Meditation, Blue Ridge 203

9 - 9:45 am: Morning Worship – We Come from the Fire: Practice and Rituals

for Raging and Creating, Bardo Atrium Lobby

9:30 am - 6:30 pm: SUUSI Store and Artisans' Bazaar, Blue Ridge Conf. Ctr.

4:15 - 5:15 pm: Joe Jencks Singing & Signing in the SUUSI Store

5:15 - 6:15 pm: Crys Matthews Singing & Signing in the SUUSI Store

4 - 6 pm: Community Time, Intergenerational Fair, Central Plaza

7 - 7:45 pm: Evening Worship, The Great Storm, Bardo

8 - 9 pm: Concert Hour with Carla Ulbrich, Bardo

9 - 11:30 pm: Cabaret, Bardo

10 pm - 1 am: CACHE, Balsam Blue Ridge Crossover Lounge

10:30 pm - 1am: Serendipity, Theme: Shiny, Hillside Grind

11 pm - 3 am: Late Night Song Circle, Water Rock 3108

Evening Worship

As in past years, evening worship takes place in the Bardo Arts Auditorium from 7 - 7:45 pm. Bardo is one of the locations where it is strongly recommended for non-performers to wear masks, and there will be a designated section of the audience where masks are required. The theme of tonight's worship service is: The Great Storm. As we honor those who have passed in our community, we will consider the role of community in holding and navigating our grief.

Transition Worship Services

Tuesday evening, we will mark the cycles of our lives and remember those we have lost. If you would like us to remember someone from our community who has died in the last year, please email nurture@suusi.org no later than NOON today.

Thursday evening, we will mark various life transitions within our community. This includes child dedications, teen bridging, and other important transitions. This year, this celebration will include those who wish to have their new names, pronouns, and/or gender identities recognized and celebrated by the SUUSI community. If you would like to be part of this celebration, or if you have a child to be dedicated, please email nurture@suusi.org no later than NOON Thursday. (Please note that teens who are bridging will be coordinated by the Teen Director, teens@suusi.org.)

Star Car Drivers Needed

Help our SUUSI community! Star Car (golf cart) drivers are needed. Sign up sheet is on the table by the entrance to the SUUSI Bookstore in Blue Ridge Conference Center. Want to help, but Star Car is not your thing? Plenty of other volunteer opportunities are available here or email volunteers@suusi.org.

Donations for Community Table

Hygiene product donations for distribution at the Sylva soup kitchen, Community Table, are being collected in the SUUSI office until noon on Thursday.

Intergenerational Fair at Community Time

Don't miss the Intergenerational Fair at Community Time today! Each age group will be represented, so this will be a great opportunity to get to know new people and connect with friends in and outside of your age cohort.

The Youth will be having a dance party with lots of bubbles! Acoustic music will be provided by our wonderful late night song circle community. The middlers will be hosting a SUUSI mail making craft table. Teens will be showing how to make all kinds of jewelry. Medians and YAs will be hosting yard games to keep us active! And our awesome ballroom dancing folx will be showing off their moves and offering dancing pointers to help us all get in the groove for the week. We'll see you there between 4 - 6 pm!

Concert Hour

Tonight’s Concert Hour features Carla Ulbrich and begins at 8 pm in Bardo. Carla is a comical singer-songwriter guitarist who is often compared to Tom Lehrer or Weird Al. She has a love of the absurdities of ordinary life, a somewhat twisted viewpoint, and a way with words, covering topics such as Waffle House, Klingons, and psycho exes... A graduate of Brevard College, she frequently got in trouble with her music teachers for writing songs while she should have been practicing "real" music. Carla has performed her clever songs all over the US and parts of England, from folk festivals like Kerrville and Falcon Ridge to well known venues like the Bluebird Cafe. Carla's nine albums have won her numerous songwriting awards and have been featured on the BBC, Dr. Demento, Sirius XM Comedy Radio, Pandora, and NPR’s Morning Edition. Visit her website: www.carlau.com

Tuesday Night at Cabaret

We’ve got a great line-up tonight that includes Crys Matthews, Steve Greenberg, Eric Bannan, Fred Katz, Joe Zimmerman, and the Muir Family Singers. Please join us in Bardo at 9:15 pm, right after the Concert Hour with Carla Ulbrich.

Ballroom Hour +

Ballroom Hour+ is held 6:30 pm - 8 pm Monday through Friday. We are located in the fully air conditioned Campus Recreation Center Studio 1. The Campus Rec Center is just to the left of the Clock Tower. We call it Ballroom Hour+ because of the extended time (1.5 hours), because we will be playing a mix of Ballroom, Swing, Latin, and Country for your partner dancing pleasure, and because we will run a short dance lesson during the evening. For Tuesday, the lesson will teach the Waltz and Swing basic steps.

Where's the Nature Staff?

A number of people have missed the new location of the Nature Tent, which is now a lounge just inside the front doors of Blue Ridge Dorm. While we are used to seeing our beloved Nature staff camped out on the lawn, they have moved indoors to be kinder to the grass.

Dining Accessibility

If you missed the dining accessibility meetup here are some highlights:

Too noisy in the dining hall? The back corners and outer perimeter are often quieter, or rent a carry out box! For $5.35 you will get a green box in which you can bring food out of the dining hall. Return it at your next meal and get a clean one. Save your receipt; at the end of the week, you will get your deposit back!

Allergies or food sensitivities? This is the one time SUUSI and WCU staff agree that we want you to ask for a chef or a manager! Tell them your allergens, and they will direct you to the food that is safe for you, show you the ingredients on the packaging, or, if you are having trouble finding something to eat, they will make something fresh for you! Food alternatives are often available, including soy and almond milk, and gluten-free bread, brownies, muffins, and pizza! Our wonderful dining staff doesn’t want anyone to go hungry. Plan time to wait for requests, especially if you ask during a peak time. Remember to be kind and thank the amazing WCU staff who wants to be sure you feel safe. We appreciate them!

SUUSI Board of Trustees Opportunities and Events

Want to run for the SUUSI Board? For more information, contact the elections coordinator at elections@suusi.org. Nominations must be submitted to elections@suusi.org by noon today. Nominees must also submit a candidate introduction to the SUUSI NUUS (nuus@suusi.org) by 1 pm today.

Not sure who to vote for in the Board election? There will be an Adult Board Candidate Forum in the Coulter Recital Hall on Wednesday from 5 - 6pm. Candidate bios will be printed in the NUUS on Wednesday morning, so you’ll have the opportunity to follow up with questions Wednesday evening. This is also your opportunity to ask current Board of Trustee members anything about SUUSI. Come be an informed participant and voter!

Finally, the SUUSI Board wants your input!! Come to the Board Town Hall also on Wednesday in Coulter Hall from 4 - 5pm. SUUSI occasionally has to find a new location — whether we stay at WCU a little longer or look to move elsewhere in the Southeast, we want to know what factors matter most to you in host sites and locations. Specifically, what would make SUUSI a safe and welcoming space for you? While everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this forum, we especially encourage people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ people to attend, as we aim to center these identities and perspectives in this conversation. Hosted by Ivy Breivogel, board member and assistant director of the Young Adults program.

Learn More about Our Covenant

What’s Accountability and Reconciliation?

The Covenant and Accountability Team is a group of both lay persons and ministry professionals trained in conflict resolution and reconciliation processes to engage conflicts that may arise, that SUUSI may grow as a community of mutual care and responsibility. The purpose of the Covenant Accountability Team is to support SUUSI participants in living into the SUUSI mission to live into our best selves and our Unitarian Universalist principle to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of all people.

Recognizing that systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories, the Covenant Accountability Team will serve the SUUSI community by listening and engaging with people who have experienced problems of oppression while at SUUSI. You can find more information about accountability and reconciliation at SUUSI here.

What if I experience conflict or harm at SUUSI?

Fortunately, most conflicts at SUUSI can be resolved quickly with the support of our Pastoral Care Team. People are only referred to the CAT if other attempts fall short to support all parties involved toward full reconciliation. To get support from SUUSI Pastoral Care or the Covenant and Accountability Team, call 66-ASK-SUUSI and press 2.

Singings & Signings

Come join us today for the first of our wildly popular Singings & Signings in the SUUSI Store. This is your chance to catch some of our amazing musicians up close and personal – hear them sing, chat with them, have them sign their CDs for you! We kick off this year’s series at 4:15 pm with our amazing performer from last night, Joe Jencks, along with a couple of surprise guests. This will be followed by a sneak preview of tomorrow night’s concert performer, Crys Matthews. Don’t miss this exciting afternoon!

SUUSIship Raffle

The SUUSI Store is raffling off two awesome items - a basket full of CDs donated by the fabulous musicians at SUUSI this year and a $100 bookstore gift certificate! Tickets are 1 for $1, 12 for $10 and 25 for $20. Each raffle item has a separate container for tickets, so you can choose which item(s) you want to win. Drawings for both items will be held Thursday night at 10 pm at Cabaret, with all monies collected going to SUUSIships.

"Love Is a Circle" Lyrics Available at Store

Did you enjoy the first two verses of "Love Is a Circle" at In-Gathering? The printed version of all the lyrics for the song is available at no cost at the SUUSI Store. You can listen to the song here in a YouTube video. The song was written by Phyllis Unger Hill, a UU living in Nashville at the time the song was written for the children's book, Ramo the Elephant. Consider adding this song to your church's children's program and teaching it to all ages. For more video versions or any help with the song, email Alexis Jones at alxzba5@gmail.com.

Tie Dye Supply

Want to tie dye but don’t have a shirt? Pick up a white 100% cotton SUUSI shirt at the SUUSI store for a truly unique SUUSI keepsake! Toddler, youth, and adult sizes available while supplies last.

Enjoy the Mix

Retired Rev. Dee Graham has offered to host what she affectionately calls a "Queersters" mixer tonight at 7 pm in Balsam 205. Please join us if you self-identify as a member of the Queer community to get to know each other and brainstorm new ways the SUUSI community can serve you as we continue to turn our world around! The Rev. Dee Graham is a life-long resident of Manatee County and a published author and journalist, Rev. Graham’s ministry is entrepreneurial in style with a special mission to serve the increasingly aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer families of the Gulf coast and Tampa Bay area.

Support Spaces

The Nurture staff provides three spaces where members of the SUUSI community may seek peace, support, and connection. All will be open 24/7 Monday - Friday, with gatherings planned at specific times.

Meditation Room: Blue Ridge 203

The Meditation Room is a peaceful space for quiet contemplation and rest. Group meditations will be led by Rev. Kimi Riegel on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 - 8:30 am.

OASUUS Lounge for BIPOC: Blue Ridge 202

The OASUUS Lounge offers safe space for SUUSI BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) to gather, talk, reflect, meditate, and replenish in body or spirit. This space is family friendly and all ages are welcome. Watch the NUUS for announcements about specific planned gatherings.

Addiction and Recovery Space: Blue Ridge 230

This morning, there is a 12-Step Support Meeting from 10 - 11 am.

Today's Blast from SUUSI's Past

"When I first attended, I encountered hundreds of fellow Unitarians, all highly individual yet imbued with common hospitality toward one another... I have never felt *less* lonely... [I became part] of a group where you won't feel peculiar... as so often happens to us here in the South. It seems to me we need this reinforcement now, more than ever, in these storm-tossed times."

-- written by a participant following the 1960 Southern Unitarian Summer Institute

Here is today's clue for this year's TWOB theme:

To see a version of this show on Broadway, you’ll have to purchase tickets

and leave small children at home. TWOB is free to the SUUSI community,

with all ages welcome!

Think you know the theme? Send your guesses to twob@suusi.org. The first person to guess correctly will get a shout out in the NUUS!

Bridge Anyone?

WANTED: At least one more contract bridge player for afternoon bridge games on the ground floor of the dining hall, Tuesday and Wednesday, 2 - 4 pm. Drop in and join us for fun and cards. Call 336-706-3134 for more info... or just show up!

Parum-pum-pum-pum

WANTED: A participant in the drumming workshop is looking to borrow a drum. If you brought one you're willing to share, please contact Fred Katz at 202-441-2159.

Drink Tickets

To enjoy drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) at Serendipity, you must have drink tickets. Cash and/or charge cards will NOT be accepted at Serendipity. Tickets are $2 each, and drinks vary in terms of the number of tickets required. Purchase drink tickets at the following times and locations:

9:30 am – 6:30 pm: Today - Friday, SUUSI Store, cash/card

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm: Today and Wednesday at Concert Hour, cash/card

9:30 pm – End of Cabaret: Today - Friday, cash only

Youth and Youth Parents

Youth programming continues today with age group programming in the morning and afternoon activities of slime, outdoor water games, tie-dye, and magic all around us. Also please come to the Intergenerational Fair at Community Time today from 4 - 6 pm where the youth will have bubbles and a dance party!

Middlers

12s will meet outside Blue Ridge Dorm (between Blue Ridge and Balsam) for their nature trip Messing With Boats at 8:15 am. Don’t forget a filled water bottle, sunscreen, towel, and approved shoes! The 11s and 13s will check in to programming between 8:45 - 9 am in the quad between Forsyth and Killian. And in the afternoon, all will want to come to the Intergenerational Fair at Community Time from 4 - 6 pm where the Middlers will be hosting a SUUSI mail making craft table.

Teens

Teens are invited to the Intergenerational Fair at Community Time today from 4 - 6pm where they will have a jewelry crafting station. In the evening, 13s will be touring the Teen Dorm, then coming to the Teen Coffee House where teens will share their many talents. There's also CACHE tonight!

Young Adults

YA Touch Groups provide an opportunity for YAs to get to know one another, help new members become comfortable in the dorm, address social issues as they come up, share in daily experiences, and offer support as necessary. Touch groups are not required, but encouraged and one session is happening today from 1 - 2 pm. There's also a nature walk through WCU's trail system from 2:30 - 4 pm. At the Intergenerational Fair at Community Time, YA's and Medians will lead yard games. Finally, come to the YA Coffee House tonight from 9 - 10 pm. Look for sign-ups posted in the YA dorm.

Medians

At the Intergenerational Fair at Community Time from 4 - 6 pm, YAs and Medians will lead yard games. Then from 6:30 - 8:30 pm partake in Blindfolded Nerf Hunt. Blindfold someone, hand them a Nerf toy, and put them in a room full of very responsible and mature adults. What could go wrong? And as always, midnight snacks available 'til 2 am.

Adults

At today's Intergenerational Fair during Community Time from 4 - 6 pm, Late Night Song Circle musicians, and ballroom dancers will show off their skills. Don't miss it! Also, you can sign up for the open swim for adults only at the Reid Pool on campus from 7 - 9 pm tonight by adding the free event #1084 to your SUUSI registration through SOLIS. There are only 25 spots, so sign up quickly if you want to attend.

Gen X'ers

Come to the Gen X Mixer tonight from 8 - 10 pm in the first floor Water Rock Lounge, hosted by Kimmer!