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SUNDAY WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP |
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Summer Sunday Programming
(through 9/4/22)
9:30 AM - Live Religious Education Service on Zoom
11:30 AM - In-Person Sunday Social
12:15 PM - Sunday Small Group Social
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Sunday Programming (beginning 9/11/22)
RETURN TO TWO SERVICES: 9:30AM & 11:15AM
9AM:
- Live Religious Education Service on Zoom
9:30AM:
10:30AM:
11:15AM:
12:15PM:
1PM:
- Online Sunday Small Group Social
Sunday Evening
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September 4, 2022, 10:30AM
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? A UU Theology of Work
Sarah Clark-Farnell, preaching
Employment is a major part of most of our lives. This Labor Day weekend, I will reflect on our UU values and Principles and how they apply to paid employment. I will attempt to answer the question: "Where does one's worth and dignity come from? Is it from our ability to work?" Come and find out!
Sarah Clark-Farnell is a member of the church and a divinity student at Chicago Theological Seminary. She is training to be a hospital chaplain.
BEGINNING 9/11/22
September 11, 2022
“Courage”
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
At some point, perhaps in the early months of the pandemic, I began to include the word “courage” more often in my prayers. My prayers were prayers for courage in facing the challenges of our times as well as for courage in our work for justice and transformation. They were also prayers for a kind of existential courage, what Paul Tillich called “the courage to be.” Come, join us for a sermon about courageous living.
September 18, 2022
“Who Cares?”
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
I’ve been known to quip that even though our church has a Welcoming Ministry, every member of the church is an unofficial member of the Welcoming Ministry. And, even though our church has a Caring Ministry, every member is an unofficial member of the Caring Ministry. Join us for a service about caring, about how it is that we can be better at caring for others and how as caregivers we can take better care of ourselves.
September 25, 2022
“Invite Delight”
Rev. Thom, preaching
On the day the blurb for this sermon was due, I spent a good half hour in sheer delight, watching a pair of goldfinches flap and flitter about the Kast Courtyard, finding delight amidst the coneflowers planted there. This is going to be a service about delight and what we can learn by paying attention to the things that bring us delight. Join us for a creative (and delightful) service!
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MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEW CHURCH YEAR - With the start of a new church year, it's a great time to consider participating in the musical life of the church, and there are many ways to do that. First, you can join one of our many choirs: the Community Church Choir, the Community Church Singers, or the Family Choir. And this year, Music Director Glenn Mehrbach would like to resurrect a Children's Choir, and start a Gospel-style singing group, singing music without a written-out arrangement. Also, if you're not a singer, you're welcome to participate in services as an instrumentalist. We feature a band every month or so, and members fluctuate depending on availability. If you're interested in any of these things, please contact Music Director Glenn Mehrbach to sign up, or for more information.
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BEHIND THE SCENES HELP FOR FALL MUSICAL NEEDED - As you may know, after a 3-year break we are back to producing a church musical this fall, entitled “As You Like It,” based on the play by William Shakespeare. The show is cast, and rehearsals have started, but we need lots of help behind the scenes to make bring it to life. If you have experience in any of these fields, or would just like to have some fun, meet some really talented people, and gain experience, we'd love to hear from you. Here's where we need help: set construction (led by congregation member Doug Adams), prop design and creation, lighting design, costumes, backstage crew, puppet-making, and publicity. Please contact director Glenn Mehrbach to sign up, or for more information.
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COMMUNITY CHURCH CHOIR AT THE DURHAM BULLS - On Sunday, September 11, a few minutes before the 5:05pm game, the choirs of the Community Church will continue their tradition of singing the National Anthem at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). If you'd like to join us and cheer on our choir (and the Bulls), contact Music Director Glenn Mehrbach to reserve your seat. Seats are $13 each, located in Section 209, down the third base line.
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NOMINATIONS FOR NEW CHURCH BOARD MEMBERS - Looking for deeper involvement and a way to share your leadership skills with our church? The Board of Trustees will welcome three new members in 2023, and interested individuals are invited to contact the Nominating Committee to learn more. Board Members serve 3-year terms: two candidates will serve as Board Members at Large and one as Vice President in 2023 (who will then be President in 2024).
The Nominating Committee will announce the slate of nominees (3 names) by October 15. Voting will begin November 7; results will be presented in December. Please contact any committee member - Dan Hill, Caroline Pence, Bronwen Blass, or Jenny Warnasch - if you are interested in finding out what’s involved in serving on the Board. Deadline for application is October 1.
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XTREME HIKE STP TO SAVE LIVES - Xtreme Hike is a fundraising activity that supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It is an annual event that aims to harness a love of the outdoors and a shared commitment to end cystic fibrosis. On September 25, the Share the Plate will be for the benefit of an Xtreme Hike team and ultimately be passed on to the Foundation. We are at a pivotal moment and your support matters.
There are approximately 30,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, and friends who struggle every day just to breathe because of this rare, genetic, life-shortening disease. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation continues to lead the way in the fight against CF, fueling extraordinary medical and scientific progress. The life expectancy of someone born with CF has doubled in the last 30 years. Still many people with CF do not benefit from existing therapies because their form of the disease will not respond. We hike till CF means “Cure Found!”
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CHARLES HOUSE SHARE THE PLATE - In 1990, the family of our first minister, Charlie Jones, established an eldercare facility to help families of older adults by providing compassionate care. Charles House continues as a non-profit with the goal of treating elders with respect while allowing them to safely do all they are capable of. Each day includes lots of activities, a delicious lunch, flexible schedules, and help from a dedicated staff. Caregivers can work or do errands, knowing their family member is in a caring and stimulating place. The September 18 Share the Plate will continue our tradition of support for their operation and scholarship fund, so a wider range of people can attend. After the service there will also be information about many ways to volunteer. In the past we have shared music and other talents such as a recent presentation of beautiful handmade quilts. Checks or online contributions should be directed to the church, with Charles House STP in the memo.
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SHARE THE PLATE - SAVE THE DATE - SIDE WITH LOVE - Sunday, October 2, will be designated as a Share the Plate for contributions to the Orange County Rape Crisis Center. The Center is a non-profit agency offering advocacy and therapy services for survivors of sexual violence in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and surrounding areas as well as a range of community educational programs. In January 2022, members of our congregation experienced a Zoom hack incident where pornography and child sexual abuse were displayed. Under the auspices of the Side With Love Ministry, we formed The Sex Abuse Prevention Task Force with the goal of stopping sexual violence. Through education and advocacy we plan to reduce these acts of abuse.
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SHARE THE PLATE THANK YOU: The church’s SARAH ELIZABETH INSCH CHURCH YOUTH LEADERSHIP FUND and JOE AND LUCY STRALEY FUND FOR YOUTH TRAVEL extend deep gratitude for the SHARE THE PLATE donations. For the May 15th Straley Fund, your donations contributed $1,032 and will support church youth trips. For the June 5th Insch Fund, your donations contributed $824 and will support church youth in becoming leaders. Thank you for your generosity! Contact Marion Hirsch for more information on either fund.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY |
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PIANO DEDICATION AT CHARLES HOUSE - On August 2, Charles House dedicated a much-needed new piano in honor of the historic partnership between Charles House and The Community Church. The dedication celebration included music from Erich Lieth and Scott & Jane Provan. Longtime volunteer Sue Brewer also attended. Charles House Executive Director Paul Klever and Rev. Thom Belote each spoke about the legacy of connections between the Community Church and Charles House--Rev. Charles Jones was the first pastor of The Community Church and also the first participant at the eponymous Charles House--and how the partnership continues today through volunteering and financial support. The musicians led a spirited sing-along including some Unitarian songs. The celebration was filled with dancing and joy.
Charles House would love to have people from the community visit and share an informal presentation of a talent or skill, be that music, photography, quilting, juggling or anything. Contact them below or call 919-967-7570 to participate.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE - Update on School Supplies drive in July/August 2022. Generous donations both at church and online totaled $1826.15. On August 6 hardworking volunteers were able to fill 110 backpacks for Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Chatham students in the Jones Building, and load them into cars. We received this note from the Hargreaves give away event on August 20. "It went great and I will send you some pictures. We had over 500 people come and we gave out close to 300 backpacks and took up a list of names of 150 others who we will supply backpacks for on Friday. Thank you again and it was a wonderful event. " Chatham packs are distributed by the school social workers. For more information, contact Teri Brooks.
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WALK THE WALK: STAGVILLE PLANTATION -- SAT. OCT 8, 10-12 NOON - In 2022-2023, our racial justice learning will be local and in person. This year, we will be visiting sites together and learning about racial justice and injustice here at home. Our first visit this fall is a guided tour of the Stagville Plantation Historic Site in Durham. Walk the Walk is cosponsored by Spiritual Exploration for Adults (SEA), Side with Love, and Living Our Covenant with Intention. Questions: Contact Lisa Lackmann
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IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY BEING GREEN BUT ECO IS HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR EFFORTS - ECO’s mission is "To support and encourage the Church and its members/friends to take actions toward sustainability and better stewardship of Earth." ECO will be rolling out some different ways this fall to support your efforts to live more sustainably. ECO is close to sharing a newly-redesigned website with easier navigation to resources and updated information. The environment-related movie night will return this fall. Look as well for two special displays to help you be “greener” with items that usually end up in the landfill. Watch for these and other ECO activities in the announcements. Please contact ECO if you have any questions, ideas, and/or interest in being part of ECO’s efforts.
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CONCERT FOR A CAUSE: YOU ARE WELCOME HERE - emma’s revolution is coming back to our church to do a fundraising concert for our Immigrant Justice Initiative on Friday, September 23. Tickets will be available online or at the Side With Love table, for the live concert, a pre-concert reception, and a livestream you can enjoy at home. Watch the weekly announcements for more information, and let us know if you would like to volunteer!
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ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC
Saturday, September 10th, 2022
New Hope Camp & Conference Center
4805 N. Carolina 86 Chapel Hill, NC 27514
5PM - 8PM
~Rain or Shine~
Please join us for an evening of fun and fellowship!
The venue is a lovely wooded setting with covered eating space, nearby bathrooms, and plenty of parking -- all of which is wheelchair accessible. After our shared dinner, we will have group games and a campfire!
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SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS |
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THEOLOGY CAFE w/ Rev. Thom Belote
Thursdays -- October 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 12 to 1:30pm
Join Rev. Thom at the church for a lunchtime gathering discussing the evolving theology of Unitarian Universalism.
October 6: Unitarian and Universalist Christianity
October 13: Transcendentalism
October 20: Humanism
October 27: Postmodernism
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SEARCH BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP with Rev. Thom Belote
Thursdays, September 22 and 29, 7-8:30PM
Earlier this year, there was a critically-acclaimed novel published about a Unitarian Universalist church's search for their next minister. Search by Michelle Huneven follows eight members of a search committee as they consider candidates for the next minister of the Arroyo Unitarian Universalist Church. Part comedy and part tragedy, Search is a fictionalized account of UU congregational life. Come discuss your reactions to the novel with Rev. Thom.
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OUR SPIRITUALITY THROUGH THE SEASONS - Meeting once a month on 3rd Thursdays, at 7PM, by Zoom, participants will consider their spiritual connection to Earth’s seasonal activity. We’ll reflect on and share our responses to Earth’s changing weather, temperature, length of daylight, plant and animal patterns, and how Earth-centered holy days highlight this annual cycle. Some brief readings and personal outdoor activity will be included. Rev. Alison Eskildsen leads this class from September thru December 2022. (A follow-up session may be offered from January thru May 2023.) Questions: Contact Rev. Alison
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HISTORICAL JESUS -- PART 1 --Thursdays, 9/15-10/20 (six sessions)
2-4 pm on Zoom and/or 7-9 pm at Church (depending on enrollment, and on participants' wishes in the event of more difficulties with Covid).Led by Mike Goodyear
Bart D. Ehrman, professor of religious studies here at UNC CH, has recorded a series of 24 lectures, at about the freshman level, on what is known about Jesus as an actual, historical person. He explains historians’ techniques for differentiating stories that probably really happened from those that probably didn’t. Participants will watch two half-hour lectures each session, with discussion after each. The discussion will be facilitated by Mike Goodyear, who says, “The lectures confirm many things I had already heard or figured out, of course, but I also learned many new things. I have found plenty of food for thought all the way through, and I look forward to hearing others’ take on all of it.” Part 2 which will include the second half of the 24 lectures will start in January. Questions: Contact Mike Goodyear
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TAI CHI AT CHURCH-- THURSDAYS 7-8 PM STARTING SEPT. 22
Led by Joe Swain
Thursdays, 7:00-8:00 PM,September 22 thru December 15
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system that has been called "meditation in motion." Whether you have years of practice, or no previous experience, join us on Thursdays for a peaceful interlude in the week. Masks are optional. The leader will not be masked. Questions: Contact Joe Swain
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CIRCLE SINGING IN THE COURTYARD -- MONDAYS AT 7 PM -9/12, 10/24, 11/7 - Maybe you are wondering, what is Circle Singing? This modern spiritual practice was developed by Bobby McFerrin and his cadre of singers. It draws on traditions of chant, jazz, gospel, meditation and mindfulness to create one-of-a-kind choral improvisations. It's a mistake-free zone, accessible to beginning singers, but also challenges those with experience. We will be outdoors and socially distanced in the Courtyard, doing our best to provide everyone with a safe and comfortable experience. Questions? Contact Eric Bannan.
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JOIN REV. THOM & RACHEL ROSE FOR EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP CLASSES: 9/8 & 9/15, 7PM
Are you considering Membership? Interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism, or our church community?
On Thursday evenings, 9/8 & 9/15, at 7PM, Rev. Thom & Rachel Rose will offer a two-part Exploring Membership class, in person and via Zoom. 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. Classes will be held from 7PM to 8:30PM in person, in the Commons at church, as well as via Zoom. Please RSVP by sending an email to Rachel Rose. Please let Rachel Rose know if you need childcare to attend - childcare will gladly be provided. 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? New classes will be announced in the coming months.
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SUNDAY SMALL GROUP SOCIAL CONTINUES IN SEPTEMBER! Please join Rachel Rose for this important time of connection. We will continue meeting on Sundays in September. 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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2022 PHOTO DIRECTORY: Get your photos taken after services! Members and Associates are invited to have their photo taken for our 2022 Photo Directory - Please schedule an appointment with Rachel Rose if you'd like to be included. It takes fewer than five 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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NONFICTION BOOK DISCUSSION FOR SEPTEMBER - On Saturday, September 17 from 10:30AM to 12PM, the Nonfiction Readers will discuss A Furious Sky: The Five-Hundred-Year History of America’s Hurricanes, by Jay Dolin. The author draws on a vast array of sources as he melds American history, as it is usually told, with the history of hurricanes, showing how these tempests frequently helped determine the nation’s course. This is worth remembering as climate change is likely to make these storms more intense. As bad as the past has been, the future will probably be worse, unless we drastically reimagine our relationship with the planet. Mary Hulett 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.
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COMMUNITY CHURCH CONCERTS |
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DARIN AND BROOKE ALDRIDGE LAUNCH THE CONCERT SERIES OCT. 29 - Community Church Concerts goes BIG as we launch the '22-'23 concert season with Darin and Brooke Aldridge Sat., Oct. 29, 8PM! Armed with the talents of the proverbial triple-threat of uniquely distinctive singing, commanding instrumental skills, and accomplished songwriting, Darin and Brooke continue to ascend to new heights in the industry while maintaining their easy-going, down-to-earth connection with audiences everywhere. Brooke is a four-time consecutive winner for Female Vocalist of the Year for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Once a six-year member of The Country Gentlemen with the late Charlie Waller, Darin is a former IBMA Mentor of the Year and a truly gifted singer and multi-instrumentalist. Together with their band – Billy Gee on bass, Samantha Snyder on fiddle, and Jacob Metz on banjo and resonator guitar – Darin and Brooke were recognized with the IBMA’s nomination for 2021 Vocal Group of the Year. Volunteer here.
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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. Bonnie Gilliom’s group (2nd and 4th Thursdays) will meet on September 8; Susan Blanchard’s (1st and 3rd Thursdays) on September 15; and Joann Haggerty’s (1st and 3rd Mondays) on September 19. We will discuss selected chapters from My Grandfather’s Blessings by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. Used books are available online for as little as $4. 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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COLLAGING THE SOUL - The WomenCircle invites you to COLLAGE THE SOUL on Wednesday, September 21 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room (or the Courtyard is weather permits). Collaging is a wonderful way to express our inner life and feelings. Join us for an afternoon of piecing together images that express who you are. We will be creating small collages on 5 x 8-inch cards. Materials will be provided, but please bring magazines or images to share. Co-leaders are Ivy Brezina and Steevie Parks. Need more info or childcare, contact Ivy Brezina: call 415-663-8703 or email below.
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QUUILTERS - Our next meeting is Saturday morning, September 3, 9 - 11:30AM in The Gathering Room. We are now focusing on making quilted placemats for Meals on Wheels participants as our Spring 2023 Community Day of Service project. We have fabric bundles and a few kits to start at the meeting and/or take home to finish. Bring your sewing machine and regular sewing supplies to sew or come to cut and iron fabrics. Please wear your facemask. Also, bring your current or recent personal quilt projects to show and share as we check in with each other during the meeting. Join our email list here.
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ART IN THE SANCTUARY - The art in the sanctuary during September and October is by Clarence Mayo, Jr. The exhibit is titled "The Evolution of Identity". Clarence says he is "inspired by indigenous cultures, with a particular focus on those of Africa, Native America and Latin America, including the media of textiles, colors, symbols, picture writing, hieroglyphics, and wall painting. He can be reached through his website or by phone at (919)672-0454 .
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OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS: PARKER PRESERVE-MASON FARM-LUNCH; SAT. SEPT. 10, 9 AM - Fall is our best season for showy wildflowers, nowhere more so than the fields at Mason Farm. We’ll visit them via a new path through the mature woodlands of Parker Preserve. To make this 2-mile walk one way, downhill and then level we’ll arrange to shuttle cars. After the walk, we'll head over to Alpaca for an outdoor lunch.
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OCTOBER NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY SEPTEMBER 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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