Upcoming Events
Please note that all meetings, worship services, and gatherings will be held online until further notice. Please check our Facebook page and website for updated information and links.
Thurs. July 2
White Fragility Book Discussion
6:30 p.m.
Worship Service
Ana Self Schuber - Guest Speaker
10:45 a.m
Mon. July 6
Social at the Church Garden
10:00 a.m.
Wed. July 8
Happy Hour with Susan
5:00 p.m.
Thurs. July 9
White Fragility
Book Discussion
6:30 p.m.
Sun. July 12
Worship Service
Michael Eselun
Guest Speaker
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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.
Sign up
HERE to help provide items and fill the pantry.
Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee
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UUCH 2020-21
Board Members
President:
John Schulz
Vice President:
Nick Wilbourn
Secretary:
Nancy Finley
Treasurer:
Bob Locklear
Trustees:
Suzey Delacey
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 is scheduled
for
Tuesday, July 28.
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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:
Tuesday:
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday:
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
* Please email office if you need building access outside of the posted times.
Minister's Office Hours:
By appointment only.
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
"I Can't Breathe"
Ana Self Schuber
July 5th, 2020
10:45 a.m.
These words have been burned in our hearts during the last six weeks. Some of us are just hearing it for the first time. It is so much bigger than this one moment. These are words that we have needed to hear since the beginning of this country. Perhaps now is the time; perhaps now we can move forward with this as our anthem.
Meeting ID: 229 305 601
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This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)
Every other Sunday this summer we use a UU LEGO curriculum to piece together our six UU sources. Families, join us this Sunday in Virtual CYRE, from 3-4 p.m., to build a better understanding of "the words and deeds of prophetic people." Meeting links will be emailed to registered families. More details about our summer schedule can be found on our CYRE Facebook page and via email.
If you are interested in joining us but you're not registered in the CYRE program, send an email to
DRE Erin Reid
. You can also
click here
to register your children and youth. We'd love to include you in our joyful and welcoming community of all ages.
Sincerely,
Harper Goodman
Children and Youth Religious Education Assistant
Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee
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New Church Office Mailing Address
Update those address books, because we have a new church mailing address. Please send all mail to our new P.O. Box, effective immediately.
P.O. Box 5545
Huntsville, AL 35814
Submitted by the Office
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White Fragility Book Discussion Starts TONIGHT (Thursday, July 2)
Tonight, July 2, Adult Religious Education will be hosting the first session of a book discussion on White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Dr. Robin DiAngelo. The book invites conversations about how race, either interracially or among white people, can -- whether one is aware or not -- reinforce racial hierarchy. It is an excellent point of departure for conversations on how we can learn skills to disrupt racism as a Unitarian Universalist faith commitment and practice. You may
Everyone is welcome to attend! We will split the discussion into two meetings, with the first half of the book discussed on July 2 at 6:30 p.m. and the second on July 9 at the same time. Nancy Finley and Brad Korb will facilitate. Please do not hesitate to come even if you don't have time to finish the book. There will be important issues discussed from which we can all learn. The book can be purchased in ebook or audiobook formats online. We have several hard copies to share, so
contact us here if you would like to borrow a book.
If you are interested in attending, please email to register, and we will send you the Zoom link.
We would like for people to register so we can create enough Zoom meeting rooms to accommodate good discussions.
Coming Later in July:
The second planned book for discussion is Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. Summer Peters and Sally Locklear will facilitate this book discussion. More information on the book will be coming in future newsletters, but you might wish to
watch
this short video by Dr. DeGruy to learn more about her ideas.
Submitted by the Adult Religious Education Committee
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2020-21 Church Leadership
This week begins the 2020-21 church year, one that is unprecedented for UUCH in many ways. As we continue to navigate these times together virtually and prepare for the arrival of our new minister, Rev. Jaimie Dingus, let us pause for a moment to thank the many volunteers who have given their time and talents over the last year to contribute to our church's continued success. We especially appreciate those who served in church leadership roles during the 2019-20 church year.
As the new church year begins, we "pass the baton" to the church leaders who have accepted the call to serve in leadership roles during the upcoming church year:
BOARD
- President - John Schulz
- Vice President - Nick Wilbourn
- Secretary - Nancy Finley
- Treasurer - Bob Locklear
- Trustees - Suzey Delacey, Jack Long, & Bryan Walls
COUNCIL (Chairs of Committees)
- Adult RE - Lynsie Lamitie
- Care - LaDawn Edwards & Barbara Hitt
- Children and Youth RE - Ashley Creekmore & Amy Strickland
- Denominational Affairs - Rachael Scheib
- Finance - Jonathan Creekmore
- Hospitality - Jessica Schulz & Teri Thomas
- Membership - Pam Korb
- Music - Becky Adams
- Personnel - Betsy Applegate
- Property - Paul Wieland
- Social Justice - Ken Sandin
- Stewardship - Dan McKitrick
- Technology - Will Garrison & Matthew Bollinger
- Worship - Deborah Delacey & Angela Arnold
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
- Susan Coddington
- Audrey Fox
- Kathryn Heath
- Pam Korb
- Tim Miller
We are a blessed congregation in many ways, not least of which is the quality and quantity of people willing to serve in leadership roles. Thank you so much to those who have volunteered to serve in a UUCH leadership role this next year. And for those of you interested in becoming more involved, don't hesitate to reach out to someone on the Board or Council to learn more about how you put your talents to use. Here's to a great 2020-21 church year.
Submitted by the Board
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COVID-19 Relief Funds Available
Funds are available for members of the congregation who have been negatively impacted financially by COVID-19.
Submitted by the Minister
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To give a plate offering to UUCH from your mobile device, text the amount (without dollar sign) to 833-559-0257, and follow the instructions.
Like our other online and mobile giving options, this is through Vanco, is secure, and has a good option for "plate" donations.
Text giving is by debit or credit card only. To give from your bank account, you can still use the UUCH website or the GivePlus+ mobile app.
Submitted by the Finance Committee
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Board Report
The UUCH Board conducted its regular monthly meeting on June 23, 2020.
The Board reviewed Letters of Agreement for several UUCH staff members (excluding Rev. Jaimie Dingus, whose hire was formally approved by the congregation previously). These Letters of Agreement -- the result of close collaboration among Rev. Ed, the Personnel Committee, and the Finance Committee, in consultation with Rev. Jaimie -- standardize and codify many UUCH personnel management practices. These practices include the introduction of a new reporting and accountability structure for staff members. The Board reviewed and approved these letters, which go into effect at the start of the 2020-21 church year for current staff members.
The Board approved the hire of Holly Hinkle for the role of Office Administrator. Holly will begin in this position on July 21. The Board is working closely with Rev. Ed, relevant committees, and Amanda Schuber to ensure a smooth transition for this position.
Rev. Ed has been working closely with Rev. Jaimie to "pass the baton" in anticipation of the beginning of her ministry at UUCH on August 1. The Board plans to conduct a joint leadership session with the Council shortly after the new church year begins, with Rev. Jaimie involved in the event's planning and facilitation.
The next Board meeting -- the first of the 2020-21 church year -- is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28.
Submitted by the Board
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Submitted by the Minister
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Worship Service Recording
June 28, 2020
Did you miss our virtual worship service last Sunday? Want a midweek re-watch?
Fear not, you can
click here to see the recording.
Remember, the building is closed,
but CHURCH is open!
Submitted by the Worship Committee
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Our Little Food Pantry Needs You
Our outdoor food pantry is being heavily used, with an estimated 12 visitors per day, both families and homeless individuals. YOU can help keep it stocked by signing up on the SignUp Genius.
As the economic crisis continues, it is clear that people in our neighborhood need a lot more than food. The supply of hygiene items that we collected this past winter is dwindling down. We could use more bars of soap and bottles of shampoo.
Someone suggested that offering good quality used children's clothing and new packs of underwear would be another good way to help our neighbors who are taking care of young children. Feel free to deposit items in the brown box near the RE wing doors. Thank you!
Submitted by the Social Justice and Care Committees
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Here's a delicious poem about friends by Unitarian Universalist minister Max Coots.
"A Harvest of People"
Let us give thanks for a bounty of people:
For generous friends, with smiles as bright as their blossoms.
For feisty friends as tart as apples;
For continuous friends who, like scallions and cucumbers, keep reminding us that we've had them.
For crotchety friends, as sour as rhubarb and as indestructible;
For handsome friends, who are as gorgeous as eggplants and as elegant as a row of corn; and the others as plain as potatoes and as good for you.
For friends as unpretentious as cabbages, as subtle as summer squash, as persistent as parsley, as endless as zucchini, and who, like parsnips, can be counted on to see you through the winter.
For old friends, nodding like sunflowers in the evening-time.
For young friends, who wind around like tendrils and hold us.
We give thanks for friends now gone, like gardens past that have been harvested, but who fed us in their times that we might live.
Max Coots (1927- ) is Minister Emeritus at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton, New York, where he now creates whimsical ceramic sculpture.
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee
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Monday Social at the Church
Families looking for an outing are welcome to pick berries in the church backyard (behind the old play fort.) Bring your own pails and wear long sleeves and pants to protect from thorns.
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee
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Virtual SUUSI 2020: Kaleidoscope
July 19-25
To register for Virtual SUUSI, just log in to
SOLIS
, the SUUSI Online Information System. Registration will involve a slightly simpler version of our usual process. A few special notes:
- There is no charge to attend Virtual SUUSI.
- Workshops will not have a fee, but you do need to register for them. Some have attendance limits.
What Can You Look Forward to at Virtual SUUSI?
- Concerts by Friction Farm, Bob Sima & Shannon Plummer, and Lara Herscovitch
- Five worship services, plus Ingathering and Closing Circle
- Teen Way Off Broadway dramatic performance
- Cabaret, Late Night Jam, Showcase of Stars, and a Common Ground Coffeeklatch
- Workshops, including "The Hero's Journey in Folk Music," "Introduction to Zentangle," and "Sustainable Living"
- Age group programs, Community Time, and virtual sports and games
- Community meals and touch groups for small-group connections
- Social features which make it easy to meet up with your SUUSI friends for informal get-togethers and conversation
Submitted by the Office
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Care List - 6/21/20
Pam Siegler and Erin Reid
lit a candle of sorrow: Sad over the unexpected loss of our sweet MoMo. She was our sweet baby dog. Gone so soon. ��
Kathy Fisher
lit a candle joy: My joy today is that today is 6th annual celebration of Microwave Dave Day!
Heather Kyemba
lit a candle of concern: I'm concerned about the increase in coronavirus cases. A coworker of mine has tested positive. Stay safe!
Paul & Bridgit De Moor
lit a candle of joy: that we now live in a society that is more open loving and supportive of most variations of sexuality.
Kristyn Greenwood
lit a candle of joy: It was a joy this morning to see this celebration and hear the words spoken by all, but especially by friends who are missed. A joy that this time of separation is also bringing us together.
Gail Williams
lit a candle of sorrow: Howard's brother in law, Rick McCary, died Wednesday from liver failure. Please keep Rick's family in your thoughts.
Lynda Lamitie
lit a candle of joy: Joyful to have family visiting with Lynsie, Maria, & Ruthie. It's wonderful to have the family gathering. 1
Becky Adams
lit a candle of Joy and Gratitude: for this Eye-Opening, Life-Giving Church.
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