*** Notice: The newsletter has a different look due to our working with new editing software. We will continue working towards a format similar to what has been used previously. ***
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.
If you're interested in getting involved with UUCH's young adult group, we invite you to reach out to us. For questions or more information, please contact Nicole and Shalin.
Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education Committee
UUCH's Free Food Pantry is in the parking lot and is stocked regularly. 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.
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, September 15th.
The Overlook is a publication of The Unitarian Universalist Church, 3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810
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.
Upcoming Service
"The Gospel of Casy"
Anthony Hamley
August 23, 2020
10:45 a.m.
"Each year, I teach my 10th grade English students John Steinbeck’s classic novel, The Grapes of Wrath. I enjoy teaching it, mostly because it’s one of my all-time favorite novels, and teaching it gives me the opportunity to read it again and again. But more importantly, in a rather conservative school district, it allows me to challenge the all-too-commonly held perception of labor unions, which many in the community believe to be anti-American, Communist, even evil. Once students see why there was actually a need for labor unity, strikes, etc., they are able—at least to some extent—to put aside the notion that the business/boss/owner is always in the right, and that workers who go on strike are just lazy moochers who want to get something for nothing.
"But over the years, I’ve also come to understand that a third reason for loving The Grapes of Wrath is that I identify with it on a spiritual level. I know that the book is a work of fiction, but I find the 'Christ figure' character of Jim Casy to be perhaps the most spiritually inspiring figure in my life—even more influential to me than Jesus, on whom Casy was modeled. When I was invited back to give another talk to the good folks at UUCH, I thought this was the perfect time to confess my 'Casyist' leanings. Perhaps it’s odd to give a church message on a fictional character in literature, but I hope you’ll join me and hear the good news—the gospel of Casy—and how it relates to the world, in a time we most certainly need some good news. Do be warned, though, that there will certainly be some Grapes of Wrath spoilers in my message, so you may want to brush up on your Steinbeck before coming."
Born in rural northern Alabama in clear sight of plenty of farming, poverty, and racism the locals justified through religion, Anthony Hamley left home to escape to the larger city of Birmingham and to go to college where he studied to become an English teacher. Since graduation, he has taught high school English and philosophy for over 20 years, most of that time in the International Baccalaureate program, which has allowed him to surround himself with an extremely diverse group of students.
Anthony and his wife Melissa found the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham over 15 years ago as they were searching for a place for their children to have a religious community that promoted a love for people and an openness to diverse religious ideas. Once a church member, Anthony almost immediately moved into church leadership, serving on the Board of Trustees and then ultimately as Vice President and then President. In addition to Board positions, Anthony has served as chairperson on many committees, including the Search Committee, Committee on Ministry, Intern Minister Support, Personnel, SEEC (RE), and Worship Partners.
This is Anthony’s second opportunity to deliver a talk to the UU Church of Huntsville.
Virtual CYRE: All ages are invited to join artist Lynda Lamitie with help from DRE Erin Reid making butterflies at 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Virtual YOUUTH Group: Grades 7-12 will meet at 4:30–6 p.m.
Additional Virtual Opportunity: Ages 4-12 may join in RE collaboration children’s chapel with UU kids in other congregations at 9:00–9:30 a.m.
Meeting links will be emailed to registered families. 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.
Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee
New Book Discussion
Thursday, August 20th
6:30 p.m.
Join us for a book study of Dr. Joy DeGruy's book, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing. We will meet via Zoom Thursday, August 20th at 6:30 p.m. Facilitators will be Summer Peters and Sally Locklear.
You are welcome to join in the discussion even if you have not read the book. Adult RE has a few copies of the book available. If you'd like to borrow one, let us know. If interested in attending, please email to register, and we will send you the Zoom link.
Patterns of beliefs and behaviors are passed down from parent to child generation after generation. Is it possible that the adaptive behaviors from the trauma of 300+ years of slavery, black codes, and Jim Crow are still be being taught to the descendants of formerly enslaved Americans? This is the question Dr. Joy DeGruy set out to answer for herself. Armed with 3 advanced degrees, experience teaching at Portland State University, and several trips to study behavior in Africa, she has named the phenomenon she observes in African descendants living in the Americas as "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome."
Submitted by the Adult Religious Education Committee
Donate via Text Message
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. Text giving is by debit or credit card only.
Like our other online and mobile giving options, this is through Vanco, is secure, and has a good option for "plate" donations.
To give from your bank account, you can still use the UUCH website or the GivePlus+ mobile app.
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.
Remember to place vegetables in zip lock bags so that they do not leak if spoiling.
Current requested items:
blankets
sunblock
bug spray
wipes
dog food
school supplies
soap & shampoo
deodorant & other hygiene items
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
Cooking in Hard Times
“The Care Committee helps fulfill the UUCH mission of strengthening our bonds of community by organizing opportunities for church members to nurture one another.”
Our wonderful Care Committee does an amazing job helping people who are in need. One of the things they do is provide meals. They reach out to the church community for volunteers using the “Take Them a Meal” app. Included in the signup is information about who needs a meal, number of family members, their dietary needs as well as delivery instructions. If you want to provide a meal and don’t have time to cook, there is a way for you to arrange for a restaurant meal to be delivered. Barbara tells Care Committee that it is fine to pick up food from a restaurant to take to a family if you’re not inclined to cook yourself.
When planning a meal, Barbara Hitt, Co-chair of the Care Committee, suggests keeping it simple. Her method: She searches on Google using “easy” as the first word…. “easy vegan, easy vegetarian, easy gluten-free.” From there, she checks out the recipes, checks the reviews and looks at comments for suggestions or additions. She likes to prepare vegetable soup. She suggests an easy method: she likes using the Publix veggie soup mix, avoiding the work of cutting up vegetables and adds a few things, such as a potato or summer squash.
She keeps her meals simple, but often includes other items—a bagged salad, snacks, fruit, etc.
Do you have a tried-and-true dish, maybe a favorite casserole, you like to share when you provide a meal? Some of us who are new to “taking a meal” would benefit from your expertise. If so, please email us at hospitality@uuch.org and we’ll add it to a future edition of Cooking in Hard Times.
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee
The Daily Compass offers daily meditations of words and images to inspire spiritual reflection and encourage the creation of a more loving, inclusive and just world.
Kids are generally fascinated by shadows—how the image of your own body can appear so similar to the real you, but also be so distorted by the angle of the sun.
How do you or those around you distort the image of your body?
Submitted by Personnel
COVID-19 Relief Funds Available
Funds are available for members of the congregation who have been negatively impacted financially by COVID-19.
If you are a member of UUCH and have financial needs caused by the pandemic, please contact Board President John Schulz or a member of the Care Committee.
Submitted by the Board
Worship Service Recording
Angel Scott-Bottoms
"Being UU in the UK: An Outsider's Perspective on Values"
August 16, 2020
Did you miss out 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
Care List - August 16, 2020
The Delaceyslit a candle of concern: To all teachers going back either virtually or in person, may this year be one of overcoming challenges and staying healthy both in body and in spirit
Morgan (she) & JB (he) Fuocolit a candle of joy: It is such a joy to be able to join all of you today and see so many familiar faces from home. It’s truly a comfort.
Mari Hinckleylit a candle of concern: An old friend of mine is in critical condition at Huntsville Hospital, experiencing organ shut down, brain swelling, and pneumonia. He's my age and was generally healthy. While not confirmed, Covid is suspected.
Heather Kyembalit a candle of joy: Sophia got her license and I am sitting in the passenger seat with her now —Torin
The Howard Familylit a candle of joy: We are all SO joyful to see Angel's face today!!
Bobby Halllit a candle of joy: I can't stop smiling—seeing Angel in our service! :)
Erin Reid (she/her) lit a candle of joy: Joy to have old friends at church today! Angel, Morgan, JB! How wonderful!
Wardlit a candle of gratitude: Thanks to Jefflyn Weed and the care conmmittee for inquiring after the well-being of congregates recently.
Paul & Bridgit De Moorlit a candle of joy: JOYS!!!!!! Meeting our new minister in person for the first time last week. Improving health for niece in hospital. Mental health trip with Paul to Lake Guntersville. And last but not least the awesome talent and teachings here today.
Harper Goodman (she/her) lit a candle of joy: Happy to be settling into my new home in Westminster, CO, but starting to feel the sadness of missing my "people." Messages from friends welcome anytime!
gbwprlit a candle of joy: It's wonderful having our son Owen and Michelle here for several weeks.
Kathy Fisherlit a candle of joy: Thank you to Angela Arnold for the generous donation of a rebuilt Baldwin Hamilton piano for our choir room, freeing us to use the choir piano in the Fellowship Hall. it was delivered Friday!.
Mari Hinckleylit a candle of concern: Also, a family in Athens lost their jobs after being outed to their employer for peacefully protesting. They have a special needs daughter. I am trying to help assist them in getting food, jobs, and a new home (they lived in the apartments they worked at).
John Czachurskilit a candle of joy : We enjoyed a brief visit this week from our older grandson, Jack.
Paul Wieland: From the Property Committee lit a candle of gratitude: Thanks to Willie Robinson and Howard Williams for helping to prepare Rev. Jaimie's office for her arrival. Thanks to Khoe Tran for helping clean the church sign, the covered walkway, and the courtyard. Thanks to LaDawn Edwards for helping clean the covered walkway and for maintaining the garden. Thanks to Bridgit DeMoor for helping maintain the garden. Much appreciated!
LaDawn Edwardslit a candle of sorrow: For old friends and neighbors in Iowa who experienced a freak inland hurricane. 100 mph winds knocked down thousands of power poles. Many folks have crushed houses and no power or water even now.
The Delaceyslit a candle of gratitude: Thanks to LaDawn for sending me such a sweet card and talisman. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated!
Pam Sieglerlit a candle of sorrow: My Aunt died two days ago. My heart goes out to my Uncle Rog and his kids and grandkids.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville, PO Box 5545, Huntsville, AL 35814 | www.uuch.org
