In This Issue
-Quick Links
-Upcoming Service
-Letter from the Minister
-This Sunday in CYRE
-UUCH Young Adults
-Are You Ready to Become a Member?
-Care for Ilene Sparks
Message
-COVID-19 Relief Funds
-Little Food Pantry
-Cooking in Hard Times
-In Case You Missed It!
-Care List
-Upcoming Events
-Minister Info
-UUCH Board Members
-Church Info
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"Being Real in Virtual Times"
Erin Reid
September 20, 2020
10:45 a.m.
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Though our lives seem increasingly virtual, the world is still real—and so are we. Our hearts still beat, our voices still speak, our loved ones still love us, our friends still laugh at our jokes, our actions still matter, the world still needs us. We still have the power to connect with each other and to make an impact for good. DRE Erin Reid will share creative ways people of all ages can be real in virtual times by engaging in action, caring, and exploration. |
Meeting ID: 229 305 601
September Theme - Renewal
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Letter from the Minister
Dear UUCH,
In our tradition, when someone feels called to be a Unitarian Universalist Minister, and they have gone to divinity school, done their internship and their unit of chaplaincy, and met all of the requirements, they interview before a panel at the UUA called the Ministerial Fellowshipping Committee. The interview with the MFC is a huge step in the life of a minister. It is a chance to show you know what you need to know, and more importantly, that in this incredibly high pressure situation you show up as the minister you are trying to be. I went and interviewed with the MFC last September, passed the interview, and was welcomed into fellowship as a minister, which is how I was approved to search and find you as my congregation.
Each time the MFC meets, they select three of the best previous year candidates to serve as extra members of the committee and friendly faces for the new group who is interviewing. I’ve been asked to serve in this way, and so in October, I will be on one of the three panels, virtually interviewing candidates to be new ministers. I plan to tell you much more about this exciting experience in a service on October 18th.
I’m telling you about it now because, in order to do this work, I will be taking some of my study leave time. One of the benefits in my ministerial agreement is four weeks of study leave time each year. Study leave is a special type of time off, where I am relieved of the day-to-day responsibilities of ministry in order to do spiritual and professional development work. Sometimes this work means attending a conference or retreat, sometimes it’s reading and planning for upcoming worship, and this time it is to serve on the MFC. So September 22-24th I am taking study leave to read through the ~100 page packets and generate questions for the seven candidates I will be interviewing. Then, from September 30th to October 4th, I will be taking leave to serve on these panels.
I am giving you these dates early, because I will not be responsive to email during this time and will not be attending committee meetings or holding office hour appointments. If an emergency like a serious hospitalization or a death happens in our community, you can reach out to our Office Admin Holly Hinkle at uuch@uuch.org, and she will get in touch with me.
Thanks so much for understanding that this leave time is one of the best ways that ministers are able to do professional development, and I can’t wait to tell you more about my MFC experience on the 18th.
In Faith and Love
Rev. Jaimie
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This Sunday in Children and Youth
Religious Education (CYRE)
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"Renewal Through Wonder"
Sunday morning VIRTUUAL CYRE will meet at 9:45-10:30 AM on the theme of RENEWAL through Wonder. Morning RE serves all children, youth, and families, with targeted activities for ages 4-12. This event will be interactive, fun, creative connecting with each other. The Zoom link will be shared via email and our CYRE Family Facebook group.
We'd also like to invite you to complete a short FAMILY QUESTIONNAIRE that invites your input into CYRE ministry and activities for the year. Follow this link:
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Please watch your email and our CYRE Family Facebook page for more information, including Zoom links to our activities. We have plans for family outreach actions and social events like our annual Halloween Party!
Welcome back, and welcome for the first time!
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Registration for the new year in CYRE is now open!
Please use the link below to register your children and youth. Whether you've registered in the previous year or are brand new, we'd love to include you in our joyful and welcoming community of all ages. If you'd like more information about the CYRE Program, please contact DRE Erin Reid or CYRE Assistant Harper Goodman.
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Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee
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we invite you to reach out to us.
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Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee |
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Are You Ready to Become a Member?
If you’ve been attending UUCH long enough to know that this church community feels like your spiritual home, you may be ready to take the next step and become a member of this congregation.
In early October, Rev. Jaimie will welcome new members as they “sign the book” and officially join our church. New members will be recognized during a virtual Sunday service. Due to Covid safety guidelines, we plan to use recorded moments from socially-distanced, individual sessions for each new member where they will sign the membership book and be welcomed to UUCH.
If you are ready to become a member or would like to find out more about the process, please contact Pam Korb as soon as possible, but no later than September 30th.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP
Because we are a democratic community, members are collectively vested with responsibility for the congregation. Members may vote at all congregational meetings, be elected to the governing Board, be appointed as committee chairs, and participate in all activities of the congregation. Because we are a covenanted congregation, members have certain responsibilities to the congregation and to each other. These responsibilities are best fulfilled by:
- Regular attendance at worship
- Voting at congregational meetings
- Making financial contributions
- Contributing time and talent
- Spiritual growth and development
Submitted by the Membership Committee
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Ilene Sparks is a serious person though she loves to laugh. She is a lover of life. She will be 99 on Sept 22. How would one describe her?
Ilene was a world traveler. A Southerner. A champion of women and human rights and environmental causes. She marched for them. She is an independent, deep thinker, writer, life long learner, humanist, reader, gardener, and donor to the many causes she was passionate about. She is a health nut, news junkie, cat lover and a southern cook.
Most of all, she is a beloved elder of this community who holds our memories, always with an eye towards equality. Ms. Ilene is quick with a hug and story. Her wonderful hats and strong opinions are a fixture at UUCH, and we are better for them.
Our beloved member, Ilene Sparks, suffered a stroke a week and a half ago. She has been hospitalized but will be released to Marshall Manor in Guntersville any day now. We know she loves to get cards. Her 99th birthday is also this month, Sept 22nd. Her address at Marshall Manor is:
Ilene Sparks
3120 North St.
Room 101 West
Guntersville, AL 35976
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Submitted by the Care Committee |
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Donating by Text or Online |
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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. 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.
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Submitted by the Finance Committee
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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.
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.
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Our Little Food Pantry Needs You |
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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
Suggested food items: Soups, canned tuna and chicken, Vienna sausages, mac & cheese, cereals, grits, oil, canned vegetables, pork & beans, canned tomato items, spaghetti sauce, pasta, hamburger helper (etc), canned spaghetti & meatballs (etc), peanut butter, peanuts, sugar, oatmeal packets, fruit cups, pancake mix--you get the idea!! In cooler weather: onions, potatoes (split the bag), carrots, cabbage. Folks have expressed their gratitude.
Current requested items:
- blankets
- sunblock
- bug spray
- wipes
- dog food
- school supplies
- soap & shampoo
- toothpaste & deodorant
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Submitted by the Social Justice Committee |
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By Jessica Schulz
This recipe comes from Alice Water’s cookbook, “The Art of Simple Food: Notes, Lessons and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution.” Alice Waters is a chef, author, food activist and owner of the famed Chez Panisse Restaurant in Berkeley, California, famous for its organic, locally grown ingredients and for pioneering California cuisine.
These are her guidelines to eating wonderfully well: Eat locally and sustainably; eat seasonally; shop at farmers markets; plant a garden; conserve, compost and recycle; cook simply; cook together; eat together; remember food is precious.
I love this simple recipe. Who knew beans could be so wonderfully delicious?! I use white cannellini beans, which are worth the search, but other beans work as well. We are lucky to have a thriving rosemary bush and I would be happy to share if you need some! I make double and freeze half. The beans are great alone, but I like to add them to soups and salads as well.
White Beans with Rosemary and Garlic
(makes 3 cups beans)
Soak overnight in 4 cups water:
• 1 cup dried white beans (cannellini, white runner, great northern, navy and so on) Drain and transfer to a heavy pot. Add water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and skim off any foam. Simmer gently for 2 hours or so, until the beans are tender. Add more water if necessary during the cooking.
Season to taste with:
• Salt
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan or skillet, warm over low heat:
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Add:
• 4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 1 tsp coarsely chopped rosemary leaves
Cook just until the garlic is soft, about 2 minutes. Stir into the beans, taste for salt and adjust as needed. Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marry.
(Variation: Leaves of either sage or winter or summer savory are delicious substitutes for rosemary.)
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee
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Worship Service Recording
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
"Back to Basics"
September 13, 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
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Care List
This Sunday at our Circle of Candles:
Several lit a candle of joy: Happy Birthday to Erin Reid, Kathryn Heath and Mona Smith!!!
★[̲̅̅H̲̅][̲̅̅A̲̅][̲̅̅P̲̅][̲̅̅P̲̅][̲̅̅Y̲̅] [̲̅̅B̲̅][̲̅̅I̲̅][̲̅̅R̲̅][̲̅̅T̲̅][̲̅̅H̲̅][̲̅̅D̲̅][̲̅̅A̲̅][̲̅̅Y̲̅]★
Heather Kyemba lit a candle of concern: We are concerned about family in the West dealing with wildfires.
Bryan Walls lit a candle of joy : Diane and I are thankful to have had a socially-distant but in-person visit from two friends from Birmingham yesterday.
Nancy Finley lit a candle of sorror: Ginny Leasure passed away this week. She attended our church a few years ago and was active in the LGBTQ activist community. Peace to Ginny.
Heather Kyemba lit a candle of joy: We’re grateful to reconnect with Henry’s mother in Uganda and sister in Kinshasa over Zoom this morning.
Jess & John Schulz lit a candle of concern: Healing thoughts to Ms Ilene Sparks
Paul De Moor lit a candle of joy: Birthday greetings and thanks for such awesome music.
Rachael Scheib lit a candle of concern: this meditation has been helpful this week as I struggle with pain in a torn rotator cuff.
Willie Robinson lit a candle of joy: Let us acknowledge all the youth in universities across the nation. They are the futures of our nation and they are making the sacrifices to better themselves. Bravo Zulu!
Becky Adams (She/Her) lit a candle of joy: New revelations on old situations.
Kathy Fisher lit a candle of concern: Love and healing to Ilene.
Jess & John Schulz lit a candle of concern: Healing thoughts to the people suffering from the fires in Oregon, Washington, and California.
LaDawn Edwards lit a candle of concern: Trying to help my sister Kathy in Lander, WY with health, finances, and a stable home. Enjoying time with her and my niece Rachael. 💞🐢🗝🌼
Jess & John Schulz lit a candle of gratitude: Thanks to all in the RE program. Your work is a blessing.
Laurel Bollinger lit a candle of joy: Blessings for a great year!
The Delaceys lit a candle of gratitude: Thank you to all who nourish our children. We love you!
Heather Kyemba lit a candle of gratitude: Thanks to Erin and Harper!
Willie Robinson lit a candle of gratitude: Peace and blessings to all the little ones. May your days be filled with love and knowledge. ❤️💯 Thank you to all the RE educators! ❤️💯
Nancy Finley lit a candle of gratitude: Blessing to all our CYRE team and maybe it be a joyful year.
Bryan Walls lit a candle of gratitude: Blessings and thanks for the work you do, and especially in these weird times!
Shalin Mody lit a candle of gratitude: Warmest Wishes and Blessings to our mini-UUs and those who enrich them in soo many ways! Be well, love fully, go get 'em! :-) <3
Theresa and Tim Miller lit a candle of gratitude: With our UU creativity, we will imagine new ways to teach and interact with our children!
LaDawn Edwards lit a candle of joy: I visited the Clark family a few weeks ago and basked in the energy and joy of Haley and Vincent. I marvel in how they keep growing and expressing their unique gifts with the world. So grateful that our UU congregation is a beacon to families and encourages inter-generational friendships. 😘💝🤟🌱🦋
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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.
Sun. September 20
CYRE
9:45 a.m.
Worship Service
Erin Reid
10:45 a.m.
Meeting ID:
229 305 601
Social Circle
(Group D)
2:00 p.m.
Tues. September 22
Board Meeting
6:30 p.m.
Wed. September 23
Susan's Happy Hour
5:00 p.m.
Meeting ID:
847 8458 5916
Choir Practice
7:00 p.m.
Meeting ID:
910 8283 2653
Thu. September 24
Worship Committee
5:30 p.m.
Sun. September 27
CYRE
9:45 a.m.
Worship Service
10:45 a.m.
YOUUTH Group
4:30 p.m.
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Minister
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
Office Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday by appointment.
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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
Minister:
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
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 Tues, Sept. 15th.
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Office Administrator
Holly Hinkle
Main Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday
9:30 am-1:30 pm
*Please email office if you need building access.
Phone:
256-534-0508
For more info on any event, contact the church office or visit our website.
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The Overlook is a publication of The Unitarian Universalist Church, 3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810
Editor-in-Chief:
Laurel Bollinger
Editor:
Holly Hinkle
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PO Box 5545
Huntsville, AL 35814
(256) 534-0508
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