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Connect with Beloved Community this month!

April 7

“Climate Despair, Climate Courage”

Rev. Thom Belote, preaching

As we begin Earth Month, we will explore what it means to live ethically and wholeheartedly amidst the ecological devastation wrought by climate change. How do we move from despair to courage?

April 14

“Stories That Shape Us, Stories That Define Us”

Jenn Kapranov, Intern Minister, preaching

The stories we are told and the stories we are telling are powerful spiritual forces that shape our lives. Let us look at the ways to engage with those forces and to direct them towards healing and growth.

April 21

“Earth Day Multigenerational Service”

Led by Marion Hirsch, Kat Good, Glenn Mehrbach, and Rev. Thom Belote

Join us for a multigenerational Earth Day worship service celebrating our connection to the Earth. Weather permitting, we will hold the 9:30 service at Memorial Rock amphitheater and the 11:15 service will be held in the Sanctuary.

April 28

“Connecting to the Divine”

Rev. Thom Belote, preaching

The theme of connection has been woven through this church year. We’ve explored the sources of disconnection in our world as well as our connections to our families, ourselves, our church community, and our wider world. Join us this Sunday for the final service in the connection series as we consider our connections to the holy and the divine.

SHARE THE PLATE APPLICATIONS

Share the Plate nominations for the second half of 2024 are due April 24!

On designated Sunday mornings the collections, called Share the Plate, support non-profit organizations and causes that are related to the mission of our church. Members of The Community Church of Chapel Hill may nominate an organization for our church to support. The Share the Plate Steering Committee reviews, selects/accepts, and assists the nominator/coordinator in carrying out the collection. Go to the website to find more information about Share the Plate criteria for selection and how to apply.

Through the Share the Plate collections, The Community Church of Chapel Hill carries out our mission of serving our community.

New committee members are needed! Please contact Brenda or Jerel to assist in selecting Share the Plate collections and guiding the applicants through the process. The committee meets twice a year plus an orientation.

Contact Brenda Rogers or Jerel Bonner for more information.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - On April 7, our Share the Plate will be for the benefit of Habitat for Humanity. The Community Church has been a long-term partner of Habitat. Habitat is one of our Day of Service Projects! Of special note, this last Fall, church members and other volunteers began building at Weaver’s Grove, one of the largest projects in the US. Over the next five years, volunteers will build 101 homes. We'd encourage you to participate at work sites, but on April 7, we hope you will contribute to Share the Plate on behalf of Habitat. The money we contribute assists Habitat in land acquisition, construction, home repair and even the financing of mortgages. Your dollars are supporting affordable housing and the health and well-being of families in our own community.

SHARE THE PLATE FOR DOGWOOD ALLIANCE

AND OUR SOUTHERN FORESTS

In the urgent battle against climate change and biodiversity loss, combatting the wood pellet biomass industry is a crucial piece. Dogwood Alliance is a leading advocate for Southern forests and is Eco Ministry for the Earth’s Share the Plate (STP) recipient this year.

Wood pellet biomass, or “bioenergy,” is often touted as a renewable energy source, but it contributes to global warming and harms forest ecosystems and the low-income communities where pellet mills are built. Trees are cut and pelletized here, then shipped overseas to be burned for electricity. Burning wood pellets releases more greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy than burning fossil fuels.

Your gift will help Dogwood Alliance’s work in two areas: 1) influencing state and federal policy, and 2) helping communities fight for environmental justice against local mills.

Please contribute generously to the April 21 STP for Dogwood Alliance and come to our table on April 14 and 21 to learn more.

ECO MINISTRY FOR THE EARTH

APRIL IS EARTH MONTH:

SEE ECO MINISTRY FOR THE EARTH’S PLANS

• April 7 – Window Art; we supply the window markers – you bring your creativity and maybe a ‘smock’ for younger kids. We will also read books about forests with younger children to go with our theme of protecting our Southern forests.
• April 14 – Tabling - Share the Plate for Dogwood Alliance (see separate article in this newsletter). Learn about the important work of this group, and those who want them can get temporary tattoos of birds and insects like bees and butterflies. There will also be another opportunity for doing window art.
• April 21- Tabling - Share the Plate for Dogwood Alliance. Earth games with Jim and Lois. More book reading. There will be an Interfaith Walk for Environmental Justice on UNC campus starting at the United Methodist Church at 150 E. Franklin, at 3PM. Do bring signs.
• April 27 (Saturday) – Bird Walk with Stephen Chandler and Peggy Dorfman at Brumley Nature Preserve North Section, 8AM.

CARING BAGS FOR WOMEN RECEIVING ABORTION CARE The Reproductive Justice Task Force of our Side with Love Ministry (SWL) will be marking the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe v Wade. Please join us by standing in solidarity with women whose dignity, freedom and rights were so severely curtailed by that politically-motivated ruling.

We will be putting together Caring Bags in June to be delivered to the local Planned Parenthood affiliate for distribution to their patients the week of June 24-28. We intend to provide a minimum of 25 bags. While SWL is helping afford the bags, we are inviting people wishing to support these women to sponsor one or more bags at the cost of $15. Payment can be made at the Side with Love Tabling display during Sunday Socials in April and May. Other ways to be involved will include gathering together at the church to fill the bags, finishing construction of the heating pads and writing a personalized note of support.

RACIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY -- KICK-OFF MEETING

Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new Racial Justice Ministry group! This group aims to foster dialogue, education, and action around issues of racial justice within our community and beyond. Whether you're passionate about social justice, or just starting to explore these important topics, we invite you to join us as we work together to create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Please join us via Zoom on Monday, April 15th from 7-8:30 PM

If you have any questions, please email Sarah Clark-Farnell ( or call 919-225-0256) or email DeeDee Lavinder (or call 919-761-4016)

SHOULD OUR CONGREGATION ADOPT THE 8TH PRINCIPLE?

Curious about the 8th Principle? Join us for an informational session where we'll explore the possibility of adopting the 8th Principle into our congregation. This principle, focusing on the journey towards anti-racism and building a diverse, multicultural Beloved Community, has sparked important conversations in UU churches nationwide. Come learn more about its significance and implications for our community.

There will be two sessions in April:

- Sunday, April 14th from 2-3 PM in person at church. Location details to be included in the announcements soon.

- Tuesday, April 30th from 7-8 PM via Zoom.

If you have any questions, please email Sarah Clark-Farnell ( or call 919-225-0256) or email DeeDee Lavinder (or call 919-761-4016)

-- RSVP BY APRIL 2 --

APRIL 6, 2024

MARION HIRSCH'S SILVER JUBILEE

On April 6, 2024 at 5 PM we will celebrate Marion Hirsch's Silver Jubilee (25th Anniversary!) to recognize Marion's quarter-century of invaluable service to our congregation.

We will have a family-friendly event in the Sanctuary with readings, hymns, fun things for kids to do and more, followed by a shared meal in the Community Room.

Please let Rachel Rose know if you can help with:

• Decorating & other set-up
• Music (Glenn Mehrbach will lead us in hymns!)
• Livestreaming so those far away can join us in spirit
• Kid's activities (Kat Good will lead the fun!)
• The shared meal
• Clean-up
• Anything else!

Also, as you know, Marion is not one to grab the spotlight for herself - please direct all inquiries about the event to Rachel Rose. Marion plans to attend this event, but many of the elements of our celebration will be Marion-friendly surprises.

MUSIC GALA 2024: "THESE UU-NITED STATES"

This year's Music Gala will take place on Saturday, April 13, at 7pm in the Sanctuary.

Titled "These UU-nited States," all music will reflect the name of a place in our great land. The performance will take place in one 90 minute act, followed by a reception with live music, dancing, drinks and homemade desserts in the Community Room. Free admission, with a $20 donation requested, which goes to support the Music Program. For more information, see the Music Gala web page.

WOMENCIRCLE - A SANDY CREEK PARK PILGRIMAGE

WED. APRIL 17, 10-NOON

Let’s go for a walk in a small neighborhood park in West Durham to explore the concept of pilgrimage. This park has a native plant garden, a meandering stream with an Observation deck, many birds, and paved trails.

“A pilgrimage is a journey, often into an unknown or foreign place, where we go in search of new or expanded meaning about ourselves and others.”

Great readings to consider in preparation for our walk in the park:

Earth Sanctuaries by Betty Lou Chaika

The Art of Pilgrimage by Phil Cousineau (book)

After our walk, we’ll sit at picnic tables to create images or write our thoughts about our experiences & discoveries.

RSVP to Lisa Epner to let her know you’re coming and if you’d like to carpool from the church.

ART IN THE SANCTUARY - SHARRON PARKER

Expressing Reality as Felt

During April, the continued exhibit of Sharron Parker’s handmade felt wall pieces, which range from realistic images of French doors and windows to more abstract images of light on water, butterfly wings, etc. will be hanging in the Sanctuary in her show titled “Expressing Reality as Felt”.

Sharron bases her work on places she has traveled — France, Ireland, Iceland, Greece, etc. — and the natural world of butterflies, plants, and more. Her latest work is about contemplating the future, including 2 felt pieces for a green burial.

Sharron will be available in the Sanctuary on Thursday, April 4 from 2-3 PM to talk about her work and welcome visitors.

MONTHLY MEETING 4/6/24 -- 9 AM

We meet on Saturday morning, April 6, 9 - 11:30 AM, in The Gathering Room. We will be shifting gears from our placemat extravaganza to other projects. Lap quilts, totebags, and more are on the discussion list. Bring your current or recent projects to share during our check-in time. Take home fabric or kits to work on.

MUSIC TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED

The Music Team is looking for new members. We meet approximately once every 6 weeks, and work with Music Director Glenn Mehrbach to plan big musical events such as the Music Gala and the church musical, as well as looking for new ways to bring music to the church. If you're interested in finding out more, please contact Glenn Mehrbach.

NONFICTION BOOK DISCUSSION FOR APRIL

On Saturday, April 20 from 10:30 AM to 12 PM in the Living Room, the Nonfiction Readers will discuss Shot in the Heart, by Mikal Gilmore. Jane Mellin will lead our discussion. The book is the haunting, harrowing story of murderer Gary Gilmore, told by his brother. The dark tale begins with their Latter-Day Saints ancestors crossing the country enroute to Provo, Utah. The story recounts a profoundly dysfunctional family, described against the backdrop of Latter-Day Saints’ history and tradition. It is in no way a traditional true-crime story, but a very personal account of unfolding tragedy. New members and drop-ins are welcome. Contact Ed Steffes to ask questions or to be placed on the group’s email list.

HIKE AT BLUE JAY POINT COUNTY PARK APRIL 20!

Join Outdoor Connections for a hike at beautiful Blue Jay Point County Park on Falls Lake Sat., April 20, 10 AM! This 236-acre park features hiking trails, shoreline fishing, picnic areas, playgrounds and open places to play. Opened in 1992, the park was named after the peninsula—or point—it forms on Falls Lake, and for the many blue jays that lived there when the area was farmed by tenant farmers. Hikers will meet at 10 at a place TBD/stay tuned! We will hike to the Point and possibly take a couple of fun loops, with a max of approximately two miles. We'll stop for lunch at Sassool in Northern Raleigh post-hike! Carpooling is an option, as it is an hour's drive to the park. READ ABOUT THE PARK. RSVP to JANE PROVAN by April 13, including whether you will carpool and want to drive or ride.

WANT TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH

(OR, JUST LEARN MORE)?

Join Rev. Thom & Rachel Rose to "Explore Membership"!

To become a Member of The Community Church, one must:

• Take a Class

(it's fun, easy, and worthwhile even for the retired UU ministers who've attended!)

• Sign the Membership Book
• Make a Pledge

JOIN US MAY 5 2024, SUN 2:30 – 5pm (Parts 1 & 2 combined)

childcare provided with RSVP.



WANT TO JOIN US? The class provides an introduction to Unitarian Universalism and our congregation, the meaning of Membership, provides an opportunity for reflecting on our spiritual journeys, and gives folks a chance to meet others who are newer to The Community Church.... and Rev. Thom would love for YOU to join him and Rachel Rose.

CAN'T MAKE IT THIS TIME? Let Rachel Rose know, so she can let you know about upcoming opportunities.

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.

Fun and funds, those are twin purposes of the annual church auction, to be held again this fall. The fun will start as soon as your auction items start being posted online in mid-July and accelerates September 27 when bidding begins. Bidding will end Oct.19. Please think about items you can donate for the Auction and special activities and gatherings you might host. These are the core of auction fun and funds. The fun and feelings of community that result from bidding and sharing auction items and follow-up social events are immeasurable.

Plan to be part of the fun and help the church raise needed funds!

Auction Co-Chairs are Joan O’Brien and Kathleen Farinola.For more information, please contact Kathleen Farinola or Joan O'Brien.

INTERESTED IN THE FALL MUSICAL?

This November is our biennial musical. The proposed show is "The SpongeBob Musical." This is a multi-generational musical with a large cast and crew. Before committing to the show, we'd like to get an idea of who might be interested in auditioning for roles, and for behind the scenes jobs like costuming, props, sets, lighting and sound. So if any of those things appeal to you, please fill out the Interest Form. For any questions or comments, feel free to contact director Glenn Mehrbach.