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.

MUSIC NOTES: Fresh off providing music for many of the performers at Saturday evening's Music Gala, House Band members Richard Edwards and Jay Miller will join Glenn Mehrbach to provide music for all the hymns and Special Music for the service.

LIVESTREAMING IN-PERSON SUNDAY SERVICES We livestream the in-person worship service each Sunday. View the livestream, on the church's YouTube channel. In case the livestream is interrupted, a recording of the service will be made and posted following the service.

REGULAR SUNDAY SCHEDULE

9 AM: 

• Live Religious Education Service on Zoom

9:30 AM:

• Livestreamed and in-person service
• Nursery and Toddler Childcare
• Pre-K and Elementary Religious Education

11:15 AM:

• Livestreamed and in-person service
• Nursery and Toddler Childcare
• Pre-K, Elementary and Middle School Religious Education

Contact Marion Hirsch for Sunday evening High School Youth programming

MUSIC GALA SATURDAY NIGHT!

Where can you support the church's Music Program, enjoy 20 amazing performances with over 50 performers in one 90-minute act, then sample homemade desserts and dance to live music afterwards? Only at the "These UUnited States," this year's Community Church Music Gala, starting in the Sanctuary at 7 PM. We look forward to seeing you there. Much more information can be found at the Music Gala Web Page.

SWEET TREATS AND HELPING HANDS NEEDED for "THESE UU-NITED STATES" Music Gala on APRIL 13, 7 PM! We are organizing concessions sales during the dessert reception following our annual mUUsic gala on Saturday, April 13. We need bakers for donations and volunteers to help with set-up, sales, and clean-up. Concessions are (your) fabulous baked goods and coffee/tea/water for sale AFTER the one-act Music Gala. To contribute or volunteer, RSVP to Bonnie Crotty Nelson directly.

ANNUAL PLEDGE DRIVE



It takes people to be a community, but it takes money to address our everyday needs, future visions, spiritual longings, and commitment to one another. Pledge payments are almost all of the income in the annual budget. To fully fund our budget for next year, we need everyone in our community to complete a pledge form. Your pledge today does not go into effect until the start of the new church year: July 1, 2024. Pledge payment for the year does not need to be completed until June 2025. Please join the over 300 congregants who have already pledged by filling out a pledge form today.

Questions? Please reach out to Bonnie Crotty Nelson (Stewardship Chair)

or Franklin Hirsch  (Congregational Administrator).

DURING THE SUNDAY SOCIALS:

• Eco Ministry for the Earth - Share the Plate and Earth Month activities
• Chalice Choir - Volunteer and Fundraising
• Side with Love: Reproductive Justice - Info about assembly/sponsoring care bags for women leaving Planned Parenthood

THANK YOU TO: Everyone who celebrated Marion during the Silver Jubilee, as well as those who helped make the Jubilee special: Danny Gotham, Taryn Bonner, Wendy Jebens, Mary LeMay & Dana Lundquist for leading the hymn; Susan Neulist, Dana Lundquist, Dave Klibanow, Jenny Nelson & Selden Holt for readings and more during the program; Deborah Klinger, Richard Edwards & Kate Shipman for Special Music; Laurie Prentice-Dunn for the incredible quilt, "Marion's World", the many youth who helped with the Balloon Drop, Chalice Lighting and Extinguishing and more, especially Rose Graysmith, Tobin & Fletcher Wright; Ellie Speh & Chris Speh, Anne & Lydia Belote, Joy Blevins, Briton Bieze, Lisa Lackmann, Teri Brooks, Carlos Bailey, Alison Eskildsen, Lois & Charles Lee, Susan & Richard Neulist, Susan Lindholm, Mary Hulett, Leigh Anne King, Demia Wright, Ruth Gibson, Diana McDuffee, Brenda Hyde for setting up and making the church look especially festive; DeeDee Lavinder, Michael Smith, Jude McDivitt, Melva Fager Okun, Judy Cohan, Paige Smith, Melissa Zemon & Salem Macknee for cooking and feeding 175 people during the Reception; the many people who contributed desserts; Lois & Charles Lee, Karen Wexler, Jerel Bonner, Matt Zemon, Alexa Adamo Valverde, Sandy Peterson, Becky & Chris Wilkes, Kathy Hodges, Caroline Pence, Rosemary Deane, Marya Ilgen-Lieth, Bronwen Blass, Ethan Gilbreath & Maya Zaret for cleaning up after the magical event & making sure the church was ready for worship and fellowship the next day. (Thanks also to the Staff of the Community Church for their help in making the celebration possible and special. Please forgive me if I have overlooked anyone's efforts -- it isn't because I don't appreciate everyone helping to make the evening what it was - unforgettable! - Rachel Rose)

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY? In April, children are exploring INTERDEPENDENCE as their Soul Matters theme. This week, we will continue learning about the interconnected web of life at 9 AM on Zoom and in person at 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM. Middle Schoolers in Neighboring Faiths will visit Sri Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina. In the evening, the High School Youth Group will meet. For more information about our Religious Education Program, please contact Marion Hirsch or Kat Good.

HOW CAN YOU HELP WITH THE 2024 ELECTION? After Reverend Thom's recent rousing sermon, "The Threat of Christian Nationalism", are you wondering how to make a difference in this critical election year? The Love Team will be coordinating voting efforts with UU the Vote and UU Justice North Carolina. Let us know if you can help with: Postcards, phoning, texting, canvassing or poll-watching by signing up online or at the table at Sunday Socials. Questions? Contact Vote Coordinators Lynn Holbein or Janet Stevens.

SIDE WITH LOVE MINISTRY CARING BAGS FOR WOMEN RECEIVING ABORTION CARE The Reproductive Justice Task Force, to mark the 2nd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe v Wade, will be assembling Caring Bags in June. April 14 you can visit our table to see a sample bag, and/or sponsor a bag, at the cost of $15.Other ways to be involved will include gathering together at the church to fill the bags, finishing the rice-filled warmers and writing a personalized note of support. Contact Teri Brooks for more information.

8TH PRINCIPLE DISCUSSION GROUP Sunday, April 14 from 2-3 PM - Straley Room Should our congregation adopt the 8th Principle? What is the 8th Principle?! The 8th Principle was created by Paula Cole Jones and Bruce Pollack-Johnson nearly 10 years ago. Since that time, many congregations have voted to adopt this Principle. We are excited about this possibility for our church. Please come for a discussion of the 8th Principle and what it would mean for our congregation. Please email with any questions!

RACIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY KICK-OFF Monday, April 15 from 7-8:30 PM - Are you curious about anti-racism and racial justice initiatives within and beyond our church walls? Join the Racial Justice Ministry Kick-Off where we will explore the impact of race on ourselves, our congregation, and the world. We will learn from the many people of color engaged in this work and follow their leads, trusting in the wisdom that is gleaned from lived experience. Please email with any questions! Register to receive the Zoom link.

A SANDY CREEK PARK PILGRIMAGE - WED. APRIL 17, 10-NOON (RAIN DATE 4/18) We’ll explore Sandy Creek Park in Durham as we discover together the meaning of Pilgrimage. Bring water and a snack - we’ll gather on covered picnic tables after our walk.

Helpful resources :

Writings by Betty Lou Chaika

The Art of Pilgrimage by Phil Cousineau (book)

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

THE SPIRITUAL PRACTICE OF FINGER LABYRINTH WALKING -- 4/18 @ 7 PM OR 4/21 @ 2 PM The labyrinth is a walking meditation, a path of prayer, and a blueprint where psyche meets spirit. It is an ancient spiritual tool —labyrinth patterns have been discovered, as early 2000 BCE, in all regions of the world and used by many different faith traditions. The use of handheld labyrinths grew during COVID, and they offer a way to bring the labyrinth home for regular use. This session will explore the labyrinth and offer a chance for us to “walk with our fingers.” Led by Paige Smith. Register and learn more. Contact Paige Smith with questions.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR KATE CARROLL A memorial service for Kate Carroll will be held on Saturday, April 20, at 1 PM. A reception will follow in the Jones Community Room. Please join us as celebrate Kate's life.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BARBARA DENNIS Please join us on Saturday, April 27, at 11 AM as we celebrate the life of Barbara Dennis. A reception will follow in the Jones Community Room.

SHARE THE PLATE Share the Plate nominations for the second half of 2024 are due April 28!

Members of The Community Church of Chapel Hill are encouraged to nominate 501c-3 organizations for our church to support. The Share the Plate Steering Committee is soliciting new members to review applications and assist the nominator/coordinator in carrying out the collection. Find out about how to apply for the Share the Plate Collection.

HELP US GROW THE ENDOWMENT FUND! Have you thought about giving a lasting gift to the church? There are various ways in which you can make a difference now – and in the future — through memorial or celebratory gifts, personal gifts, donations of stock or securities, a direct transfer from your IRA to the church, or through estate planning. Contributions of cash or stock to build our Endowment Fund can be made at any time and are tax deductible. For more information, please email Charles Lee, Chair of the Endowment Committee.

SEEKING DELEGATES FOR UUA GENERAL ASSEMBLY The Unitarian Universalist Association's 2024 General Assembly will be held from June 20-23. This year it is being held completely online. There is a low-cost/no-cost business-only registration option and a full-program option. This year's business includes voting on proposed revisions of our Values and Covenant (the Principles and Purposes.) You can register on the UUA website. Our congregation has ten delegate spots. Please contact DeeDee Lavinder if you are interested in being a delegate.

MARION HIRSCH'S SILVER JUBILEE

On April 6, 2024, Nearly 200 people came together to celebrate Marion Hirsch's 25 years of invaluable service to The Community Church. Readings, music, a commemorative quilt, balloons, a scavenger hunt, and a delicious meal were enjoyed by all.

BEWARE -- SCAM ALERT Scams targeting religious communities are increasing.

Scammers create fake email addresses (and sometimes phone numbers) impersonating the minister, staff members or lay leaders and contact congregants -- asking for contact information, login credentials, the Directory, etc., or to buy gift cards. Rachel Rose (Directory, contact info) and Franklin Hirsch (Finances) are the best people to help with these requests - they will always have the latest versions of our secure documents and are happy to help. If you receive a scam email, phone call or text, please report and delete it. If you're unsure, call Rev. Thom at (919)259-2009 or Rachel Rose at (919)283-1796 and see if the communication is legitimate.



TEXT ALERTS SIGN-UP: Would you like to receive a text in case of weather-related or other church closures and/or delays? If so, please fill out this form: we need to have your current cell phone number *and carrier*.

SHE? HE? THEY? OR, SOMETHING ELSE? PRONOUN STICKERS FOR NAME BADGES AVAILABLE All Members & Associates with permanent name badges are welcome to participate (or not!) Pronoun stickers (she/her, he/him, they/them, etc.) are available at the Visitor's Desk in the Commons / the Welcoming Table in the Community Room on Sunday mornings - Simply peel & stick to affirm and promote the worth and dignity of every person! Learn more about why pronouns are important, how to use pronouns, what to do when you or others make mistakes, and how to ask about people's pronouns.

DANNY GOTHAM: 70th BIRTHDAY CONCERT (Kidznotes Benefit) Come celebrate Danny's love for music (and our church) on Tuesday, April 23 @ 7 PM. Many musical guests, including Jim Watson, Alice Gerrard, Andrew Marlin, Joseph Terrell, Rebecca Newton, Wes Collins, Isabel Taylor, Jon Shain, Leslie Land, Carter Minor, Armand Lenchek and our own Glenn Mehrbach (among others). Donations to Kidznotes are welcome, but not required. See you there! Contact Danny for more information.

INTERNATIONAL CONVOCATION OF U*U WOMEN IN TRANSYLVANIA Join women and supporters of gender equity from around the world in the historic Unitarian region of Transylvania Sept. 5-8, “Weaving a Tapestry of Peace and New Perspectives.” The Convocation will focus on the need for peace within ourselves and in our communities and offer participants an opportunity become more effective change-makers, A pre-conference heritage tour of historic sites in Transylvania will be offered Aug. 30-Sept. 5. Questions? Ask Ruth Gibson.

SUNDAY PARKING Parking can be tight on Sunday mornings, but there is plentiful parking available just a short walk from the church. Parking is free on Sundays in the small Mason Farm lot, the Hibbard Drive lot, and along Hibbard Drive. Please consider using these spaces if you are able to. Parking at Kehillah Synagogue is not allowed on Sunday morning.

SUNDAY SERVICES FLOWER DONATIONS Would you like to donate flowers for The Community Church Sunday Services? Flowers can be shared to commemorate an anniversary, remember a loved one, or celebrate an important occasion. Please use this form to donate flowers to help make our Services more beautiful. Thank you!

SUNDAY TABLING: Tabling is an opportunity to share your group's activity with our congregation during Sunday Socials on Sunday mornings. Tables need to be set up by 10:15 AM and taken down after 12 PM. Please sign up by Wednesdays at noon for the following Sunday. Here is the form.

COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY Containers for donations to the IFC Community Market have been set up in The Commons so that the collection of food and personal hygiene items can resume. (Updated! ) MOST NEEDED: powdered milk packets, apple juice, grits, rice, ramen, any form of protein, toothpaste, and shampoo. Church volunteers will take the donations to the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services Community Market on Main Street in Carrboro.

FEATURED EVENTS IN THE ORDER OF SERVICE: These are the "ads" in the paper Order of Service we hand to parishioners on Sundays for Services. Submissions are due by noon on Wednesdays for the following Sunday. Please include any preferred images in a separate email to Rachel Rose, here. For convenience, here is the form. 

RESERVE SPACE ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR Please check our Building Use Policy and our Calendar, then reserve space for your group or event! Complete this form to make your CALENDAR REQUESTS.

DOOR SIGNS Signs on the doors to the Sanctuary and Jones Buildings is an opportunity to share your group's activity with our congregation during the week, and on Sundays. Please sign up by Wednesdays at noon for the following Sunday. To let folks about your event, complete the sign up form.

LECTIO MEDITATION GROUP We meet at 12 noon every Friday on Zoom. Using readings from poetry and the sacred traditions of world religions, we practice meditation through deep listening. If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, contact Barb Chapman here. (Please put LECTIO in the subject line of your email.) All are welcome!

RARE WOMEN: OLDER, WISER, AND RARE Community Church women are invited to join one of our three groups. We use a variety of resources to prompt sharing of thoughts, feelings, values, and life experiences. What is said in Rare Women, stays in Rare Women. See the topic schedule and resources for 2023-2024. Additional group information is posted on the Rare Women webpage. To join our email list or ask questions, please contact us.

ART IN THE SANCTUARY Through Saturday, April 27 the art in the Sanctuary will be felt fiber art by Chapel Hill artist Sharron Parker. This exhibit, titled “Expressing Reality as Felt”, will range from realistic images of French doors and windows to more abstract images of light on water, butterfly wings, etc. For more information, contact Sharron.

Most BLUE text is clickable! Blue text links to outside websites or to an email address. Example: email admin@c3huu.org for rentals.  

Please submit Weekly Announcements contributions HERE.

Announcements are due by noon Wednesday, prior to Friday's issue.

The Community Church Board of Trustees wants to hear from you! Contact them here.

Learn more about the Board.