Social Justice Project and Ongoing Discussions

Book Discussion Group Offerings

NOTE: Both books currently are available in our church library.

Adult RE is planning to offer a book discussion group later this spring based on the book, Life Worth Living - A Guide to What Matters Most by Volf, Croasmun, and McAnnally-Linz. The book is based on a popular course the authors teach at Yale University, which students often describe as “life-changing.” The book guides the reader through a process of understanding and expressing more clearly what matters most in their life, and how they might live accordingly. If you are interested in this group, please email adult.re@uuch.org, or see Teri Thomas or Tim Miller (group facilitator) during coffee hour after a church service. More information about the book is at lifeworthlivingbook.com.

Join Adult Religious Education this year in our social justice project. We will be reading Poverty, by America written by Matthew Desmond

A time this fall will be set for a group discussion. The challenge, should you choose to accept, is to email me your commitment to read the book and be prepared to share one action you will do AND/OR one insight from what you’ve learned.

A copy has been ordered for the church.

Teri Thomas

adult.re@uuch.org

Discussion groups

The 2nd Sunday class, led by Gary Hitt, is being discontinued. Thank you Gary, for your time and dedication to this class.

Together We Can!

Our 2024 Annual Budget Drive is well underway, with $96K already pledged from 17 households (as of March 12). Will we exceed last year’s pledge total of $285K? Together We Can!

PLEASE make plans now to attend a Cottage Meeting. These small gatherings are hosted by your friends from UUCH and offer delicious food, sharing and connection. Our gracious hosts can answer your questions and will offer an opportunity to fill in your pledge form for the church year that begins on July 1st.

There are still Cottage Meetings to choose from. Sign up as soon as possible to give our hosts time to prepare!

Whether you are brand new to UUCH or a long-time member, Cottage Meetings are for everyone! Several are designated as child-friendly so the whole family can attend. Efforts are made to accommodate dietary restrictions so that everyone feels welcome.

We pledge our financial support because we love our church and what it stands for. A pledge of any amount connects us and is greatly appreciated. Let's build the beloved community of our dreams. In the words of Rev. Jaimie “Join me in supporting our 2024-25 Annual Budget Drive, because TOGETHER WE CAN do powerful things!”

Sign up today to attend a COTTAGE MEETING! If you can’t make a cottage meeting, kindly complete your PLEDGE FORM at the earliest opportunity. Use the link below for both Cottage Meeting Signup and online pledge. TOGETHER WE CAN!

uuch.org/connecting/pledge

Zena Tucker, 2024 UUCH Stewardship Chair

Fellowship Lunch on Thursday, March 21st

We hope you can join us for lunch on Thursday, March 21 at 11am. We'll be meeting at Mozza Pizza on Jordan Lane (near Holmes). Here's the rest of the story:

When: Thu., 03/21/2024 at 11:00am CST

Location: 520 Jordan Ln NW, Huntsville, AL 35805

Please sign up here so we know how many to expect.

Please bring a can for the Little Food Pantry!

Money will never be a barrier to participating in Fellowship at UUCH. If you need financial assistance to participate, please contact Rev. Jaimie @ minister@uuch.org.

Contact Sarah Rody at sarahsrody28@gmail.com or Steve Rittenberg at srittenberg@gmail.com if you have any questions or need assistance.

Our Pianist, Ron Guthrie, will be performing with colleague Ken Ortlepp on March 21st. He has graciously set up complimentary tickets for our congregation. Follow the link below to Ticket Info and when prompted enter code "UUCH"

"Your communities have given me so much, I'd like to say thank you with this beautiful chamber music recital." - Ron Guthrie

Thursday, March 21 at 7:30pm

Go HERE for ticket information.

The Ortlepp/Guthrie chamber duo performs works by Saint-Saëns, Glière, and the jazzy, evocative Suite for Horn and Piano (1960) by American composer Alec Wilder.

How to Save More on Taxes When You Give

Who wants to save money? We do! Our very own Melodie Brier is a certified financial planner with over 15 years of experience and has agreed to show us how! Ms. Brier has helped hundreds of households to improve their financial plans and is offering a class about tax savings for members and friends of UUCH!

When: Monday March 25 at 7 to 730 pm with time for questions after

Where: Zoom

Who: UUCH members and friends

Easter Egg Hunt at Alice and Betsy's

You and your family are invited to spend Easter Sunday afternoon with your fellow UUs in a day of relaxation and fun while welcoming the beginning of spring. Rain or Shine!

What: Easter Egg Hunt

Who: Everyone is invited!

When: Sunday, March 31st, 2:30-5:00 PM

Where: Alice Dilbeck and Betsy Applegate's home

620 Ford Chapel Road, Harvest

Suggestion for what to bring:

• Yourself and Family
• Eggs for the hunt (plastic filled or "real")
• Goodies to share for munching
• Lawn chairs and musical instruments

Fun for everyone. No children? No problem. We'll have badminton, croquet, and activities for all ages, including "sitting on the porch talking as we watch others expend a lot of energy." What could be more fun?!

Children are advised to wear or bring play clothes to fully enjoy the outdoor activities.

We're Egg-cited! We'll be HOPPY to see you!

This activity is sponsored by the Children and Youth RE Program as an all-church activity. All are welcome!

New UU Class

Are you new to UUCH?

Just want to learn a little more about your church?

Join Us.

Sunday mornings April 7, 14, 21

9:00 a.m. in Adult RE Classroom

What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? Guided by the Tapestry of Faith Curriculum, we will offer a three-part series that explores important themes in UU congregational life – our worship and theology, history, covenant and polity, faith development, social justice, and membership. This program is particularly focused on introducing newcomers to Unitarian Universalism, but those of us who have been here for a while will also be able to share and connect with others as we explore our own beliefs and how they intersect with the UU tradition. Everyone is welcome!

Mark your calendars now for the Sunday mornings of April 7, 14, 21 for this chance to learn and share. Meet for coffee or tea at 9:00 a.m. in the Adult RE classroom; discussion starts at 9:15. Nancy Finley and Sandy Moore will facilitate the discussion. Child care will be provided.

Contact Nancy (secretary@uuch.org) for further info.

Everyone is Welcome!

Save the Date

Save the Date

2024 Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, June 23rd. Make sure it is on your calendar.

Online worship for UUCH is moving to YouTube!

Beginning in April, our primary means of sharing our Worship Services will be on YouTube, instead of Zoom. Your tech team will make the weekly order of service available in our channel. We hope you will join us there!

FAQ:

Q: How will I find our YouTube feed? We will provide the link in our newsletters, websites and email. Also, to ease the transition, we’ll post the YouTube link into our old Zoom room for a few weeks.

Q: Do I need a YouTube account?

A: No, one can view without signing into YouTube. However, if you would like to join the fun in commenting on our YouTube feed, you will need to sign in. Additionally, by signing in you’ll be able to “Like” and “Subscribe” to our channel and receive notifications of new videos!

Q: Why are we moving to YouTube?

A: YouTube has much better sound quality and is easily found by others on the internet, making our presence in the community more accessible.

Q: What about Ads?

A: Yes, there will be some ads—unless you have a paid YouTube account.

Q: Will I be able to comment on the feed?

A: Yes. If you sign in, your comments may be posted. Your tech team and YouTube will be monitoring for any inappropriate comments. Please let us know if you spot anything we’ve missed!

Q: Are other UU churches using YouTube?

A: Yes. Several of our sibling congregations are using YouTube with great success.

Q: Will there be closed captioning available?

A: Yes

How can I get help or learn more? Contact your Tech Team at technology.committee@uuch.org or talk to Matthew Bollinger

UUCH Members Help Clean Up!

As part of this year's social justice challenge, the UUCH Council chose to participate in the Huntsville Green Team's District One neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, March 2nd. Several committee chairs worked together to make a difference in north Huntsville! Many thanks to Mathew Bollinger, Shalin Mody, Steve Rittenberg, Wayne Schroer, and Bryan Walls for getting their hands dirty in order to clean up our neighborhoods!

Book Discussion Coming Soon!

The book "Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most" by Volf, Croasmun, and McAnnally-Linz is based on the most popular class in Yale’s humanities program (Yale College). The first meeting for this group will be after church on April 14, to outline the approach to reading and discussing it, and to decide upon our meeting schedule. Tim Miller will be the leader of this group, and it is his nephew Matthew Croasmun who is the second author. It is possible that Dr. Croasmun will visit the group the weekend of April 28. Signups of folks interested in participating are needed in order to estimate the group’s size and whether Matt would make the trip to Huntsville. There is one book available at the church for perusal, and it is noted that it may be purchased in either physical or digital form at the links at lifeworthlivingbook.com. Please indicate your interest ASAP by either signing the sheet in our fellowship hall, or to Teri Thomas (Adult RE chair) at adult.re@uuch.org.

Upcoming Social Justice Events

Your participation is needed! Below is a list of local social justice events sponsored by groups that UUCH and/or our members support.

• March 16th: UUA's Mosaic Virtual Spring Gathering (working to end racism) (Zoom)
• March 23rd: Huntsville Green Team Cleanup in Sherwood Park from 9 am to 11 am
• March 24^th: Love Huntsville meal for the unhoused (UUCH members providing food)
• March 28th: Faith in Action Alabama Huntsville Hub Session at 5:30 pm.(location TBD)
• April 2nd: Alabama Arise Legislative Day in Montgomery (UUCH members driving down)
• April 11th: Huntsville Community Connections at 9 am non workforce development

For more information about a particular event or to list an event, please email social.justice@uuch.org.

Circle of Candles

Suzey DeLacey lit a candle of Joy: "We are SO very humbled and moved at the support we've received from our GoFundMe to raise money for legal representation to get Ben the treatment he needs. We met our goal! We are overjoyed <3"

Anonymous lit a candle of Joy: "I was gifted a ticket to enjoy a world-renowned tenor. It was fabulous! I have also been gifted a shawl which I love! I'm continually amazed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of this, my spiritual family."

Rev. Jaimie lit a candle of Joy: "UUCH Community member, Meg Lewallen is having TOP SURGERY!!!! Yay Meg, we are thrilled that you are getting this important gender affirming care! If you'd like to know more about how to support Meg and the family, check out Meg's Give in Kind Page here!"