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Unitarian Universalist Village Church
403 Barcelona Road
Hot Springs Village, AR 71909
501-922-1255
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A Prayer for Peace by Rev. Mark Walz
The world is burning with the fires of religious intolerance. And I wonder what God must think of us.
When I consider the possibilities of God, the image that comes to my human mind most often is that of the perfect parent who loves and cherishes all its children with a passionate constancy: a parent who wishes the very best for us; who laughs with us as we celebrate the life we have been given, and who weeps with us when life is destroyed.
A perfect parent who would never hold one of us above another or sanction the hubris and arrogance with which we negotiate what passes for brotherhood and sisterhood here on earth. This would be a God that I, as a parent and grandparent, could try to emulate.
In our pain and confusion, we seem to hold on to a naive idea of perfect justice, as if some form of a perfect justice could ever come from the centuries of pain we have inflicted on each other.
Not much is available for humans to know with certainty. But this we do know: Vengeance will never create the peace we say we seek.
It is my fervent hope that we will find the courage and maturity to walk in the sandals of Mother Teresa and Mohammed; of Jesus and the Buddha; of Gandhi, Mandela and Martin Luther King, Jr.; to walk like all our great prophets, with our arms outstretched in radical hospitality to all, with love in our hearts and peace on our lips.
See you in Church!
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President's Message by John Swinburn
Entering the New Year, we can look forward to a lot of action and activities, starting with the two-cookie communion that was introduced to us by Reverend Walz. Many of us plan to attend the NAACP Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast on January 13. Quite a few of us enjoyed last year’s event, which funds local NAACP scholarships. And, of course, work will begin on selecting a nominating committee to identify…
Continue President's Message
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January Sunday Services
Theme: Embracing Mystery
January 07 – Worship, Rev. Mark Walz, Two-Cookie Communion
January 14 – Insight, Arnold Holtberg, Educator
January 21 – Worship, Rev. Mark Walz, TBA
January 28 – Insight, Deanna Tolliver - Emergency Preparedness
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UUVC was just reaffirmed as a Welcoming Congregation. This was a year-long process involving many aspects of the church. At-large Member of the Board Judy Johnson led the application process, and is delighted we were successful.
The list of the five step criteria for renewal is Here.
The letter of congratulation outlining our accomplishments is Here.
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Membership by Debbie Bostick
Do you like to help people? The Neighborhood Network, which is part of the Membership Committee, needs someone who likes to coordinate. The network connects Members and Friends with others who can help by transporting to a doctor’s office or PT, or running errands. You know, just lending a helping hand. If this piques your interest, get in touch with Debbie Bostick to learn more about how you can help our congregation find help when help is needed.
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The Membership Committee would like to spotlight two new members, Todd and Theresa Dybul. They came to the Village a few months ago from a suburb of Milwaukee. There, they were members of an Episcopal church, but like the UUVC for its intellectual stimulation, spirit, and compassion. They really enjoy the community and Marilyn’s coffee brings them back week after week. We are so happy to have them as new members.
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Sam Stout will be moving to be closer to her family. Her last Sunday is Jan. 7, 2024. We will have a farewell reception for Sam after the Sunday Service. She has been a beloved part of our community for several years. Come and wish her well as she starts a new chapter in her life.
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Attention: UUVC Writers of Poetry and Prose
We are happy to announce that the UUVC Writer’s Insight Sunday will be February 25. You are invited to read your original poetry, essays, and short stories to an enthusiastic and receptive audience. As the date comes closer, more information will be available, but bear in mind that each recitation should not exceed five minutes. Start writing!
Questions: Ask Deanna Tolliver, Insight Coordinator
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Education by Susan Cockrell
The Education Committee is pleased to announce, “UU 101 - A Long Strange Journey,” a 6-week class, will be on Thursdays 1:30 – 4, from Jan. 25 until Feb. 29. The class will be taught by Salli Forbes and Steve Rittenmeyer. The class is the UU Faith Forward class with enhancements by Salli and Steve. Sign up in the Community Hall.
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The upcoming Arkansas Shorts Film Festival, Jan 5 – 8, in Hot Springs’ Malco Theatre will include two films written and directed by Deb Fuller, UUVC Friend, one filmed partly at UUVC. Read about them Here
Link for Arkansas Shorts.for schedule and tickets.
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Art Wall Reset January 5 By Daryl Wedwick
You may have noticed that there has been a noticeable improvement on the Art Wall during 2023! An increasing number of artworks were contributed by UUVC artists. In October of 2022 there were only six lonely pictures on that entire wall! Now, in late 2023, there are fourteen artworks of various sizes to be seen! Some artists provided two paintings for the changeover last October! UUVC artists have built up some momentum but there is still room for sixteen artistic creations on that Art Wall.
Each piece must be signed by the artist who must be a Friend or a Member of UUVC. Each work of art must be appropriately framed and have a wire hanger; no sawtooth hangers, please. If canvases of any depth are gallery-wrapped, the edges must be painted, too. On the back of each artwork, the artist must attach a tag which lists the title, medium, artist’s name and phone number as well as the value of the work.
Please bring all new works of art to the Community Hall before 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024. Art which is currently exhibited may be picked up at that time. Of course, new UUVC artists are always welcome.
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UU Computers 4 Kids+ by Bob McCleskey, Director
UU-C4K continues to expand the variety of non-profit organizations whose clients it supports. The most recent example is Delta Circles, a Helena, AR, non-profit whose mission is “Ending Poverty, Changing Mindsets” of Black women in the Arkansas Delta. It has expanded from assisting Black women to include Black farmers in the Delta and providing a “Tech Camp” for 13+ year-old youths. C4K is providing 4 All-in-One computers which will be used in the Technology Camp. Other December placements included 5 desktops with graduates of the recent CCMC Getting Ahead class plus several laptops to foster children and CSI graduates. CSI is a prison recovery program in the Pulaski County Jail.
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Social Justice by Alana Clegg
- Record donations for Christmas Baskets
- January Share goes to Clarion Call
- Jackson House Thrift Store needs volunteers
- Period products bin
The Social Justice Committee got the November Share the Plate donations of over $5,000 for Christmas Baskets. Martha Thomson and her team of 15 volunteers went shopping for gifts and food for the six families with 14 children. Delivery of the gift baskets took place on the 21st. Money left after those purchases went to the Shoe Fund.
Continue Here
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Christmas Eve Service and Soup Supper
Christmas Eve's Church service was a theatrical event: Ghosts of Unitarian Christmas. The play revealed the Unitarian influence on Christmas traditions. Charles Dickens, a Unitarian, changed the focus of Christmas to social justice and at least three popular Christmas songs were written by Unitarians. Cast members included Cloe Bayer, Jack Iafrate, Rev. Mark Walz, Lee Iafrate, Bill Johansson, Jim Hasbrouk, and Steve Rittenmeyer, and was directed by Mary Rittenmeyer. There was much music by the choir, and the congregation and a lovely solo by Maria Roubik.
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Rev. Mark as Charles Dickens | |  |
Pots of Steaming Soup Await Diners | | |
Next Event: A Field Trip to the Gangster Museum in Hot Springs on January 24. Cost will be $12. Watch for details in eblasts. Sign up in the Community Hall. | |
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What's a Sangha? by Toby Hamilton
- A sangha is a group of meditators. We meet each Saturday from 10-12 in the UUVC sanctuary. You do not need any meditation experience to be welcomed into the group. We practice seated, walking, and guided meditation and listen to and reflect upon a dharma talk based on the teachings of the Buddha. We welcome all UUVC members and friends into our sangha boat.
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Interest Groups
UUVC Pickle Ball: UUVC Pickleball plays at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays AS WEATHER PERMITS at the DeSoto Courts. Contact Dane Nielsen at 501 915-4450.
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Monday Golf: 18-hole Golf 8:00 - 2:00, 9-hole Golf 8:30 -12:30. AS WEATHER PERMITS Contact: Ron Nance, 870 267-4711
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Mahjongg: Mondays at 1:00 in the Community Hall. Contact Dee Offerman at [email protected]
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Sleeping Mat Group: First and Third Wednesdays of the month from 9:30 – 11:30. Contact Marilyn Matzek, 501-922-4909
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Stitchers: Second Wednesday from 1:00 - 3:00 in the conference room. Contact Marjorie McCleskey, 501-915-0237
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Men's Group: Thursdays 8:30 - 9:30 at Debra's Good Eats, 198 Carmona Rd. Contact Rev. Walz, 214-755-4315
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Friday Golf: 18-Hole Golf 8:00 - 1:00. AS WEATHER PERMITS Contact Tom Tirrell, 501-915-2436
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Sangha Meditation: Saturdays 10:00 -12:00 in the sanctuary. All UUVC members and friends are welcomed. Contact Toby Hamilton 405-919-6253
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Game Night: Second Saturday at 5:00. Bring a dish to share for a potluck meal. There are many kinds of games to enjoy after supper. Contact Cindy Nance, 337-278-4004.
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UUA Final Proposed Revision to Article II - (Principles)
The final proposed revision to Article II was completed by the Article II Study Commission in October 2023.
(Graphic by Tanya Webster)
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