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UU News
Monthly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
An Intentional Liberal Religious Community June, 2012
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Greetings!
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Welcome to the June edition of our church Newsletter! 
Summer is here! Be sure to mark your calendars to our Picnic in the Park Sunday!
If you have any submissions for the newsletter or questions for the editor, please send them to commuucg@bellsouth.net.
Katie
Newsletter Editor
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Liberal Religious Community
|  ALL ARE WELCOME IN THIS CHURCH
Distinctions of power, privilege, and estate, which apply outside these doors, do not apply within them. Women, men, and children; persons of any color, culture, age, ability, economic status, or affectional orientation; skeptics and those pursuing common or unorthodox religious paths...
All Are Welcome Here!
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Worship Services, Join us for Service each Sunday
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June 3rd Worship in the Park Rev Posa
See details below for this annual tradition!
June 10th Playing the Hunger Games Rev Posa
June 17th Don't Mourn; Organize Rev Posa
This is the sermon won by bidders at the Cabaret Auction!
June 24th The Longest Day Rev Holly Lux-Sullivan
Mark the beginning of summer and all its brings as vacations begin and frivolity seems to take hold of much of our society. What will you celebrate this summer solstice? Rev. Lux-Sullivan, UUCG's affiliated community minister, offers some suggestions.
For the summer, there will be only 1 service at 11am.
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Worship in the Park
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OUR ANNUAL PICNIC AND WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, June 3rd, at 11:00 a.m.
at Gibson Park,
5217 W. Wendover Avenue.
All members and friends are invited!
After the service we will share a picnic together. Please bring a dish to share, all contributions are welcome. The Fellowship Team will provide drinks and paper good.
We have reserved Shelters #1 and #2, near the soccer fields at the end of the park road. There is a playground for the children, along with hiking and biking trails to enjoy. There are a limited number of parking spots near the shelter, also a large parking lot near the entrance to the park. Restroom facilities are available.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING FOLDING CHAIRS OR BLANKETS TO USE FOR THE WORSHIP SERVICE as there is no seating in the open space we will use.
One last reminder: we have the use of the Shelters from 10 a.m. To 2 p.m. That means we must have the entire shelter area cleared for the next group to use it beginning at 2:00 p.m. If you are going for a prolonged walk or bike ride, please remove your picnic things from the shelters prior to taking off.
See you there-
UUCG Fellowship team
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Expressions and Pot-Luck
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Our Wednesday night Expressions service is on vacation for th e summer.
The pot-luck at 6pm continues, so bring your summer veggies and your own plates and silverware to share good food and fellowship!
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From Rev. Posa
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My thanks to all of our members who attended this year's Annual Congregational Meeting. I want to congratulate the nominees, all of whom were elected without opposition: President-Elect Charlotte Hamlin, Vice-President-Elect Karen Madrone, and re-elected Trustees Suzanne Deering and Michelle Lee, as well as Committee on Endowment member-elect Dennis Hands. Congratulations also to those elected to the Nominating Committee (now known as the Committee on Leadership Development): Ann Dickinson, Harold Gunn, and Alex Stoesen.
There were also a number of by-laws changes proposed by the Governance Task Force (GTF), and recommended by the board, all of which passed. These bylaws changes implement the lion's share of the recommended changes to our governance structure that GTF has worked toward for almost two years, and I hope you will join me in thanking them for their diligence and insight. These changes are intended to clarify roles, and lines of authority and responsibility, to promote clarity and confidence regarding the decision-making structures in our church. The work of the GTF continues for one more year or so, as they explore a couple of outstanding issues. In the meantime, I look forward to working with our lay leaders and staff in the upcoming year, as we implement the new model for governance and ministry at UUCG.
Of course, our 2012-13 budget was passed as well. As many of your know, our pledge drive came in at almost exactly the same level as last spring's pledge drive (before the Fall "Close the Gap" campaign). This low pledge level required some painful decisions by the board. Cuts were made to the line items for many committees (including ones now known as Teams, not committees, under the new bylaws). I already noted in last month's column that funding was not put in place for the Ministerial Search Committee (I say more about that below).
Also, the Director of Faith Development position was changed to a Religious Education Coordinator role with reduced hours. From having been staffed for growth - and indeed, avg. attendance of children has increased 20% from 3 years ago, while adult attendance has lowered - the difficult decision has been made to reduce this position to a staffing-for-maintenance level, due to our financial limitations. Of course, we hope this is only a temporary, one-year reduction, but that will depend largely on the generosity and commitment of our membership, during next year's financial stewardship campaign. (Our board has already begun discussion re: hiring a new RE Coordinator.)
Sadly, one of the changes we face in the coming year is the loss of our Director of Faith Development, Beth Walden, who will resign this month from our church. Many of you know that Beth came to us as a seminary graduate, preparing for ministry in the United Church of Christ (UCC, a denomination with which the UUA has close, historical ties). Beth recently was cleared for ordination, and is ready to move formally into ordained ministry in a UCC congregation. Her last day to join us in worship will be the Worship in the Park (on June 3). Please join me in wishing Beth well as her journey in ministry continues.
As I mentioned above, our tight budget precludes funding the $10,000-11,000 required for a vibrant ministerial search process. This led to questions about what our options for ministry in the 2013-2014 year might involve. At the annual UUA Interim Ministers Seminar in April, I learned more about a new option, a new model for ministry in the UUA, known as Developmental Ministry. A Developmental Minister works with a congregation on a particular long-term issue facing that specific congregation, with the issue or focus identified by congregational leadership. This minister serves for a defined period of time, but longer than an interim minister - 3-5 years. Though hired by the board during this time, the congregation will have the option, as the Developmental Ministry period comes to an end, of calling that Developmental Minister to remain as the next settled minister. I see many benefits to this model, and have recommended it to the board. No final decision has yet been made, and likely will not be made for a few more months, but we will continue to explore this and other options in the meantime.
Clearly, there are many changes coming in the next year for UUCG. For myself, I will be staying a second year as your interim minister. I will be away for a month of vacation (beginning the day after the June board meeting), followed immediately by a week-long, intermediate-level training for interim ministers, and will be back with you by July 31. I look forward to my second year with you, as we navigate these changes together.
In faith,
Rev. Eric Posa
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From the Director of Faith Development
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Dear Members and Friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro,
I have a significant joy/sorrow to share. As many of you know, I was approved for ordination in December of 2011. Since then I have been in the search process for a ministerial position fitting of my skill set, interests, and abilities. As my search process is coming to a close, it is time for me to say goodbye to you. While I will miss this congregation, I feel that it is time for a new challenge and experience. My last Sunday with you will be June 3, Worship in the Park.
Working for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro has been an important experience for me. I have grown in many ways in the 3 years I have served here and will always look back with gratitude for the many opportunities I was given while I worked with this congregation. Thank you for sharing your lives with me and for sharing in the collective ministry of our church.
Peace, joy, and grace to you on the journey.
Beth Walden, M.Div.
Director of Faith Development
Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
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From the Board Vice President Vance Archer
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 As I leave office as your elected Vice President, I have taken some time to consider my two years of service as well as spinning some cycles considering how to invest that time I offer as part of my membership commitment to our movement and spiritual community. I want to invest my time and self in activities that will best move our community forward.
When agreeing to join our church and movement, we each pledged to support it with both time and talents. This is something I take very seriously. Two years ago, I made the personal decision that the UUCG is the closest match to my view of a vibrant spiritual community that I can find locally. My belief in the strength and importance of our church led me to accept your offer to serve as your Vice President when we were at a critical turning point in our community's history. During our two years of tenure as Vice President and President, our Executive Committee and Board of Trustees have concentrated on implementing the findings of the Alban Institute's study into our church dynamics. The recommendations we have enacted included: - Working on improving transparency within our governance structure
- Working to clearly define responsibility and accountability within our By-Law structure.
- Building a stronger and compassionate congregational culture that can deal with internal conflict and differences.
During this time, Lonnie Houck, our treasurer, has led a working group from the Board of Trustees, and the Finance, ACT and Endowment committees to deal much more realistically with the long term financial challenges of our finances including our building and mission. We now have begun to save for needed repairs and improvements that will certainly come due in the next couple of years as well as getting serious about establishing an endowment and long term reserve fund. Based on the results of the past two years of fundraising, the Board of Trustees has moved to align our church staffing and budget to match the financial means of our pledging members. This was very painful, because it means that we had to give up, for now, both the staffing level that we had originally thought was correct of our community and region as well as our search for a new settled minister. Rev. Posa and our Transition Team have begun working with us in our transition toward new stability. They have documented our past and are now moving to the next step in our transition by leading our church through a review and renewal of our mission and vision as a church. Our failure to raise sufficient pledges to maintain our staff at current levels and to fund a standard search are symptomatic that our church members and leadership still need to adjust to our true potential as a Unitarian Universalist community, We need to move beyond this current era of deep inward focus and move to a new era of spiritual inward and outward growth. Our next task as a spiritual community will be to renew our mission and vision and then turn outward in providing a liberal spiritual home and a beacon for our 7 principles. A major choice facing our community will be in deciding how to proceed with pastoral leadership. We must decide among the alternatives of hosting an additional year of transitional ministry, adopting a developmental ministry using a new service model being developed by the UUA or embarking on a standard search for a settled minister. Making this important choice in covenant as a community will be important. There will be members of our community that favor each of these choices and arriving at a shared course of action will require modeling our covenantal model. For myself, I intend to focus my gifts of time and energy on our Membership and Communications Committees. I am an evangelical Unitarian Universalist and want us to start visiting and sharing more deeply with the stream of visitors that enter our doors. We need new blood and the vision of others who are searching for a liberal religious home. I intend to meet our visitors and invite those who share our vision to join us and share their gifts as members and friends. I invite all our members to review your commitment to the UUCG and to find the niche or project that needs your focus to make our church better and our mission real and successful. In Covenant Vance Archer |
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Results of voting
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The results of the Congregational meeting were as follows:
President: Charlotte Hamlin Vice President: Karen Madrone Board of Trustees: Suzanne Deering and Michelle Lee Endowment: Dennis Hands Nominating Committee(now Leadership Development): Alex Stoesen, Ann Dickinson, Harold Gunn
By Laws: All proposed By Laws changes were passed by the required super majority vote.
The By Laws are available on our church website in the Membership section. |
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Adult RE
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Compassionate Communication (CC) Practices will be held Sunday, June 3rd (9 am) & Thursday, June 7th (7 pm). A new Introduction to CC class for beginners will be held Thursday, June 14 & Thursday, June 21 from 7 to 8:30 pm. (Signup sheet is next to the kitchen.) If you haven't been able to attend an earlier Intro to CC class, this is your chance! |
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Peanut Butter Collection
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 THANKS to everyone who contributed to the 37 pounds of peanut butter last month.
Our goal is 50 pounds a month; so we still have some catching up to do. Maybe, next month will be even better.
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Blood Drive Coordinator needed
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BLOOD DRIVE COORDINATOR NEEDED. If you don't want to see a termination of the blood drive at UUCG, I urge you to step up and fill this role. My last drive will be in August when I assist with the blood drive at St. Timothy. Because of the hours involved, the coordinator would need to be retired. Some of duties you or a volunteer wound be responsible for include:
- phoning list of potential donors provided by the American Red Cross
- setting appointment for donors
- seting up the sanctuary in advance of and at the end of the drive
- providing drinks and snacks for persons giving blood
Call me at 336-545-7804 or email me if you have any questions I can answer.
Chellie Mason (chelliemason@msn.com) |
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Regular Events
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Feeding the Hungry at Urban Ministries, First Monday of each month
On the first Monday of each month a group of volunteers from our church shop for and cook a meal for the homeless at Urban Ministries. We are in the process of building a new team to carry out this important project. If you would like to be part of the action, contact Ken Knight at oldpeacenik@gmail.com or at 288-0103.
Men's Night Out, Monday, Second Tuesday each month
Join us at our next at Men's Night Out beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Ham's Restaurant on Wendover and Hwy 68 (5840 Samet Drive).
Ladies' Night Out, Last Monday each month
Every May we change the venue for Ladies' Night Out because the Saigon Restaurant closes for Memorial Day. Newcomers are most welcome. We get to know one each other better through conversation, humor and fine good. Ladies are invited to dine at Lucky 32 at 6:30 p.m. Please let the coordinators know if you plan to attend the May 28 event. Mary Davis' number is 506-4346; Janet Plummer's number is 294-6364.
Men's Night Out 2, Last Monday each month
A second Men's Night Out is held the last Monday of each month. We will meet at the Applebees at 3200 Battleground Ave at 6 p.m. for dinner and fellowship.
Healing Touch Circle
A new group calling itself the "Healing Touch Circle" will offer energy healing at the church on the first and fourth Wednesday's of each month for all who wish it. We will be available from 5:00
pm until 7:00pm
. All are welcome. Please contact Bill Haney, facilitator for an appointment.
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Thanks!
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Thank You UUCG! In May our fourth and fifth Sunday cash collection was donated to FaithAction, an organization that is a multicultural and interfaith center that helps new immigrants and refugees meet their basic needs and educates and trains people in our community about issues related to immigration and diversity.UUCG raised $359. From the Social Action Committee  |
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Last Month's Board Activities
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- Beth Walden provided a set of recommendations to improve the Religious Education program.
- Beth Walden tendered her resignation as Director of Faith Development as of June 30, 2012.
- There has been an anonymous donation to cover the cost of replacing the dishwasher.
- The Executive Committee will complete an evaluation of interim minister, Rev. Posa, by the next board meeting.
- The Congregational Culture Taskforce (CCTF) proposed a permanent committee for "Right Relations" (name to be decided). The board asked the CCTF to write a charge for the committee.
- The board authorized Rev. Posa, the president and treasurer to spend less than $10,000 from the restricted gifts account for a water abatement plan.
- The board accepted Breeze Dunham's resignation from the board.
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Birthdays this month
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Jeff Adams, Roger Galloway, Charles Hamlin,
Katie Klod, Rosemary Lancaster, Pat Meller,
Richard Parker, Adria Smith, Marian Stewart
and Eleanor Stoller.
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Attendance and Collection
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4/29/12 No counts recorded $2,997.07 5/6/12 No counts recorded $3,937.00 5/13/12 Estimated count 85 $1,054.45
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UUCG Covenant
| We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro, do covenant to:
- Promote a search for personal meaning, respecting individual truth in a community process of quest
- Speak and act with caring, courtesy and love thereby maintaining emotional, physical, and spiritual safety for all
- Support UUCG and denominational efforts with our resources
- Combat injustice while promoting equality
- Nurture our children on their spiritual journeys
- Hold ourselves to this covenant, especially during times of conflict and disagreement
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TRUSTEES
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Michelle Lee (2012) nc.dogwood@yahoo.com
Breeze Dunham (2012) breeze1770@gmail.com
Stephanie Blake (2014) cicciblake@triad.rr.com
Myra Anne Geese Dean (2014) myraannegesse@yahoo.com
Steve Andrews (2013) sand3420@aol.com
Charlotte Hamlin (2013) chamlin1@triad.rr.com
Suzanne Deering (2012)
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UUCG STAFF
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Reverend Eric Posa, Interim MinisterOffice Hours: Please call church office for appointments Office Phone: 856-0330, Cell: 508-7568 E-mail: uucgminister@bellsouth.netJulie Hamilton, Congregational AdministratorOffice Hours: Please call church office for appointments
Office Phone: 856-0330, Fax: 856-0384 E-mail: uucgadmin@bellsouth.netBeth Walden, Director of Faith Development Office Hours: Please call church office for appointments Office Phone: 856-0330, Fax: 856-0384 E-mail: dreuucg@bellsouth.net
Mark Freundt, Director of MusicOffice Hours: Please call church office for appointments Office Phone: 856-0330, Cell: 908-1103 E-mail: uucgdirmu@bellsouth.net Walter McCorey, SextonTuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday (times vary based on needs). Cell Phone: 414-0163 (in case of building emergencies) |
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Congregational Contacts
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Building and Grounds Merrit Wyatt
Care Team Suzanne Andrews & Joy Hamlin
Communications Committee Katie Klod
Newsletter Katie Klod
Website Mariella Perez-Simons
Congregational Culture Taskforce Laura Graham
Council of Committees Vance Archer
Denominational Affairs Chellie Mason
Endowment Fund Rob Cary
Fellowship Karen Madrone & Cindy Williams
Finance Committee Steve Pearsall & Mike Stoller
Annual Commitment Time (ACT) Vance Archer
Fundraising Charlotte Hamlin
Cabaret Auction Kay Radebaugh & Katie Klod
Governance Task Force Charlotte Hamlin
Labyrinth Steve Pearsall & Ken Williams
Lay Pastoral Care Associates Janet Eley & Liz Harrell
Lifespan Religious Education (RE) Laura Graham
Membership Marie Houck
Music Committee Sue Sherwood & Marilyn Clayton
Nominating Committee Sue Cole & Betsy Lindsey
Policies and Procedures Michelle Lee
Social Action Committee Ken Knight
Green Sanctuary Sue Cole, Elaine Stover
GLBTQ Karen Madrone
Worship Committee Barbara Hands
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