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UU News
Monthly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
An Intentional Liberal Religious Community July, 2012
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Greetings!
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Welcome to the July edition of our church Newsletter! Hope everyone is staying cool this summer and getting ready to enjoy a fabulous 4th!
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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July 1st Mom, Apple Pie, God and Country. Growing up Southern. Jac Grimes
Long time UUCG member Jac Grimes will share his thoughts on growing up Southern. Southern Baptist that is! How does a fundamentalist Christian upbringing inform a Unitarian Universalist of almost 40 years?
July 8th What's Mine is Mine, What's Yours is Negotiable Rev. Steven Reinhartsen
July 15th Coming full circle: My life, work and the fist principle Karen Madrone
How my childhood weaved into my career and my new understanding of the first principle: the inherent work and dignity of all people.
July 22nd Thriving in a Religious Bear Market Rev. Marian Stewart It's not easy being religious these days. But there is hope in the strngest places. As headlines deplore and disgrace any semblance of religious worth, it is no surprise that an increasing number of people say they are spiritual but not religious. Yet, some churches are growing, even thriving. What do they have to offer?
July 29th You Have to Go There Wynn Perkins
A discussion of faith by choice rather than by proof.
For the summer, there will be only 1 service at 11am.
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Expressions and Pot-Luck
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Our Wednesday night Expressions service is on vacation for the 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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While many people are on, recently returned from, or preparing for vacation trips to another county or another continent, and while many of our fellow Unitarian Universalists gather in Phoenix for our General Assembly this week, I'm spending the long weekend at a unique gathering. For the second year in a row, the progressive wings of Christianity - especially the newly-emerging progressive evangelical community - have finally organized a gathering of their tribes. And it's happening just 45 miles from Greensboro, in rural Chatham County.
The Wild Goose Festival - http://www.wildgoosefestival.com/intro- is being held at Shakori Hills fairgrounds, near Siler City and Pittsboro. As I write this on Thursday night - okay, Friday morning - I've just returned from the first night; it goes through Sunday night. This ain't like any other Christian festival, folks. These people - at least 2,500 - are finding ways to wrestle with their faith at very deep levels...and they embrace opportunities to do so with folk who are different from them. Their vision statement drives the point home:
"The Wild Goose is a Celtic metaphor for the Holy Spirit. We are followers of Jesus creating a festival of justice, spirituality, music and the arts. The festival is rooted in the Christian tradition and therefore open to all regardless of belief, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, denomination or religious affiliation."
Because they are Christian, therefore they are open to every sexuality and religion. It does my Unitarian Universalist heart (and my Christian spirit) a world of good to finally hear a prominent Christian event affirming that, after too many centuries in which too many so-called Christians used the trappings of their tradition to discriminate and oppress. The 2012 festival has been dedicated to the memories of two Christians: the recently-deceased liberation theologian Walter Wink - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Wink- and openly gay, African-American, Quaker, communist civil rights leader Bayard Rustin - http://rustin.org/?page_id=2- who got the importance of this openness. Their social justice focus this year is on restorative justice (not retributive justice) in immigration, criminal justice, etc. Speakers include the executive director of the Gay Christian Network - http://www.gaychristian.net/- and members of the Triangle Interfaith Alliance - http://www.interfaithalliance-nc.org/(including a member of the UU Fellowship of Raleigh - they don't even mind hearing from us UUs!).
In just the first five hours, I've heard:
"Conversation is not the same thing as parallel monologues. Conversation assumes that at the end of the dialogue, both of you will walk away changed....We encourage you to have deep conversations with people whose perspectives challenge you. If you want to go deeper with someone - buy them a beer...build some common ground." - Melvin Bray (of Sojourners magazine - http://sojo.net/)
"Jonathan and Leah [Wilson-Hartgrove, from Rutba House in Durham, NC] got married, and decided they needed to go on a honeymoon. So they came to Iraq." [That was in March 2003 as part of a Christian Peacemaker Team -http://www.cpt.org/ - at the start of the Iraqi war.] - Shane Claiborne
[If you don't already recognize this name, Shane Claiborne is a person worth knowing more about - http://www.thesimpleway.org/shane/- even if this is the only link you click in this article.]
"I've actually been speaking at a lot of Unitarian churches lately." - ex-fundamentalist author and frequent cable news commentator Frank Schaeffer- http://www.frankschaeffer.com/ -as he and I both waited for our baguette sandwiches from the food truck.
The point behind all this detail is that it shows us how the landscape of faith is changing in our country. The Wild Goose Festival is at the crest of a wave of Christians (and other people of faith) who are breaking down the simplistic divide between the religious right (which is often hostile to social justice and spiritual exploration) and the secular left (which is often hostile to religious metaphor and spiritual...well, anything spiritual). It gives me hope that these tired old divides are breaking down, and it's exciting to spend the weekend immersed in a setting where these conversations can continue, where we encourage each other to go deeper, and where we focus not just on the individual soul, but the well-being of whole societies.
I'll give a fuller report next month, but for now, I am physically tired, slightly sunburned, but extremely hopeful.
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From the Board President Charlotte Hamlin
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 "The times, they are a'changing" is a familiar musical refrain to many of us and a very apt description of what I see ahead in the coming year as your incoming UUCG president. I feel positive energy and excitement within the congregation for new opportunities that change will bring as we implement governance reorganization and create new ways of working together in our shared UU ministry and fellowship. My personal life has presented many significant changes of location and culture, career direction, and relationships with the predictable uncertainty and discomfort necessary to adjust to new people, circumstances, ideas and ways of working together. Despite the stresses of change, I know I grew with each change and discovered satisfying new ways of working and being in caring relationships. It is my belief that as we work constructively and collaboratively through the changes ahead, UUCG will be more unified in purpose and effectiveness. I am grateful to the outgoing Board and its retiring officers, to our wonderful UUCG staff, and to many lay leaders who led committees and provided services last year and new volunteers who are stepping forward to fill important roles and manage the change process. I offer special thanks to Beth Walden who had served us well as Director of Faith Development for three years. We wish her well in her new role as a United Church of Christ minister. Working closely with the LRE Committee and teachers, she has been a beacon of positive energy and direction with stimulating RE programs for all ages and community outreach. Rev. Posa is leading the search to hire an RE Coordinator for Sunday programs in consultation with the LRE team and the Board. Changes, Changes, Changes....Challenges, Questions, Excitement, Uncertainty: The times at UUCG are changing, and I look forward to working with you all and everyone to manage change productively, support a caring community, and strengthen UUCG. It will be stimulating, perplexing and rewarding mutual learning experience. I predict we will share productive and satisfying year ahead of spiritual growth and renewal as a church and as individuals working in covenant in the UU liberal faith tradition, and I look forward to serving as your new president. |
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Governance Changes
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Submitted by Charlotte Hamlin
One major change ahead is to implement changes in church governance structure recommended by the Governance Task Force (GTF) which were approved for action in the revised bylaws passed at the congregational meeting on May 20th.
Responding to the Alban Institute report of 2011 that identified problem areas of unclear boundaries and decision-making in the existing governance structure and issues of communication and documentation, GTF conducted exhaustive research and discussion with church staff and members, reviewed UUCG historical documents, and studied "best practices" recommended by the UUA and church governance consultants. The fruit of GTF labors was the proposal to restructure UUCG governance using the model in Dan Hotchkiss's book, Ministry and Governance, which was incorporated into church bylaws that delineates clear boundaries of responsibility and accountability for two governance "pillars," Ministry and Governance, that work on behalf of the congregation.
In the new model, the Minister has overall responsibility for Ministry, the management of church programs and services, staff, and day to day activities of the church. The Minister is now Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff, providing leadership to ministry "teams" that work with staff members. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the Governance pillar which attends to church governance, planning, financial responsibility and policy-making. Working through its committees, the Board is charged with discerning and articulating UUCG's vision, mission, and core values, providing long range planning and oversight of how effectively the church mission is being fulfilled with various groups, including the Board and the Minister. The GTF proposal includes several new Board committees that would be created to increase effectiveness and accountability.
In the new structure, the Coordinating Council, which replaces the previous Council of Committees (Program Council) links the two pillars of Ministry and Governance. Co-chaired by the Minister and Board Vice President (Karen Madrone), the Coordinating Council will be composed of representatives of all ministry teams and Board committees and focuses on program coordination, scheduling and communication. Two standing committees have special responsibility directly to congregation, namely Endowment and Leadership Development. As a congregation, each member shares UUCG's overall ministry and supports a caring community of individuals in covenant with UU principles and practices.
Very soon you will see initial steps in the Ministry change process as Rev. Posa, staff and ministry teams work to review team charges and plan programs. In the Governance area, the Board will work on planning and policy-making needs and work closely with Rev. Posa, staff and the Ministry teams to support program initiatives. Personally, it is also my goal as president to maintain open communication and transparency of Board work with the congregation. In addition to reading written reports and documents on the website, please contact those of us on the Board to share ideas and make us aware of any questions or suggestions you may have.
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Major Board Iniatives
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Submitted by Charlotte Hamlin
A major fall initiative of the board will be the "Visioning Process," a congregation-wide opportunity in collaboration with Rev. Posa to rethink UUCG's vision, mission and core values as an essential first-step in renewing congregational focus on priorities, expectations and shared ministry.
The mission statement will be the basis for strategic planning, assessment of intended mission outcomes, and policies relating to financial development, utilization of space and resources and expectations of groups and congregants living in covenant. The Visioning Process will begin with a ToP® Visioning Workshop based on the Technologies of Participation that enables a group to create a common vision in a short period of time through a collective integrated process. Participants see their ideas, insights, perspectives and wisdom and feel have ownership of the entire group's vision, expanding personal vision as having expanded and operating in concert. The workshop will be led by Elaine and Nelson Stover, longtime UUCG members and internationally known consultants who have used the ToP® Visioning process with communities and organizations for more than 30 years.
The Visioning Workshop begins with a question such as: "What do you see in place, for UUCG, in the next five years, as a result of our actions?" Everyone addresses the focus question; the group clusters the responses, names the clusters, and comes up with the collective vision on a simple one-page chart that becomes be the basis for further elaboration of the vision.
Further long range planning process steps can follow, such as analyzing the contradictions being faced so that strategies can be developed to address these matters in ways that release the common vision.The inaugural Visioning Workshop to be led by the Stovers on Tuesday evening, Sept. 25th from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., so please mark your calendar to take part in this important first step in redefining mission as part of the change process.
Another major fall priority for the Board is to develop a plan for ministerial leadership as Rev. Posa will complete his two-years as Interim Minister next summer. The Board is assessing several UUA search options available, and a decision must be reached by the fall for a spring search to be undertaken. With the new governance model and a new mission statement in place, UUCG will be poised for future growth that will build on Rev. Posa's groundwork and will prepare us for a new minister.
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Flowers for the Sanctuary
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 Please remember that donating flowers for the sanctuary is a nice way to remember a birthday, anniversary, or special day. It's easy to buy flowers from the grocery store or big box store, or cut some from your garden, and bring them in to church one Sunday.
There is a sign-up poster opposite the door into the church kitchen, with forms you can fill out if you would like special info. included in the order of service. Feel free to call Caroline Cook at 373-9059, evenings, if you have questions.
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Usher Meeting
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Ushers Invited to Meet July 29 UUCG ushers are invited to a discussion meeting on Sunday, July 29, from 12:15 to 1:15, immediately following the worship service. Anyone who is currently serving as an usher or would like to become an usher or wants to join in this discussion is welcome to attend. At that meeting the Ushers will review requests by the Worship Team to slightly change the Sunday morning usher responsibilities. The written description of usher duties developed last summer (2011) will be updated. Ushers will also discuss current procedures and how we might improve them. Please contact Dennis Hands if you have a question.
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Adult RE
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Compassionate Communication Practice will be held in the RE wing on Thursday, July 5rd (7 pm) & Sunday, July 8th (9 am). You are welcome to attend either or both of these sessions. |
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Peanut Butter Collection
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Thanks to everyone at the Unitarian Universalist Church who contributed to the 34 pounds of peanut butter collected last month for the Greensboro Food Bank. Our goal is 50 pounds. Lett's do even better for the JULY collection.
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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 Monday 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
Ladies Night Out occurs the last Monday of the month at the Saigon Restaurant at the southwest corner of High Point Rd. and Merritt Drive. It's yummy Vietnamese cuisine with delightful and revealing conversation amidst lots of laughter. We meet at 6:30 pm. Newcomers are always welcome. Coordinators Mary Davis (586-0188) or Janet Plummer (294-6364) should be contacted before 5 pm is you plan to attend.
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 Mi Pueblo, 3911 Tinsley Drive in High Point 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 for giving generously to Project Pets: Spay, Neuter, Love.
On the 4th Sunday of June our special collection was for Project Pets: Spay, Neuter, Love. We will be able to donate $197 to this wonderful cause. This will allow 6 more animals to be spayed or neutered next month.
Project Pets-SNL also sponsors programs such as "Covers For Critters" . They provide blankets and linens to shelter animals who need some comfort. "Project Pets-Spay, Neuter, Love" is a 501c-3 non profit in N.C. All donations are tax deductible . Please visit the organization's web site: http://www.spayneuterlove.org/ and their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Pets-Spay-Neuter-Love/160594203971240Thanks to all of you who contributed to the 4th Sunday Collection in May.
We raised $140 for scholarships for summer camp at the Edible School Yard at the Greensboro Children's Museum.
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Last Month's Board Activities
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The Designated Gift Taskforce reported that the water abatement project is moving forward. It is hoped that the project will be completed within a month.
The board discussed the concept of paying employees for unused sick leave. The board will make a decision at the next board meeting.
The board discussed how the church should respond to members who behave in violation of our covenant.
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Birthdays this month
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 Jason Adams, Bob Voorhees, Elaine Stover, Heather Rushforth, Carl Cook, E.J. Deering, Laura Graham, Johnny Knight, Ken Knight, David Kundtz, Jackie Horner, David Tipton, Pete Summers, Julie Potts, Dan Alexander, Mathieu Bilal, Jonathan Callihan, Brock Marston, Iman Sherbine, Zoe Schroeder, Brandon Williams.
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Attendance and Collection
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The only week recorded was 6/10/12 116 Adults Collection $2,068.00
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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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UUCG OFFICERS
| Charlotte Hamlin, President chamlin1@triad.rr.com
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TRUSTEES
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Michelle Lee (2015) nc.dogwood@yahoo.com
Stephanie Blake (2014) cicciblake@triad.rr.com
Myra Anne Geese Dean (2014) myraannegesse@yahoo.com
Steve Andrews (2013) sand3420@aol.com
Suzanne Deering (2015)
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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.netMark 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 & Vance Archer
Newsletter Katie Klod
Website Mariella Perez-Simons
Congregational Culture Taskforce Laura Graham
Council of Committees Karen Madrone
Denominational Affairs Steve Pearsoll
Endowment Fund Dennis Hands
Fellowship Cindy Williams
Finance Committee Mike Stoller
Annual Commitment Time (ACT)
Fundraising
Cabaret Auction Kay Radebaugh & Katie Klod
Governance Task Force
Labyrinth Steve Pearsall & Ken Williams
Lay Pastoral Care Associates Janet Eley & Liz Harrell
Lifespan Religious Education (RE) Laura Graham
Membership Marie Houck & Vance Archer
Music Committee Sue Sherwood & Marilyn Clayton
Nominating Committee Sue Cole & Betsy Lindsey
Policies and Procedures Michelle Lee
Social Action Committee
Green Sanctuary Sue Cole, Elaine Stover
GLBTQ Karen Madrone
Worship Committee Barbara Hands
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