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UU News
Monthly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
An Intentional Liberal Religious Community August, 2012
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Greetings!,
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Welcome to the August edition of our church Newsletter!
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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August 5th Simple Gifts of Unitarian Universalism Rev. Posa
August 12th Religious Intimacy Rev. Posa
This is the first of a two part series that will explore the words of Unitarian theologian James Luther Adams, who wrote, "The principal things that concern me are intimacy and Ultimacy - the intimate and the ultimate."
August 19th Religious Ultimacy Rev. Posa
This is the second of a two part series that will explore the words of Unitarian theologian James Luther Adams, who wrote, "The principal things that concern me are intimacy and Ultimacy - the intimate and the ultimate."
August 26th Letting go of Anger Rev. Dick Weston-Jones
For the summer, there will be only 1 service at 11am.
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From Rev. Posa
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Like a lot of people, it took me awhile to find my vocation in life. At the time, ministry was not on my radar - I was raised unchurched, and by the time I started college at age 18, I had no interest in religious community. But I had no clear sense of what I did want to do. All I knew was I wanted not simply to earn a paycheck, but to engage work that would be meaningful, to myself and to others. I wanted not just to be employed, but to be of service. But I didn't know how.
Yet even at this early stage, I already sensed that three different kinds of activities each left me with a sense of fulfillment I was unable to find elsewhere. The first was my ongoing desire to study and learn new ideas, and talk with others about these views of the world. So I studied philosophy, planning to earn my Ph.D. and take up the life of a college professor. I completed my Master's degree in philosophy, but for me, that work lacked something. It felt good, but incomplete.
At the same time, I was inspired by those women and men who engaged the work of seeking justice and peace. In college, this led me to throw myself into similar work, beginning with the student peace group that formed in response to the Persian Gulf War during my freshman year, then volunteer activities with political groups, the local AIDS Services agency, and others. I was making a positive contribution, but my activism did not fit exactly with my planned career.
Also, I loved to listen as friends and loved ones shared their struggles with me over the life challenges they faced, and I felt moved to help ease that suffering when I could. I wasn't sure what to do with this desire, so I stayed on my academic path, but I always felt like I was settling.
But once I found Unitarian Universalism at age 22, all the other pieces fell into place. The love for learning and imparting truth, the thirst for social justice, and the desire to nurture and heal my brothers and sisters - I recognized them at last as separate but interrelated roles of ministry. Finally, I had found that meaning that had eluded me - I heard my call to serve.
My sense of my vocational calling has shifted and refined over the years, as I have gained greater insight into myself and my gifts. It took me several years of ordained ministry, including a hospital chaplaincy and being called as settled pastor in a congregation, to become clear that interim ministry was the best fit for my particular service. So it is for many of us: we explore and adjust our perspectives on the meaning we find in our work and service in the larger world, as we take on different roles and new tasks throughout our paid and volunteer careers.
At its best, church can and should be a place where all members are empowered, equipped, and freed to find our ministries in the world - how we each can be of service. I write this newsletter column from a church retreat center, where I am attending the next phase of training for interim ministers. Leadership in the church has been one major focus for this training, and I find myself reflecting here on how our various opportunities for service in and through UUCG can enrich and inform our sense of our life's deeper calling. Over the next few months, I will explore with you what it can mean to be of service - service to our community, service to our friends and loved ones, service to our faith. My we each be open to hearing our own call to serve.
In faith,
Rev. Eric Posa
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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 the Board Vice President Karen Madrone
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 The new church year has gotten off to a great start! Both the Board and the Coordinating Council are working hard towards implementing the new governance structure voted on at the May meeting so that there will be clear lines of authority and accountability. We are learning to use the correct terminology and working through what are appropriate tasks for the board to do and what are appropriate tasks for the ministry side of the church to do. We are having respectful and thoughtful conversations about our roles and how we can best work together.
The Coordinating Council is working towards a new method of running our meeting so that we are more effective and efficient, while focusing on the three Cs: Coordinating, Calendaring, and Communicating. The Council will be using new reporting methods and will be doing ongoing evaluation as we learn what works and what doesn't. Unitarian Universalists believe in seven principles. The fourth principle is: a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. My understanding of this principle means that we are continuously learning and growing, both as individuals and as a faith movement. I see this phase in governance change as part of our ongoing process of discernment to learn about who and what we are. We are each on this journey together. Everyone is welcome to attend both the Coordinating Council meetings and board meetings; they are the second and third Tuesdays of the month, respectively. And finally, what I learned from spending a week and a half with my six year old niece: saying "please" and "thank you" are some of the best words in the English language. May we be filled with loving kindness towards ourselves and each other. |
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Adult RE
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Compassionate Communication Practice will be held in the RE wing on twice in August. Please check the Order of Service inserts and the Wednesday emails for the dates and times. You are welcome to attend either or both of these sessions.
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Peanut Butter Collection
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WOW!
Thanks to everyone at the Unitarian Universalist Church who contributed to the 96 pounds of peanut butter and nonperishable food
collected last month for the Greensboro Food Bank.
Let's keep up the good work for July.
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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 Wednesdays 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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We had 15 volunteers, many of them first timers that responded to my request for help since many of our regulars are traveling.
We pulled it off without any hitches that I know of. Our system works well and is simple enough to replicate easily. Thanks to the newbies!!
We fed a full house of 100 residents who loved the food.
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Last Month's Board Activities
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Katja Brown was selected to fill the one-year Board Trustee position vacated by Charlotte Hamlin when she became president.
The board modified the Religious Education Coordinator position description and then approved the updated description.
The board passed a motion to clarify that the existing policy on staff sick leave does not provide monetary payment for unused sick leave.
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Birthdays this month
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 Sue Sherwood, Ian Rushforth, Megan Evans, Nelson F. Stover, Lonnie Houck, Lydia Rose, Michelle Puzio, Chris Roerden, Barbara Hands, Louise Porter, Rebecca Floyd, Jack Red, Kathy Kallio, Marty Bergman, Tony Dickerson, Mary-Margaret Marrone, Lindsay Clinard, Angel Schroeder, Zoli Rab, Jennifer Kramer, Chris Woodworth, Sarah Weih, Derek Dunham, Jonathan Dupree, David Williams, Megan Churchill, Tyler Collins, Miki Rab, Ryan Hamilton.
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Attendance and Collection
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July 1 98 Adults 11 Children Total 109 Collection $2,727.70
July 8 No count taken Collection $2,988.05
July 15 99 Adults 9 Children Total 108 Collection $1,218.00
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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) zanned@earthlink.net
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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 Katie Klod & Vance Archer
Newsletter Katie Klod
Website Mariella Perez-Simons
Congregational Culture Taskforce Laura Graham
Coordinating Council Karen Madrone
Denominational Affairs Steve Pearsoll
Endowment Fund Dennis Hands
Fellowship Cindy Williams & Karen Madrone
Finance
Cabaret Auction Kay Radebaugh & Katie Klod
Governance Task Force Hope McLean & Sharin Francis
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 Sue Sherwood & Marilyn Clayton
Nominating Sue Cole & Betsy Lindsey
Policies and Procedures Michelle Lee
Social Action
Green Sanctuary Sue Cole, Elaine Stover
GLBTQ Karen Madrone
Worship Barbara Hands
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