Do You Have a Guest At Your Table?
By welcoming a "guest at your table," you are helping nurture a spirit of gratitude and the UU values of justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. For more information, please pick up a "Stories of Hope" brochure on the table in the church foyer, or go uusc.org/guest
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When we bring in food for the food basket, where does it go?
UUCH donates to the Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP).
HAP is an interfaith network of Madison County congregations providing volunteers, information, and financial resources to help those in need. HAP focuses on those who need temporary assistance. HAP provides not only food boxes but also assistance with rent/ mortgage and utility bills.
From the HAP website:
"HAP's primary goal is to help clients have a better life. This does not always mean paying their bill will be the answer. We endeavor to meet many needs whether they are emotional, financial, or spiritual. All of our clients are interviewed in person and as much time as is needed to 'peel back the onion' and get to the core of that person's particular problem is taken. We may need to refer this person for financial counseling, marital counseling, drug/alcohol addiction, or medical assistance. We are a major referral source for services available within Madison County. All persons interviewed are encouraged to find a church family regardless of their denomination preference."
To read more about the Huntsville Assistance Program, please visit their website.
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Buy Fair Trade for the Holidays!
This Sunday, Equal Exchange Fair Trade chocolate will again be for sale in the back of the sanctuary.
In addition to the yummy chocolate bars, we will be selling hot cocoa, baking cocoa, and chocolate chips for the upcoming holiday baking season and cool weather. Proceeds are used for social justice projects, and our congregation's purchase of Equal Exchange products supports UUSC.
We also have
Fair Trade, Organic, "Kaffeeklatsch" coffee for sale!
Remember, Fair Trade products help ensure that: 1) Unjust labor practices, such as child slavery, are not used. 2) Farmers and workers are paid fair wages and have a voice in the organization to which they sell their products. 3) Environmental sustainability is held as an important goal. With Fair Trade products, everyone wins!
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Happy, Busy Holidays!
There will be no Social Justice meeting, no Interweave potluck, and no Council meeting in
December.
See you next year!
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Upcoming Services
Sunday December 15th, 2013
"The Reason is Love"
Our Annual Christmas Pageant!
The Reverend Alice Syltie,
RE Chair Becky Ellingwood, and
Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education
This musical, multi-generational service celebrates the holiday season's spirit of love. The Children's and Youth Religious Education Program will present our own adaptation of Joyce Poley's service, "The Spirit of the Christmas Tree," retelling the story of the Nativity from a Unitarian Universalist perspective and inviting the congregation into reflection on its meaning for today. The service features an original UU Christmas song by Vanessa Miller Mantis, special musical selections, congregational caroling, a Christmas pageant of all ages, and a surprise!
Thanks in advance to: RE Chair Becky Ellingwood, Choir Director Vanessa Miller Mantis, the UUCH Choir, Howard Williams, Lisa White, Erin Howard, pianist Kathy Fisher, Nick Wilbourn, Carey Snowden, and the "cast and crew of thousands" in the Christmas Pageant.
(Cast and Crew: please remember to arrive at church at 10:00 a.m. on the day of the pageant for a quick run-through! For more information, contact Erin Reid at (256) 694-6786 or eereid@hotmail.com.)
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This Sunday in Religious Education
Children and youth will participate in the all-ages Christmas Pageant!
Nursery care (ages 0-3) will be provided as usual.
For more information, contact Erin Reid, our Director of Religious Education (256.694.6786 or eeried@hotmail.com).
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Continuing This Sunday: Adult RE "Sources" Series on "Christian Teachings"
 The Adult RE "Sources Series" to examine our Six UU Sources continues in December with our source that draws from Christian teachings. Our previous sources workshops have been very interesting with lively discussion, and you are encouraged to join us even if you have missed these earlier workshops. We will continue our discussion of Zealot, by Reza Aslan, a book exploring the historical Jesus through both biblical and extra-biblical sources. Aslan presents the historical Jesus as a political radical executed for sedition, whose apocalyptic vision centered on social justice and equality. The book has received both high praise and high criticism, depending upon the reviewer--let's see what it has to say to Unitarian Universalists!
You can find both print and eBook versions of the book at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, or if you are unable to get a copy for yourself we will have a few on the coffee bar at the back of the sanctuary that can be checked out. Of course, we have ample talking points even if you can't get the book read before the discussion or couldn't attend last week! Laurel Bollinger and Denise Runnels will facilitate this discussion, and we will meet again this Sunday, December 15th, at 6pm. Last week was great fun! Hope you can join for the next part of the conversation!
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Winter Candlelight Service
Friday Dec. 20, 2013
Music for centering at 6:45 pm
Service begins at 7:00 pm
Take refuge from the commercialism of the season and enter a space of peace and wonder. Let the music of the harp, a chorus of voices, and the wisdom of the ages nurture your spirit as we approach the Winter Solstice.
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Adult RE Hosts Classes on
Awareness Through Movement
UUCH Adult RE focuses on the whole spiritual person--mentally and physically. Starting in January, we will host a class on gentle movement that can assist us in being more comfortable and pain-free in our everyday activities. Come learn how to use the core of your body to improve movement, balance, and chronic pain.
 This verbally guided Awareness Through Movement ® class is for anyone who wants more ease and comfort in their movements. Class is drop-in, no experience necessary, and will be led by Sally Locklear. Everyone is welcome. Wear comfortable, loose clothing, and bring a bath or beach towel to use as head support for comfort in side lying. Saturday morning at 10:00-11:15 starting January 4, 2014.
For further information, contact Nancy Finley finleyn@uah.edu. If you need childcare for this event, please contact Nancy at least a week before the event.
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"New UU" Class Starts January 5th  What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? Guided by the UU Tapestry of Faith Curriculum, this three-part series explores important themes in UU congregational life such as worship, theology, history, covenant, faith development, social justice, and membership. This program focuses on introducing newcomers to Unitarian Universalism, but those who have been at UUCH 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! So mark your calendars now for the Sunday mornings of January 5th, 12th and 19th for this chance to learn and share. Meet for coffee or tea at 9:00 a.m.; discussion starts at 9:15. Pam Korb and Nancy Finley will facilitate the discussion. Contact Pam Korb (bradkorb@mindspring.com) for further info. If you need childcare during these classes, please contact Pam at least a week before the event.
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Broadmor Briefing  The Renovation Committee met with our potential general contractor last week to finalize the scope of the contract. The general contractor will perform a variety of carpentry, painting, and electrical tasks throughout the interior and exterior of the Broadmor facility. We anticipate finalizing the contract before the end of the year with the contractor beginning work in late December or early January. In preparation for the general contractor-and architect-led renovation activities, the Renovation Committee hosted a demolition and cleanup party on Saturday, December 7th. We spent about 4 hours gutting the bathrooms near the sanctuary, and cleaning up in the kitchen and covered walkways. We made a big mess, but cleaned it up and saved hundreds of dollars by doing this work ourselves! Many thanks to the following for their efforts: Jason Aycock, Nancy Finley, Jon Fox, Gary Hitt, Jason Hundley, Brad Korb, Tom Meier, and Denise Runnels. --Brad Korb, Renovation Chair
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 Care List
Sunday, December 8th, our Circle of Candles brought concerns:
From Greg & Adrienne Howard: "Our lifelong friend Jeff Clifford passed away this week. He was only forty and leaves a wife and two school-aged children. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers."
From Brad & Pam Korb: "Pam's father, Robert Parmer, will be having surgery tomorrow to remove the cancerous tumor from his stomach. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated."
From Susan Coddington: "My Aunt Phyllis (my mother's sister) is in ICU--most likely for the last time. My mom is having a particularly difficult time during this. Please light a candle for my Aunt and my Mom."
From Kathy Fisher: "This Friday marks the 26th year since Daddy died. I was so blessed to have been his daughter."
From Mona Smith: "John Jeter had surgery Thursday for an 80% blocked carotid artery. He's home and will take it easy for a week or two."
If you have pastoral care needs, please contact the Reverend Alice Syltie at revaluu@aol.com. Barbara Hitt is Chair of the Care Committee, and may be reached at home, (256) 881.2531; on her cell, (256) 348.5845; or by email at bghitt1@comcast.net.
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UUCH 13-14 Board MembersPresident: Kevin Betts
V.P. Denise Hunter-Gilbert
Secretary: Bobby Hall
Treasurer: Jerome Belcher
Trustees: Nancy Finley, Kathy Heath, & Laurel Bollinger
Do you have an Agenda Item for the Board?
The Board respectfully requests that all agenda items for the meeting be submitted to Board President Kevin Betts, no later than one week prior to the meeting, i.e. the Tuesday before.You may leave a copy of your request in his Mailbox at the church office, or contact him at
There will be no Board meeting in December. Next UUCH Board Meeting will be on Tuesday, January 28th, 2013 at 7pm. Thanks for your cooperation!
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From the Overlook is a publication of
The Unitarian Universalist Church,
2222 Governor's Dr. Huntsville, AL 35801
Minister: The Reverend Alice Syltie
Board Pres: Kevin Betts
Editorial Board: Laurel Bollinger, Kathy Heath
Newsletter deadlines are each Monday at midnight!
Please send submissions to news collator Deedee Moore at uuch@uuch.org
Admin. Office Hours:
Monday 10am- 1pm; Thursday 9:30am-12pm ; Friday
10am-2pm
Office phone: 256.534-0508, email: uuch@uuch.org
Minister's Phone: 256.539-9607, email: revaluu@aol.com
Web: www.uuch.org
Sunday Services are held 10:45am to 12 noon;
Children's Religious Education held concurrently.
Nursery available for age 3 years and under.
For further info on any event, call the church office:
256. 534-0508.
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