Dear Congregation,  

Once the memorial service was over, and the extended family went home, I realized the real work of adjusting to losing David would begin. Although we posted nothing about the diagnosis or treatments on Facebook, once David had died, relatives began posting the news. As you might imagine, many friends and distant relatives were shocked. There are still people that I have not talked to, who may not know. These are words I posted, that I would like to share with all of you.

"It helps to count my blessings. My brother Keith Mesecher and my sister-in-law Marge Wurgel stretched their visit to almost two weeks. My congregation showed up with meals, sent cards, emails, and other expressions of care and support. Friends and relatives reached out in sympathy and came from far and near to share in the Celebration of David's life, held Saturday at our Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville. The service was everything I hoped for. The congregation attended to every detail of arranging the space, including flowers and the reception that followed.

My colleagues, the Reverend Julie Kain, UU minister in Pensacola, FL and the Reverend Fred Hammond, UU minister in Tuscaloosa, AL came to officiate at the memorial service, and provide pastoral care for this pastor, in addition to Julie's visit to my home to talk with my family. My clergy colleagues from various denominations in Huntsville were present at the service to offer similar support. The UUCH Choir, directed by Vanessa Mantis offered moving choral pieces known to be especially significant to David. Along with accompanying the choir, our excellent pianist, Kathy Fisher provided comforting gathering music prior to the service. Vocalist and guitarist, Alli Johnson, helped select two of David's favorite songs, which she played and sang beautifully, touching us deeply. Friends and relatives honored David with heartfelt tributes, as did our daughter, Janet Vignaroli, with a photographic slide show." 

There are no words to express my appreciation to all of you. I am aware that some of you are wondering when I will be back at work full time. There seems to be no end to the surprises regarding details to take care of in this sort of situation. So, my plan is to continue to be available to the leadership and to attend to many aspects of my ministry with you. Angel Hundley and the Worship Committee worked with me months ago to prepare for the time when I might be pulled away. We are putting those plans in action now. I am going to be gentle with myself and see how this process unfolds.  If there are important pastoral care needs, I will see to a response. I am also continuing my weekly supervisory meetings with our Intern Minister, Denise Gyauch, who may also be available for pastoral needs.  So, although I may not be in the pulpit for a few weeks, I have not disappeared, and will still be working behind the scenes.  

Again, please know how grateful I am for the love and support you have offered me and my family at this time. 

In Love and Hope,

Rev. Alice 

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! This month's Potluck and Game Night will feature an "impromptu" jam session. Musicians and non-musicians alike should have a great time. Bring your instrument be it a banjo or vocal chords. Or, if you are like me, bring food! Tim Miller, Tim Klug, and Alli Johnson will warm things up and anyone interested in joining the fun is welcome. This will be rather informal, so playing games and chatting are still expected while the music happens in the background.

Interweave is an Outreach Group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) peoples and their friends and allies. We sponsor this "Potluck and Game Night" on the 3rd Friday of each month to ensure a "safe zone" for the LGBTQ, but EVERYONE that supports the LGBTQ community IS WELCOME. 

This Month's Potluck/Game night will be held Friday, Feb. 21st, from 6:30-9:00 p.m., here at the church. Contact  Denise Runnels for more information.

The Children's and Youth RE Program invites all church members, friends, and guests of all ages to a party at the Little Gym in Jones Valley, on Sunday, February 23rd, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Come on out for some family fun, games, and treats! Toddlers, children, youth, and grown-ups: ALL ARE WELCOME!

Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to be barefoot in the gym. You won't believe how much fun we're going to have. We'll have a head-over-heels good time! The address for The Little Gym in Jones Valley is 2124 Cecil Ashburn Drive. Contact DRE Erin Reid at eereid@hotmail.com for more information.

Increasingly, Americans are choosing to dine at restaurants that offer organic, fair-trade, and free-range ingredients for reasons of both health and ethics. Yet few of these diners are aware of the working conditions at the restaurants themselves. But whether you eat haute cuisine or fast food, the well being of restaurant workers is a pressing concern.

Adult RE  invites you to join in as we discuss what it means for us to be guests at the tables in restaurants across this country. We will discuss the 2013-2014 UUA Common Read, "Behind the Kitchen Door" by Saru Jayaraman this Sunday, February 23rd, at 6:00 p.m.

You can find a print version of the book at the UUA Bookstore (Click Here), Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Books a Million. An eBook is also available if you prefer or if you are unable to get a copy for yourself we have a few on the coffee bar at the back of the sanctuary that can be checked out.  

And coming in March: "Writing as a Spiritual Practice" with Erin Reid and Anna Weber!  

What:

Annual Budget Drive Kickoff Dinner

When:

March 8th, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Where:

Weatherly Heights Baptist Church,

1306 Cannstatt Drive, Huntsville

Why:

To share a delicious, catered meal in fellowship!

If you haven't yet done so, please sign up via Constant Contact, or by signing the poster in the church's foyer. Since the event is being catered, we need an accurate head count by February 23rd.

Join us for this evening of fellowship and fun!

March 8th!  Save the Date! 

The Transition Team would like to thank everyone who came to the Open House at 3921 Broadmor Rd. last Sunday.  It was a great day with around 90 people in our new building!  

Lynsie and Her Mighty Transitional Muscles!

Larry, Brad, and Lydia Talk Turkey

Bobby & Denise HG Figure It Out

Denise R. & Morgan Survey the Classrooms

Please continue to contact the Transition Team with your comments and questions at transition_team@uuch.org

From the Overlook is a publication of

The Unitarian Universalist Church,

2222 Governor's Dr. Huntsville, AL 35801

Minister: The Reverend Alice Syltie

Board President: 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 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Thursday 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; Friday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.   

Minister's Phone: 256.539-9607, email: revaluu@aol.com.

Web: www.uuch.org 

Sunday Services are held 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 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.