As we proclaim our new property the "Future Home of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville," we openly proclaim our name in our new neighborhood.  If many of our future neighbors on Broadmor Road have never lived next door to a Unitarian Universalist Church, they may wonder, "Who are these Unitarian Universalists?"  What might we tell them?  This Sunday we consider portions of our history and tradition that may help us respond to this question.

Nursery care (ages 0-3) will be provided as usual. For more information, contact Erin Reid, our Director of Religious Education (DRE) (256.694.6786 or eereid@hotmail.com).  

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 August 10th, 17th, and 24th 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 Nick Wilbourn 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.

We made great progress during the volunteer workday this past Saturday! Nearly 30 youth and adults came out to perform tasks both inside and outside the facility to help get it ready for us to move in. As you know, our new facility is much larger than our current facility and lots of hands make for easy work. Many thanks go out to the people who worked on Saturday and a special thanks to Tim Miller and Howard Williams for coming back on Monday to complete the tasks they had started on Saturday. We will have another workday in mid-August, so stay tuned for further opportunities to put some "sweat equity" into our new facility!

In our contractor efforts, the city has performed their initial inspection of the new sanctuary, foyer, and kitchen HVAC systems and has given our contractor, The Hutchens Company, the go-ahead to complete their work. Lee Builders and their subcontractors are making great progress in the north hallway bathroom renovation and supply water/plumbing installation. Both plumbing and sheet rock installation are complete in the bathrooms, and tile is being installed this week. In another area, Carpet Crafters is installing the sanctuary, foyer, and balcony carpet this week. Our new facility is a busy place and visible improvements are happening each day!

--Brad Korb, Renovations Chair

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian Ministry, founded on the conviction that every man, woman, and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. 

Habitat has more than 1,500 local affiliates in the United States and more than 70 national organizations around the world. Together, they have helped to build or repair more than 800,000 houses and serve more than 4 million people worldwide. 

Habitat for Humanity houses are simple, decent, and affordable to low-income families. Whenever possible, we build energy-efficient, sustainable housing. In the U.S., Habitat for Humanity lends no-profit no-interest mortgage loans to its beneficiary families. On a global scale, Habitat's traditional model is not always possible. Our international housing finance programs consist of innovative housing finance practices and/or partnerships with micro-finance organizations.

Headquarters for Huntsville/Madison County's local Habitat group are at 400 Pratt Ave NW, Huntsville, AL 35801.  To learn more about this local group and what they contribute to our area, please go to: www.habitatmadisonco.org.

*When we "Share the Plate," all cash collected on the first Sunday of each month in the quarter (July, August, and September), along with any checks noted as "Share the Plate," will be halved with Habitat for Humanity.    

Amanda Schuber and Wanda Snoddy: "Joy that our Addie is turning four on Monday and is starting pre-K a week later. Amanda also has a joy that the Habitat for Humanity farmers market has been such a success that we got approval to extend through mid-September."

Barbara Hitt and the Care Committee: "Pam Siegler's cancer surgery went very well, and she is grateful for all the support she has received from her UUCH family."

Kathy Fisher: "I'm so proud of the New Orleans UU church for responding by singing when the sanctity of their worship service was invaded by a group of haters. I was able to share the story with many people on Facebook, people who had heard only about the hate group."

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.