What UUCH Means To Me

by Jon Fox,  

as presented during the worship service March 8th, 2015

 

 

Cottage meetings are not about a hard sell and we aren't going to promise you spot in heaven if only you will give more. Why do we ask people to go to Cottage Meetings?

1. It is important to pin down our church income for the coming year as soon as possible so we can develop a budget to be voted on at our congregational meeting.
2. This is chance to hear from our church family about what you want.
3. It is a chance for us to take a pause in our busy schedules and talk about why the church is important to us and have a nice social gathering. Money talk isn't fun, so let's have a party!

Last night [March 7th] the hosts for those cottage meetings got together here at the church for their own cottage meeting. Those 12 families pledged more than 56 thousand dollars. We are now 29% of the way to matching last year's ABD total.

 

Now, since I am asking you to be a pledging member or friend of this congregation, let me briefly share why I am a pledging member of this congregation.

 

It is because I look around this sacred space and I am so proud of all work this congregation is doing and because I love our community. Every week on Sunday there are thoughtful and moving sermons with outstanding music. We care and nurture our young people with an outstanding children's religious education program from which my three sons have benefited greatly. We care for each other. When members and friends need our help--we act. And outside these walls we are reaching out to confront injustice and to help our neighbors in need . . . and sometimes we gather to celebrate the victory of love over prejudice. We came down from the mountain and we made a home in the center of Huntsville. We are here and I am very proud of us.

 

When considering my family budget, this church is a higher priority than my cable TV bill or my cell phone bill, and I pledge accordingly. We have a better product and better customer service! I hope your pledge will reflect your values and your love for this church. Thank you!

The 2015 UUCH Annual Budget Drive (ABD) began Sunday, March 8th. Numerous cottage meetings will be held in the next two weekends. The ABD slogan "We Are Here, and Reaching Out" recognizes our shared accomplishment of moving our church to Broadmor Road and making it home. It also reflects our mission statement to "let people know 'We are here' and that we welcome diversity."
 

The ABD is held to obtain pledge commitments for the upcoming church year. All members and friends will be asked to make an annual pledge commitment that will take effect on July 1st at the beginning of the new church year. The ABD commitments fund our operations and allow us to plan our 2015-16 church budget.

Pledge commitment forms are needed in March each year to enable us to plan our new budget and have it approved by the congregation at our annual meeting in May, well in advance of July 1st.

We will offer a number of Cottage Meetings in member homes where our church and stewardship-related matters will be discussed in small groups. You will receive your pledge commitment form at the meeting and be asked to complete and return it (confidentially) that day.

Cottage meetings are hosted by church members in their homes where you will enjoy food and fellowship in a small group social setting. Several cottage meetings will be designated as "child-friendly" so your children will be welcome to come too.

It is not too late to sign up for a cottage meeting! Check your calendar for your availability to attend a lunch or dinner meeting on March 13-15th or March 20-22nd. Then please contact Pam Korb at bradkorb@mindsping.com to reserve your spot for a lunch or dinner meeting.

Look for more information about the 2015 ABD in upcoming newsletters, Sunday bulletins, emails, and announcements!

Our next Social Justice Committee meeting will be Sunday, March 22nd at 9:30 a.m. We will meet in the RE wing to set up for the homeless meal pack assembly. Everyone is welcome, and we'll have bagels. Please let Tonia know if you need child care at (256) 882-9891.

Wanted: New or Gently Worn Shoes

Have shoes cluttering your closet that you never wear? Sneakers, pumps, cowboy boots, you name it, the Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP) can use them.

Donated shoes will be sent to developing nations for sale by microbusinesses. These businesses provide income for families in need. In addition, HAP is paid for shoes it collects. A win-win "sit-shoe-ation"!

We will collect shoes until May 1st. You can place them in the food collection areas in the foyer or south wing hallway. Questions? You can call Tonia at (256) 882-9891.

The church is sponsoring its annual yard sale on Saturday, April 25th, and we need your junque!

You may now begin bringing your items to the church during the Admin.'s office hours, i.e.10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. (Better call first, just in case: 256.534.0508.) Storage is in the north wing of the building, so park in the north parking lot for your convenience, and ring the doorbell so Deedee can open the door for you.

Start emptying your drawers, garages, attics, and closets! Please make sure that clothes smell fresh as daisies and that donated items are not torn or broken. On the other hand, keep in mind that one person's junk is another's treasure! Contact Bonnie Herold bherold51@gmail.com with questions.

 

At our Circle of Candles on Sunday, March 8th, candles were lit for:

 

Bobby Hall, a Candle of Joy: "After 3 weeks in rehab, my crazy father is using a wheelchair as a walker. One more week at Valley View, then...we don't know..."
 
Haley Clark, a Candle of Joy: "I lost my first tooth!" (Haley also drew a self-portrait on the back of her form!)
 
Michelle Clark, a Candle of Joy: "I am celebrating my birthday with the people who have been the best addition to our lives this year. Thank you." (Michelle is Haley's Mom.)
 
Michelle Clark, a Candle of Concern: "My sister's cervical cancer has returned. Prayers for an effective treatment and peace about the likely consequences."
 
Kathy Heath, a Candle of Joy: "Thank you to George Fletcher, Steve Herold, Brad Korb, Jason Aycock and others who cleared the fallen tree and ice, so that our entries were safe this morning."
 
Amanda Schuber, a Candle of Sorrow: "Monday marks the 5th anniversary of the suicide of my best friend, Chris Trace. I only wish he could have known how much better it could get."
 
Barbara Hitt, a Candle of Joy: "My amazing Mom turns 97 on Friday. She still braves the frigid Wyoming weather to walk the dog around the block, and she enjoys her book club, called SOLAS--Smart Old Ladies Approaching Senility."
 
Bailey Carswell, a Candle of Hope and Joy: "My grandfather was admitted to the ICU on Wed., Feb. 25th for a systemic infection which developed into septicemia, a blood infection. He is already battling throat cancer. Miraculously, on Monday, he was moved to a regular hospital room. He has chosen to go to a nursing home temporarily for rehabilitation until he can continue cancer treatment again."
 
Kathy Fisher, a Candle of Joy: "My son had a disc in his neck replaced a month ago, and his neurosurgeon released him to do normal activities and light weight-lifting. His damaged nerves are already regenerating! His appointment was the same day last week as my appointment with my orthopedic surgeon who released me to finish the rehab of my shoulder without his oversight, (but plenty of cautions.) Glory be!"