Water is essential to human life. Yet almost three-quarters of a billion people around the world lack clean drinking water. The United Nations has reported that more people now die from contaminated water than from all forms of violence.

UUSC defends and promotes the human right to water by working with grassroots groups and activists to push for new laws, challenge violations, and create new models for implementation.

UUSC collaborates with innovative groups who are protecting water resources and increasing access to services in law and practice. Recognizing that too many people are denied the human right to water because of discriminatory policies and procedures, UUSC puts special focus on working with people in the following populations:

• Rural communities and low-income urban residents
• Indigenous people
• People of color, women, children, and people living with disabilities

Access to water shouldn't depend on your race or bank account. UUSC envisions a sustainable future in which all people have access to water for basic human needs and water supplies are safe from industrial contamination, overextraction, and climate change.

For more on the UUSC's Safe Water project, go to http://www.uusc.org/campaigns/the-human-right-to-water.

*When we "Share the Plate," all cash collected on the first Sunday of each month in the quarter (April, May, and June), along with any checks noted as "Share the Plate," will be halved with the UU Service Committee.

Your Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 26th. The major items of discussion were:

• Review and approve the minutes from the Congregational Meeting on May 17, 2015 
• Implementation of the policy for email notification of Congregational Meetings resulting from changes to our by-laws 
• Building renovations and policies needed to be more accessible to individuals with disabilities 
• UUCH Delegates to General Assembly (GA) 
• Designated smoking areas away from entry points 
• Rental requests

Congregational Meeting Minutes Posted

Your Board of Trustees reviewed and approved minutes from the Congregational Meeting that was held on Sunday, May 17th, 2015. Members of UUCH are invited to review these minutes and to suggest changes. A copy of the minutes will be posted on the "What's Happening at UUCH" bulletin board. You may also request an electronic or hard copy of the minutes by contacting Deedee Moore in the church office: 256.534-0508, or uuch@uuch.org.

At our Circle of Candles on Sunday, May 24th, candles were lit for:

Denise Gyauch, a candle of joy: "I am so grateful to have been ordained yesterday by UUCH along with First UU Nashville. Much love."

Denise Runnels, a candle of joy: "It was a joy to attend and participate in the Reverend Denise Gyauch's ordination service yesterday. It was an absolutely marvelous service!"

Jo Broussard and Jeanne DeFrance, a candle of sorrow: "Our friend in Atlanta, Rick Davenport Underwood, was in a motorcycle accident. His helmet saved him. Please send healing thoughts."

Jo Broussard and Jeanne DeFrance, a candle of joy: "A gracious thanks to Sally Locklear for the Awareness Through Movement classes that she directed every Saturday morning here at church. The classes have been very beneficial for Jeanne's back issues."

LaDawn Edwards, a candle of concern: "I have several friends who sometimes ask for advice on their love lives. This morning when I was reunited with my dog after yesterday's trip to Nashville, my dog-sitter asked for a candle for letting go of an unsupportive relationship."

Jessica Zelaya, a candle of joy: "I am so happy to be able to go to Michigan tomorrow for Rowan to meet his great-great-grandmother. We go on his first plane flight tomorrow!"    

Candles were also lit for Nancy Finley and Becky and Abby Ellingwood, and for Echo and Jack Long. 

Candles for May 31st:

Autumn Betts, a candle of joy: "Our horse Dancer is turning 17 on Wednesday!"

Bryan Walls, a candle of sorrow: "Three recent deaths: Dr. Clay Moquin; my step brother-in-law, Charles Gupton; and a co-worker's husband. Thoughts for those affected."

Malcolm Goodman, a candle of concern: "Hopeful healing--my dad (Larry) fell last week, went to the emergency room for x-rays, and has a slightly fractured pelvis. He seems to be doing pretty well, considering. He sees a sports medicine doctor this week, and we will know more about the diagnosis and prognosis then."

We also lit a candle of sorrow for Matt Jordan and Katie Smith because Matt's father died last week.

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. 

President:  Denise Hunter-Gilbert

Vice-President: Angel Hundley 

Secretary: Bobby Hall           

Treasurer: Jerome Belcher   

Trustees: Millicent Simmons, John Fox, & Laurel Bollinger