Reclaiming Prophetic Witness by Paul Rasor (Skinner House Books, 2012) has been selected as the 2014-15 Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Common Read. It points out a growing misconception that conservative Christianity is the only valid religious voice in our national social policy. The book includes insights from our liberal religious theological heritage that have bearing for us today, and calls us to prophetic, faith-based justice work.     

Rasor explores the forces and tensions that have weakened our prophetic witness in the last quarter century. He also makes a strong case for the necessity of a liberal religious presence in the public square to complement and strengthen secular voices raised for social justice. Reclaiming Prophetic Witness offers new ways to think about how to remain culturally engaged and yet able to speak and act for justice from a faith-based position. You can watch a short video of Paul Rasor discussing his book on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwQ4xhK4HAM. 

Angel Hundley and Jon Fox will lead a book discussion of this "Common Read" on Sunday, June 28th at 6:30 p.m. in the ARE/Library room. A Common Read invites participants to read and discuss the same book in a given period of time. A Common Read can build community in our congregations and our movement by giving diverse people a shared experience, shared language, and a basis for deep, meaningful conversations. For more info on this Common Read, go to http://www.uua.org/re/adults/read.

Adult RE has a couple of books to circulate for anyone that would like to join the book discussion, but is unable to purchase a personal copy. Please sign out the book on the ARE "library" sheet in the fellowship hall. The book is also available at the UUA bookstore http://www.uuabookstore.org/Reclaiming-Prophetic-Witness-P17243.aspx and from online booksellers.

Please join us, whether you finish the book or not! 

On a warm evening in May of 1999, several dozen close friends gathered in Huntsville for dinner. Their goal: to raise money for the ever-increasing number of clients coming to the AIDS Action Coalition for care. After a few hours of stories and laughter, wine and dessert, this group of supporters raised $7,000.

Since that time, Dining With Friends has grown into one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Tennessee Valley, with hundreds of supporters (including UUs) attending small parties and a huge dessert reception each year. Thanks to people like you, Dining with Friends has raised more than $1 million to support the essential services provided to the North Alabama community by Thrive Alabama, formerly the AIDS Action Coalition.

Your support through Dining with Friends is a key component to our ability to provide life-changing services to people in North Alabama. Thanks to you, each year we help over 2,500 people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Thrive Alabama is hosting this year's Dining with Friends Dessert Reception (Theme: "Old Hollywood") on Saturday, July 11th at 7:00 p.m. at The Westin at Bridge Street. To learn more about how you can help-by donating, or by attending or hosting a party, please go to thrivealabama.org.

Barbara Hitt, a candle of love and farewell: "Our dearly loved long-time member Anne Rutledge is moving to Florida to live with her daughter. Anne is a retired history professor and a published poet. We will miss you, Anne!"

Ken and Lydia Hines, a candle of joy: "Our brother Richard is recovering well from surgery for esophageal cancer.  We will return to northern Ohio to assist him during chemotherapy."

Kathy Fisher, a candle of sorrow: "The daughter of one of my classmates was killed in a car wreck on Wednesday, just days after our sweet and happy 50th reunion. Please lift Sonny Harrell and his wife up in your thoughts and prayers."

Cheri Smith, a candle of concern: "My brother Jeff came through surgery for his liver transplant, but now his kidneys have failed and he is on dialysis. He is breathing on his own. Prayers are still needed."

Eleanor Schweinsberg, a candle of sorrow: "I am saddened by the death of my sister-in-law Helen at age 93. She was the last of my siblings. I have known her for almost my entire life."

Daisy (formerly "Abi") Nielsen, a candle of sorrow: "My Granddad died, and he was buried in the National Cemetery of Alabama."

Dan Nielsen, a candle of gratitude: "I am grateful to my father, Lenny Nielsen, for his lifelong caring."

Barbara Hitt, a candle of sorrow:" Susan Coddington's father passed away this past week. Please keep Susan and her family in your thoughts."

Lynne Abbott, a candle of concern: "I have concern for my granddaughter Isabelle who is now 11 days old but isn't eating and has an irregular heartbeat. Other than that, she's doing well and growing more beautiful by the day."

Ed and Paulette Bernstein, a candle of joy: "We welcome Ed's daughter, Juliet, and Grandmother Maddie to visit us today."

Reverend Alice, a candle of joy: "I am joyful to have spent a wonderful 3 1/2 weeks in Rome, Italy, sharing time with my daughter Janet, my grand-kids, and Federico and his family and friends."

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