UUCH Chalice
The Overlook
Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville
3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville AL 35810  
March 10th, 2016
Vol. 16 Issue 10
In This Issue
Spring Forward!
Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday morning, March 13th, when 2:00 a.m. magically becomes 3:00 a.m.!
Don't forget to set your clocks ahead before you go to sleep! 
We CAN Do It!
foodbasket  
Thanks to your generous contributions, we collected 82 items in February to give to the Huntsville Assistance Program--plus many, many items that our youth will use to create meal-packs for our homeless outreach program. We will still be collecting for the meal-pack items through March 13th. And we are always happy to receive food and hygiene supplies for the Food Basket!
Awareness Through Movement!
 
Everyone is welcome! This Feldenkrais group class is designed to improve self-awareness and mobility. The class will be verbally guided through gentle movement sequences. These new movement patterns will enable you to move with greater ease and fluidity.
 
This Adult RE class is drop-in, no experience necessary, and is led by Sally Locklear. Wear comfortable, loose clothing, and bring a bath towel to use as a head support.  Classes are held on Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. until further notice.

For further information, contact Nancy Finley at [email protected].
If you need childcare for this event, please contact Nancy at least a week before the event. 
This Year's UU General Assembly
 
UUGA will be held June 22nd-26th in Columbus Ohio!
This year's theme is "Heart land: Where Faiths Connect." For further information, visit the GA website at www.uua.org/ga
Mmmm-mmm Good!
coffeecup 
If you are a coffee connoisseur, the Social Justice Committee invites you to visit the coffee table in the Fellowship Hall  to order your Certified Fair Trade and Organic coffee from the Kaffeeklatsch. Provide your name, contact info, and type of coffee, grind, and amount you want and deliveries will be made the following Sunday (unless you arrange otherwise). Should you not make it that next Sunday the coffee will go into the church kitchen's freezer with your name on it. All profits go in support of our Social Justice efforts.

 In addition to Certified Fair Trade and Organic coffee from the Kaffeeklatsch,
Your Social Justice Committee also sells Fair Trade chocolate from Equal Exchange.
Right now we have dark chocolate & almond bars, as well as chocolate Easter Eggs!
(Fair Trade means no bunnies were harmed during the egg-laying process.) Pick yours up in the Fellowship Hall after Sunday morning services!

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UUCH Chalice
Sunday, March 13th, 2016
 
 
"People of Liberation" 
The Reverend Alice Syltie 
 
Our theme for this month, "Liberation," prompts the question, what does it mean to be a people of liberation? As I contemplate my upcoming sabbatical time, I am considering various ways to answer this question. As Unitarian Universalists we frequently think of liberation in terms of fighting oppression and dismantling systems. In addition, might we also consider the words of Johnathan Jena? "True wisdom comes in understanding that sometimes, you are both the prison and the key." How often are the bars, or limits, that restrict us self-imposed? Perhaps this month we can look for and turn that key.

Flower Communion and Child Dedication Ceremony Sunday, March 27th
 
We celebrate the season of new life with flowers and a Ceremony of Dedication for Babies and Children. In our Unitarian Universalist tradition we honor new life and welcome children into the world in a special Ceremony of Dedication. In the words of Shelley Denham's song, "we dedicate our hearts and minds to the spirit of this child." This special Dedication and Naming service will be part of our Flower Communion Service on Easter Sunday, March 27th. If you would like to have your baby or child dedicated, or have questions about this, please contact Rev. Alice Syltie for information. 
 
And don't forget that each person from the youngest to the oldest is asked to bring a flower to share in the giving and receiving of flowers.
giving heart
This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education 
 
Children and youth will join together in Children's Chapel, with singing, activities, and stories about Liberation, this month's worship theme.

Childcare for ages 0-3 will be offered as usual in the Nursery.
 
Questions about Religious Education at UUCH may be directed to Erin Reid, our Director of Religious Education (DRE) (256.694.6786 or [email protected]) or Jessica Zelaya, RE Chair (256.322.2210 or [email protected]). Register online for the UUCH Children and Youth RE Program at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WS8LDNP. 
From Your Minister
Sabbatical Time Again? 
 
Yes. It is sabbatical time again. The offer of sabbatical is a tradition in Unitarian Universalist congregations. Recognition of the need for renewal and reflection by ministers is acknowledged in the process of calling a minister. Here are some words from the Department of Ministry of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

"The Sabbatical, as an extended leave from normal duties, enables the minister not only to experience rest and recreation but the renewal that follows detachment, reflection and new learnings; renewal that brings fresh enthusiasm, new ideas and a clearer focus to the relationship." 
 
While the Board and various committees have been discussing this for well over a year, I recently learned that it is news to some people. So, over the next few weeks we look for opportunities to share the details with all of you and describe how the advance planning assures us that the congregation will be in good hands during the sabbatical time.
 
The sabbatical time accrued is 6 months. I chose to spread this time out over two church years. I think this will work better for the congregation. Starting in April I will begin the first three months. My UU clergy colleagues in the Alabama-Gulf Coast Cluster covenanted long ago to support one another and our congregations during sabbaticals.

Right now I am working closely with the Worship Committee to line up ministers and other guest speakers for Sunday morning worship.
 
If you have questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment to talk with me before the beginning of the sabbatical, please Email me ([email protected]) or call the church office. Deedee always knows how to reach me. 
 
In Love and Hope.
Rev. Alice
Our Shared Journey Update

Some are not able to attend a Cottage Meeting this year, but we still want to give you the opportunity to "Share the Journey" and support the Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville during our 2016 Annual Budget Drive. This week there will be letters going out to those who are unable to attend. It will contain a letter and your pledge form for the 2016-2017 church year. Please mail or return your completed form(s) to the church office by March 21st.

The UUCH Annual Budget Drive (ABD) is in full swing! ABD pledges account for 90% of our budget and allow us to plan for what is possible during the upcoming year (which starts July 1st). We celebrate what we are accomplishing, including the highest children's RE registration, highest UUCH membership, and highest average Sunday attendance on record. We celebrate the wealth of opportunities offered in Adult RE and Social Justice and the way that we care for one another and take the time to know one another. We celebrate our music and worship programs and our professional staff that works so well together. We love our new space and want to make it better for all to enjoy.
 
This year, if pledges allow, the focus is on living out two of our principles. We'll focus on the inherent worth and dignity of every person by making continued accessibility improvements to our church space, improving the audio and visual experiences of our community, and enhancing the outside church space for all to enjoy. We'll focus on a free and responsible search for truth and meaning by expanding our Religious Education programs by moving from the current part-time Children's RE position toward a full-time Director of Lifespan Religious Education over the next few years.
 
We've had a great start, with pledges totaling $102,290 so far. Thank you to all that have already pledged! We look forward to hearing from everyone!
 
Jason Aycock,             2016 ABD Chair
Kevin Betts,                 2016 ABD Co-chair
Can You Help with Meal Pack Supplies?

The Social Justice Committee and Children and Youth Religious Education Program will be holding a RE Creative Service on Sunday, March 20th, where children and youth will assemble meal packs for distribution in the community. 

As a congregation-wide social justice activity, all are invited to bring an item to share with the church's homeless outreach.
If you would like to donate, please place items in the collection areas in the foyer or Fellowship Hall.

Items needed: individual servings of Vienna sausage, pudding cups, granola bars, juice boxes, fruit cups and packs of crackers; also travel size toiletries and personal care items. And of course, gallon-sized Ziplock bags!

This will be an ongoing collection through Sunday, March 13th. Thank you!
Grades 5-6 Our Whole Lives (OWL) Parent Meeting, Sunday, March 13th

The initial parent orientation session for Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality education programs for grades 5-6 will be held Sunday, March 13th, 12:30-3:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church, sponsored by the Children and Youth Religious Education Program. We will offer some light refreshments, and childcare will be provided as needed. This is a mandatory session for parents who are interested in their youth participating in the program. The OWL sessions will begin April 10th (revised date), with a joint meeting for parents and participating youth. The meeting on March 13th is just for parents. The parent orientation session will offer an overview of the curriculum as well as the principles and values behind the program.
 
OWL offers a beautiful curriculum in keeping with UU values for building holistic identity and sexuality awareness in young people. OWL fosters authenticity, safety, age-appropriate understanding, self-worth, and, in general, provides the tools a young person needs to make healthy choices. OWL classes will be led by a committed team of trained facilitators. Read more about OWL at http://www.uua.org/re/owl/.

Please contact RE Director Erin Reid at [email protected] with any questions or childcare needs for this meeting.  
Wonderful Wednesday Spaghetti!

Come enjoy homemade spaghetti (meat and veggie) and warm UUCH fellowship at the Wonderful Wednesday Supper on  Wednesday, March 16th,  serving 5:30-6:45 p.m. 

Family-friendly pricing: ages 6 and younger are free, ages 7-12 are $2, age 13 and older are $5. Family max: $15.

Childcare and creative children's activities will be offered at 6:30 for families staying to attend Adult RE or choir activities. Adult RE film and discussion at 7:00 p.m., following the supper. (See article below.)

Do yourself and your family a favor! It couldn't be easier, so don't try to resist--just come join the fun!

--Hosted by your UUCH Hospitality Committee.
Wonderful Wednesday Adult RE
Film and Discussion

What do Spock, Sex, and Climate Change have to do with each other? Come to the Adult RE video and discussion on Wonderful Wednesday, March 16th, 7:00 p.m.to find out! spock
Naturally intriguing, this humorous TED talk from the producer of Nature RX viral video asks us, "Does nature have a marketing problem?'
Easter Egg Hunt at Alice & Betsy's!
Sunday Afternoon, March 27th!

You and your family are invited to spend Easter Sunday afternoon with your fellow UUs in a day of relaxation and fun while welcoming the beginning of spring. (Rain or shine!) 

What:
 Easter Egg Hunt
Who: Everyone is invited!
When: Sunday, Mar. 27th, 2-5:00 p.m.
Where: Alice Dilbeck and Betsy Applegate's home, in the Monrovia area.
 
Suggestions for what to bring:
Yourself and family--Eggs for the hunt (plastic filled and "real")--Baskets for gathering eggs--Goodies to share for munching--Lawn chairs and musical instruments. 
 
We'll have badminton, croquet, activities for all ages, and "sitting-on-the-porch-talking-as-we-watch-others-expend-a-lot-of-energy." What could be more fun?!
 
Children are advised to wear or bring play clothes to fully enjoy the outdoor activities.
 
Directions to Alice Dilbeck's and Betsy Applegate's home are in the fellowship hall by the coffee, or you can call (256-534-0508) or email Deedee at the church office ([email protected]) for a copy.
 
We're Egg-cited! We'll be HOPPY to see you!
"New UU" Class Coming in April

stained glass chalice 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!
Starting Sunday morning April 3rd, and continuing on April 10th and 17th, join us for this chance to learn and share. Meet for coffee and snacks at 9:00 a.m. in the Adult RE room located at the end of the Religious Education (South) wing; discussion starts at 9:15. Childcare will be provided for each class. Come even if you cannot attend all three sessions; handouts for any missed sessions will be available. Contact Nancy Finley ([email protected]) for further info.  
UUCH BOOK SALE!
 
Four Days of Book Buying!
Wednesday, April 20th through Friday, April 22nd,
from Noon until 7:00 p.m.
AND Continuing
Saturday, April 23rd, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
 
Admission is FREE!
There will be no pre-sales!

Come browse through the HUGE SELECTION of used books, audio, video, magazines, rare finds and old favorites at BARGAIN PRICES--get there before the good ones get away!
 
What Can YOU Do To Help?
  • Donate your books to this great cause (and get a tax deduction).
  • Invite your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
  • Bring your books to church any time before Sunday, April 17th, and leave them in front of the North Hall doors.
  • Plan to stay after church on Sunday, April 17th, for a book-sorting party!
  • Volunteer to work a shift at the sale. Look for sign-up opportunities during the month before the sale.
"When I get a little money I buy books and if any is left I buy food and clothes."-Desiderius Erasmus
I Put My Money Where My Heart Is
-- Michelle Clark
 
chalice w/rainbow flame In the December before we started coming to UUCH, I made a resolution to be more generous. It's no secret that I am a Dave Ramsey fan, and listening to his show at Christmas time is an uplifting reminder of the awesome power of what he calls "outrageous generosity." Inspired, Glen and I started setting aside a portion of the money that comes in every month for giving.
 
As the balance on the 20th tab of the spreadsheet that is our financial life grew (yes, we are NERDS), the question became, where should the money go? We have a list of charities that we have given to over the years, but I was looking for more of a connection with the good this money could do than dropping a check in the mail. So Haley and I went to Toys R Us and filled two carts with toys for Toys for Tots that Christmas. We have dropped a few checks in the mail over the last couple of years, but that is not nearly as fun as helping a friend meet her goal of buying 100 books and stuffed animals for homeless kids in Huntsville. That connection to the power of generosity is why I give to this church.
 
When I see this year's new opportunities for fellowship, like the Wednesday suppers and more religious education classes, or the joyful hearts serving holiday lunch to the Alabama Hispanic Association, it makes me happy that some of the dollars that the Clark family works hard for are helping make that possible. The famous saying is you should put your money where your mouth is, but I think it is much more important to put my money where my heart is, and so now the most frequent entry on our spreadsheet is a gift to UUCH. I encourage you to review your budget and your priorities and be as generous as you dare.
 
Thank you,
Michelle Clark

Michelle first shared these thoughts with the congregation during the service on February 29th.
Board Report for February 23rd, 2016
 
Your UUCH Board of Trustees met on February 23rd. Topics of discussion included:
  • A more economical copy machine will be leased for the church office.
  • This year's Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on May the 22nd, 2016.
  • The next steps toward our goal of full accessibility for all were discussed, based on the recommendations of the Accessibilty Task Force.

--Ed Berstein, Board Secretary
votives Care List 
 
At our Circle of Candles on
Sunday, March 6th, candles were lit for:
 
Theresa Miller, a candle of sorrow: "My sister Lois, who had to have her leg amputated last week, asks that you continue to pray for her healing, also for her husband Dick who is in a different care facility, and is in failing health. It offered her comfort to think our church family has her in their prayers. We plan to visit them in Ohio during spring break."
 
Kathy Fisher, a candle of sorrow: "Please keep my one-year-old grandson in your thoughts and prayers. The doctors have just discovered that he has a hole in his heart. My son and daughter-in-law see the pediatric cardiologist tomorrow. Thanks!"
 
Kirsten Clark, a candle of Joy: "This week we celebrated my 30th birthday, and I received the best birthday present ever--news that we will be expecting a new baby in October. We are overwhelmed and overjoyed to be expanding our family."
 
If you have pastoral care needs, please contact the
Reverend Alice Syltie at [email protected]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 [email protected].
UUCH 15-16 Board Members

 

President: Laurel Bollinger 

Vice-President: Angel Hundley 

Secretary: Ed Bernstein           

Treasurer: Jerome Belcher   

Trustees: Millicent Simmons, Jon Fox, & Denise Runnels 

 

Do you have an Agenda Item for the Board?  
The Board respectfully requests that all agenda items for the meeting be submitted to Board President Laurel Bollinger, no later than one week prior to the meeting, i.e. the Tuesday before. You may leave a copy of your request in her Mailbox at the church office, or contact her at [email protected].

The next UUCH Board Meeting will be held
on Tuesday, March 29th, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Thanks for your cooperation!

From the Overlook is a publication of

The Unitarian Universalist Church,

3921 Broadmor Rd. Huntsville, AL 35810

Minister: The Reverend Alice Syltie

Board President: Laurel Bollinger  

Editorial Board: Laurel Bollinger, Kathy Heath 

 

Newsletter deadlines are each Monday at midnight!
Please send submissions to news collator Deedee Moore at
[email protected].  

 

Admin. Office Hours: 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Mon-Tue-Thu-Fri.

For Wednesday access, please call in advance. 

Office phone: 256.534-0508, email: [email protected].

Minister's email: [email protected].

Website: 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.