UUCH Chalice
The Overlook
Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville
3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville AL 35810  
September 8th, 2016
Vol. 16 Issue 36
In This Issue
We Can Reachsmiley100
Your Social Justice Committee asks that we bring non-perishable food and personal hygiene items for the food basket this Sunday, to be donated to the Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP). Collection Baskets are located in the Foyer and in the Fellowship Hall.
Our Goal: 100 Food Items per month!
So please check your pantry, and/or pick up an extra item on your next shopping trip.
Suggested donations: macaroni and cheese, pasta and sauce, dry beans and rice, boxes of cereal, bars of soap, canned meat, and peanut butter!
Also toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary napkins and tampons, shampoo and conditioner...you get the idea!
Thanks in advance!

ATM: Awareness Through Movement on Saturday Mornings
UUCH Adult Religious Education focuses on the whole spiritual person--mentally and physically. We are starting another series of Awareness Through Movement� classes. Those who came to the first series found it very enjoyable, relaxing, and useful. The class focuses on gentle movement that can assist us in being more comfortable and pain-free in our everyday activities. Come learn how to use the core of your body to improve movement, balance, and chronic pain.
 
Everyone is welcome! This verbally guided Awareness Through Movement� class is for anyone who wants more ease and comfort in their movements. Class is drop-in, no experience necessary, and will be led by Sally Locklear. Wear comfortable, loose clothing, and bring a bath or beach towel to use as head support for comfort in side-lying.
 
These classes are held on Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. For further information, contact Adult RE chair Nancy Finley.
If you need childcare for this event, please contact Nancy at least a week before the event

hand_holding_note.jpg
It's Not Too Late to Join the Choir!
UUCH Choir holds their weekly practices
 each Wednesday, from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. Come sing with us! Childcare is available.

Safe Space for Children and Youth
For the safety and enjoyment of our all-ages community, parents/guardians are asked to supervise children and youth in the church facility and grounds when they are not in their planned RE activity.

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UUCH Chalice
Sunday, September 11th, 2016
 

"All Church Annual Water Ceremony"

The Reverend Alice Syltie and Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education 

Labor Day weekend has traditionally marked the close of the summer season; the last chance for a long weekend to enjoy the beach, lake, or community pool. Even though the temperature does not appear to be changing drastically, this Sunday we will once again celebrate the change of seasons with our water ceremony. You are invited to bring a small sample of real or virtual water representing a place of special or spiritual significance in your summer sojourns. Nursery will be provided for the youngest among us, while the rest of us participate in the worship service.
This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education 
        
Children and youth will participate in the multigenerational worship service, the gathering of the waters, in the sanctuary. CYRE groups will not meet. Nursery care (ages 0-3) will be offered as usual. Come out Sunday, September 18th, for our first Sunday of Fall sessions!
 
The Children and Youth Religious Education Program is now registering for the fall and spring program, which begins September 18th. (See Article below.) Registration helps us plan for facilities, leadership, and safety needs. It also lets us be in touch with your family with special announcements and RE information. All participants in the RE program (ages infant to 18) should register each year even if you've registered before. Register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WS8LDNP. Paper registration forms are also available at the church.
 
For more information, contact Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education (DRE) at [email protected] or Audrey Fox, CYRE Chair, at [email protected] )
"New UU" Class Starting THIS Sunday!
Sunday mornings, Sept. 11th, 25th, and Oct. 2nd, 9:00 a.m. in the Adult RE Classroom.
 
You don't have to be new to UU to join us for a fun discussion about what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist and learn more about UUCH. This three-part series explores important themes in UU congregational life, such as worship, theology, history, covenant, faith development, social justice, and membership. It 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.
Childcare will be provided. Contact Nancy Finley ([email protected]) for further information.
  
Exploring SoulCollage�
Have Fun and Be Inspired! 

SoulCollage� begins our Fall season classes on Monday, September 12th!

The 7th UU principle calls us to respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. When we reflect upon this principle we understand this web to be complex and multidimensional. The process of SoulCollage� as presented by Seena B. Frost reveals a scaled down yet similar complexity within ourselves. As we build our deck of cards and come face-to-face in a visual way with the various aspects of ourselves and our own complexity, we may have a better understanding of how the innumerable and various aspects of all existence are similarly interconnected.

SoulCollage�--What is it?
...an intuitive process for creating an incredible deck of cards with deep personal meaning....
SoulCollage�--How?
...create personalized 5x8 cards by cutting and pasting images from magazines
SoulCollage�--Why?
...discover and remind yourself how complex, talented, versatile, and unique you are. Show yourself to others and connect with the larger spiritual dimensions that inspire you.
SoulCollage�--come to know your whole self.

Everyone is welcome! No experience necessary! All you need to know is how to use a pair of scissors and a glue stick.

Denise Runnels and Nancy Finley will co-facilitate this Adult RE workshop in the UUCH fellowship hall Monday evening, September 12th, from 6-8:30 p.m. After this initial meeting, the workshops will be held on the first Monday of each month.
Parent Meeting Set for Potential
UUCH Girl Scouts!

The UUCH Girl Scout troop is accepting new members (girls from 2nd through 4th grade) and welcoming back our existing scouts for the 2016-2017 school year. We are having a parent meeting on September 12th at 5:30 p.m. in the RE wing and will be discussing plans for the year and getting everyone signed up. Our first meeting with the scouts will be September 19th. We'd love to see you there!

Spread the Word!

Bring the kids, the dog, and the in-laws!
Portrait Sessions Begin September 14th!
Lifetouch professional portrait sessions will be held in the UUCH Fellowship Hall during the following dates and times:
Wed., Sept. 14th, 2:00-9:00 p.m.
Thu., Sept. 15th, 2:00-9:00 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 16th, 1:00-8:00 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 17th, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 18th, 12:30-6:00 p.m.

Did you know that your extended family and friends can have free 8x10 photos made at UUCH?
They will not be included in the UUCH photo directory, but each will get one free family photo and have the opportunity to buy more.
 
This "Family & Friends" program sponsored by Lifetouch Photography also benefits the church. UUCH will receive a $5 thank-you donation for each family it photographs.
 
So ask your adult children, your best friends, your neighbors, and your grandkids if they would like a free family photo. Make those appointments by clicking here.

And if you are a UUCH member or friend who has not yet made your own photo appointment, please do so today!
 
Each family who brings non-perishable food items to their photo session will receive $5 off their photo order (if they choose to buy photos). Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP) will reap the benefits of those food donations! 
Adult Religious Education 

T
chalice w/rainbow flamehe Art of Facilitation 
Thursday, September 15th at 7:00 p.m.
 
  One definition of facilitation is to make easier or more convenient. At one time or another, most of us find ourselves in the role of facilitator. It might be a casual conversation over a family meal, or a structured meeting at work. Regardless of the setting, good facilitation requires a number of skills. Some of these skills are easily learned and some take time to develop. On Thursday September 15th, Rev. Alice Syltie and John Czachurski will facilitate an opportunity to learn more about, or perhaps enhance your own, facilitation skills. In addition to novices, seasoned facilitators are welcome and invited. Your experience will be of value to the group.
 
Location: Adult Religious Education Room  
Child Care Available
For further information call the Reverend Alice Syltie at 256.527.6689.
Adult RE Wednesday Film Series
Sept. 21st, 7-8:00 p.m.

Who is this man, and why is he speaking at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly?

He is the Reverend William Barber, II, leader of Moral Mondays, Forward Together, and NAACP NC, and he is speaking on his new book The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and the Rise of a New Justice Movement (Beacon Press). He calls for a nation-wide moral revival and offers a blueprint for state-wide grassroots organizing. At a time when divide-and-conquer politics are exacerbating racial strife and economic inequality, Rev. Barber offers an impassioned, historically grounded argument that Moral Mondays are hard evidence of an embryonic Third Reconstruction in America.

On Wednesday night, Sept. 21st, immediately following the Wonderful Wednesday Night Supper, we will gather for a showing of short video clips to introduce you to Rev. Barber. He is an extremely impressive speaker. The videos will last around 30 minutes, followed by a discussion of these ideas and how they relate to the principles of UU.

Everyone is welcome and childcare will be provided. Contact Nancy Finley ([email protected]) for further information.

Also, note that Rev. Barber's book is the Common Read for the UUA this year. Adult RE will be hosting a book discussion later this fall. Books have been purchased for loan from the UUCH library. Watch the newsletter for further information.
Cool Weather at Last!
Let's Clean Up the Yard!


raking leaves Since the weather (ok, climate!) forecast is for a bit cooler weather by the end of the month, doesn't a couple of hours spent working outdoors on the church property sound lovely? On the last Saturday of the month, September 24th, we will work on tidying up and otherwise improving the vegetation around the church starting at 8:00 a.m.--hopefully "the cool of the day." See y'all then!
Social Justice September!

Help Harris Home Kids in Need of Back-to-School Clothes
Lynsie Lamitie knows of three students at her school, Chapman Middle, in need of school clothes. New or gently used Boys clothes are needed. If you would like to help provide clothes for these kids, please speak with Gail Williams or Tonia Betts. Thank you!

UUCH Neighborhood Voter Registration Drive
Sunday, Sept. 25th, Noon-4:00 p.m.
UUCH is sponsoring a Neighborhood Voter Registration Drive at our church to help anyone that is not already registered. We will be registering people online or distributing paper forms for those who prefer to mail their registration. We need help making signs to place around the neighborhood, staffing the registration table, or serving ice cream (we will be having free ice cream for anyone who drops by that day).

If you would like to help with this event, please contact Nancy Finley ([email protected]) or Gail Williams (
[email protected]) and let them know how you would like to participate.
 
needle-thread.jpg Note that this is also the day that we will be working in the Fellowship Hall to sew fabric tote bags to be donated to First Stop to help their mission to serve the homeless community in Huntsville. So it will be a fun day of social justice, service and ice cream. Please join us! 
Wi$e Principles of Personal Finance and the Power of Financial Planning
An Adult RE Class Beginning Sept. 30th

Do money worries cloud your focus or invade your sleep? Do you want to learn how to use money as a tool in living a contented, generous life? Do money fights disrupt your relationships? Do you need help figuring out how to make ends meet? Is the answer no, but you think you can learn to do better?
 
big-bills-money.jpg If you answered yes to one of these questions, join UUCH Adult RE as we look at managing money as a spiritual practice. Through a book study and group discussion of wise advice, we will look at attitudes about money and learn how to manage it in a way that leaves room for matters of the spirit.
 
The four-session class will meet every other Friday at 6:30 p.m., beginning September 30th. (So, September 30th, October 14th, October 28th, and November 11th).
Everyone is welcome. Married couples and life partners are strongly encouraged to attend together (child care will be provided). Parents, bring your teenagers! Sign up in the Fellowship Hall after service or email Michelle Clark at [email protected]. Copies of the book and workbook are available courtesy of the Social Justice Committee. The first session has preparatory reading and exercises, so sign up early! Facilitators Jon Fox and Michelle Clark look forward to seeing you there!
A New Year in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)

Welcome back to the fall program of Children and Youth Religious Education at UUCH! The first day of fall curricula will be September 18th. As always, children and youth will begin the service in the sanctuary with our full multigenerational congregation and will go to their classes after the Story for Sharing. The worship service will include a ceremony of dedication for our CYRE leaders.

 

If you haven't done so already, please register children and youth for this year's program. Paper registration is available at the church, or you can register online at

Our RE age based groups for this year are:

Nursery (ages infant to 3, staffed by experienced childcare providers)

Peace (ages 4/Pre-K to grade1);

Justice (grades 2-3);

Searchers (grades 4-6); and

Transformers (grades 7-12).

There are many children and youth transitioning rooms this year, which is VERY exciting!

 

This year's theme is "Storysharing: Getting to Know Ourselves, Each Other, and the World." Stories are powerful ways of sharing experiences that are bigger than rational explanations, getting to know the lives of friends and strangers, connecting with each other's similarities and differences, inspiring us to compassion and social responsibility, exemplifying our UU principles, and probing our multi-faceted sources. This year children and youth will participate in religious education curricula that are grounded in story and integrated into our monthly Soul Matters worship themes. This means that each month's theme will be explored by adults in the church service and by children and youth in our RE rooms. Story-based lessons are highly interactive with games, crafts, music, projects, and more!

 

We will be continuing our special way of welcoming children, youth, and families to church this year. In the foyer as families enter, the RE Committee will host each week an RE Welcome Area. Visitors will be greeted and given information about the program and the activities for the day. Returning children and youth will come here to check in, pick up their name tags, and also get a big, warm welcome to church. We want to encourage this ritual of a special welcome for children and youth, and we encourage families to stop at the table on your way in.

 

Welcome back, and welcome for the first time! We are so pleased about your presence in the UUCH Children and Youth RE Program.

 

For more information, contact Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education (DRE) at [email protected]or Audrey Fox, CYRE Chair, at [email protected]).  

Buy and Sell Chances on a Quilt!

You can own one of these lovely quilts!!  One winner will select his/her choice of five quilts (Pictures Here), now on display in the Fellowship Hall. Raffle tickets will be available every Sunday between now and the Service Auction when we will draw the name of the lucky winner. You can also mail a check to the church indicating that it's for the raffle, and we'll enter you in the drawing and mail your ticket(s) to you. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.

Proceeds are a part of the Service Auction and benefit the operating budget of UUCH. We also encourage folks to take a block of tickets to sell to family and friends. Many thanks to quilter Shiela Burrows for her generosity and talent!
Save the Date! "Return to Treasure Island"--UUCH Service Auction 2016

We're going back to the islands! The UUCH Service Auction takes place on Saturday, October 22nd. Give your time and talent and leave with fantastic treasures!
 
We will again set sail at 6:00 p.m. with a silent auction and a fabulous buffet with your favorite beverages. The live auction follows, focusing on popular items in a fast paced, fun-filled, frenzy! Watch out for sharks circling your favorite silent auction items! This year, we'll also have a quilt raffle! Tickets for the raffle will be available beginning this Sunday.
 
We need your help. In the past, people have donated gourmet dinners, backyard picnics, wine-tasting parties, card parties, music lessons, garden design, computer repair, and a long list of other unique services. Items such as handmade foods, clothing, pottery, jewelry, and other goods also make excellent contributions. Show your creative or giving side!
 
To sign up your talent or treasure contribution: 1) Fill out the forms available beginning this week in the Fellowship Hall, 2) send an email to Bob Locklear ([email protected]) with details about your contribution, or 3) fill in an online form at http://communityauctionservices.com/register/uuch.
 
So save the date: Saturday, October 22nd for a fun filled evening in the islands. Childcare will be provided. Door prizes will also be given away throughout the evening--you must be present to win. 

August Board Report

 

Your UUCH Board of Trustees last met on August 23rd.
Bullet points from that meeting:
  • Appointed a subcommittee to develop a policy for rental of the church facilities.
  • Modified Pam Siegler's title from "Choir Director" to "Music Director," to more accurately reflect her duties.
This month's Board Meeting will be held on September 27th.
votives Care List 
 
At our Circle of Candles on Sunday,  September 4th, candles were lit for:

Anonymous, a candle of concern: "Wishing love, light, and hopeful thoughts upon a friend who has lost his way."
 
The Aycocks, a candle of sorrow: "Please keep Christy in your thoughts and prayers. She came very close to cutting her fingertip off yesterday, and is at home recovering. It appears that everything will be okay, but it will still be painful for several weeks."
 
Gina & Steve Rittenberg, a candle of sorrow: "Gina is back in Alabama, in the North Ala. Specialty Hospital within the Athens-Limestone hospital. Thank you all for your support, especially the Care committee and the Keltons. Please pray for our family."

Barbara Hitt for the Care Committee: "Joy that Gina and Steve Rittenberg have returned to Alabama where Gina will continue her recovery from cancer at a long term care facility in Athens, and gratitude for the church members who took care of their cats (John Jeter, Fran Alexander, Linda Harris, Katherine Meier, and Gary Hitt) and to dog-sitters Greg and Rondi Kelton. Please keep Gina and Steve in your thoughts and prayers as they continue on the path to Gina's full recovery from this devastating illness."

If you have pastoral care needs, please contact the Reverend Alice Syltie at [email protected]Care Chair Barbara Hitt will be out of town for a few weeks. Please contact Care Committee members Jefflyn Weed (256-882-9604) or Tim Miller (256-880-6792), should a need arise. 
UUCH 16-17 Board Members

 

President: Laurel Bollinger 

Vice-President: Denise Runnels  

Secretary: Ed Bernstein           

Treasurer: Greg Howard   

Trustees: Susan Coddington, Kathy Heath,

   and Lynsie Lamitie 

 

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, September 27th, 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.