The 

Beacon 

Bits

A weekly publication of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

NW Color Logo w Name 
 

July 3, 2013

 

Greetings!   

  

We hope that you can join us this Sunday morning,  July 3, 2013

 

  

Music of the Spheres

 

from 

  

Rusty Rhoad

 

with music by 

 

The Northwoods Ensemble

 

 

Adult Forum: will resume September 1, 2013

  
Hearing assistance equipment available at the Membership table  
 Child Care and Family Room Provided 

  

Sunday Service Times: 9:30 and 11:30am

  

  

 

Church Governance

 

The Board of Trustees will meet on Sunday, July 14 at 1 p.m. in the Garden Room.

 

Catch up on what happened at General Assembly with UU World's Coverage here.

 

 

Staff  Summer Schedules

 

Church Office Hours:

 

Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 

 

Rev. Ellen is out of the office:

 

Sunday, July 21 - Friday, July 26 (SWUUSI)

Sunday, August 4 - Friday, August 9 (DBLE)

 

Sarah Prickett is out of the office: 

  

Friday, July 5, 2013

Saturday, July 6 - Saturday, July 13: (RE Master Level Class)

Sunday, July 21 - Friday, July 26 (SWUUSI)

  
 
From Reverend Ellen

 

 

Dear Beloveds,

 
A a mother of very young children, there are times when I am certain that the phrase "family vacation" is clearly an oxymoron. Adult or child, these are some of our most indelible memories, both pleasant and disastrous. My sister and I recall the grueling "Peach Pancake Incident" circa 1983, and I have a days-old memory of scrambling to find something, anything, that might entertain two kids on a rainy morning in an unfamiliar city, with no umbrellas.

This past week, I was away at the wedding of my younger sister. Between helping her to string pom-poms and hang them in a gazebo, and dancing the cha-cha slide, I had some opportunities to reflect on family. I watched grandparents dote and parents try to explain why they'd really prefer that Uncle Mark *not* offer the seven year old two whole pies to eat. I watched nieces and nephews who have grown up together for years welcome in children from a family they are now joined to by marriage. I watched estranged family and awkward family and family bound by unbreakable love. All of these varied interactions are reflections of stories that helped to create them, moment by moment, year by year, generation by generation.

The stories we tell among family, about family; the stories that get passed from generation to generation; these are stories that help us learn who we are, where we come from, and how we belong.

So break out those family vacation photos-don't be afraid. And share some sacred text

 

In Faith,  

 

Rev. Ellen  

 

 
Northwoodstock Camp Projects
northwoodstockhands
 
 Check out the  Northwoodstock group projects this Sunday when you join us for worship.
 

Religious Education 

  

This Sunday

 

This Sunday, after the story, children and youth will attend the following programming:

9:30: Children in 1st-6th grade will meet in Room 10 for "Sacred Texts for Children." This week's story will be "The Sneetches," shared by Stephanie Coleman.
Junior and senior high students are invited to remain in the service.

11:30: Children in 1st-5th grade are invited to enjoy supervised play in Room 10, where they can play games, build with Legos, create art, or write letters to their pen pals.
6th grade and up: After the story, meet in the Garden Room to continue this summer's youth art project, Altered Books! Work with artists and mentors from the Northwoods church community to create your own sacred text. Material provided.
For both services, care is available for younger children in the childcare room.

Pen Pals: Don't forget your letter!
On Sunday, place your letter in your pen pal's mailbox, then check your name off on the appropriate list to show that your letter has been delivered. This helps Sarah keep track of everyone over the summer. You will then be able to pick up the letter your pen pal left you after the service. Yes, that's right, folks! Same day delivery at the Northwoods Mail Depot!
A gentle reminder: Please try and send something every week! (Especially if you are an older friend: your young friends definitely notice when there is no letter in their mailbox!)
For more information on the Summer Series (including info on worship, children's classes and our summer pen pal program) click here.(attached doc)

Adult Forum
Adult Forum will be on hiatus during the summer and will resume in September.

Youth Ministry
Save the date: On July 27 from 10 am-3pm, Northwoods' Educational Ministry will convene a Youth Ministry Summit to examine the structure of our high school youth ministry and envision its future. All stakeholders-youth, parents, advisers, teachers, and other leaders-are invited. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Please contact Sarah Prickett at [email protected] if you would like to be a part of this event or if you have further questions.

Parenting Class this fall

This fall, Susan Blackmore will again offer her parenting class to the Northwoods community. The class will meet six times, with the first session on Sept. 29 from 2-5. Childcare will be available. Contact Sarah if you would like more information.
 
Share the Plate

 

Share the Plate is this Sunday, July 8. All of the undirected cash donations in the collection plate, and all checks marked "Share the Plate" in the memo field, will go to a charity chosen from member recommendations. Our charity is the Montgomery County Women's Center.

The Montgomery County Women's Center provides safe shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, legal and support services to victims/survivors of family violence, sexual assault, stalking and abuse in Montgomery and surrounding counties and provides education about such issues.

The emergency shelter for battered women and children has operated for more than 25 years, providing a safe, emergency refuge for abused women and children. The shelter can house up to 75 women and children per night, and more than 800 battered women and children are sheltered every year. The Center also provides a 24-Hour crisis hotline and transitional, supportive housing for up to 24 months in their new 24-unit residence called Reaching Pines.
 
 

Texas UU Justice Ministry Update

 

The Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry is working with the experienced NARAL and Planned Parenthood organizations to respond to the latest special session of the Texas Legislature. Once again, Governor Perry called a special session to address the issue of abortion. As UUs we stand for the right of women to make their own choices unfettered by onerous laws and regulations. As this legislative session unfolds current information about public action can be found on the TXUUJM Facebook page.

Northwoods, as a church in covenant with the TXUUJM, is entitled to two representatives to TXUUJM. If you would like to be a representative, please contact Rud Merriam, the current sole representative, for more information.

 

 

Fourth of July Parade 

 

Thanks to each and every one of you for expressing interest in representing Northwoods at The Woodlands 4th of July Parade! Click here for participant information.

 

A few details for you now:

-Parade starts at 9:00 and ends by 10:30 on Thursday, July 4.
-Arrive at the Woodlands Methodist parking lot (Grogan's Mill and Lake Woodlands) between 8:30 and 8:45. 
-Coolers with freezie pops and water will be provided.
-Fun toys and trinkets (and other surprises) for the kids will be provided.
-We will have a truck to carry coolers and those who need to ride.
-Consider bringing decorated wagons for the little ones.

-For more details click here.

More details to come...
-Standing on the Side of Love T-shirts
-Posters to carry during the parade

-How to find us at the parade

 

Spread the word! Recruit your friends!

Yours in parading,

Lisa Gunden

 

Don't forget the Northwoods Pool PartyFollowing the parade join other Northwoodsians at the home of Joan O'Connell and Sam Turner for time of socializing and fellowship.  Both their house and their pool will be open.  Please bring a dish to share. Beverages will be provided.  Their address is 23 Lantern Hollow Place in The Woodlands.  


 
ART!!!

Attention Parents and Young people!!!


August 4th we will be collecting art from our young artists ( under 18) for our August show! Your work will hang in the Avant Garden Gallery through Sept 8th. We are looking forward to this VERY much - and will have a reception for the artist either August 11 following second service at 1:00 or August 18 at the same time. Will keep you posted! Please fill out and bring the following forms with your art work: Northwoods Art Gallery Agreement; Northwoods Art Gallery Policy

  

"THE ARTS IN ACTION: STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE" FUNDRAISER

Northwoods is raising funds for local charities through an evening of art and music entertainment, which will be open to the entire community to participate in.

Northwoods Stewardship Committee is reaching out to ask for your original art donations for "The Arts in Action: Standing on the Side of Love" fundraiser. These pieces of art (canvas art, photography, ceramics, jewelry, handwork, etc.) will be available to ART DASH ticket holders during the evening of August 24. We need 50 pieces - yes, 50 pieces! - that have at least a $30 value each.

If you would like to donate a piece of original art please contact Kate Rhoad or Susan Hammond. We will hang/display art on August 1st. Details will we be sent to you if you let us know that you will donate.

All contributing artists will receive recognition in several ways during the event.


In This Issue
Staff Schedules
Message from the Minister
Cam Photo
Religious Education
Share the Plate
TX UU Justice Ministry
4th of July Parade
ART at NUUC
Blood Drive
Thank You
Music at NUUC
Quick Links
Membership

Membership Class

New to Northwoods?

 

Considering membership? Want to catch up on your UU history and theology? Join us for Pathways to Membership class. We will have one summer session covering our three part series. This class will cover Unitarian Universalism and what it means to be a part of our church. The next class will be June 16 from 1-4pm. This class is recommended as a prerequisite for signing our Membership Book. Please register by contacting the church office. Childcare available upon request. 

 

Board of Trustees

 Shari Wood-Merriam: President

Stephanie Coleman:

Pres. Elect

Rob Wiley: Past Pres.

Keith Armstrong: Treasurer

Susan Hawkins:   Secretary

Darbi Hamilton: Parliamentarian

Brian Lockridge & Dorothy Kennedy: Trustees At Large

Committee on Ministry

 Larry Loomis-Price:

Committee Chair

Susan Blackmore:

S.E.E. Justice Ministry

Mary Branson:

Congregational Life Ministry

Olivia Carrender:

Educational Ministry

John Hammond:

Spiritual life Ministry

Weekly/Semi-Monthly Activities 

Coffee Hour: Between church services every Sunday, a chance for some good coffee and great conversation. Suggested donation: $1.00.

  

Lunch Bunch: A gathering at an area restaurant after Sunday services. This Sunday:   TBA.

 

Blue Mountain Meditation: Tuesdays at 5:00 pm at Northwoods.

Contact Hallie Moore . 

 

Folk Choir Rehearsal: Northwoods. Contact Rusty Rhoad at 281-419-1984.

 

Lay Ministry Jennifer Simpson-Gross

  

Circle of Friends: A women's group that meets the 1st and 3rd Fridays at 10:00am.

Contact Mary Temmen. 

 

Medical Needs and Cancer Support Group: Survivors and Caregivers: Thursdays at 7:00pm at Northwoods. Contact Mary Chimarusti at 936-856-3525 for both groups.     

 

The Ewe Ewe Knitting Ministry: Meets on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursday of each month in the room 3. Contact Cyndie Mahaney 

 

Dharma Group: Second and fourth Friday at 7:00 pm in the Garden Room. Contact Dave Smith at 281-686-7315.   

 

Zen Mind Buddhist: Meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays (Meditation and Discussion Group): contact Carolyn Cash   

 

Northwoods Playgroup: Meets on alternating Fridays and Thursdays from 10:00am-1:00pm. For more information please contact Hollie Baraldi or   Audrey Goodwin.

 

Northwoods Writers' Group:  Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays. Bring something you've written to read. For information contact Rusty Rhoad at 281-419-1984
Monthly Activities
Men's Book Club: 1st Saturday of the month at 10:00am in the Garden room. Click here for the book list.  Contact Wally Gardner

 

Women's Book Club: Every first Saturday at 10:00am   For more information contact Shirley Locke 

 

Courageously Coed Book Group Meets on second Mondays at 7 pm in the Garden Room. Click here for the 2013 book list. Contact  John Hammond for more information.

 

Drum Circle

Contact Peggy Walton  or

at 936-718-7777  for more information.

  

Northwoods UU Christian Fellowship:

Meets 8 Sundays for fellowship; sponsors Vespers Services four times during the year. For information contact 

 Susan Hammond  or at 281-465-4683 

 

Men's Group: The First Thursday of the month, Contact Mark Smith at [email protected]

 

Millbend Coffee House:   

Live music every second Saturday at 7:30 pm at the church. This event is sponsored by Northwoods and is open to the community. Contact Teresa Allen at 281-350-3052.

 

wUU hUU See Darbi Hamilton or Kristin Ongeri for more information about the Young Adult Group.

[email protected]  or

[email protected]

 

Building and Grounds Committee:

Meets on the second Thursday of every month. For more information contact Kate Rhoad

 

SEE Justice

Monthly meeting first Sunday of the month 12:30-2 pm in the Garden Room. Contact Sarah Mattner for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

Blood Drive

 

Our next church-affiliated Blood Drive will be on Saturday, July 13th from 2:30 - 7:00. The sign-up sheet is on the table outside of the office, or you can let me know of your interest and I will put your name on the list. This is SEE Justice sanctioned event that we hope to host two or three times a year. It will only work with your support. Contact Kate Rhoad or Cyndie Mahaney  for more information. 

 
 
Thank You


Please seek out Jack and John DeCaire and thank them for the stellar job they (and their Scout friends) did building the path from the church parking lot, across the back of the tennis courts and over to Tamarac Park. This was a huge undertaking that took many man hours, two days and lots of sweat. If you haven't had the pleasure of walking the path, try it out! It needs visitors to pack the gravel. Once the gravel is packed and hardened it will be wheelchair accessible. 

 
 
MUSIC
 

27 Seconds Concert - August 3, 2013 at 7 p.m.

Mark your calendars!

 

Join us for an evening of music by 27 Seconds, the newest band on the block that you will not want to miss! With a fusion of jazz, funk, and rock, there'll be variety for everyone to enjoy! Northwoods UU Church at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 3.  This is a Service Auction event, but there is plenty of room for anyone wishing to attend. Please just bring a generous donation for the food pantry if you did not technically sign up for this event. Please also bring an appetizer or dessert to share. BYOB.



 

For more information, please contact any of the band members: Jimmy Wick, Mike Mattner, Craig Boeker, or Scott Schmucker.

 

Calling All Singers!

 

The Traditional Choir will be back singing the second Sunday in September. It's not too late to join us at practice on Thursdays, 7-8:30 at the home of director John Branch (Cypresswood @ I 45). We welcome all voice ranges and levels of experience. For details, contact John or Terry Meyer (281 376-3590).

 

 This Week At Northwoods

Sunday 7/7

9:30 & 11:30am           Sunday Services 

1:00pm                         Lunch Bunch 

4:00pm                         Overeaters Anonymous 

6:00pm                         Zen Mind Buddhists 

Monday 7/8

7:00pm                         Courageously Coed Book Group

Tuesday 7/9

5:00pm                         Blue Mountain Meditation
7:00pm                         Folk Choir Rehearsal 

Wednesday 7/10                 

6:30pm                        Kalyvage Rehearsal

Thursday 7/11

12:00pm                       Toastmasters

5:00pm                         Building and Grounds Committee

7:00pm                         Medical Caregivers's Support Group

                                     Medical Needs Support Group

                                     Traditional Choir Rehearsal (off site)

Friday 7/12

10:00 am                      Northwoods Play Group (off site)

12:00pm                       Overeaters Anonymous

7:00pm                         Dharma Group 

Saturday 7/13

10:00am                       Humanists Group

1:30pm                         Blood Drive

7:30pm                         Millbend Coffeehouse 

 

Contact Information

 

 

Phone 281-298-2780  Fax: 281-419-189  northwoodsuu.org  

Church Office Hours: Tues. - Fri. 10 am- 3pm 

Church Administrator: [email protected]

 

Minister: Reverend Ellen Cooper-Davis,  [email protected]   

Office Hours:  Tues, Thurs, Friday 10am-3pm and by appointment

Minister's Blog at Chron.com   

 

Sarah Prickett:
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
[email protected] 
Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12-4pm
  

 

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