The 

Beacon 

Bits

A weekly publication of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

NW Color Logo w Name 
 

July 31, 2013

 

Greetings!   

  

We hope that you can join us this Sunday morning,  August 4, 2013 for 

 

  

The Stuff of Dreams

 

from 

  

The Reverend Ellen Cooper

 

with music by 

 

The Northwoods Ensemble

 

 

High School Graduates of the Class of 2013 will be recognized at services this Sunday. A small reception with light refreshments will take place between the first and second service.

 

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 Committee on Ministry named Mary Branson and John Hammond Co-Chairs at their July 28 meeting.


Download minutes from the July 14, 2013 Board of Trustees meeting here.
Download minutes of the July 28, 2013 Committee on Ministry meeting here.
 

Staff  Summer Schedules

 

Church Office Hours:

 

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

The office will be closed Wednesday, August 7.

 

 

Rev. Ellen is out of the office:

 

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

 

Sarah Prickett is out of the office: 

  

Sunday, August 18 -Tuesday, August 20

  
 
From Reverend Ellen

Dear Beloveds,

It is my great love and privilege to serve this congregation. One of the ways I serve our congregation is as a spokesperson for our Unitarian Universalist values. I have roused the rabble in Austin and use my Houston Chronicle blog to raise a voice grounded in liberal religion that Stands on the Side of Love.  Although it is important to recognize and affirm that Unitarian Universalist is a spiritual and theological identification, and not a political one, there are times when our religious values call us to raise our voice in the public square.  Our faith compels us to raise our voices for dignity, the right of individual conscience, reasoned discernment, the worth of all people, and to speak on behalf of those whose voices are silenced. Whatever your political views, I hope that they are always informed by our Unitarian Universalist values and principles.

I encourage you to join me this Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Incredible Pizza in Conroe at 6:30 p.m. when our local state representatives will give a legislative "Report Card" on the recent session and special sessions of the Texas legislature.  I will be there listening. If needed, I will speak on the side of love. I hope to see you there listening and raising your voices as well. Democracy is one of our core values as Unitarian Universalists.  Democracy can't exist without an active, involved citizenry. Joining the conversation with our elected representatives is not only a civic mandate, but for we Unitarian Universalists, it is a spiritual practice - part of our free and responsible search for truth meaning. Our commitment to equality and dignity is very much needed in our public life together.

If you purchase a ticket for the event, it will include the pizza buffet. And after the meeting is over, we'll play skee-ball!

 

With love,

Rev. Ellen 

 
Religious Education 
 

This Sunday:

9:30: Children in 1st-6th grade will meet in Room 10 for "Sacred Texts for Children." This week's book: "Zen Shorts," by John Muth shared by Sharon Lockridge.
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!)

How well do you know the Bible?
Join Northwoods for "Subversive Biblical Literacy, Or: Know More than Your Fundamentalist Neighbors about 'That Book' " with Rev. Tony Lorenzen August 21 at 6 pm. Rev. Tony will give you a tour of the Bible like you've never had before. Amaze your friends and shock your co-workers with a new kind of biblical literacy. If you have questions or topics you would like Rev. Tony, email him before August 14.

Fall Parent Orientation Dates
There will be information sessions following services during the month of August for parents to learn more about Northwoods' religious education offerings for the coming year and for Sarah to learn how she might better serve you as parents. NOTE: The Coming of Age Orientation date has changed.
The orientation schedule will be as follows:
August 4: Getting to Know YRUU (for parents of high-school students)
After 11:30 service, in Garden Room
August 11: Children's RE Orientation (for parents of children pre-K through 6th grade)
After 11:30 service, in sanctuary
September 1: Coming of Age Orientation (for parents of junior-high students)
After 11:30 service, in Garden Room

 

 

FALL PROGRAMMING
Is it really August already? Fall is just around the corner, and so is Sept. 1, the first day for fall religious education on Sundays. For Adult Faith Development programming, we'll be exploring the idea of "Allegiances": To what do we pledge allegiance? What does it mean to hold allegiance with Unitarian Universalism? Our nation? Our planet? Our families? Our own identities? I am thrilled at all the planned programs and activities for this fall, so please take a moment to read about a couple of them here, and look for more information in your Beacon Bits in the coming weeks. -Sarah

Adult Forum
Adult Forum will resume in September. If you are interested in speaking or serving as a facilitator, make sure and attend Forum on Sept. 1 for a discussion of the coming year's Forum offerings. Contact Linda Nadler with your Forum questions at [email protected].

Parenting Class this fall

This fall, Susan Blackmore will again offer her class, Intentional Parenting (with a UU Perspective) to the Northwoods community. The class will meet six times, with the first session on Sept. 29 from 2-5. Here's what Susan has to say:

Parenting is the hardest job there is. Part of each three-hour session will be structured. A portion of each session will be used for discussing specific questions, needs, or issues the group brings forward. Participants will role play, see demonstrations, and learn practical ways to create an effective family. Learn how to grow children who are strong, confident, and able to live their UU values.
This is a very lively, hands-on experience. It is not a quick-fix approach to parenting, but a way to look deep and to parent for the long term relationships you want to have with your children. All ages, grandparents, babysitters, teachers, and anyone who wishes to maximize their communications will benefit. There will be homework and some reading, but nothing you can't handle.
Topics will include: self-care, encouragement, self-esteem, birth order, siblings, parenting styles, misbehavior (and what to do with it), consequences, family team building, handling feelings, spirituality, and more.


This group will be closed and a covenant agreement in place. Once the six sessions are complete an ongoing support group, open to all, will continue. A fee of $25 will cover the cost of materials. Childcare will be available. Contact Sarah if you would like more information. Register for the class here.

Coming this fall: Parents Night Out 

This fall, Northwoods will pilot a new Parents Night Out program for the families of Northwoods with younger children. Each month on the first Friday, parents may bring their children to church, where they can enjoy fellowship with other Northwoods kids under the supervision of our childcare staff. Parents can then take some time for themselves, or make plans to connect with other Northwoods families.  Suggested donation of $5-$10 per child, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Stay tuned for more details.

 
Food Pantry Donations
.
 
Northwoods will not accept any food stuffs that have reached an age that extends beyond the "best by" date or expiration period.  Interfaith and other pantries can NOT accept expired foods.  Currently more than half of the canned goods and other materials donated here at Northwoods exceeded those dates. The food banks will also not accept candies that are not in their original, sealed bag or tin.

 
Legislative Report Card Pizza Dinner in Conroe Aug. 1
 
Join Rev. Ellen for a Legislative Report Card meeting with Texas State Representatives Steve Toth, Brandon Creighton, and Cecil Bell  at Incredible Pizza in Conroe at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday (tomorrow night), August 1. Help Rev. Ellen and other religious liberals  show a strong presence ready to STAND ON THE SIDE OF LOVE by attending and voicing your opinion on recent legislation.  A $10 ticket to the event includes pizza!  

 

 
Everything You Always Wanted to Know about the Bible, 
but Didn't Know Who to Ask

Join Rev. Tony Lorenzen at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21 for a potluck discussion about a sacred text - The Bible. Rev. Tony will offer Bible basics 101 from a literary-historical critical approach.  If there are questions or topics you would like him to cover that evening, email him before August 14.
 

NUUC Get Together and Fellowship Opportunity

If you would like to join other NUUC members and friends for a performance of Shakespeare's "As You Like It" (with captions) at Miller Outdoor Theatre on Friday, August 9th, please call Teresa Allen at 281-350-3052.  We can arrange carpooling.

 
ARTS IN ACTION FUNDRAISER: 
STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE is August 24th.


Mark Saturday, AUGUST 24, 2013, on your calendar for the First Annual SEE Justice Fundraiser, ARTS IN ACTION: STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE.

Northwoods Musicians, poets, story-tellers, and stand-up comedians will provide an evening of lively entertainment. In addition, we will be selling tickets for an "Art Dash." Ticketholders' names will be drawn at random; when your name is called, you can choose and take home any piece of art remaining. Art is provided by NW artists.

Doors open at 6:30, with the program starting around 7pm. Entry is a donation (size of your choosing) to one of 7 local charities providing service and outreach to children and teenagers.

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 (canvas art, photography, ceramics, jewelry, handwork, etc.) which will be made 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 contactKate 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. 

You don't want to miss this event!

 
Cashiers Needed for Arts in Action 
The Arts In Action fundraiser is the evening of August 24th.  And we're sure you have your calendar marked.  Here's an opportunity to meet all the wonderful people that will be attending.  We need two volunteers to help David Shontz with collecting the donations at the event.  We will be accepting cash, checks, and credit cards.  The tables will be set up inside the sanctuary so volunteers won't have to miss any of the entertainment in order to help.  If you'd like to help out, send an email to David at [email protected] or find him at Church.  

 

 
 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.

 

 
ART!!!

 

ART & CRAFT SUPPLY EXCHANGE SERVICE AUCTION EVENT 

Here's a great reason to clean out all that art & craft stuff you aren't using...! You know you have too much, you don't have room to store what you have, you don't do that kind of art/craft anymore, you don't use it all and you know you want it to go to a good place! Have we got a deal for you... Bring your stuff, have a glass of wine and some appetizers and visit while you swap and exchange supplies and ideas with other like-minded creative friends.

Hosted by Kate Rhoad and Doni Langolis


Saturday, August 17th
2:00 - 4:00pm
Doni's place: 23106 Northhampton Pines,
Spring TX 77389
$15
Contact Kate  or Doni 

 

Attention Parents and Young people - Two Children's Art Opportunities in August

 

One: Aug 4th between 12:30 and 1:15.

 

We are excited that the Avant Garden Gallery's special show in August is for the young artists among us!  All eighteen and under kiddos are invited to enter their framed art, handmade jewelry, sculpture, photography etc...

 

All art work will need to be accompanied by a signed policy statement (by the parents) and a filled out form for description of art work.  If a child would like to sell her art work, a 20 % donation to the church is required and up to the artist to make the donation (see Art Gallery Policy by clicking here and download Art Gallery information packet here). 

 

Drop art off to one of the Art Gallery Committee members - Doni Langlois, Kate Rhoad, Susan Hammond, Karen Levine , or Mary Chimarusti on August 4, 2013 between 12:30 and 1:15.

There will be a reception for the artists on August 11

from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Please come enjoy fun food and beverages and talk with your community about your artwork!

 

Two: August 11 1:30 - 3:00 Altered Books and Reception

 

The Altered Books Project is wrapping up on August 11. If you would like to display your book project, please leave in the Gallery so that we may display them during our artist's reception. Please make sure there is an information card and come to the reception so you can tell us about your book!

 

If you would like to sell your altered book - please read and fill out the information above in the link about the Art Gallery policy and give to Doni Langlois. Twenty percent of your sale will need to go to Northwood's and will be your responsibility to donate that amount once sold. 

 

Any questions can be directed to Doni Langlois.

  

 

In This Issue
Staff Schedules
Message from the Minister
Religious Education
Food Pantry Donations
Article Headline
Article Headline
Fellowship Opportunity
Arts in Action
Cashiers Needed
TX UU Justice Ministry
ART at NUUC
Millbend and 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. The next class will be September 15 from 1-4 p.m. 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

Stephanie Coleman, President

Larry Loomis Price, President-Elect

Shari Wood, Past President
Darbi Hamilton, Secretary
Keith Armstrong. Treasurer
Bob Long. Parliamentarian
Dorothy Kennedy  and 
Michele Buselli, At-Large  

Committee on Ministry

Mary Branson, Co-chair

John Hammond, Co-chair
 Mary Chimarusti

Susan Blackmore
Olivia Carrender

 David Shontz

Weekly/Semi-Monthly Activities 

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

  

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.

  

CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans). Meets every 2nd Sunday of the month in the Sanctuary at 1 pm. Contact: Tess Bennett.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 
 
MUSIC 
 
Millbend Coffeehouse - Saturday, August 10, 2013 
 
Members of Across the Water will be flying in from Canada and are foregoing other concerts to entertain us at Millbend Coffeehouse on August 10th. This fundraiser for MC Peace & Justice Network's Fill the Gap Program will probably be a sell-out. Call Teresa at 281-350-3052 with questions or to reserve childcare now. tickets are $20 at www.millbend.org
  

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

 

Mark your calendars!  Join us for an evening of music bySaturday 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 8/4

9:30 & 11:30am           Sunday Services 

6:00pm                         Zen Mind Buddhists

Monday 8/5

7:00pm                         Northwoods Writers Group

Tuesday 8/6

5:00pm                         Blue Mountain Meditation

7:00pm                         Folk Choir Rehearsal 

Wednesday 8/7

7:00pm                        Northwoods Ensemble Rehearsal

 

                                    Communications Committee

Thursday 8/8

6:30pm                         Paul Klein and KlayVage Rehearsal

7:00pm                         Medical Caregivers's Support Group

                                     Medical Needs Support Group

                                     Traditional Choir Rehearsal (off site)

Friday 8/9

10:00am                       Northwoods Play Group (off site)

7:00pm                         Dharma Group

Saturday 8/10

10:00am                       Humanist Group

6:00pm                         Avant Garden Gallery Reception

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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