The 

Beacon 

Bits

A weekly publication of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

NW Color Logo w Name  
   

March 5, 2014  

 

Greetings!   

  

We hope that you can join us this Sunday morning, March 9, 2014 


for a sermon by

Revered Matt Tittle  

 

 

 

Hearing assistance equipment available at the Membership table   

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

 

 Religious Education Programming  


First service:

2- and 3-year-olds: Childcare available in Childcare Room 

pre-K and Kindergartners: Spirit Play in Room 7

 1st through 3rd  grade: Explorers I in Room 3

4th through 6th grade: Explorers II in Room 10
 

Between services:

High School: A Place of Wholeness (UU identity class) in Teen Room  

Adult Forum: "Putting Your Passions to Work: Finding an intersection  

between feeding your bank account and your spirit," 

led by Darbi Hamilton, in The Garden Room   

 

 

Second service:

Children through kindergarten age in Room 1

1st through 3rd grade: Explorers I in Room 3

4th through 6th grade: Explorers II in Room 10

Junior High: Coming of Age class in the Garden Room

High School: YRUU in the Teen Room

 

Childcare is available for younger children during and between services, and the family room will be open to parents and guardians who would like to continue to listen to the service while tending to their children's needs.  

Top Story
 
 
Something New in the Hallway . . .

. . . but it's not the kind of thing you'd notice if you weren't looking for it. On this month's theme bulletin board, outside the main office, you will notice the quotes are all tacked on with pins, and at the bottom of the board, there is a small envelope that reads "Need a quote? Take a quote! Have a quote? Leave a quote!"

Over the month, if you read something that moves you on the theme board, you are invited to take it with you: for further contemplation, placing in a personal sacred space, or passing along to a friend...that's up to you! And if you read something, or think of some words about the monthly theme, we invite you to write it on a card and tack it to the bulletin board yourself. Like this church, the board this month is a collaborative effort, another way we illustrate this month's theme: Service and Vocation.

In faith,
Sarah Prickett
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
 
 
Minister's Message
 

Thoughts from Matt

 

I want to introduce myself and tell you about our time together during Rev. Ellen's sabbatical. First, let me congratulate you for your forethought and generosity in providing this time for renewal for Ellen. Many people don't understand what a sabbatical is or why a minister should get one. I know that Ellen and your lay leaders have explained this to you, but in essence Ellen has been on call 24/7/365 since she arrived in 2008. Can you imagine? I'd also like to congratulate you on hiring a sabbatical minister. Very few congregations take this step of ensuring consistent professional leadership during sabbatical.

 

I have been a UU minister since 2004. My first congregation was Bay Area UU Church in Clear Lake. As a seminarian before that, I served congregations in Illinois and Indiana. Like Ellen, I graduated from Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago. I was also Ellen's mentor during her first three years in ministry. Since leaving Houston in 2010, I have served congregations in New Jersey and New Zealand. I just returned from New Zealand in December, and am now living in Austin with my 17 year old son, Andy, and our two kitties. In addition to being your sabbatical minister, I am the Marketing Director of UBarU, a UU retreat and conference center in the Texas Hill Country. Ministry has been a third career for me. After college, I was a naval officer on active duty for eleven years and a reservist for nine years, retiring in 2003. I was also a professor of educational psychology at the University of Illinois, from which I earned my PhD. I am the author or editor of several books and curricula, including Skinner House's "Bless All Who Serve: Stories of Hope, Courage, and Faith for Military Personnel and Their Families," and the UUA's Tapestry of Faith curriculum, "Harvest the Power: Lay Leadership Development."

 

My major tasks for the 15 weekends that I will be with you are: working with and leading the paid staff; working with the many lay leaders in their own development and that of the congregation; providing pastoral care to the members of Northwoods; preaching on those 15 Sunday mornings. I will arrive on Friday mornings and will be available through Sunday afternoon. For pastoral care, I will be available on an appointment and emergency basis. If you'd like to make an appointment, you can call me at 512-720-8229 (after March 2nd) or email me at [email protected]. For emergencies (death in the family, hospitalization of you or a loved one, etc.) I am always available even when I am not in The Woodlands. If I am unable to be present, I will find a colleague who can. I will also conduct weddings, funerals, and other rites of passage. I look forward to serving you over these next few months. May love be our guide, may passion be our strength, and may courage be our way.

 

-Matt 




 
Foundations: Church Governance
 
 
A Message from the President of the Board

Friends,

The Foundational Ministry is tasked with upholding Northwoods by sustaining financial, personnel, and physical infrastructure for the congregation. Some of the groups under this ministry are communications, buildings & grounds, endowment, finance, human resources, and stewardship.  Our current chairperson for the Foundational Ministry is Brian Lockridge who moved into this role after serving as one of the Board of Trustees' At-Large positions last year. In an effort to define the role and importance of this ministry's chair position, the Board, along with Brian's insight, created the following responsibilities.

* Oversee the health and effectiveness of all committees and groups under the Foundational Ministry.
* Communicate and aid in the implementation of any strategic goals concerning the FM and be the point of contact for the FM committees and groups if resources (additional people or money) are needed.
* Review the budget of the FM, ensuring it is adequate for the year and money is being spent in line with Northwood's mission and vision.  
* Serve as the first point of mediation for disagreements within any FM committee,  group or the congregational administrator, providing guidance on  the best way forward.
* Aid as needed to identify and recruit volunteers for the FM committees and groups.
* Communicate any updates or concerns for the Board's review to the FM Liaison At-Large contact. 

If you have not done so already, I encourage you to check out our organizational chart, complete with pictures, next to the office. We are a thriving church and our structure and lay leaders help Northwoods do all the amazing things we do! 

With love,
Stephanie Coleman

 
 

BOT Agenda

The Board of Trustees will be meeting this Sunday.  A copy of the agenda can be reviewed here.

 
Save the Date

Northwoods' annual Congregational Meeting will be on Sunday, May 18th after the second service.  Please plan on attending 
 
 
Volunteer for the Rummage Sale

The Rummage Sale needs volunteers! We have a wide range of volunteer jobs to do during the set-up for the sale on Friday, April 4th from 9 am - 3 pm, during the sale Saturday, April 5th from 7 am- 12 pm, and clean-up Saturday 12 pm-3 pm. Please contact Amy Leyenbeck ([email protected]) if you are willing and able to help!   ***We also need trucks and drivers to help with large item collection on Friday, April 4th. ***
 
 
Bourse Table Sign-Up

The Bourse Table sign-up sheet is again posted on the bulletin board outside of the kitchen. Please sign up for one of the 3 available spots on any given Sunday before actually setting up a table. This procedure was put into place a few years back in order keep the sidewalks leading up to the building from looking like a flea market. The thought is that it is rather intimidating to visitors and new people to navigate. Thanks for your cooperation.
 
 
Tools Needed, Please

After the last church work party day we realized we are in dire need of some tools that have either disappeared or we never owned. Instead of just going out to buy them, we thought we would ask you to look through your tools at home to see if you have any duplicates that you would be willing to donate to Northwoods. Here's what we need:
  • Vise-gripe - medium & large size. (there is a small already)
  • 9" level
  • Electronic stud finder
  • Carpenter's square (which really are more of a triangle in shape)
  • Staple gun
  • Hot melt glue gun
  • Allen wrenches/hex keys set
  • A good set of pliers (there is one needle nose pliers, but other kinds of pliers would be helpful too.)
  • LED Flashlight
  • SAFETY GLASSES  (no one will use them, but when an accident happens we can always say we offered them.)
  • Electrical tape
  • 1/2 inch steel chisel (not with plastic or wood handle)
  • Utility knife
  • Very basic electrical tester
  • Screwdrivers - both kinds in various sizes
Other items to consider:
  • There is a huge electric drill on a shelf, but it is almost too big.
  • Drill bits
  • crowbar

 


Quick Links
Membership

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 in October. 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
The Northwoods UU Church Board of Trustees meets at 1 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month.  The Board is responsible for governing policies, finances, human resources, buildings and grounds, and congregational communication.  The Current Members of the Board are:  

 

Stephanie Coleman President

 

Larry Loomis Price President-Elect

 

Shari Wood 

Past President 

  

Keith Armstrong  

Treasurer   

 

Bob Long 

Parliamentarian


Dorothy Kennedy  and   

Michele Buselli  

At-Large   

Committee on Ministry

The Committee on Ministry meets on the fourth Sunday of each month and is responsible for the shared ministry of the congregation in the areas of Spiritual Life, Congregational Life, Religious Education, and Social Justice and Outreach (SEE Justice). Current Members of the Committee on Ministry are:

 

Mary Branson

Co-chair

 

John Hammond

Co-chair


 Mary Chimarusti

Susan Blackmore
Olivia Carrender

 David Shontz

Congregational Life

Chair:  Kate Rhoad

Membership Coordinator: 
Helen Sherwood
 
Ministries Meetings and Groups

Spiritual Life

Drum Circle:

Contact Peggy Walton

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 Progressive Christian Fellowship:

Meets the third Friday of each month for fellowship. The group  sponsors Vespers Services four times during the year. For information contact 

 Susan Hammond

at 281-465-4683.   

 

Zen Mind Buddhist:  

A meditation and discussion group that meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays at 6pm.  For information, contact Carolyn Cash. 

 

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

Contact Hallie Moore .


Folk Choir Rehearsal:

Meets on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Contact Rusty Rhoad at 281-419-1984.  

Dharma Group:

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

 

Congregational Life 

Avant Garden Gallery:

Artists are invited to display their works in the gallery.  For scheduling, click  here. 

 

Coffee Hour:  

Between church services (10:30-11:30 a.m.) every Sunday.


Courageously Coed Book Group: 

Meets on the second Monday at 7pm in the Garden room.  Click here
for the 2014 book list.  Contact John Hammond
for more information.

Health and Wellness Group:  Meets on the 4th Sunday of the month after Sunday services.  For more information, contact Peggy Walton.


Men's Group:  

Meets the first Thursday of the month.  Contact Mark Smith.

  

Men's Book Club:
Meets the first Saturday of the month at 10:00am in the Garden room. Click here for the book list.  Contact Wally Gardner.

 

Women's Book Club:

Meets the first Saturday of the month at 10:00am.  For more information contact Shirley Locke.

wUU hUU:   

Contact Darbi Hamilton or Kristin Ongeri for more information about the Young Adult Group.

 

Northwoods Writers' Group:   

Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays. Bring something you've written to read. For information contact Rusty Rhoad at 281-419-1984.

 

The Ewe Ewe Knitting Ministry:  

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

 

Circle of Friends:  

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

Contact Mary Temmen.

 

Northwoods Playgroup: Meets on alternating Fridays and Thursdays from 10:00am-1:00pm. For more information please contact Amanda Hanson. 



SEE Justice:

SEE Justice:

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

 

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.

 

 
Parking Lot Expansion

The Board of Trustees is moving forward with the parking lot expansion planning because of a generous donation to the Capital Expansion Fund, which was made in addition to a generous pledge.    

Last year, members of Northwoods negotiated with the Township of the Woodlands to share the cost of constructing parking spaces on the Township land north of our parking lot and west of the tennis courts.  Because of generous donations, these negotiations can be revisited with the intent of adding a net of eighteen or more parking spaces.

As the church grows and expands please remember that the pledge drive is so vitally important to our Operating Fund, and support Northwoods in the current pledge drive.

Many Thanks,
Keith Armstrong, Treasurer

 

Speaking of Parking...

Wow the church parking lot seems really full on Sunday morning!  Did you know you have alternative parking opportunities other than the street in front of the Church?  The closest alternative parking is the Tamarac Park lot next to the tennis courts.  We can also use the Montessori School parking lot located a five minute walk from the church.  This lot is located at the corner of North Millbend and Many Pines.  There is a hike and bike path right next to the school that will take you directly to Tamarac Park, and from there to Northwoods.
 
 
Spiritual Life
 

Drum Circle Beats Again on March 15

Spring equinox will be on March 20.  Come drum with us on Saturday, March 15
th, to welcome the new season.  We will gather in the church sanctuary at 6:30pm for drumming, followed by a feast.  Please bring a dish to share and a beverage, as well as an instrument(s).  If you don't have an instrument, there will be extras that you are welcome to use.  Childcare is not provided, as this is an open family event, and you are also welcome to invite friends and relatives. For more information, contact Peggy Walton at 936-718-7777 or
[email protected] 
 
 
Painting the Stars:  Science, Religion and an Evolving Faith

Celebrating the communion of science and faith, Painting the Stars explores the promise of evolutionary Christian spirituality. Featuring over a dozen leading theologians and progressive thinkers, the seven-session program will challenge and inspire seekers of all stripes. The basic format for each 1-1 � hour session includes conversation around the readings, a 20-minute video presentation and guided discussion.

Join the discussion on Wednesday nights, March 5 - April 17, 7pm to 8:30pm in the Garden Room.  Brought to you by the Northwoods' Christian Fellowship.


 
 
Humanist Group

Did you know that a Humanist group meets once a month at Northwoods?

The Asimov Humanists meet in the Garden Room from 10am to noon on second Saturday of each month to discuss current events from a Humanist perspective.  Kitti Walkup-Birkhead arranges charitable activities such as Light the Night on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, food pantry donations, and the like. 
 
 
Congregational Life
 
Welcome Babies!

Let's send a warm welcome to Northwoods' newest members, Evan Cota and Lola Leyenbeck.
 
Lola Leyenbeck was born on February 27 at 3:30am, weighing 6 pounds, 9 ounces. 
Evan Cota was also born on February 27 at 2:53pm, weighing 6 pounds, 5 ounces.
 
Lay Ministry Request

Judy Bunch will be having shoulder surgery this week. If you would like to assist with providing meals or other tasks, please contact the Lay Ministry Coordinator, Joan O'Connell, at 832-302-4517. 

 
 
It's Greek to Me!

And it's probably Greek to you: The Olive Oil will see the Lunch Bunch at 1:00pm on Sunday, March 9. Join us for food that will remind you of the Greek Islands.  The Olive Oil is located at 373 Sawdust Road. Best Greek food ever! Questions? Ask Phil or Beth Marshall.
 
 

Church History

Several people asked Terry Leyenberger to extend the deadline for contributions to the upcoming new History to be published soon.  You know who you are!  Please get your information to Terry as soon as possible, and definitely before the end of March.  Any contributions received after March 31st will be included in the next historical revision in 2020.  Send to Terry at [email protected].
 
 
Blood Drive at Northwoods - Please save the dates:

Save the dates for upcoming blood drives:
March 22, 10:00 - 2:30 (Coach in the parking lot)
July 12, 2:30 - 7:00 (In the Garden Room before Millbend)
November 1, 10 - 2:30 (Coach in parking lot)

 
 
Avant Garden Gallery Reception

The Artists' Reception this month is on March 8th from 6pm - 7:30pm.  Mix and mingle with the artists, and support your local art community.  All sales at the reception may be transacted and taken the same night rather than the usual having to wait until the next change out.  We hope to see you there!


Aaron
by Wally Gardner
 
Religious Education
 
 
Small Group Ministry Pilot Program: Last chance to join!

This month, Northwoods will be launching a small group ministry pilot program, convening two or three small groups for a three-month trial project. These groups will meet twice a month through May, and the feedback we receive will help the Small Group  Ministry Team (Ann McAlpin, Lisa Cronce and Sarah Prickett) to craft a small group ministry available to the entire congregation in the fall. If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact Sarah at [email protected]. There will be an orientation workshop THIS SUNDAY from 1-3 for all pilot participants. Food and childcare will be provided. For more information on the Small Group Ministry Pilot Project, download the info sheet here.

 
 
Can you guess this year's camp theme?
The Force is Strong with This One!  
SUMMER CAMP SAVE THE DATE

This year, Northwoods' Summer Camp will be held June 9-13 for children ages 5 and up. (Junior and senior high youth can also participate as camp counselors, teachers, and other important roles.) Look for more information in the coming months, but put it on your calendars now! Questions? Ask them here.
Interested in Children's Chapel? Come join us!

If you would be interested in helping in Children's Chapel on a regular or semiregular basis, please email me and let me know! I'm looking for a team of 2-4 volunteers to help with monthly children's worship at any and all levels, from assisting me in chapel to helping plan and lead the service.

Children's Chapel is one of my favorite parts of what I do at Northwoods, and like everything else, it's better when we work together.

Children's Chapel dates for Spring are: March 23 and April 6.

In faith,
Sarah Prickett
Director of Lifespan Faith Development 
 

Coming this Friday: Parents' Night Out

 

The March Parents Night Out will be this Friday from 6-9. 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. We'll provide some snacks (bagel bites, chicken strips, pizza or the like) or if you prefer, you can bring your own children's dinner. Suggested donation of $5-$10 per child, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. For more information please contact Sarah.   


 

 

Adult Faith Development Semester Theme: Spiritual Practices 

 

For Adult Faith Development programming this coming spring, we'll  

be exploring spiritual practices: What are our spiritual practices as

individuals? As a  community? How might we approach prayer and practice?  What is the value of personal spiritual pursuits, and how can we integrate our need for depth into our hectic modern

lives ? Check out our spring offerings this week in our Adult Faith Development brochure, or read below. 

 

 

A thought for the week...

 

Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures, even as a flicker of light born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved.

 

- Pope Francis

 

 
 

What's in Your Backpack?

Facilitated by Sarah Prickett

April 20, 1-3 pm

In the Garden Room

 

In this workshop, participants will explore their own identity and its many different facets as part of our Welcoming Congregation Renewal program. The work of anti-oppressive, multicultural community begins within each of us: Who am I? How do I move through the world?

 

In what ways do you experience privilege, and in what ways do you experience prejudice and oppression? The better we understand ourselves in our many parts, the more we know about what cultural assumptions and behaviors we bring to the table, the more capable we are in being present to others and becoming a more welcoming community to a diversity of souls.


This workshop will use materials from Sarah's own multicultural and anti-oppression training as well as material from the UU Tapestry of Faith Curriculum "Building the World We Dream About," which focuses on anti-oppression and justice work.

 

Childcare available upon request. RSVP to Sarah at [email protected].

 

 

Spiritual Practice Smorgasboard

Facilitated by Sarah Prickett

May 3 6:30-9:00 in the Garden Room

 

Join your Northwoods community for food and conversation this spring with Lifespan Faith Development Director Sarah Prickett. We'll share a potluck meal and conversation with our community about our own diverse spiritual practices.

 

What are your spiritual practices? How did you come to your practice, and how does it help you live your life as a Unitarian Universalist? Come and enjoy food and fellowship, and share your spiritual practices with us!

 

Childcare will be provided upon request, but children are also welcome to attend this event. Rsvp to Sarah at [email protected], and don't forget to let her know what you are bringing to the potluck! 


 

 

Spirituality at Home: Creating Space for the Sacred

 

Facilitated by Sarah Prickett

May 31 10:00-1:00 in the Sanctuary

 

It is often said that the home is the first congregation for any child, and something similar can be said for all of us: Our homes and our personal lives are the place where we most often are called to practice our faith. How then, do we find ways to create meaning and ritual in our daily lives? Join DFD Sarah Prickett for an experience in creating sacred space and time in your home.

 

This collaborative learning opportunity will explore concepts of prayer and sabbath as well as the importance of ritual, and together we will craft rituals and spiritual practices that can be incorporated into your home and family life.

 

Whether you have a large family with many children or you are a family of one, creating intentional ways of honoring your spirit in daily life is part of how we nurture and sustain ourselves for our work in the world.

 

Childcare will be available on request, but older children and youth are also invited to participate. Lunch provided. $5 donation requested but not required. To rsvp contact Sarah at [email protected].

 

 

 
Stay Informed via Text

 

To find out how to get text reminders and information about RE classes, including Adult Forum, click here.

 

 
SEE Justice
All(ternative) Prom Committee Needs You!

The All(ternative) Prom is coming soon and the planning is underway.  Volunteers are needed for food, chaperoning, decorations, planning...if you have a talent to share we would love to see you there!  Contact Jen if you are interested in helping out!  Text: 281-739-6979 or email: [email protected].

 
Millbend Coffeehouse
Ellen Bukstel
7:30 pm, March 8th

Ellen Bukstel has been a National and International Award Winning songwriter for over a decade.  She has received accolades for her song- writing from artists like Tom Paxton, Paul Stookey, Janice Ian, Christine Lavin and Michael Bolton. Her performances drift from heartbreaking ballads - to funny ditties - to social commentary so poignant and compelling it makes you squirm in your seat.  Add in her beautiful voice and sparkling stage presence and you have an evening of entertainment that you will remember for a long time.  Jim Kam and his amazing Chapman Stick will provide the opener for this concert.
  
For more information on Millbend performances, or to purchase tickets, visit the Millbend
website.   

  
 
Calendar, Beacon Bits Submission Policy, and Contact Information

 This Week At Northwoods

Sunday March 9, 2014
1:00PM        Lunch Bunch, at a local restaurant, 1 p.m.
10:00AM        10am Sunday Walk (Weather permitting)
12:30PM         CUUPS
1:00 PM        Board of Trustees         
      Small Group Orientation
Monday March 10, 2014
2:00 PM        Rental
7:00 PM        Courageously Coed Book Group
Tuesday March 11, 2014
2:00 PM        Rental
5:00 PM        Blue Mountain Meditation
7:00 PM        Folk Choir Rehearsal
7:00 PM        Painting the Stars, Sponsored by UUCF
7:00 PM        Northwoods Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday March 13, 2014
6:30 PM        Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal
Friday March 14, 2014
10:00 AM        Northwoods Play Group
7:00 PM        Dharma Group
Saturday March 15, 2014
6:00 PM        Drum Circle

 

     

  

 
 
Submission Policy

Send submissions for the next issue of The Beacon Bits to [email protected] no later than 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Any member of the Northwoods family may submit material to the Beacons.  Ideally, most submissions will come from a contact person or chairperson of a group or ministry team. The Beacon Bits will not publish any advertisement or notices promoting individuals or buisnesses.
 

Contact Information

 

 

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

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

Congregational Administrator: Jamie Thompson, [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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