The 

Beacon 

Bits

A weekly publication of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

NW Color Logo w Name  
    

February 4, 2015  

 

 

Greetings!   

  



We hope that you can join us on Sunday, February 8

for

Gorilla Sunday

 With music by
The Gorilla Choir and Orchestra  


Service times:  9:30am and 11:30am

 

Religious Education Programming    

 

9:30 and 11:30 Services: 

This Sunday, children and youth will join adults for an All Ages Worship.  

Youth are invited to sit together during the service, and as always, worship activity bags  

will be available for busy hands of any age. Gorilla Sunday is a fun and interactive

tradition, and this service will be engaging for all!

 

 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.

 

Hearing assistance equipment available at the Membership table
Top Story
Elections Coming Soon
 

Various positions on the Northwoods Board of Trustees (BOT) and on the Northwoods Committee on Ministry (COM) are elected on alternate years at the congregational meeting each May.  

 

The BOT oversees the Foundational Ministry of Northwoods: financial matters, human resources, building and grounds, and bylaws revision. In May of 2015 the congregation will vote on candidates for four Board positions: Vice President, Secretary, Parliamentarian, and At Large:

  • The Vice President serves one year in that position and serves the following year as President. He or she remains a member of the Board for a third year, serving as Past President.
  • The Secretary records minutes of each Board meeting and submits them to the Board for approval. He or she also records minutes of each congregational meeting. This is a two-year term.
  • The Parliamentarian uses knowledge of Roberts' Rules of Order to assure that Board meetings are conducted in a proper form, particularly in regard to the submission, discussion, and voting on motions. Knowledge of Northwoods bylaws, policies, and procedures is also necessary. The Parliamentarian performs the same duties at congregational meetings. The term is for two years.
  • A Board member designated as serving as At Large participates fully in Board activities and performs specific duties assigned as needed. This is a two year term.

The COM oversees four ministries, including Spiritual Life, Congregational Life, Educational Ministry, and the ministry for Social Environmental and Economic Justice. It is composed of six members, each serving a two-year term.  Two new members of the COM will be elected in May of 2015. Each term is for three years.

 

The Northwoods Leadership Development Committee is seeking candidates to be nominated for each of these positions. If you are interested in serving or if you would like to provide the name of a person you think is well qualified for one of these positions, please contact any member of the Leadership Development Committee: Lisa Cronce, Susan Hawkins, or Dorothy Kennedy.


 

From the DFD
Dear friends,

What a whirlwind the last couple of weeks has been! Cindy and I have successfully arrived in Little Rock, though our belonging are still in transit. (Living in my house sans furniture has been quite an adventure!) This week, as I get settled into Little Rock, I'll be working a modified schedule, but will be available via email. Starting next week, I will begin holding my regular "office" hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10-2.

I am still available at the same email address, [email protected], and will be checking email periodically throughout the week, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. As I transition into working remotely for Northwoods, I am mindful of the relationships that I have bult with so many of you, and looking for creative ways to maintain those relationships across the miles while I care for my family in Little Rock.

I will be thinking of you all Sunday and missing the Gorilla fun!

May you be well,
Sarah
Foundations: Church Governance
Church Leadership Changes

Changes at Northwoods are happening!  If you are curious about changes in church leadership or church structure, click here to see the most up-to-date organizational chart. If you see a blank next to a position you think you would be perfect for, talk to someone on the Leadership Development Committee. 
 
Life itself is more like a river than a rock. Life is in flux, it changes, twists and turns, ebbs and flows. When a river encounters a boulder, the boulder may win for a while. But eventually, even the most massive stone is worn away by the currents of time.
Unitarian Universalism is about learning to swim in the river rather than climbing out of it onto a rock.
 - Rev. Doug Kraft, Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento

 

Save the Date!

Save the date! Mark your calendars!
Northwoods Service Auction 2015
October 24, 2015
 
The world's best theme coming to a Beacon Bits Announcement near you soon.
We'll let you know next month!  Wait for it; wait for it . . . .

  

 

COM Meeeting

The COM met on January 25th. The meeting minutes are available for review here.
 
Board Meeting Postponed

The February Board of Trustees meeting has been postponed.  The Meeting will take place on February 15 in the Garden Room.
 
Rummage Sale Announcements

The next Rummage Sale planning meeting is Thursday, February 12 at 7pm in the Garden Room.  Come and pitch in!


It's never too soon to start thinking about donations for the Rummage Sale.  We want all the good stuff: furniture, electronics, exercise equipment...everything!  We do not accept clothing, although this year we are adding children's clothing (sizes infant to 5T) to the Rummage Sale offerings.  Those parents who are trying to keep up with their children's growth spurts can bring the clean and usable castoffs to Hallie Moore's garage.  Contact her at 281-813-6328 if you are ready to make your donation.

We need volunteers to "haggle," that is help customers determine a fair price for our treasures. We also need volunteers for set-up the day before (April 17). If you'd like to help call Kate Rhoad. (281-451-7185)

 

The Rummage Sale will be on Saturday, April 18 from 7am to 12pm at Northwoods.  

 


We Love to Read!
NUUC Library Needs...


Have you borrowed a book from the NUUC Library lately?  On your nightstand or bookshelf, do you see a book with the NUUC label on the spine?  Please remember to return books to the NUUC library.  We are in the process of placing  a notebook in the Library for people to sign books in and out by date.  We also need someone to maintain the books (return them to the right place on the shelves) once or twice a month.  Do we have any volunteers?  Please call Teresa Allen at 281-350-3052

Spiritual Life
Your Turn to Speak

The Worship Arts Team will be sponsoring a sermon series in May and June entitled, "What I Believe." Members of our congregation are invited to sign up for a Sunday and share their own spiritual beliefs. Please contact Drew Daubenspeck ([email protected]) or Rusty Rhoad ([email protected]) if you are interested or for more information.

Have a different sermon that you feel called to share (even if you're not sure who's doing the calling)? We're taking those as well.

 

Blue Mountain Center of Meditation Introductory Classes

If one of your 2015 resolutions includes finding a path to less stress and more loving  relationships, The Blue Mountain meditators invite you to investigate a helpful method.

Starting Tuesday, February 3, the Northwoods meditation group will offer 4 Tuesday classes to introduce you to Passage Meditation.
We meet from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.in the Northwoods Sanctuary. No previous meditation experience is necessary.  All are welcome.  Please contact Hallie Moore at 281-813-6328 to join. (The Meditation website www.easwaran.org has a wealth of information on this spiritual practice.)


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:  

 

Larry Loomis Price President

 

Ann McAlpin

President-Elect

 

Shari Wood-Merriam 

Past President 

  

AJ Livecchi  

Treasurer   

 

Bob Long 

Parliamentarian

 

Kathryn Donohue

Secretary 


John DeCaire

At Large

 

Michelle 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:

 

David Shontz 

Chair

 

Mary Chimarusti
Mary Branson

Susan Blackmore
Linda Nadler 

Beth Marshall 

Congregational Life

Chair:  Kate Rhoad

Membership Coordinator: 
Helen Sherwood
 
Ministries Meetings and Groups

Spiritual Life

 

Asimov Humanists: Meets 2nd Saturday each month, 10am-12 in The Garden Room. Contact Karyl Paige 281-435-2644

 

Drum Circle:

Contact the church office 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 several times in the fall, winter, and spring for discussion, study, and fellowship, and sponsors vespers services for Advent and Good Friday. For  more information and dates, contact Bob Long.  

 

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.  

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 2014 book list, or  here for the 2015 book list.  Contact Wally Gardner.

 

Women's Book Club:

Meets the third Saturday of the month at 10:00am in the Garden Room.  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 Maxine Devries.

 

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.

  

If you would like to nominate an organization to be the recipient of Share the Plate Sunday, click here for more information on how to do so. 

 

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.

 

 Party With the Gorillas: THIS SUNDAY!  

  

We invite everyone to join in the fun and fellowship of our annual Gorilla Sunday on February 8. The Gorilla Chorus will sing at both services. Please bring a dish for the potluck after the second service. There will be karaoke and dancing. The celebration is BYOBR: Bring Your Own Beverages and Be Responsible for them. Please do NOT leave alcohol unattended.  Potluck questions to Carol Hensel at [email protected] .

 

 

Standing on the Side of Love Sunday

Join UU churches across the country on Sunday, February 15 for a special Standing on the Side of Love Sunday. Darbi Lockridge will deliver a service that reminds us all of our efforts to stand on the side of love as a congregation and a denomination.  Please wear your yellow SSL t-shirts if you have them, and come prepared to inspire and be inspired!


 

 
Congregational Life
Valentines Day Plans? 
 
Millbend Coffeehouse presents Willis Alan Ramsey on February 14 at 7:30pm.  His last show at Northwoods was a sold-out show, and this performance is expected to be phenomenal.  For more information, visit Millbend.org


Pathways to Membership Invitation

Have you been considering membership at Northwoods?  If you are already a Northwoods member, would you like to brush up on UU theology?

The next Pathways to Membership class has been scheduled.  The Pathways to Membership classes are open to everyone, but are a prerequisite for signing the Membership Book.  The schedule is as follows:
  • Sunday, February 15, 1:00-3:00 Discovering Unitarian Universalism led by Karyl Paige
  • Sunday, February 22, 1:00-3:00 - Northwoods UU Church - More than you probably want to know! led by Helen Sherwood and Joan O'Connell
Both classes will be in the Library.

Lunch Bunch

The Lunch Bunch will join the fun on Gorilla Sunday at the Gorilla Sunday Potluck and Celebration!

For more information about the potluck, contact Carol Hensel ([email protected].)

Second Chance at Service Auction Events
Last of the February and March Openings!

These parties have openings. If you want to attend, please contact the office ([email protected]) to get the host/hostess' contact information and pay your host or Shari Wood-Merriam the stated amount.

 

February

  1. An Evening of Live Music. Cindy Scott and Brian Seeger, professional musicians from New Orleans, will perform at the church. Bring your own beverage and an appetizer or sweet to share. Sat., Feb. 7 at 7pm. Molli & Bruce McMills. $25.
  2. Hat Party & Story About the Hat. When you arrive at the party, you will pick a hat from Toby's collection of 200+ hats. Then tell a story about yourself wearing the hat. Snacks & drinks provided. (BYOB) Sun., Feb. 15. Toby Picker. $10.
  3. Fifty Shades of Grey Movie Night. Fifty Shades of Grey, the movie, opens in February. Gather with NUUC fans for fun and a bit of a bawdy evening. We'll gather about 2 hours before the movie, then go to see the movie, and then head to a Waterway bar. Cost covers a light supper, wine, champagne and a trivia contest prize. Guests purchase their own movie tickets and bar beverage. Thurs., Feb. 19. Susan Hammond & Kate Rhoad. $20.
  4. Kids' Game Night. Come play board games with your friends at Northwoods. Ages 4 and up. Sat., Feb. 21. 4-6 pm. Brenda, Sophie & Abby Hutchison. $10.
  5. Parents' Night Out #2. Give your kiddos an awesome night filled with themed activities, snacks, dinner, & movie while you get a breather and enjoy some grown-up time with your significant other. Ages 4-12. Sat., Changed to February 13! Erika, Carlos & Larissa Calderon. $40
  6. Kiwi Adventure. Dinner with a New Zealand theme, plus short, exciting slide show. Sat., Feb. 28. Hal & Terry Meyer. $35.
  7. The Art of Sushi Class. Meet at Northwoods & learn how to make several different types of sushi rolls. Eat what you create and wash it down with sake. They will provide all the ingredients and materials, and you can take the rolling mat home! Sat., Feb. 28 at 5:00 pm. Larry & Stephanie Loomis-Price, Dave & Helen Sherwood, and Jessie Harlan. $35.

March

  1. Kids' Movie Night #2. Popcorn & drinks will be provided. At Northwoods. Ages 4 and up. Sat., March 7. Brenda, Sophie & Abby Hutchison. $10.
  2. "The Burning Times" Movie and Treats. New infights into the legends and misconceptions that surround the term "witch." Impacts of false accusations and hysteria are explored, from the widespread church and stat-sanctioned torture and killing of women which set the stage for modern society's cultural acceptance of massive violence against women. Light lunch served. Sun., March 8. 1:00. Teresa Allen & Cyndie Mahaney. $15.
  3. A Day at the Menil. Gather for a picnic in the park with mimosas and wander through the halls of the Menil choosing and sharing your favorite works. Sun., March 8. 1:00. Marti Corn. $25

Watch for More to Come!!



 
REMinistryReligious Education
RE Text Alerts

Stay informed with up to date information about upcoming Sunday programming for children, youth and adults by signing up for RE Text Updates. Click here for more information. 
 
Are you Connected? Introducing The Wider Circle newsletter!

There is so much happening at Northwoods in religious education, especially in the area of children's, youth and family ministry, that, to better communicate directly with families about programs geared toward children and youth, and in order to keep the Beacon Bits from being a mile long, Sarah has put together a weekly newsletter called the Wider Circle. (The title comes from a favorite Children's Chapel song, "Draw the Circle Wide.")

This is designed to be a resource for families to deepen the monthly theme, learn about what's happening in weekly classes, and also stay on top of upcoming events and Sunday plans. If you are not currently receiving this communication tool and would like to, please contact Sarah directly to be added. The Wider Circle is on temporary hiatus and will return in February.
 
Spiral Scouts

If your children are interested in participating in Spiral Scouts, please contact Cyndie Mahaney ([email protected]) for a meeting schedule.  Spriral Scouts is a co-ed, Pagan based scouting program for all ages.

 

 
Get involved with Religious Education!
There are many ways to help, large and small.

For me, one of the joys of serving Northwoods is working with  individuals to share their unique passions and talents with others, especially the younger souls in our midst. There is one truth that lies at the heart of our decision to gather as a faith community: We need each other. We are better, stronger, braver together. Our knowledge and experiences are incomplete, and by coming together, we create something greater even than the sum of its parts. We experience this in worship, when we come together to make a more just and loving community, in fellowship, and when we learn together.

Teaching and attending religious education classes and other faith development opportunities is part of how we weave the connections between us more tightly, and in the coming year, there are many ways to participate in this part of our life together. Watching the love and joy blossom within people as they grow and explore is part of the faith development that Northwoods offers both teachers and learners. (Because we are all teachers and learners, always.)

As I prepare for the coming church year, I am actively recruiting volunteers for the religious education program. Not just classroom teachers, but occasional childcare volunteers, Children's Chapel assistants, Acting DFDs (for the Sundays I am not here), a field trip coordinator for the Neighboring Faiths youth RE class, and more, including some behind the scenes help. If working with children or youth has ever interested you, I hope you will consider taking an active role in this year's religious education. To learn more about our programs, or for help discerning the volunteer role that will make your heart sing, please contact me at dfd@northwoodsuu.org.
 
SEE Justice
 
SEE Justice Outreach Adopts a Family
A Scavenger Hunt!

Did you ever do scavenger hunts when you were a kid?  I did-- and it was great fun!

Last Sunday, someone came to our church needing help for himself & his 3 daughters.  Through tough circumstances, money is tight and they have lost some of their belongings.  Many of these things we have handy-- so, can you look at this list and see if you would like to donate them to help this family?  If you call Teresa at 281-350-3052 or Ken 281-851-8859, they will check items off the list as they are donated and make arrangements to get the items to the church.  Some of these items are just "wishes," but if you were thinking of giving them to Goodwill anyway, we can skip the middleman...
  • Furniture and other household items:  sofa and chairs, end tables or coffee table, book case, area rugs, twin bed and mattress, lamps/bedroom lamps, TV, pillows, full sheets & bedspread, twin sheets and bedspread, towels and washcloths
  • Kitchen items: pots/pans/bowls, dish towels, plastic wrap, potholders, sharp knife, silverware, dishes, scissors, bucket/broom/dustpan
  • Personal items and toiletries: toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, outside trashcan
  • Clothing: girls clothes (shirts & trousers sizes 16-17), shoes, under garments, socks
  • man's double-X shirt, man's 44" x 29" jeans, man's boot socks, man's steel-toed pull-up boots (Academy/Blue Man(OSHA certified)
  • Food items

Donations can be made by calling Teresa or Ken, or smaller items can be left at the church in the box labeled "SEE Justice Family Donations" to the right of the office door. 


 

Climate Change Advocacy Training

Learn to talk to your lawmakers about climate change - then put your new skills into action! Join UUSC and the UU College of Social Justice for a four-day advocacy training.

When: March 14-17
Where: Washington, D.C.
Who: Anyone 18-35 years old
Fees: $50 ($25 reduced); housing approximately $35 per night

The Spring Lobby Weekend will explore the moral grounding for working on climate change, examine current issues, and identify federal policy changes needed. Training will be followed by Capitol Hill meetings with legislators and their staff.

Registration deadline: March 1, 2015. Space is limited, so register early.  (Register here.)

For further information, contact Andrew Silva.

- For more information, click here.

 

Guest at Your Table

Haven't we all eaten well over these holidays?  I'm thinking in particular of Tesa's peanut butter fudge, Karen Levine's Shrimp Diablo and everything that Joan O'Connell has served this past month.  Have you figuratively invited someone less fortunate to join you for meals this holiday season?  If you would like to return your Guest at Your Table box (with coins and change in it, collected at each meal as if someone joined your family for each meal) or if you have a check for UUSC, just bring it by the church office or call Teresa Allen at 281-350-3052.

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee does "missionary work" from a UU perspective-- we help people and organizations in the U.S. and abroad to help themselves, without requiring that people "convert."   Donations are very carefully applied to do the most good.  The CEO is Bill Schultz, former President of the UUA and Amnesty International.  Check out their good works at www.uusc.org

 

 
Millbend Coffeehouse Presents
Willis Alan Ramsey

February 14th ~ 7:30pm

43 years ago Willis released a self-titled album that drew much acclaim, and virtually all of the songs were covered by major artists. Then he went silent. No follow-up album, no tours or performances - only perpetual rumors of the 2nd album being 'in the works' and 'near release'. We were lucky enough to host one of his rare performances in 2003, where he wowed our sold-out audience with his lyrical and instrumental mastery. The follow-up 'album' (now a CD) is nearing reality. Several of the songs have already been released by other artists (Lyle Lovett and Eric Clapton), and will be featured in this concert, along with the songs from the original album that created the Legend of WAR. This show will probably sell out early, so plan ahead and purchase your tickets in advance. Willis' lovely wife Allison will open the concert with some of her own original music, and she will join Willis later to provide harmonies on some songs. Don't let this rare opportunity to see a living legend up-close and personal in our intimate setting pass you by!

For information or tickets to see Willis Alan Ramsey, call Teresa Allen at 281-350-3052.  Advance reservations are preferred.


 

 
Food Collections

The hungry aren't only hungry at Christmas and Thanksgiving.  They are hungry all year long and you can do something to help.  Food donations have been very low lately.  Please bring a non-perishable food item to church on Sunday and drop it in the basket in the hallway next to the office. 
 
 
Calendar, Beacon Bits Submission Policy, and Contact Information

Coming Up At Northwoods

Saturday February 7, 2015
10:00 AM      Men's Book Group
5:30 PM        Live Music Set Up
7:00 PM        Service Auction Event: An Evening of Live Music

Sunday February 8, 2015
8:45 AM        Gorilla Sunday Practice
9:30 AM        Gorilla Sunday at Northwoods
1:00 PM        Gorilla Sunday Celebration

Monday February 9, 2015
7:00 PM        Courageously Coed Book Group

Tuesday February 10, 2015
5:00 PM        Blue Mountain Meditation
7:00 PM        Folk Choir Rehearsal

Thursday February 12, 2015
6:30 PM        Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal

Friday February 13, 2015
10:00 AM      Northwoods Play Group

Saturday February 14, 2015     
10:00 AM      The Humanist Group
6:00 PM        Millbend set-up
7:30 PM        Millbend Coffeehouse


Sunday February 15, 2015
1:00 PM        Board of Trustees
                       Pathways to Membership     
                       Spiral Scouts

 

 
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 Beacon Bits.  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 businesses.
 

Contact Information

 

Congregational Administrator: Jamie Thompson, [email protected]   

Phone 281-298-2780   

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

   

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

 

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