The 

Beacon 

Bits

A weekly publication of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

NW Color Logo w Name  
    

June 3, 2015   

 

 

Greetings!   

  



We hope that you can join us on Sunday, June 7

for

the third service in our "What Do I Believe" series:

The Goddess Path: Rediscovering the Divine Feminine

 She was known as the "Queen of Heaven," "The Divine One," "One Who Knows All," and "Lady of Heaven and Earth."  Suppression and Loss of the Divine Feminine isn't simply a symptom of our collective cultural and environmental illnesses, it's both the cause and the answer.  Rediscovering the Divinity in the Feminine Principle both within and without, is the key to healing our broken world.

 

by guest speaker

Heather Kaminski 

 

 

with music arranged by
Mary Branson
Musicians: Judy Middleton, Christy Storslett, Paul Nelson, Sebastian Cho

 

Religious Education this Sunday:

9:30 Service and 11:30 Service:

Children in kindergarten through 6th grade will attend Children's Chapel in Room 10 . Childcare will be provided in the nursery for younger children, and

youth are invited to remain in the service. Sunday Youth programming is on hiatus during the summer and will return in the fall. 


Between Services
Adult Forum is on hiatus for the summer and will return in early September. 

Service times:  9:30am and 11:30am

Hearing assistance equipment available at the Membership table
Top Story
2015 Annual Congregational Meeting Results   
 
Thank you to all members who came to vote at the 2015 Annual Congregational Meeting.  We had over 60 members present, and because we made quorum requirements we were able to vote on new leadership and the budget.

The congregation elected the following members to leadership:

    For the Board of Trustees:

  • President-Elect:  Lisa Cronce

  • Parliamentarian:  Bob Long

  • Secretary:  Cyndie Mahaney

  • At-Large:  Kate Rhoad

    For the Committee on Ministry:

  • Sharon Ossowski

  • Jeff Graeber

    For the Leadership Development Committee:

  • Carol Hensel

  • Dawn Newcomer

The new leadership will officially take their positions on July 1, 2015.   

 

The proposed annual budget was also approved. 

 

Notes From the DFD

Dear friends,

 

First and foremost, I am really looking forward to coming down next week to help lead Hobbit Camp! Summer camp is such a wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time with your kids, as well as one of my favorite opportunities to collaborate with teachers. We've got a lot of great things planned, and it promises to be a very full and very fun week. If you are interested in getting a taste of Middle Earth, we'll be decorating our sanctuary Hobbit-style after second service Sunday and sharing a pizza lunch, and you are all invited. 

 

I'd also invite you to take a look at the RE section of the Beacon Bits for some information on changes to the youth ministry program that will happen in the fall, and I hope youth and parents alike will participate in that planning process. I look forward to working with you this summer to create something fantastic with our stellar youth. 

 

We are still looking for congregants to share their stories with our children during summer RE. We are asking congregants help teach RE one Sunday this summer and to share a story of a decision, event or experience that changed how you saw the world, or made you a different person. You'll lead the lesson one Sunday paired with another RE teacher, and I'll help you in any way you'd like to put together your lesson. Please contact me at [email protected] or speak to RE chair Brenda Hutchinson if you are interested.

 

I celebrate with you the votes taken at the annual meeting to elect new leaders to the congregation. There is so much possibility in our future, and I applaud them for their willingness to take on the roles they have been elected to. Take courage, friends! As I prepare to join children, youth and adults in creating a magical experience next week, I am reminded of Bilbo's song, "The road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can, pursuing it with eager feet until it joins some larger way where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say." Whither our paths lead, and the path Northwoods will take, remains to be seen, but rest in the comfort that you are traveling with the best of companions.

 


Yours in the journey,

 

Sarah

PS- As always, please contact me via email or telephone if there is anything I can do for you individually, or to answer any questions you might have about this transitional time for religious education. Click here for more information about RE, including how you can help out this summer!
Foundations: Church Governance
Endowment Committee Vacancy 
 
Bill Levine must retire from the Endowment Committee on June 30th following six years of service.  Candidates to replace him will be presented to the Board of Trustees for selection.  If you are interested in the position or want to learn more, please contact a committee member (Keith Armstrong, Dave Sherwood or Bill Levine).  
 
 
Spiritual Life

What Do I Believe 

Summer Sermon Series

  

This Sunday marks the second sermon in our "What Do I Believe?" Summer Sermon Series. Seven Northwoods members have volunteered to share with you their beliefs, spiritual practices, and their journey to get there.  

 

The schedule for the remainder of the series is:

 

June 7: Heather Kaminski, The Goddess

June 21: Carol Hensel, UU Earth-centered-The Interdependent Web

June 28: Susan Hammond, Progressive Christianity

July 5: Hallie Moore, Personal Spirituality

July 12: Rusty Rhoad, An Atheist's God

 

Our 3rd Principal is: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations. Making this sermon series a part of your summer plans would be a good expression of that principal.

 

Congregational Life

The Woodlands 4th of July Parade

Theme:  America's Heroes

 

Rain or shine, The Woodlands 4th of July Parade promises to be lots of fun.  This year's theme is America's Heroes and we're SURE that we have many Unitarian Universalist American heroes to portray!

 

Teresa Allen is looking for someone to help plan the fun.  Awards (which we could easily win) include: Most Beautiful Entry, Most Patriotic Entry, Entry with Best Use of Theme, Best Musical Entry, President's Choice Award, Best Military Award, Community Entry Award, Youth Entry Award, Most Enthusiastic Award, and Best Professionally Built Commercial Float

 

If you have ideas or would like to plan, walk, carry a banner or pass out fliers, please call 281-350-3052.  

 

2015 General Assembly

Teresa Allen has raised $165 toward sending someone to GA, and GA offers an opportunity for people to attend virtually through live streaming.  If you would like to be a virtual delegate or help with the technical aspects of streaming the GA live at Northwoods, contact Teresa Allen (281-350-3052.)  She is also still taking contributions for GA expenses.

Thanks to those who donated!
 
Covenant and Conflict: Living the First Principle
Conflict Resolution Training For All
Sunday, June 7, 1 -4 pm at Northwoods
Facilitated by Susan Blackmore and Mary Branson

Interpersonal conflict is an inevitable part of living in any human community, including ours. We are a  covenantal community with diverse world views, belief systems, and passions. One of the most valuable set of skills we can learn is how to thrive in this challenging environment; honoring the inherent worth and dignity of each person while navigating the rocky road of conflict. Come join us in exploring a set of 12  skills that we can learn and practice that will go a long way to make our community healthier. This first 2 hours of the training is for anyone who is interested in learning more about resolving conflict, not just those who have been identified as being on the newly reconstituted Conflict Resolution Committee (CRC) The last hour will be practice sessions for those who will be serving on the CRC.

For those interested in getting a head start, you can look up the materials we are using on the website for the Conflict Resolution Network: www.crnhq.org.


 

 
Pizza With the Lunch Bunch

This Sunday, June 7, the Lunch Bunch will meet at 1pm at Crust Pizza, in the Panther Creek Shopping Center (4775 W Panther Creek Drive.)  Join the bunch for pizza, calzones, pasta, salads, and great company!

 

Questions, ask Phil or Beth Marshall

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 

  

Rud Merriam

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 2015 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

 

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.

 

 
REMinistryReligious Education

Changes to Youth Ministry Coming this Fall!

 

Hi all, I want to let you know about some changes that will be happening in youth programming next year. Next year during the 11:30 service,, we're going to try something other than the YRUU structure we've had in the past. Continued low attendance and struggle to make this model work over the last couple of years have led me to the conclusion that there is probably something very much better that we can be doing in this time, and I think we are called to provide it.

 

Not having YRUU on Sunday mornings does not mean that we won't have youth ministry! Youth ministry is much bigger than one class, and involves all parts of life at church- religious education, fellowship and outings, service to the church and community, rallies and more. Those things can still happen, but there will be something new happening at 11:30 on Sundays to better tie all of that together and create a space that, right now, is full of possibility.

 

What will this look like? We will be working with parents and youth to brainstorm this question over the summer. There will definitely be a chance for all of you to weigh in on what you would like to see happen in this time slot, so I hope that you will all give us some good feedback. There is a lot of possibility here!

 

I know that changing things is hard, and not knowing what will happen is not a comfortable feeling, but I hope it can also be exciting. There are many great things about YRUU, but I believe we can do better. I believe we can take the best of what was and also look for what we might be able to make together. In that vein, let's take a moment and remember that, before a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, it first turns into a big gooey mess inside that chrysalis. Right now, it probably feels like a big gooey mess, but something truly great can come out of it.

 

If anyone would like to talk about this change, I am always happy to talk!

In faith,

Sarah 


 

Turning Points: Children's Summer RE

 

Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. -Helen Keller

 

Our summer children's program will begin the first Sunday in June, and this year's summer RE theme is one that everyone can participate in. This summer, we'll be exploring Turning Points, those decisions and experiences and moments that shape us into the people we are today. One way for adults to participate is by sharing their stories and experiences with the children in summer RE, with the help of RE teachers and myself. I'll help you create a lesson around a story that you want to share, and you'll have an assistant to help out with the class, but it's your stories that will make this program a great success!

 

So think back: What moments, stories or decisions have you made that changed your life and made you the person you are today? What values and principles guided your thinking? What did you learn? You could tell a story about choosing a spiritual path or practice, deciding to have children, standing up to a bully, going on an adventure, starting a business, learning a craft...there are literally thousands of stories to be shared, I know!

The greatest wisdom in this congregation is the cumulative life experiences of all of you, and this program is a chance to share that wisdom with our youngest congregants and pass along the lessons you've learned. If you'd like to share your story with Northwoods' children during summer RE, or if you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected].

Sarah's Expanded Office Hours

To better meet the needs of the congregation, Sarah will be extending her office hours from three days a week to four. While she will be available via phone or email at other times, she will be keeping office hours 10-2 Monday through Thursday and by appointment, as well as being available remotely on Sunday mornings and for Sunday afternoon meetings. Sarah's email address, [email protected], has not changed, and she can also be reached via phone at (713)398-4782.
 
Get Involved in Religious Education
Help is needed, large and small!

The RE program is in need of volunteers who would like to help out with faith development for children, youth and adults in a variety of ways, especially as we lose our Director of Lifespan Faith Development position this fall. If you or interested in filling these needs, please contact Sarah directly. Here are some of the roles we are currently in need of filling, so please take a look at this list and let Sarah know if you are interested in helping do this work:

Adult Education Team: We are in need of folks to help the RE Ministry Team and SEE Justice Ministry Team with next year's Welcoming Congregation classes in a variety of topics, and to help plan for Adult Forum offerings on Sundays. If you would like to help with Adult RE, please contact Linda Nadler! Planning for Fall will begin soon!

Fall RE Teachers: We are in need of 3-4 additional teachers for our fall RE program for ages 6 and up. For more information or to recommend someone as a teacher, please contact Sarah.

Children's Chapel:Last but far from least, Children's Chapel is one of the most special things we offer the children of Northwoods. In the past Sarah led it, but unfortunately can't be here for chapel every month now, and so we am looking for some good folks to lead chapel. Sarah will still supply the lesson and the chapel plan and lots of good support, but to keep Children's Chapel going, we literally can't do it without you.

Want to help but not sure how? Let Sarah know, and she'll be happy to discuss where the best fit for you might be.


We hope that you will consider sharing some of your time and passion and creativity, because the most important part of the faith development of our children, youth and adults is the growth and learning that happens as part of being in community together. Please contact Sarah at [email protected] or by phone at (713)398-4782 for more information or to help! 

 
From YRUU...

We have one large "Standing on the Side of Love" T-shirt remaining for sale. Cost is $15.
 
If you are interested in ordering one or more of the SSL t-shirts, please contact Peggy Walton, so that we can see about preparing another order. Let her know the quantity and sizes. We will try and get larger shirts this time too.
 
Contact Peggy at [email protected] or 936-718-7777.
 
Thanks for supporting our YRUU program, standing on the side of love and promoting our church!


 

 
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 soon.
 
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.

 

 
SEE Justice
Help with Coffee Sales and Kiva

Northwoods SEE Justice Committee is looking for volunteers to work with the Fair Trade coffee and chocolate sales.  The proceeds go to KIVA-- so helping with this project is perfect for anyone who is interested in making a difference for social justice  (through promoting micro-lending and fair trade) and environmentalism.  Please contact Teresa Allen at 281-350-3052. For more information on Kiva, click here.

What can you do to help?  Two main responsibilities can be given to one or two (or more!) people:
  • Coffee Sales: Coffee sales need to be managed, which includes ordering coffee and chocolates and keeping a stock of fair trade goods at the church. Coffee sales need to be managed at the church on Sundays, and at church events, which includes setting up a sales display and selling coffee and chocolate.
  • Managing the Kiva Loans: SEE Justice needs someone to manage the Kiva loans through the Kiva website. This person would look through loan applicant profiles and chose who we lend to. 

Both aspects of the project will be fun for the right people, and rewarding too!

 


 
 
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


Thursday June 4, 2015
12:00 PM    Toastmasters Bookmark and Share
6:30 PM    Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal
7:00 PM    Ewe Ewe Knitting Ministry

Friday June 5, 2015
10:00 AM    Northwoods Play Group
5:30 PM    Private Rental

Saturday June 6, 2015
10:00 AM    Men's Book Group

Sunday June 7, 2015
9:30 AM    Sundays at Northwoods
12:30 PM    SEE Justice Meeting
1:00 PM    Lay Ministry/Pastoral Care Team Meeting

Hobbit Camp: June 8 - 12

Monday June 8, 2015
7:00 PM    Courageously Coed Book Group

Tuesday June 9, 2015
5:00 PM    Blue Mountain Meditation
7:00 PM    Folk Choir Rehearsal

Thursday June 11, 2015
6:30 PM    Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal

Friday June 12, 2015
10:00 AM    Northwoods Play Group

Saturday June 13, 2015
10:00 AM    The Humanist Group
6:00 PM    Millbend set-up
7:30 PM    Millbend Coffeehouse

Sunday June 14, 2015
1:00 PM    Board of Trustees
                   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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