The 

Beacon 

Bits

A weekly publication of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

NW Color Logo w Name  
    

June 24, 2015   

 

 

Greetings!   

  



We hope that you can join us on Sunday, June 28 for

From Certainty to Mystery: A Progressive Christian Journey
What do a Baptist tent meeting, a duck boat accident, and a Gorilla Sunday epiphany have in common? Each was a fork in the road that led "a good Methodist girl" to Northwoods and Progressive Christianity.

 

by guest speaker

Susan Hammond 

 

with music by
Paul Klein and Klay Vage

Religious Education this Sunday:

9:30 Service:
Children K-6: Turning Points RE Class in the Garden Room

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

11:30 service:
Children K-6: Fellowship Hour in Room 10
Youth programming is on hiatus during the summer and will return in the fall.

Service times:  9:30am and 11:30am

Childcare will be provided in the nursery for younger children.
Hearing assistance equipment available at the Membership table
Top Story


Northwoods Switches to a
Single Service Schedule for the Summer

Starting on Sunday July 5th, Northwoods will be going to a single service, at 11:30. The church doors will be open and the coffee ready by 10:30, so you can come and enjoy "between services" coffee time before the service. The single service format will run up until the Water Service, August 23rd.
Notes From the DFD
This week Sarah is in Portland, Oregon representing Northwoods at the General Assembly.
Foundations: Church Governance
BOT Meeting Minutes

The meeting minutes from the last BOT meeting are available for review here.
 
COM Agenda

The Committee on Ministry will meet this Sunday. A copy of the meeting minutes is available for review here.
 
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 the What Do I Believe summer series will continue with a sermon by Northwoods member, Susan Hammond.   

 

The schedule for the remainder of the series is:

 

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

 

Teresa Allen has registered Northwoods for the Woodlands 4th of July parade and is looking for anyone interested in participating. This activity will be hot but fun.  The theme is American Heroes and any ideas for art, costumes, or devices to convey the theme would be greatly appreciated.

Teresa will be out of town until June 29th at UU General Assembly, but you can call and leave a message at 281-350-3052.

Plan on wearing your Standing on the Side of Love t-shirt.

 

Oodles of Noodles with the Lunch Bunch

Join the Lunch Bunch at Noodles & Company, a counter-serve chain offering international noodle & pasta dishes from mac 'n' cheese to pad Thai.

Noodles & Company is located at 1555 Lake Woodlands Drive, Spring, Texas, 77380. We'll meet at 1pm and have a noodling good time!

Questions? Ask Beth or Phil Marshall.

 
REMinistryReligious Education
Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Come on Sunday July 5 for the second annual Public Reading of The Declaration of Independence. Jeff Graeber is hosting what will hopefully become an annual Northwoods Independence Day tradition. 

Following the reading there will be a discussion: what issues were they fighting for, and how were they resolved, and are these issues still relevant today? Is the Declaration of Independence an historical footnote or a living, breathing, needed document? Examining the document and hearing the words will help remind us who we are, where we come from, and that despite all the flaws, the desperately needed improvements, the myriad ways we fall short of our ideals, and even the obstinate, stiff-necked contrariness of the person on the other side of whichever argument we're currently having, the United States of America is still the greatest country the world has seen.

Sunday, July 5th will be the first day of the single-service schedule at Northwoods. There will not be a 9:30am service. The Reading of the Declaration of Independence will begin at 10:30am.

 

Changes to Youth Ministry Coming this Fall!

Youth Ministry Feedback Form available now! 

 

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! We will be scheduling face to face brainstorming sessions at Northwoods with RE volunteer leadership as well as at least one video session with me later in the summer, once the youth have returned from their UU summer camps, but the first way we'd like to hear from you is available now.  

 

I've created a Youth Ministry Feedback Form, and I invite all youth and parents to give us some feedback. You can find the form 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].

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.

 

Get Involved in Religious Education this Fall
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 t o 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!


 

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
Millbend Coffeehouse Presents 
Still on The Hill
July 11th ~ 7:30pm

Still on the Hill (Kelly Mulhollan and Donna Stjerna) is at the very heart of the American "folkgrass" phenomenon. A Still on the Hill performance incorporates kaleidoscopic color and constant movement. Bright clothing and hats, long flowing hair, dancing feet (some with shoes, some without), bobbing fiddle and weaving guitar engage the audience, drawing them into the excitement. 

Kelly was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and his passion for stringed instruments began at the age of 9 with a gift of a ukulele. Within two years he had added the guitar and banjo to his credits. The '70's and '80's found Kelly in countless bands playing rock & roll, bluegrass, jazz, progressive rock, and folk music while studying contemporary classical music.

Donna grew up in New York and California and began playing the fiddle at the age of 12 after being taken to see the "lady fiddler" in the Eddie Arnold show. She is a highly prolific songwriter with over 400 songs to her credit and has been the band's principal songwriter since they became a duo in 2001. In addition to playing the fiddle, Donna contributes lead vocals, mandolin, cello, and a variety of traditional roots-based instruments to the unique sound that is Still on the Hill.

Bluegrass, folk, jazz, classical, jug band and blues - take your pick, or take them all, because that's what you'll get when you see this great duo at Millbend Coffeehouse. Talented Houston songwriter and performing artist Leslie Krafka will open the concert with some of her lively and beautiful songs.

 

 

SEE Justice/UUCSJ Migrant Support Project

Ken Anderson of our committee has volunteered for an eight week program, based in San Antonio, to provide legal support for the women and children refugees in the ICE detention camps along the Mexican border. In preparation for this mission he recently attended a seminar in Tucson that included meetings with various relief agencies on both sides of the border, the Border Patrol, an immigration judge, and a desert trek to put out water and food for the migrants. The San Antonio mission is a program of the Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice (UUCSJ). The UUCSJ encourages anyone who embarks on a mission for them to enlist a group of partners (Learning Circle) in their local congregation to join them in reading some of the books that describe the problems that they are addressing and to follow them through emails and meetings. Ken will be coordinating these activities here at Northwoods for those who choose to participate. If you are interested in participating in this Learning Circle, please contact Ken at [email protected] or 281-851-8859.

 

 
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


Wednesday June 24, 2015
7:00 PM    Worship Arts Team Meeting
                   Small Group Meeting

Thursday June 25, 2015
6:30 PM    Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal

Friday June 26, 2015
10:00 AM    Northwoods Play Group

Saturday June 27, 2015
7:00 PM    CUUPS

Sunday June 28, 2015
1:00 PM    Committee on Ministry

Tuesday June 30, 2015
2:00 PM    Rental
5:00 PM    Blue Mountain Meditation
7:00 PM    Folk Choir Rehearsal

Thursday July 2, 2015
6:30 PM    Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal
7:00 PM    Ewe Ewe Knitting Ministry
     Northwoods Men's Group

Friday July 3, 2015
Independence Day Observed - Office Closed
10:00 AM    Northwoods Play Group

Saturday July 4, 2015
Independence Day
10:00 AM    Men's Book Group

Sunday July 5, 2015
Sunday service times switch to 11:30am only.
Coffee hour begins at 10:30am

12:30 PM    SEE Justice Meeting
1:00 PM    Lay Ministry/Pastoral Care

 
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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