The 

Beacon 

Bits

A weekly publication of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

NW Color Logo w Name  
    

December 16, 2015 

 
 
Greetings!   


We hope that you can join us on

Sunday, December 20, 2015 for

Solstice Surrender

by
Rev. Donna Renfro

 
with music by
Paul Klein and Klay Vage


Religious Education this Sunday:

Children in kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to attend
Children's Chapel upstairs in Room 10.

Childcare is available for our youngest friends in the Childcare Room.

Adult Forum:

Adult Forum is on hiatus for the holidays and will resume in 2016.

First Service: 9:30am 
Coffee and Conversation: 10:30am 
Second Service: 11:30am 

In This Issue
From Rev. Donna
Hello Northwoods friends and members,

There are three ongoing events at Northwoods I'm asking for your response. One is the name of children born in your chosen or biological family since Christmas last year. Please send those names to Jamie.  The second is two readers for parts in the 5 and 7pm Christmas Eve service. One is a contemporary story, the other is the ancient Biblical story.  The third is lifting up the Guest at Your Table campaign we started at the Thanksgiving service. It is designed to help refugees and immigrants in this hemisphere, and you can read about particular families here. UUSC was started to help people in Europe fleeing for their lives, their dignity, and has continued to respond to urgent situations all over the globe for 75 years. For those who want to help specifically with the Syrian refuges crisis, UUSC has a special fund here.
I know we all want to be hands on with Syrian refugees in the Houston area, and I have not yet found a way to do that. The International Rescue Organization that has an office in Dallas was not responsible for the Houston refugees, and I am trying to track down who did. I know it's not the same as hands-on, but there is still so much need in Europe, that I encourage to give what you can  here.
Beyond the holiday frazzle that many of us may be feeling right now, we want to remind ourselves that there is hope. My congregation, the Church of the Larger Fellowship, has hope as its theme this month, and this story really spoke to me, especially in this time of crazy-making politics and the intractable suffering of refugees. "Hope is my awareness, my deep understanding, that I am connected to the inextinguishable stream of life, that I am a part of the whole." May it be so!

Peace and Blessings,

Reverend Donna Renfro 


Reverend Donna's Phone Number
281-651-4800

Reverend Donna now has a private phone line at the church. The phone number is 281-651-4800. Please save this phone number! Since this is a private line, church members can feel comfortable about leaving sensitive voicemails. Rev. Donna is the only person who can access messages.
 
Foundational Ministry
From the Board

Last week I wrote to you about the governance structure changes we're working on. We've made a lot of progress!!  Here's 2 dates you'll want to keep in mind:

On Monday, December 21st from 7 - 8:30pm at the church, Dave Shontz and I will do a discussion group on where we currently are in this thinking. We'll show you a church structure org chart draft that shows what we currently believe will be the revised structure, answer any questions, and most important, get your feedback. This is a great chance for you to influence church governance! We will also ask for you input about the covenant we're now using.

And on Sunday, February 7, we'll have a congregational meeting to vote on the revised by-laws that support the revised org structure, and to accept-as a congregation-the covenant. This meeting will
require a double quorum, so please put this on your calendar and plan to attend.

After the discussion meetings, you may have additional comments or feedback on the proposed governance structure. Kate Rhoad has offered to be the Collector of the Comments, so anything you don't say at the meeting, please send to Kate. We'll have the opportunity to consider all feedback before finalizing the structure and revised bylaws for the meeting.

And another word on the covenant: we (Board and CoM) highly recommend that you use the covenant between now and the vote. Actually use it! Take it to any meetings with you. Think about passing out a copy and reading it silently, and then agreeing together to abide by the covenant in the meeting. Or, If you're the leader, pick out a section that's particularly relevant and ask your attendees to pay particular attention to that section. And this is the hard one-remember that a covenant has a spiritual dimension, and can be used to change our own behavior, not just to point at what others should do differently. I admit that every time I read the covenant, I find something that I need to concentrate on both in
meetings and in my relationships with others. The covenant is pretty substantive when you pay attention! Since we'll be voting on that in the February meeting, it's a great idea if we've all tried it out first and really paid attention.

Thanks for all your great work in the congregation.

Ann



Pathways to Membership Class

Have you been considering membership at Northwoods? The next Pathways to Membership class is scheduled for Sunday, January 10th from 1:00-4:00. This class is will cover the basics of Unitarian Universalism and what it means to be an active member of Northwoods, and is a prerequisite for membership at our church. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP and include any dietary restrictions or needs to [email protected]
 
A Note from Santa to all the Good Little Girls and Boys

Santa's elves will be bringing lots of toys and goodies to you all. Now, you can help him by making space for them.
 
You can share those wonderful goodies with other girls and boys by giving them to the Rummage Sale Elves.
 
The elves have storage space and are ready to take any useable and clean furniture, books, toys, electronics, or household treasures.
 
Just email the elfish Kate Rhoad or Hallie Moore for help.

A loving Ho Ho Ho to you all,

Santa

 
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

The November BoT meeting minutes are available for review here
 
Gallery Change Out and Announcements

Hello artists and lovers of art!

Happy almost New Year! The Avant Garden Gallery committee is so grateful for you and the way you have supported this idea that Northwoods could have a viable art gallery!  People tell us all the time how beautiful everything is and how interesting to be in a room with all that art. Artists have made good sales and Northwoods has benefited with a few extra dollars as well. All around good! 
 
We will be changing over the gallery to our first show of the year on Jan 4th. Artists may drop off new art and pick up existing on January 3 from 12:30 - 2pm, or January 4 from 9:30 - 10:30am. Please bring all paper work and be sure your work is ready to hang or display.   
 
We will not be hosting a reception this January however be sure to make a trip to the gallery walls and display cases to see the new goodies! Sales slips are right outside the door to the gallery and money can be left in the office with Jamie, or one of the gallery committee members - Doni Langlois, Kate Rhoad, Susan Hammond or Jerry Hensel. 
 
Here's wishing you peaceful, healthy and happy Holidays!

-The Avant Garden Gallery

 
Spiritual Life
Covenant of UU Pagans Meeting

CUUPS will have a Blessed Yule celebration on Sunday,  December 20, 2015 at 2:30pm. Come celebrate the birth of the Sun, the returning of lightest time of the year. We will enjoy a potluck of snacks and desserts after the rituals. Bring a dish to share if you can.


Ever Wanted to Give a Sermon?

The Worship Arts team has a list of members who are interested in speaking at Northwoods on Sundays when the minister is out of the pulpit, and wants to make sure that it includes everybody who wants to be on it (frankly, it's a little out of date). Contact Rusty Rhoad with your idea for a sermon or for more information.
 
Congregational Life
Lay Ministry Request

Bob Long has begun his journey to rehab and recovery at the 
The Broadmoor at Creekside Park. Bob is welcoming and looking forward to having visitors. His rehabilitation exercises are finished at 2pm, and he would like to see his church friends in the afternoon. For more information, contact the church ([email protected].)
 
Open Service Auction Events

There are still openings for upcoming Service Auction events. If you would like to attend one of the events, please contact the church office ([email protected].)
  • Sunday, December 20: Sacred Dance Classes and Performance (Renfro, 2nd Session)
  • Saturday, January 2: Animal Poses, Yoga Style (Cronce)
 
Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch will meet at La Madeleine Country French Caf� on December 20. See you there! La Mad is on Market Street near Six Pines; there are always directions to the Lunch place on the posters at Northwoods.  

Questions? Please ask Phil or Beth Marshall.

For weekly updates and photos, check out and like/follow our Facebook page: Lunch Bunch Facebook.

 
SEE Justice
 
Millbend Coffeehouse is Looking for Volunteers

Millbend Coffeehouse needs new ideas! If you would have opinions about ticket prices, featured artists, format, publicity, etc., please contact Teresa Allen 281-350-3052 to join the Coordinating Committee.  We meet approximately four times a year. We could also use volunteers in the kitchen and at the gate.  Feedback and suggestions are always appreciated.

 
Shoes for Honduras! Shoes for Honduras! Shoes for Honduras!

Used shoes are again being requested for children and adults in Roatan, Honduras. Donated shoes can be of any size or type, especially athletic shoes. Sports clothes and equipment will also be accepted: soccer cleats, uniform jerseys, soccer supplies (goalie gloves, shin guards, and deflated soccer balls), and also basketballs and basketball jerseys.

Kate and Dakota Rhoad will be accompanying Lynn Ripplemeyer to Honduras to take and help sell shoes. They will be sold by some of the island boys to learn accounting and book keeping and the funds will be used for building materials for a new animal shelter on the island.

Please place shoes under the outside stairs at Northwoods. Tax receipts are available by asking Jamie for one.

Thanks to all who have contributed in the past.  It has made a huge difference in many lives and is much appreciated.

Feel free to contact Lynn Rippelmeyer with any questions at (281) 356 -7506
or by email ([email protected]).


 
Coats and Jackets: Keep 'em Coming!

Your response to our request to donate used and/or new jackets, coats, sweaters and hoodies can only be described as overwhelming and heartwarming.  As we related in an earlier edition of the Bits, many of the donated items were delivered to Lamar Elementary School in early December.  During the time since those coats were delivered, there has been a nearly three-fold increase in the number of items donated.   Last Monday, I delivered more than an dozen jackets, sweaters and hoodies (some of you donated "wool" hats and gloves as well) to Glen Loch Elementary.  Just as with Lamar, the jackets, many of them new, were received with both excitement and heart-felt appreciation.   
The counselors at both elementary schools specifically asked that I thank the members of Northwoods for their thoughtfulness and generosity.  They also let me know that no jacket received will go unused-if they have "extras", they'll be passed on to other schools in the District.  We'll continue our drive until December 15th and I'll be more than happy to make at least one more delivery.  Keep 'em coming.
Again, thanks so much for opening your hearts and being a part of this effort.  Things like this are what we UU's are all about!!

Thank you,

Paul R. Nelson
Chair, SEE Justice
 
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:  

 

Ann McAlpin

President

 

Lisa Cronce 

President-Elect

 

Larry Loomis-Price 

Past President 

  

Rud Merriam

Treasurer   

 

Bob Long 

Parliamentarian

 

Cyndie Mahaney 

Secretary 


John DeCaire

At Large

 

Kate Rhoad 

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:

 

Linda Nadler 

Chair

 

Mary Chimarusti
Sharon Ossowski

Jeff Graeber
David Shontz 

Beth Marshall 

Congregational Life

Chair: 
Barbara Madera 

Membership Coordinator: 
Helen Sherwood
Ministries Meetings and Groups
 
Leadership Development Committee

Chair
Dorothy Kennedy
Carol Hensley
Hal Meyers
 
 
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.

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 2016 reading 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 Fridays at 10:30am. For more information please contact Carrie Smith.  
 
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.
 
Food Bank Donations Still Being Accepted

This is the season for feeling gratitude, although as Paul Nelson likes to say, "the hungry aren't just hungry during Thanksgiving." Northwoods has a collection basket in the hallway for canned goods and nonperishable food items that are donated to the Food Bank throughout the year. Start a tradition of bringing in a canned food item every Sunday: Such a small effort on your part could mean so much to someone less fortunate.
 
Here are some of the Montgomery County Food Bank suggestions:
Canned Meats (Tuna, Chicken, Stew, Chili), Canned Vegetables, Canned Fruits, Peanut Butter, Cereal, Granola Bars, Peanut Butter or Cheese Crackers, Ramen Soups, Powdered Baby Formula, Dried Soup Mixes, Dried Beans, Boxed Pastas, Rice. Non-Food Items: Diapers, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Soap, Shampoo, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels

Please be mindful that the Food Bank WILL NOT accept expired foods.
 
Crisis Hot Line by Text

Statistics show that only 5% of teens are willing to call phone crisis lines, but they're more willing to text. Text 741741 to text anonymously with a crisis counselor. Trained counselors are standing by to listen to whatever is on your mind.
Calendar, Beacon Bits Submission Policy,
and Contact Information

Save the Date

Saturday, April 2, 2016
Northwoods Mega Rummage Sale
Donations being taken now.


Coming Up At Northwoods

Thursday December 17, 2015
6:30 PM     Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal Bookmark and Share
7:00 PM     Ewe Ewe Knitting Ministry

Friday December 18, 2015
10:00 AM     Northwoods Play Group

Saturday December 19, 2015
10:00 AM     Women's Book Group

Sunday December 20, 2015
2:30 PM     CUUPS Meeting
6:00 PM     Zen Mind Buddhist

Monday December 21, 2015
7:00 PM     Northwoods Writers' Group
7:00 PM     Open Meeting/Discussion: Governance Restructure

Tuesday December 22, 2015
5:00 PM     Blue Mountain Meditation
7:00 PM     Folk Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday December 23, 2015
7:00 PM     Worship Arts Team Meeting

Thursday December 24, 2015
Christmas Eve Services 5pm & 7pm

Sunday December 27, 2015
1:00 PM     Committee on Ministry
6:00 PM     Sangha and Meditation Grou

 
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
 
Interim Minister: Reverend Donna Renfro
Phone 281-298-2780
Office Hours:

Monday: Sabbath and day of rest. Emergency calls only, please.

Tuesday: Thursday 10am to 3pm

Friday: Sermon Writing Day, 10am to 3pm, by appointment only

Saturday: by appointment only

Sunday: Worship


Congregational Administrator: Jamie Thompson
Phone 281-298-2780   
Church Office Hours:  Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 am- 3pm 
   
Coordinator of Lifespan Faith Development: Jennifer Simpson
[email protected]
Phone 281-298-2780

  
 
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