The 

Beacon 

Bits

A weekly publication of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

NW Color Logo w Name  
    

January 13, 2016  

 
 
Greetings!   

Please join us on 

Sunday, January 17, 2016 for
 
Lift Every Voice

by Interim Minister
Rev. Donna Renfro
 
with music by
Folk Choir



Religious Education this Sunday:

9:30 & 11:30 Services:
Children of all ages are invited to attend Children's Chapel in Room 10. 
 
Childcare is available for our youngest friends in the Childcare Room.

Adult Forum:
 A Town Hall meeting to discuss changes in church governance will be led by church leaders.  This session will help you prepare for the important
Congregational Meeting on February 7.

(In between services in the Garden Room.)


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

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

Did you watch the State of the Union Address? I loved the stark opposition of the beautiful way President Obama framed the current and the future of this country, versus the fear based worst case scenario presented by one of the U.S. Presidential hopefuls. We always have the choice to look with fresh eyes at where we are and where we're going.
Tonight Lisa Cronce and I are leading one of the Town Hall Meetings about the proposed governance changes, which might include changes to the responsibilities of being a member of Northwoods. I invite you to look at the present and future with fresh eyes for the beautiful and hopeful vision of where Northwoods is, and where you want it to go.
Last Sunday we welcomed 7 new members, and had a Pathways Class that had 16 people in it. Those people are a testament to where you are as a community, and the future that is possible for them, and for you.
Very soon we will begin looking at next year at Northwoods, where your vision is, and where you want to dedicate your time, talent, and treasure. I encourage you to begin thinking of what Northwoods means to you in your life. I encourage you, as you vote on the proposed changes to the bylaws about governance and membership, to look with fresh eyes and open hearts for new paths to the brightest future possible for Northwoods.
  
Peace and Blessings,

Reverend Donna Renfro 


From the Board President
Reminder about Town Hall Meetings, Starting Tonight, to Discuss Structure Change, and (NEW!) Attachments if you want details!
We will have a congregational meeting on Sunday, February 7, between services to vote on potential changes to the church leadership structure. We need 82 people to attend this meeting, so please come!!
That meeting will be a yes/no vote on a change in the church governance structure, and in the bylaws that support that. We are limited in how long that meeting can be-we have to finish before the second service!! The congregational meeting will be too late to affect any details-and we want your opinions in time to affect what the congregation votes on! At this meeting, we will also vote to accept/not accept the Covenant of Right Relations.
We'd like to have your opinions in time to affect what the congregation votes on!! Here's how you do that-attend any one of the 3 town hall meetings that will happen between now and then, look at the new org chart, ask any questions you want, and offer any opinions. Opinions you offer at those meetings will be in time for us to consider and incorporate your input.
    1. TONIGHT-Wednesday, January 13th, 7-8:30
    2. Sunday, January 17th, between services
    3. Tuesday, January 19th, 7-8:30
You can also talk to any member of the team that worked on these changes:  Mary Chimarusti, Ann McAlpin, Lisa Cronce, Rud Merriam, David Shontz, Helen Sherwood and Drew Daubenspeck.
Here's an update on the governance structure changes the Board and CoM are working on. Six things are linked:
    • A narrative summary of the changes (click here)
    • A (preliminary) Chart of the proposed structure (click here)
    • A (preliminary) list of the proposed changes (click here)
    • NEW: A (preliminary) copy of the ByLaws, with changes included (click here)
    • NEW: A (preliminary) proposal for changing the definition of Active Members, which would affect who is eligible to vote (click here)
    • Covenant of Right Relations (click here)

And remember-we are taking input until January 19th-now is your chance to be heard!!

 
Foundational Ministry
(Nearly) Effortless Ways to Raise Money for Northwoods
  
Use Goodsearch as your primary search engine to effortlessly raise money for Northwoods. Search the Internet with the Goodsearch Yahoo!-powered search engine (just like you'd search on any other search engine), and Goodsearch will donate about a penny for nearly all searches to your selected cause.    
 
There are additional opportunities to raise money using Goodshop:  Shop at one more than 2,800 participating stores (from Amazon to Zazzle) and a percentage of what you spend will be donated to our church at no cost to you.  There is a Goodshop mobile app for iPhones and iPads.  Goodsearch also partnered with over 10,000 restaurants that will donate to Northwoods each time you dine at their businesses.  

To sign up or get more information, click here and follow the instructions.

Shopper Rewards for Northwoods

Northwoods also participates in three shopping rewards programs (Amazon, Kroger, and Randalls.) A percentage of purchases when using a shopper reward program will be given to Northwoods in the form of checks or gift cards. For information on how to sign up, click here.
 
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

The Board of Trustees meeting minutes from the December meeting are available for review here.
Endowment Committee News
 
The members of the Endowment Committee (Dave Sherwood, Keith Armstrong, Barbara Madera) invite all Northwoods members and friends to consider making a gift to the The Endowment - Northwoods Future Fund.  Every year in January the committee holds a special gift drive with the goal of increasing the Fund to our ultimate short term goal of $100,000.  Every dollar given to the fund stays in the fund as principal, only earnings from the fund can be used to fund operations or board-approved special projects.
 
The Endowment Committee will give an adult forum presentation on Endowment Fund topics on Sunday, January 24.  The Endowment Committee will also be outside the front doors of the Church between 9:15 am and 1:00 pm each of the last two Sundays in January, the 24th and 31st.  Giving is easy --- just bring your check book or cash and make a gift!

Thanks in advance,

Dave Sherwood and the Endowment Committee


 
Spiritual Life
Help Wanted:
Northwoods Classifieds

Chairs, Songbooks, and More
Positions are open for a once a month gig to straighten the chairs in the church before service, lay out hymnals, and make sure the chalice is ready to light. Other duties include picking up papers and coffee cups after service. You can choose your service - first or  second - and choose your Sunday(s) - first, second, third, fourth, or fifth. You will trade off with or replace present players. Plan provided. Call, text, or email Pit Boss Beth Marshall to choose your gig: 207-450-5196, [email protected].

AV Team Leader
Applications are being accepted for a gig to coordinate the audio-visual team and training for sound and video in the church. Start as a Sound Tech, if you wish, or join present players to boost our capabilities. Call, text, or email Pit Boss Beth Marshall to sign up: 207-450-5196, [email protected].
 

 
Gorilla Sunday February 14

The Northwoods Gorilla Sunday tradition will continue this February 14. The Men's Gorilla Chorus sings at both services. After the second service, there is a potluck and karaoke.

The Gorilla Table will be set up between services to order t-shirts or sign up for potluck items. To pre-order a t-shirt, or for more information, contact [email protected].

The Chorus Rehearsals are in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, February 3 and Wednesday, February 10.

 
Religious Education
 

Sunday Adult Forum Returns!

Adult Forum will return this Sunday after the brief holiday hiaitus. The Adult Forums happen in the Garden Room in between Sunday services. Topics range from from church governance to social justice and environmental issues, and special interests.

Here are topics for the rest of January:
 
January 17:  A Town Hall meeting to discuss changes in church governance will be led by church leaders.  This session will help you prepare for the important Congregational Meeting on February 7.
 
January 24:  Northwoods Endowment Committee.  Who are they?  What do they do?  How you can help.
 
January 30:  Rob Wiley will talk about the church, the state and the law (part 1).
 
RE Looking for Volunteers!

Be an instrument of the change you want to see in our world!
Volunteer to teach Religious Education!

Teachers needed for Spirit Play (3-4 yr old) and Explorers II (4-6th grades) as well as substitute teachers across grade levels.
Contact Jenn Simpson at [email protected].



 
Congregational Life
Service Auction News

Calling All Stargazers
A Message from Aaron and Barbara

We are preparing for the Star Party that was offered at the Service Auction. If you have not heard from me directly by email and were signed-up, please contact me through email at  [email protected] as soon a possible.  The event is scheduled for this Friday.

Grey Vinyl Concert
Grey Vinyl will be at Northwoods on Friday, January 22, 2016 from  7:00-10:00pm  Grey Vinyl is a Classic Rock cover band playing music from the 60's-90's.  Admission is just $15, with all proceeds going directly to Northwoods. Bring your own beverage and/or snack. 



Welcome, New Members
 
In case you missed church last Sunday, we'd like to introduce our newest members to Northwoods:  Marjan Torrie, with son Ethan; Becca Love and George Leppla; Michelle and Jeff Buckner; Frances La Plante; and Bob Pryor.  Look for short bios of each member on the "New Member" bulletin board, in the hallway outside the office.  Also, look for gold stars on their name tags.  When you see a gold star, be sure to take a moment and say "Hi.  We're glad you're here.  Tell me a little something about yourself."   

 
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].)
 
Lunch Bunch

Meet us at Caf� Express on January 17 for some good American grub. Cafe Express is on Market Street near Six Pines.  
 
Questions? Please ask Phil or Beth Marshall.

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

RIP

Our soda machine has finally crossed the rainbow bridge and will soon join many other departed appliances to be reborn into something new and fabulous at the recycling center. The machine will be available for last respects and well-wishes for an undetermined amount of time.
 
Membership
New to Northwoods?
Considering membership?  
Want to catch up on your UU history and theology?  
 
Join us for Pathways to Membership class. the 2016 classes will be on:
January 10, April 10, July 10 and October 9.
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 2016 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.
 
 
SEE Justice
Millbend Thanks!

Many thanks to the volunteers who assisted at the Millbend Coffeehouse January 9th concert with Dana Cooper.  Cyndie Mahaney and Hannah Hill helped in the kitchen.  Two members of the Benevolent UU Young Adults (BUU YA's) helped at the gate and the group offered us food for kitchen sales. Yeah! Jim Gibson and Alex Muir worked the sound.

We couldn't do it without you! We raised $272 for Coat of Many Colors Ministries.  Last month we raised $1335 for the Mont. County Women's Center and $180 (kitchen) for Thoreau Woods coffeehouse in Huntsville.

Anyone wishing to volunteer with Millbend, please contact Pat Hanna (936-273-0610) or Teresa Allen (281-350-3052)

Remember to purchase tickets now for the Peter Mayer performance on Saturday, February 13th.  Storyteller Harwood Taylor opens.
 
 
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.

 
Food Bank Donations Accepted All Year

Northwoods accepts Food Bank donations all year in the basket by the office. Canned goods, nonperishable foods, and toiletries are accepted. 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

Coming Up At Northwoods

Wednesday January 13, 2016
7:00 PM        Town Hall Meeting: Church Governance Changes

Thursday January 14, 2016
6:30 PM        Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal

Friday January 15, 2016
10:00 AM    Northwoods Play Group
5:30 PM        Service Auction Week End Yoga

Saturday January 16, 2016
10:00 AM    Women's Book Group

Sunday January 17, 2016
10:30 AM    Church By Laws Meeting/Discussion
6:00 PM        Zen Mind Buddhist

Monday January 18, 2016
7:00 PM        Northwoods Writers' Group

Tuesday January 19, 2016
5:00 PM        Blue Mountain Meditation
7:00 PM        Church By Laws Meeting/Discussion, Folk Choir Rehearsal

Thursday January 21, 2016
6:30 PM        Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal
7:00 PM        Ewe Ewe Knitting Ministry

Friday January 22, 2016
10:00 AM    Northwoods Play Group
5:30 PM        Loosen Up Using Yoga - Service Auction Event
6:00 PM        Gray Vinyl Concert

Saturday January 23, 2016
9:00 AM        Service Auction Event: Robotics

Sunday January 24, 2016
10:30 AM    Church By Laws Meeting/Discussion
1:00 PM        Committee on Ministry
6:00 PM        Sangha Meditation Group








 
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

  
 
Like us on Facebook 
Like Us on Facebook!

Want to stay connected and be up to date with Northwoods Events? Like us on Facebook. To access the Northwoods Facebook page, click here.