The 

Beacon 

Bits

A weekly publication of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

NW Color Logo w Name  
    

January 20, 2016  

 
 
Greetings!   

Please join us on 

Sunday, January 24, 2016 for
 
Listening with Giraffe Ears

by Interim Minister
Rev. Donna Renfro
 
with music by
Paul Klein and Klay Vage


Religious Education this Sunday:

9:30 & 11:30 Services:
2- and 3-year-olds: Celebrate! Class - Childcare room
pre-K and kindergartners (ages 4-6): Spirit Play - Spirit Play Classroom
1st through 3rd grade (ages 7-9): Explorers I - Explorers I class, next to library
4th through 6th grade (ages 10-12): Explorers II - Room 10, upstairs 
9:30 Service Only:
7th-12th grade: ChUUse Your Own Adventure- teen room 
11:30 Service Only:

7th and 8th grade: WhUU Are YUU? UU Identity Program - garden room
9th-12th grade: YRUU - teen room  

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

Adult Forum:
Northwoods Endowment Committee. 
Who are they? What do they do?  How you can help.

(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,

Last Sunday I spoke about how important it is for all voices to be heard around racial justice. It was officially the beginning of the Thirty Days of Love 2016: Towards Racial Justice. We'll have our Standing on the Side of Love Day on Feb 21, since this church celebrates love in a unique way on Gorilla Sunday.
Here is the official announcement from http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/ 
We are excited to share that Thirty Days of Love is back in 2016 observed from Saturday, January 16 through Sunday, February 14, 2016, culminating on the 7th Annual National Standing on the Side of Love Day! Thirty Days of Love 2016: Towards Racial Justice will lift up the ways Unitarian Universalists and many of our partner organizations are building and organizing by taking bold, courageous action for intersectional racial justice.
Here's some brave courageous action from Denver on the kick-off weekend, told so eloquently by Northwoods' Kenny Wiley here and here.
 
Please consider taking action in another sphere of racial justice close to 'home' this Thursday, at an event that Benjamin Craft-Rendon has invited Northwoods folks to attend. I am not able to join this action because of a clergy class previously scheduled, and I do encourage any who can, to go.
I've just become aware of a series of talks at Lone Star College on religion led by a Unitarian Universalist, the president of the Board of Trustees AT Emerson UU Church. They are Wednesday mornings, 10am to 11:40am. I just went to the first one and highly recommend them. Check them out. (more info here, page 35.)

Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.
        - Cornel West
 
Peace and Blessings,

Reverend Donna Renfro 


From the Board
From the Board President

Please come to the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 7, between services! We will vote on potential changes to the church leadership structure. We need 82 people to attend this meeting, so please come!! This will be a relatively short meeting, as we have to finish before the second service!

We have completed the town halls to hear your input. Thank you for attending, for asking great questions, and offering your thoughts. 

We heard several things that we'll consider during the next round of by-laws changes, but we did not hear any substantial concerns over the current changes.

That meeting will be a yes/no vote on:
  • A change in the church governance structure, and in the bylaws that support that.
  • Changes to the definition of "Active Members" and to the definition of who is eligible to vote in congregational meetings. Going forward, you can be a member of Northwoods without having made a contribution. In order to vote, you will need to have made a non-anonymous contribution of any amount during the 12 months preceeding the vote. (It is also possible to obtain a waiver from the minister.)
  • Acceptance of the Covenant of Right Relations
Here's an update on the governance structure changes the Board and CoM are working on. Six things are linked (these are the same documents you saw last week-no changes have been made since then):
    • 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)


-Ann McAlpin
Northwoods Board President 

 
Foundational Ministry
Rummage Sale Planning Meeting
January 28th, 7 - 8pm

Come have some refreshments and help plan this big fundraising event for Northwoods and Montgomery County Youth Services.

Contact Kate Rhoad for more information at [email protected].
 
(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.
 
CoM Meeting

The Committee on Ministry will meet this Sunday to discuss updates on:
  • The state of RE
  • Restructuring
  • Budget Priorities
  • Hospitality Volunteer
  • Committee Fair
  • Millbend Coffeehouse
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
Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPS) Imbolc Ritual
Saturday, January 30, 7:00pm

Come celebrate Imbolc, the season of change from Winter to  Spring. This ritual will honor Bridgid the patron saint of Imbolc. There will be a potluck afterwards. Contact Tess Bennett at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.
 
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 Chorus Rehearsals are in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, February 3 and Wednesday, February 10.

The celebration is BYOBR. Bring Your Own Beverages and Be Responsible for them. Please do NOT leave alcohol unattended.

For more information, contact [email protected].

 

 
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 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
Memorial Service for Morgan

A life well lived. Please join us for a service in memory of a beautiful person, Morgan Ian Gross, this Saturday, January 23 at 10:30am, at Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church. Northwoods was home and family to Morgan, and it was his wish to have some of his ashes scattered in the Memorial Garden. Please join us in celebrating his life and honoring his passing.
 
Brunch will be shared after, including one of Morgan's favorite, kolaches.
 
If you would like to say a few words at the memorial, or if you would like to help with brunch by either bringing food/drink or helping with set up/clean up, contact Jamie. ([email protected] or 832-651-5311) 

 
Celebrating a Victory

Teresa Allen sends her sincerest thanks to those who conscientiously voted for her (and others that she recommended) in the KPFT elections. Teresa has been elected to a 3 year term!

 KPFT Radio (a Pacifica station) was founded in 1970 & was bombed off the air by the KKK when programmers dared to discuss integrating the Houston public schools.  KPFT remains the station that solicits your ideas for what should be covered  and discussed. 
 
Service Auction Event Openings

There are still plenty of opportunities to have some Service Auction fun and support Northwoods while doing it! Below is a list of upcoming open events. For more information, click here. To register, contact the church office.

  • Grey Vinyl Concert. January 22, 2016 from  7:00-10:00pm
  • Learn to Itemize your Taxes. Saturday January 30, 2016
  • Scrabble Tournament Sunday January 31, 2016
  • SUPERBOWL 50!!! Sunday February 7, 2016: 5pm
  • Mexican Train Dominoes. Friday February 12, 2016  
  • Boot Scootin' Boogie & Bar-B-Q. Friday February 19, 2016: 7-10pm 
  • St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary Tour. Saturday February 20, 2016: 10am
  • Board Games and Potluck. Saturday February 20, 2016
  • Painting Party with Katy. Sunday February 21, 2016: 1-3:30pm
  • Dinner with a Jew. Thursday February 25, 2016  
  • "Goddess Within Us" Workshop. Saturday February 27, 2016: 9am-4pm
  • Knitting it Together. Mondays February 29 and March 7, 2016
  • Wild Woman's Bunco. Friday March 25, 2016
  • Learn to Knit Lace. Saturday March 26, 2016
  • Beginner Beverages, Bites, and Bridge. Saturday March 26th, 2016 

 
Coming Up in the
Avant Garden Gallery
 
The artists of Northwoods and the surrounding community will host a reception on Saturday, February 13 from 6pm to 7:30pm. As usual, there will be tables of "smalls" (jewelry, ceramics, photos, stationery, etc.) perfect for last minute shopping for y
Shakers, by Doni Langlois
our Valentine (we won't tell anyone you waited until the last minute!) Or, treat yourself, because you deserve it!

ARTISTS: Any artist that is currently displaying who  is available to come please do! Bring the usual appetizer and wine or beverage of choice for our guests to enjoy.
 
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

We will go to Lama Mediterranean Caf� on Sunday, January 24 after the second service. Yummy everything!
 
Questions? Please ask Phil or Beth Marshall.

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

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
Northwoods Volunteers Needed!!
 
  Save the Date
WHAT:  Food Fair sponsored by Faiths Together-Food to be distributed to those in need
WHEN:  Saturday, March 5th; 8:00 am until 2:00 pm
WHERE:  The Natatorium on David Memorial Drive

There will be more details available soon and we'll put them in the Beacon as soon as they're available.  Right now we're asking for twenty (20) volunteers to participate in this endeavor.  Food, including fresh produce, will be handed out to those persons and families that qualify as "in need".  Volunteers will help gather and distribute the food.  This is a production of Faiths Together and churches are striving to get at least 20 persons each to help make it happen.  We're familiar with the annual thanksgiving services put on by Faiths Together...now let's help make this outreach a big success.   
Please email me at [email protected] if you'd like to volunteer, or do so by phone-713.857.3271  Children are welcome to attend and help but MUST be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.  
I hope you'll help.  There's not much better way to express our concern for others than helping make sure they have enough to eat.  
                                Paul R. Nelson
 
                                SEE Justice Network

Millbend Coffeehouse Presents
Peter Mayer
February 13th, 7:30pm

Peter Mayer writes songs for a small planet, songs about interconnectedness and the human journey, songs about the beauty and the mystery of the world. Whimsical, humorous, and profound, his music takes you up mountains, across oceans, into space, and back home again. A native of Minnesota with a background in Theology, Peter is not big on love songs, but prefers delving into science, nature, and things spiritual. Houston native Harwood Taylor story-teller and 3-time Moth Story SLAM winner, will open this concert.

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

Thursday January 21, 2016
6:30 PM    Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal, 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

Tuesday January 26, 2016
5:00 PM    Blue Mountain Meditation
7:00 PM    Folk Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday January 27, 2016
6:00 PM    Gorilla Sunday Rehearsal
7:00 PM    Worship Arts Team Meeting

Thursday January 28, 2016
6:30 PM    Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal

Friday January 29, 2016
10:00 AM    Northwoods Play Group
5:30 PM    Service Auction Event - Week End Yoga

Saturday January 30, 2016
7:00 PM    CUUPS Imbolc Ritual B

Sunday January 31, 2016
1:00 PM    Service Auction Event: Writers Class
7:00 PM    Church By Laws Meeting/Discussion


 
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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