The 

Beacon 

Bits

A weekly publication of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

NW Color Logo w Name  
    

April 13, 2016  

 
Greetings!


Please join us on 

Sunday, April 17, 2016 for

Church (Especially Services) : Extrovert Heaven! Introvert Hell?
Churches, especially Sunday services, are social activities. This is ideal for extroverts who revel in this environment. Introverts prefer quiet and contemplative activities either individually or with small groups of friends. Understanding these differences, and their basis, is important for Northwoods all the time but especially during this period of discernment between settled ministers. Rud Merriam addresses the topic in a humorous and personal manner this Sunday.

by guest speaker
Rud Merriam

Music by 
Folk Choir 

Religious Education this Sunday

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


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


 
In This Issue
From Rev. Donna
Dear Northwoods Members and Friends,
Wow! What a great Celebration Sunday! Thanks to all who helped, those planned and those who spontaneously jumped in! And especially those who had great conversations at lunch and those who turned in their pledge cards!

This is a year to pull together and step up for all who have stayed at and those who are new to Northwoods. Northwoods has lost some significant pledging members in the last few years,  for a variety of reasons, all under the general heading of life. Life at Northwoods now very much feels like spring -  new life,  new growth.  A creative anticipation and participation. A beautiful bounty of blooming ideas and expectations.

There is much work to be done of course.  And this little vacation I'm on reminds me that rest and relaxation are absolutely necessary to refuel,  to rebuild and restore and re-create. Recreation is re-creating. So off I go for time at the beach,  time with friends, and my beloved dancing sisters. May this time remind me and you of the importance of balance.

Peace and blessings, 

Rev. Donna

Foundational Ministry
Stewardship Updates

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate our shared dreams for Northwoods last Sunday for Celebration Sunday! As of today, 59 families have pledged to support Northwoods. The 2016/2017 pledge total is $146,835.96. Thank you to everyone who filled out their pledge cards. Your commitment and gifts are gratefully received.

Now is the time for the tough conversations. Where do we go from here? With the current pledged amount we will not be able to sustain our current budget. The Stewardship Committee will be reaching out to those who have not pledged and in the coming weeks a budget will be put together for vote on May 15. If you have not filled out a pledge card, please do so. If you would like to talk to someone about your pledge contact a member of the Stewardship Committee.
 
Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who pitched in to spread the mountain of mulch at Northwoods. The playground looks great, and the parents will be grateful for no more muddy feet!

Budget Requests for 2016-2017

It's the time of year when a Treasurer's thoughts turn to the budget. I know we've all been hearing about turning in pledges which is the revenue side of the budget. On the expense side I need to gather the requests from committee chairs. Here is a form you can complete to make a request. You can leave a completed form in my box in the office or email it to me at [email protected]. I need these forms by 31 March to have a nearly completed budget for the Board to review at the April meeting. Feel free to send question to my email address. 

- Rud Merriam, Northwoods Treasurer
 
Leadership Vacancies

The Leadership Development Committee is working hard to complete a slate of Northwoods candidates to fill important positions in the church, beginning in July of this year. The final positions to be filled are on the Leadership Development Committee:
  • Leadership Development CommitteeThis committee advises the Board regarding candidates for many leadership positions within Northwoods.  This is a four-member committee, with two vacancies open starting in July. This position is also a two year term. 
If you would like to volunteer for any of these positions, or if you wish to suggest another person for a position, please contact Shari Wood, Dorothy Kennedy, Hal Meyer, or Carol Henson.

 
Board Minutes

The Board of Trustees meeting minutes from the March meeting are available for review here
 
Congregational Life
 
Service Auction Openings
The Mission Isn't Over
 

Opportunities abound for Service Auction fun. If you missed your chance to sign up for events on the night of the Servic Auction there are still plenty of chances to join in. The following events are open and ready for sign ups:
  • Saturday, April 23: Mystery Mingle Party, hosted by Merriam/Smith (one spot left!). $25
  • Saturday, April 23: Middleton's Karaoke Dinner Party, hosted by the Middletons. $25
  • Saturday, April 30: Contests and Challenges, hosted by the Rhoads and Hammonds (only 2 spot left!). $40
  • Friday, May 6: Craft Night, Hosted by Mira Dessy. $15
  • Saturday, May 7: Feng Shui Workshop, hosted by Kate Rhoad and Ann McAlpin. $25
  • Saturday, May 14: Make Your Own Prayer Beads, hosted by Linda Nadler. $25
  • Saturday, May 14: Luau at the Lake, hosted by the Branson-Bergers (only 4 spots left!). $35
If you are interested in signing up, contact Jamie in the office. 
 
Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch will go to Noodles & Company on Sunday, April 17.

Questions? Please ask Phil or Beth Marshall.

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

 
Welcome to Northwoods VOLUNTEER FAIR!

When: Sunday, May 1, 2016, between services and after the second service

Where: The Avant Garden Gallery Room

Come meet the talent and personalities that make our church such an amazing place. We will show off our committees and Affinity Groups. There are many one-time opportunities, short term jobs and long term teams to work with. Come learn more about what Northwoods has to offer.

Snacks! Prizes! Make new friends! Get involved!

If you have any questions, call Linda Nadler, 281-989-4447 or email



 
Religious Education
Coming of Age Program

The Coming of Age (Credo) program continues this Sunday. Workshops will be on Sundays from April 10 to May 8 in Room 10, starting at 11:30am. The program is open to all junior high youth.    
        
For the youth of Northwoods, writing their own credos, or statements of belief, and then sharing them with the congregation is an important rite of passage. They are also a great statement to look back on after time and see what has evolved, and what has endured. These statement are not definitive, nor are they unchanging, so even youth who have done this kind of thing in
the past will have something new to learn about themselves.

This year, we will again be using a curriculum from ThisIBelieve.org, a nonprofit spin-off from the popular NPR feature. The class will listen to This I Believe statements from various people as part of their learning, and talk about different aspects of their own beliefs, as well as how to articulate them. Visit the website to learn more about this program and read statements of belief from around the world.

One of the things that makes our Credo Project special for is is that each teen and pre-teen will have time to share the best of themselves through their own stories and if they desire, through their art, music, dance, video or other creative project.

This is an opportunity for the youth to share the living nature of the spiritual beliefs that they can draw on when faced with new challenges and new opportunities. .... and as a congregation, we get to know our young people as more than faces in the hall.

This is a short-term commitment, and a special opportunity to participate in a process that involves the entire congregation. All youth are encouraged and invited to attend.


UU Network
Southwest UU Spring Conference
April 8th - 10th, 2016 
Wildflower Church in Austin, Texas 

This year's theme is "Differences that make a Difference: Justice Making Inside and Out." In today's increasingly multicultural world, it is difficult to know how to manage difference in our congregations and how to be a beacon of welcoming and acceptance to the communities that are influenced by our churches.

This year's Spring Conference will help us start conversations about recognizing true difference in our congregations and in our communities, navigating those differences in faithful, Unitarian Universalist ways, and building a beloved community that truly includes all people.

Learn more and register at Southern Region Website, here. 

 
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 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.  

Seniors Friendship Group: Open to anyone 55-ish and up on the 4th Saturday of the month. Contact  Bob Pryor for more information.

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.
 
U2C3: Unitarian Universalist Church of Corpus Christi
Invitation to a Cook-Out

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Corpus Christi invites UU friends from Northwoods to Sunday services and the Super South Texas Cook-Out Meal on May 1 at 11am. Click here for the invitation. Send an RSVP to [email protected] by April 25. 
 
General Assembly 2016
June 22-26, Columbus, OH
 
We are seeking 1 more Delegate to G.A.

General Assembly is amazing! The time is full of joyful, energizing, insightful, and heart-opening experiences. It is an event you will never forget and one that will continue to serve you well over time. There are workshops, lectures, film screenings, worship services, presentations, business & social justice hearin
gs, and general gatherings of fellow UUs that nourish your mind and spirit. For more information, click here. 

Northwoods can send 2 delegates to General Assembly to serve as our voice, and if you are interested in being one of them, please talk with Lisa Cronce (281) 681-1641 or Teresa Allen.
 
 
SEE Justice
SEE Justice Collections

The SEE Justice team has an ongoing collection of the following items:
  • Shoes and soccer supplies to be delivered to Honduras. Drop off donations for Honduras outside under the stairs on the side of the building.
  • Printer cartridges, batteries, and phones for recycling. The collection bin is the smaller of two bins next to the brochure rack by the office.
  • Food for the Food Bank. Food donations must be non-perishable items that have not passed their expiration date. Donations can be dropped off in the larger of the two bins next to the brochure rack by the office.
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
Northwoods Events and Room Reservations
(Northwoods events are in red.)

Wednesday April 13, 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Private Rental - Garden Room
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Finance Committee Meeting - Library
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Private Rental - Garden Room

Thursday April 14, 2016
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM Private Rental - Room 3
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Toastmasters - Garden Room
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal - Sanctuary
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Private Rental - Garden Room

Friday April 15, 2016
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Northwoods Play Group - Off Site

Saturday April 16, 2016
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Women's Book Group - Garden Room

Sunday April 17, 2016
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Coming of Age Workshop - Room 10
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Zen Mind Buddhist - Garden Room

Monday April 18, 2016
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM Rental - Room 10
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Northwoods Writers' Group - Garden Room

Tuesday April 19, 2016
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM Rental - Room 10
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Blue Mountain Meditation - Sanctuary
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Folk Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary

Wednesday April 20, 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Private Rental - Garden Room
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Private Rental - Garden Room

Thursday April 21, 2016
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM Private Rental - Room 3
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Toastmasters - Garden Room
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Paul Klein & Klay Vage Rehearsal - Sanctuary
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Private Rental - Garden Room
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Ewe Ewe Knitting Ministry - Room 3

Friday April 22, 2016
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Northwoods Play Group - Off Site

Saturday April 23, 2016
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seniors Group - Garden Room
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Private Rental - Room 10

Sunday April 24, 2016
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Coming of Age Workshop - Room 10
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Committee on Ministry - Garden Room
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Sangha and 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 281-651-4800
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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Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church | 1370 N. Millbend Dr | The Woodlands | TX | 77380