The 

Beacon 

Bits

A weekly publication of Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

NW Color Logo w Name  
    

April 27, 2016  

 
Greetings!


Please join us on 

Sunday, May 1, 2016 for

Keeping Balanced
On the anniversary of the call for 8 hours of work, rest/recreation, sleep daily, what would be an equal or equitable sharing of the 'work' of Northwoods? What would be re-creating/recreational for you, both in your church life and your home/personal life?


by Interim Minister
Rev. Donna Renfro

Music by 
Rusty Rhoad and Friends


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.

First Service: 9:30am 
Coffee and Conversation: 10:30am 
Second Service: 11:30am
 
Summer Service Schedule - Starts May 29

Starting on Sunday, May 29th, Northwoods will be going to our summer schedule of ONE SERVICE at 10:30 AM. The church will be open for coffee and conversation at 9:30. We will return to our normal schedule for the Water Communion on August 21st.
In This Issue
From Rev. Donna
Hello dear Congregants,

This Sunday between services we are having the 'Committee Fair'. We are aware that 'committee' is a term that has different meanings for different generations, both in the secular world as well as the religious world. Teams and task forces are what is becoming more common in both worlds. In the religious world, many are changing from say, the Worship Arts Committee to the Worship Arts Ministry Team. I tell you this for you to know that by coming to the Committee Fair, and volunteering to do some of the work of the congregation, you are not committing to once or twice a month long meetings with lots of talk and no action. We need everyone to do pieces of the work that is required to make the congregation function. Using the word Ministry as in Ministry Team may cause you to wonder, well, if congregants are doing ministry, what is the 'Minister' doing? Come to the worship service where we will explore these ideas more. And come to the 'Committee Fair', where you will find where you can commit your 'time and talent'. Huge gratitude to all who have committed your 'treasure' by filling out a pledge card.
Next Sunday, May 8, I will not be in the pulpit at Northwoods. My 'pulpit' will be officiating the marriage of my brother and his partner of 11 years. My time in the pulpit will be decreasing through the summer, as I gratefully use the remaining vacation and study time my contract allows. I so appreciate the time I just had for vacation and study time on the East Coast. I am so grateful and honored to be your minister.


Peace and blessings, 

Rev. Donna

People say, "What is the sense of our small effort?" They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time.

DOROTHY DAY
Foundational Ministry
A Message From the Treasurer
2016/2017 Budget

On April 24th the Board finalized this budget for next year. On May 15th at the General Congregational Meeting you will be asked to approve this budget. I will hold an Adult Forum session on May 8th between service in the Garden Room to answer any questions you may have about the budget. 

The expected pledges for this year are $185,000. This is based on the pledge commitments received and the continuation of automatic payments from the previous year. A number of congregants simply told us to continue those payments so we are doing this. There is a $6,000 estimate for pledges we anticipate will be received over the next few weeks. Historically, we receive an average of $2100 per pledge unit. We currently have 81 pledges and require only 7 more to maintain that average to reach $185,000. The Board acted conservatively this year in estimating pledges due to the economic conditions in Houston. There is no allowance for unpaid pledges, which I've seen range from 5% to 10% in a year. There is no need for an allowance since our expenses are always conservative, which means we budget for more than is actually spent. These offset one another. In addition, our other revenues are typically higher than budgeted. 

Total revenue and expenses in the budget are $245,400. You'll see called out in this document a listing of moneys Northwoods gives to other groups as part of our SEE Justice activities. They amount to $16,500. These do not appear in the actual budget since they are not an operating expense. The funds simply 'pass through' our checking account. 

Thank you for supporting Northwoods with your contributions. I look forward to seeing you on the 15th. 
 
The Rummage Sale Rocks On!
 
The Rummage Sale team will once again offer an assortment of beautiful and fascinating rocks for sale this SundayYou can buy any small rock for $1, larger for more, and donate a bit more to the 2016 Rummage Sale total. Rock sales have totaled $119 so far! Rock on!
Congregational Life
Northwoods UU Partners for Connection Program

The Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Partners for Connection program offers a method for visitors and new members to be matched with current members based on their shared interests, skills, and passions. This partnering program will help visitors and new members become engaged with our Northwoods community in ways that work for them and provide for a smooth transition to membership.

Partners for Connection is a way for us to enact our Covenant's commitment to "work to build community." It is also a way to "learn, support, and serve one another" - as our Mission Statement urges us to do. It is offered as a part of our Pathways to Membership program.

Complete the attached form if you wish to join the Partners for Connection Program as a visitor or new member, or as a Partner (current member). This information will enable us to match visitors and new members with established member Partners, according to their shared interests and concerns.

Of course, participation is completely voluntary.

For more information, please contact Kate Rhoad or Helen Sherwood.

Kate Rhoad, Partners for Connection coordinator, [email protected]

Helen Sherwood, Membership Chairman, [email protected]
 
Book Club Adjustment
            
There has been an small change to the reading list for the Coed Book Club. To see the new book list, click here.
 
 
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 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

This Sunday the Lunch Bunch will go to Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen on corner of Gosling Drive and Research Forest Drive (4526 Research Forest Drive). 

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
RE Updates

This Sunday (May 1, 2016) will bring our children back to the classroom for traditional RE. Our teacher volunteers and I so look forward to getting back into routine.

We will have a number of opportunities for folks to become more involved in religious education during the committee fair between services. Please consider signing up to help teach summer RE (it will be Dr Suess themed) or maybe you'd like to volunteer to help lead summer camp this August? The possiblilities abound!!!!
 
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
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. 
 
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.
 
Seeking Off-Site Representative 

Would you like to be Northwoods' Off-Site Delegate to GA?

General Assembly allows a Northwoods' Delegate to participate in the business of General Assembly as an off-site delegate without physically attending GA. We have a voice to share. If you are interested in representing Northwood's voice as our off-site delegate, please talk with Lisa Cronce or call her at (281) 681-1641.

You can find more information here. Plus there are many streamed workshops and keynote speakers to view.
 
 
SEE Justice
Millbend Coffeehouse Presents: A Special Fundraiser Perfomance for Fill the Gap
Alyssa Stebbing & Micki Balog
Two Girls Walk Into a Bar
Saturday, April 30th, 7:30pm

In Two Girls Walk Into a Bar, Micki Balog and Alyssa Stebbing merge classical and folk backgrounds into a fun-filled evening of music. Micki has sung with Cantare Houston and the Dallas Symphony Chorus, as well as the Sweethearts of Swing (an all-girl big band). Alyssa began playing guitar in the third grade and sang in a variety of community and state choirs growing up, while singing in nightclubs in the off season. She eventually led a non-profit that worked with at-risk youth around the world using music and the arts to teach coping skills. Micki and Alyssa have done several concerts together in The Woodlands, including one at Millbend under their old name Hiway 75. All proceeds from this Fill the Gap sponsored concert will go directly to the Interfaith of the Woodlands ongoing effort to provide rent and utility assistance for Montgomery County families at risk.
 
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


Events at Northwoods 
(Northwoods events are in red.)


Wednesday April 27, 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Private Rental - Garden Room
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Meeting re: Host Family Program - CYO - Library
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Music Rehearsal - Rusty - Sanctuary
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Private Rental - Garden Room

Thursday April 28, 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 29, 2016
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Northwoods Play Group - Off Site

Saturday April 30, 2016
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM Fill the Gap Concert - Sanctuary

Sunday May 1, 2016
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Volunteer Fair - Garden Room
11:30 AM - 3:30 PM Coming of Age Workshop - Room 10
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Lay Ministry/Pastoral Care Team Meeting - Library
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spiral Scouts
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Zen Mind Buddhist - Garden Room

Monday May 2, 2016
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM SEE Justice Meeting - Library
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM Rental - Room 10
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Northwoods Writers' Group - Garden Room

Tuesday May 3, 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 May 4, 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Private Rental - Garden Room
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Private Rental - Garden Room

Thursday May 5, 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 May 6, 2016
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Northwoods Play Group - Off Site

Saturday May 7, 2016
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Men's Book Group - Garden Room

Sunday May 8, 2016
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Cakes for the Queen of Heaven
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Coming of Age Workshop - Room 10
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Board of Trustees - Garden Room
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Sangha Meditation Group - Garden Room
 
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