UUCGT Flash

 November 26, 2015 

   Vol. 9, Issue 405  
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
Children and Youth
What's Going on at UUCGT?
FYI
Chuckle
Congregational Vision
UU Logo
We are a Congregation creating a better world by nurturing the heart and expanding the mind.
We provide a safe, caring community where all can freely explore diverse religious thought. We work for justice and equality with the power of compassion and compassionate power.
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UUCGT Beacon

If you are not receiving our monthly newsletter, the Beacon, and would like to, please contact the office.
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Reflection:  Living Sacred Vows
   
Friends, several of you asked me for copies of my teaching from last Sunday - thank you!  It is always a thrill when people want to spend more time with the ideas I've shared.  I will post it as soon as I have had a chance to add (ahem) footnotes and a bibliography.  
 
Many years ago, I facilitated a group, using Rami Shapiro's book, "Minyan: Ten Principles for Living a Life of Integrity," and it was there I developed my own set of vows.  I also highly recommend the short book, "Practicing Peace in Times of War" by Buddhist teacher, Pema Chodron.  In it she teaches about using vows in daily life. 
 
So the five vows I shared were: 
     I vow to practice mindfulness.
     I vow to be a channel for love. 
     I vow to have no enemies nor stories of enemies. 
     I vow to cultivate a steady heart. 
     I vow to expand joy.  (I explained that I have replaced this vow with a lengthier, more complicated vow from ancient sources, but I never really erased this important commitment to joy.)
 
What are your spiritual commitments?  How do you use the practice of vows to bolster your day-to-day practice?  If you were trying to state your spiritual aspirations simply, what would you say?
 
I'd love to hear.  I am listening.

In blessing-
Rabbi Chava
         
Please note:
      This Sunday, November 29th at 9:00 AM, Rabbi Chava will hold the final of 3 classes on Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about UU History in Three Easy Lessons, at 9 AM in the Sanctuary.  This week we will finish Universalism and talk about how a U and a U became the UU.  Fun, painless, no quiz!  Learning opportunities will return for 9 AM programs in January!  Stay for the 10:30 AM service which will be fun and profound!  As we close out our month of exploring the role of history and story, let's have some fun as we head into the holidays.  Come and celebrate the value of perspective and retrospective!

Sunday Service 
November 29
  9:00 a.m.  "Introduction to  UU History, Part III" - Rabbi Chava Bahle

10:30 a.m.  "This Date in History" - Rabbi Chava Bahle 
Did you know that on this date in history:  E. 182nd Street in Bronx was paved and opened; the first ever motorcycle race was held; Thomas Edison demonstrated a hand-cranked phonograph and compulsory education proclaimed in England?  And, there's more!  Come and celebrate the value of history!
This Sunday for Children and Youth
No 9:00 a.m. programming for children or youth.  Nursery Care for children ages 4 and under is available at the 10:30 a.m. service.
 
10:30 a.m. Children's Programming will be available this week for pre-school - 5th grade.  Middle School and High School Youth are encouraged to remain in the service to participate.
 
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Winter Service Project for Lifespan Education!
 

"Heifer Tree"
 
In case you missed the announcement at Twin Lakes, please click here for the handout that was available that day with more information about Heifer International (http://www.heifer.org/), as well as our project for this year.  Specifics regarding the adoption of this particular project have been posted in previous Flashes and was also included in the November Beacon.
Thank you.
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Reminder:  The Holiday Pageant will occur on December 13th during the 10:30 service (one service only).  Any children wishing to participate should arrive at 9:45 for rehearsal.  Please join us!
What's Going On At UUCGT? 
 
 
May our gratitude be a blessing to others...
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Please Note Holiday Office Hours:  UUCGT office will be closed on Friday, November 27th and Monday, November 30th.  However, on Monday the office will be open from 10:00am-2:00pm to pick-up absentee ballots only.  Additional hours to pick-up absentee ballots in person are:
  
            11/29 Sunday             9:45 - 10:30 am & 11:45 am - 12:30 pm
            11/30 Monday          10:00 am - 2:00 pm
            12/1  Tuesday          12:00 Noon - 4:00 pm
            12/2  Wednesday       9:00 am - 4:00 pm
            12/3  Thursday           9:00 am - 4:00 pm
            12/4  Friday                9:00 am - 12:00 Noon
 
To request an absentee ballot be mailed to you, please request it via email to:  absenteeballot@uucgt.org & please include your current mailing address.  All absentee ballots must be returned to the office before the December 6, 2015 meeting commences. 

Mindfulness Meditation Group:  Sunday, November 29, 5:00-7:00pm.  Silent meditation / beginners welcome.  For more information contact Fleda Brown or their website.

Stretch & Strengthen Exercise:  Monday, November 30 & Wednesday, December 2, 11:00-12noon, social hall.  Contact Judith Briggs, 228-4655.
 
Open Gay AA Meetings:  Monday, November 30, 7:00-8:00pm, small classroom.  Contact John Young, 590-8229.
 
Tuesday Community Lunch:  December 1, 11:30am-1:30pm.  Friends Church on the corner of Fifth & Oak.  Contact Mary Kiner.
 
Duplicate Bridge:  Tuesday, December 1, 1:00pm and every Tuesday.  Sanctioned by the American Contract Bridge League.  All are welcome.  Cost is $5 per person.  Have questions?  Need a partner?  Contact Paul Christ.
 
Wednesday Night Potluck:  December 2, 5:30pm social, 6:00pm dinner. 
Join in for shared fellowship and delicious food!
 
International Folk Dances:  Wednesday, December 2, 7:00-8:00pm, classroom
 
Peacemakers Needleworkers:  Thursday, December 3, 1:30-3:30pm
 
Facilities Committee:  Friday, December 4, 10:00-11:00am, social hall
FYI 

Donated Dinners mini-FUNdraiser:  There are still some openings available for awesome Donated Dinners!  Sign-up sheets will be at the Church this Sunday, 11/29.  Bring your checkbook or cash, and look for the table in the hallway.
                   
 

 Coffee Orders are due this Sunday, 11/29.  Why not stock up for the holidays?!?
 
Brew Crew:  Friday, December 4, 10:00-12noon at BREW.  Join Rabbi Chava and friends for great conversation and great coffee!

In an embrace of this season of gratitude and thanksgiving, a new link has been added to the UUCGT website where you may send along greetings of thanks and appreciation to our UUCGT staff.  Simply click here!

ALL MUSIC SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6th is fast approaching!  Any musicians who would like to participate, please prepare a 3-5 minute piece for the program.  If you are interested and have not yet signed up, contact Judy Weaver at 947-0947.
 
Program Council is scheduled for Sunday, December 13 following the 10:30 AM service.  All committee chairs, or a representative, are encouraged to attend this important conversation about programming for the 2016 calendar year.  Please RSVP to the office. 
 
UUCGT Book Club:  Sunday, December 13, 2:00pm.  Contact Karen Mars for details.
Two Friends, Two Cellos - Crispin Campbell & Eugene Friesen:  Saturday, December 5, 8:00pm @ UUCGT.  The combination of Friesen's haunting, nature-inspired compositions and Campbell's blues and tango influenced playing create what has been called a "...thundering evening of cello music."
Tickets:  $20 advance/$25 door / Oryana & Brilliant Books.  View poster in the causeway.
         

 

Chuckle... 

 

 

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