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Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lake Norman
An inclusive community embracing individual spiritual growth
-- living our beliefs through works
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Our services begin at 11 a.m. Sundays in the Lodge at Woodlawn School,
just north of Davidson. A nursery for children up to pre-kindergarten age starts at 10:45 a.m. in the classroom adjacent to the Lodge. Children in K-5th grade go to Spiritual Exploration following the children's story during the service.
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Upcoming services
April 5: "The Wisdom of Easter" with Rev. Amy Brooks
Easter means different things to different people, but for centuries many traditions have found ways to celebrate the cycle of life and death and life again. Join us as we explore some possible meanings and the wisdom of Easter for Unitarian Universalists. (This year our Flower Ceremony will be on Mother's Day.)
April 12: "The Interdependent Web of Life: A Call to Action for Cleaner Air" with guest speaker June Blotnick
June is executive director of Clean Air Carolina and a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte. She will share what led to her personal calling as an environmental advocate and highlight the opportunities and challenges we face in the continued struggle for clean, healthy air.
April 19: "How Can I Be a Better Steward of the Earth?" with Rev. Amy Brooks and member Dylan Kirk
Earth Day (officially April 22) is a time to think about steps we have taken in the last year to live in greater harmony with our planet Earth. Join us as we reflect on where we are and to encourage each other on the journey to live our seventh principle ("Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part") with ever greater integrity.
Join us for a potluck lunch after the service to celebrate six new members joining the Fellowship. Details to come.
April 26: "Yoga as a Spiritual Path" with member Laurie Walker The presentation will be based on the wisdom and inspiration of the 2,300-year-old Yoga Sutras written by Patanjali. In the Yoga Sutras, the eight "limbs" or steps to quiet the mind are the focus.
A special Fellowship meeting will follow the service -- see Bylaws Vote below.
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The next Coffee and Conversation will be April 12 at 9:45 a.m. in Classroom #2. This is for anyone interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism and the Fellowship. Please RSVP to membership@uulakenorman.org.
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Greetings Members and Friends, A recent conversation prompted me to reflect upon the purpose of the UU Fellowship of Lake Norman. Some might say our purpose is to deepen our spiritual lives. Others might answer that we gather  to celebrate and support each other. Both are accurate and important. I think our Unitarian Universalist faith also calls us to engage in the work of the world; our congregational mission statement challenges us to live out our beliefs through works. I imagine if everyone in our congregation sat down and made a list of the ways we individually contribute to the common good, it would be a long and impressive list. But I wonder, is there any endeavor we might undertake . . . together? Do we have a common passion that unites us? Economic justice, the environment, peace? As our congregation continues the conversation about growth and building community, I think this would be a conversation also worth having. Imagine the energy and excitement we would create if we had a project all of us worked on together! How would our relationships change? Whose lives would we touch outside these walls? Who might we meet and welcome into our circle of beloved community? I invite us to consider this seriously -- as a strategy for growth, but more importantly as an opportunity for spiritual growth as a community and a chance to be the change we want to see in the world. Yours in faith and service, Amy minister@uulakenorman.org P.S. In preparation for our upcoming Earth Day Sunday (April 19), I invite you to send me things you do or decisions you have made to care for our interdependent web of creation. These may be included in the service but with no names attached, unless you approve.
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Sunday morning groups
During April, the Humanist Discussion Group will continue its look at the book by Phil Zuckerman, Living the Secular Life. Drawing on innovative sociological research, Zuckermanilluminates the demographic shift with the moral convictions that govern secular individuals, offering crucial information for the religious and nonreligious alike. His study reveals that despite opinions to the contrary, nonreligious Americans possess a unique moral code that allows them to effectively navigate the complexities of modern life. Spiritual self-reliance, clear-eyed pragmatism, and an abiding faith in the Golden Rule to adjudicate moral decisions: These common principles are shared across secular society. Living the Secular Life demonstrates these principles in action and points to their usage throughout daily life.
Prior reading is helpful, but not necessary -- just prepare for a lively topical conversation! The group meets in classroom #2 at 9:45 a.m. The Adult Discussion Group meets to explore and share what inspires us and the challenges life brings. It meets at 9:45 a.m. in classroom #3 and all are welcome. Youth Spiritual Exploration (grades 5 and up): Youth are welcome to stay for the service or leave with the children for a separate break-out discussion.
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Music notes
Music at UU Lake Norman: A big thanks Thanks to the choir of UU Fellowship of Lake Norman for donating Tuesday evenings to come and  sing t ogether, preparing for key services this spring. In case you didn't know, singing in a choir means more than just liking to sing. Sometimes we do music that is simply easy and fun, but at other times, we work on more complicated anthems that take more work. Did you know the industry standard is five rehearsals for the typical anthem to be prepared? Not every choir member can attend every rehearsal, so it can take a month or more to first learn the notes, then hone them and bring out the expression in the music. Kudos to our choir. It is fun work, but a definite commitment of time.
You will be hearing the results of our work on several Sundays this spring. Thanks to the children who sing on occasion, and to their families who ensure they get here for the rehearsals/classes necessary for vibrant, full participation and maximum effect.
Many thanks to the generous instrumentalists who make our services so rich and varied. Harmonica, cello, guitar, percussion .... We are blessed.
Behind the musicians and service leaders are a multitude of others who lend the energy to our services even when you don't see their presence: Our hard-working minister and Worship Committee ... the Board ... the people who set up the space and the sound system ... the Order of Service editor ... Kudos to all!
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The Fellowship will hold a meeting following the April 26 service to vote on proposed changes
to the bylaws. The changes being considered:
1. Requiring a Fellowship vote on the annual budget;
2. Changing the Board composition to add two one-year Trustee positions
and eliminating the Past President and President Elect positions;
3. Making the Board and the Membership Committee chair responsible
for maintaining the official Fellowship membership list.
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Thanks to all who provided food and helped serve for our Room In the Inn events in February and March. The guests truly appreciated your efforts!
Thanks also to those who came out and picked up trash for Adopt-a-Highway on March 28: Karen and Rodger Clark, Veronique Singerman and Molly Stith. Look for another chance to help out next quarter! "Water is a Human Right" -- our Social Action focus for 2015 For those who attended Social Action Sunday on March 29 and want more information on water issues, here are a few of the websites that were referred to. National and international websites: Local water issues:
We also ask that you save loose change and bring it in each Sunday. There will be a large collection can on the back table at each service. The money will help cut the cost of water filters for Wakami families in Guatemala. Our own Amy Hartman will deliver our donations in July when she travels to Guatemala. You may also make a check out to the congregation and write "Wakami water filters" on the bottom left corner. Save the Date
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A Celebration of Childhood & Our UU Principles, March 15
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Announcements
Book Club Our next meeting is the second Wednesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. Our book is 10 % Happier by Dan Harris. Contact bookclub@uulakenorman.org for meeting details. Save the date
May 30: UU Charlotte has invited Piedmont UU and UU Lake Norman to a picnic at Reedy Creek Park in Charlotte. Details to come. Training opportunities Our Regional UU office and Cluster offer several training opportunities throughout the year to learn more about UUism, leadership, and congregational life. These events also provide a great opportunity to meet many UUs from around our region. If you are curious to learn more, please consider the following opportunities and contact Rev. Amy Brooks, president Nancy Brower or Veronique Singerman to discuss further. The Board is exploring financial aid for attendees -- we do not yet know how much. If possible, please note the amount of the training and tell us how much you could contribute towards the experience (e.g. $100, half, all). Financial aid is also available for congregations that make some financial commitment. Room and board is included in the training quote, but travel is not.
More information can also be found under "Events" at uuasouthernregion.org. I. Western Carolina Cluster "Celebrating UU Through the Arts," Saturday, April 25, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in Hendersonville ($30).
II. Smaller Congregation UU Leadership Experience (SCUULE) -- a week-long, intensive commitment from May 31 to June 5 in Nauvoo, AL. Registration and financial aid deadline is April 15. At least two people from a congregation must attend. The cost is $750 for the first two participants and $650 thereafter, better for those who have been UUs for a while. III. Southern UU Leadership Experience -- similar to the previous SCUULE, this will discuss many of the topics but for all congregations; it is not specifically focused on 150 members or less. August 23-29 in Highlands; cost is approximately the same as SCUULE.
Women of UU Lake Norman, center your mind, body and spirit! The Women's Centering Group meets on Fridays from 8 to 9 a.m. No preparation is necessary. For more information, please contact Laurie Walker at laurie1059@gmail.com.
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Our website is full of information on our congregation and Unitarian Universalism.
Board of Trustees: Nancy Brower, president: president@uulakenorman.org Veronique Singerman, president-elect
Amy Hartman, past president Joe Turner, secretary Anne Pender, treasurer Dana Overcash, trustee Rodger Clark, trustee Remember to "Like" us on Facebook. We announce our upcoming services and events there and hope you will share them with your friends and family.
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