|
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lake Norman
An inclusive community embracing individual spiritual growth
-- living our beliefs through works
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Upcoming services
June 7: Celebration Sunday with Rev. Amy Brooks
Join us for a celebration of all we have accomplished this year, as well as a heartfelt thanks to all those who made this year possible. Bring your hands for clapping (dare I suggest anything else: kazoos?), warm smiles and good cheer. We will also have a cake for our anniversary, so don't miss it -- see you then!
June 14: "Finding a New American Dream" with guest speaker Carla DaBelle
Carla will speak about how living the "American dream" left her feeling restless and unfulfilled, and the leap of faith she took to rediscover what truly matters. Along with her husband and two kids, she abandoned her crazy, stress-filled days to embark on a four-year adventure. By sailboat, planes, train and recreational vehicle they escaped the boundaries of their ordinary life, connected with other cultures and reconnected as a family.
June 21: "The Underlying Context" with guest speaker Keith Wilson
In the midst of many recent social hot-button issues such as the deaths of young black men by police and arguments over the human influence on climate change, we often forget the underlying context. That is, how economics, particularly poverty, link so many of our social issues together and make it difficult to make holistic and sustainable change.
Keith Wilson is the board chair of Charlotte Family Housing, which helps homeless, working families climb a ladder to self-sufficiency. CFH does this through partially subsidized housing, social work support and milestone based empowerment. Wilson is a retired benefits consultant, former actuary and former manager of a compensation and benefits for a Fortune 500 firm.
June 28: "Play Every Day" with Rev. Amy Brooks
We all know that puppies and children love to play. But did you know we all need to play? Science shows us that play is hard-wired into our being and that we actually need play in all aspects of our lives, from intellectual development to building relationships. So come learn about play (and maybe how to play) and give your summertime, and perhaps the rest of your life, a boost.
|
|
Milestones
Our heartfelt congratulations to Dan Aldridge and Karin Peterson as they continue to celebrate their recent commitment ceremony.
We offer our congratulations to Naomi and Eddie Gunn on the recent birth of their granddaughter, Maryn Rose.
We celebrate with Glenn Morrow and Megan St. Amand their recent move and Glenn's new job.
We continue to hold Valena McMurry in our thoughts and prayers as she continues her journey toward recovery from cancer.
|
Dear Members and Friends, "On a day when the wind is perfect, the sail just needs to open and the love starts. Today is such a day." ~ Rumi It  is hard to believe another year in the life of our congregation is coming to a close. At this time of transition, I invite us to reflect on all that we have accomplished this year and to thank our Board and others for their leadership. Even as we anticipate summer vacation, many of us are preparing for the new year that begins July 1. An integral part of the upcoming year is the plan created by our Strategic Planning and Growth Task Force. After research and many conversations, this plan puts forth some long-term goals and provides ideas and steps for getting there If you missed the presentation on May 31, please be sure to get a copy of it and have a conversation with someone on the committee ( Jeff Pender, Margie Flowers, Nancy Brower, Veronique Singerman, Billie Rosene, Emily Messner or Nicole Gantz). I wish our children and youth a great end to their school year, and may we all have a time of relaxation and fun. Thank you all! Happy summer! Yours in faith and service, Amy minister@uulakenorman.org
|
New officers, budget and strategic goals
Congregation members elected new Board of Trustees members on May 31 and heard presentations on the 2015-16 budget and the Strategic Planning & Growth goals. The new officers are: President: Veronique Singerman (continuing) Secretary: Sandy McFeeley (new, 1-year term) Treasurer: Anne Pender (reelected to second 2-year term) Trustee: Rodger Clark (continuing, second of 2 years) Trustee: Dan Aldridge (new, 2-year term) Trustee: Nicole Gantz (new, 1-year term) Trustee: Eddie Gunn (new, 1-year term) New members of the Nominating Committee include Connie Lyon (new), John Lawrence (new), Karen Clark, Billie Rosene and Rebecca Turner. Visit our website for the presentations on the budget and the Strategic Planning & Growth goals. The Members who don't have the password for the protected pages should email admin@uulakenorman.org.
|
Membership Engagement: The key to growth
Each of us is helping to grow our Fellowship. Thanks for welcoming the visitors who come through our doors on Sundays -- making introductions, sitting with newcomers, and helping the children feel especially welcome. Marilyn Campbell is connecting both members and regular visitors to our myriad volunteer opportunities, whether within the Fellowship or in the greater community. New members are jumping in to give ongoing activities new energy: Classroom assistance; Coffee & Conversation; after-worship snacks; and social justice, to mention just a few. At the end of 2013, membership stood at 36; last year, we grew to 45; and the total today is 51. With steady growth comes an influx of talent, energy and spiritual growth to everyone. And it will expand our goal to be a liberal religious influence in the Lake Norman community. The Strategic Planning and Growth Task Force has presented an ambitious and well thought-out five-year plan. When you look at the goals for the first year, which starts July 1, I hope you'll be as delighted as I am that we are already well on the way. Margie Flowers
|
|
Sunday morning groups
The Humanist Discussion Group plans to discuss the recent book by David Brooks, The Road to Character. For each of the Sundays in May and June, the group will discuss one or two of the book's chapters. David Brooks is a conservative political and cultural commentator who writes for The New York Times. Reading the book is not required and we welcome anyone interested in conversation. National Public Radio had this coverage of the book and this interview with Brooks. 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.
|
Music notes
Music this summer You can look forward to scattered appearances of the adult choir this summer. We'll rehearse on an as  as- n eeded basis. Often, we'll use the All-Sing Choir approach for larger-ensemble presentations (see below). Meanwhile, we'll pepper our services with smaller ensembles, too: duets, trios, etc.
Youth players
Look for upcoming appearances by Dana Brower and Emma Worthington on cello and viola. They're gearing up for participation in the music of the congregation.
All-Sing Choir
On Tuesday, June 2, we'll hold an All-Sing Choir rehearsal at the home of our music director, Theresa Woody. That means you are welcome to come and sing, even if you've never sung with us before. All you have to do is show up Tuesday, then again on Sunday morning, June 7, at 10 a.m. We'll rehearse those two times only, to present music during the 6/7 service.
Guitarist, drummer and others needed
Our UU Lake Norman Band could use some more players. And maybe you have a song you'd like to share? Let's put together those afore-mentioned solos, duets and trios! Summer is a great time to have some musical fun.
Youth outing
Parents have proposed an outing to the studios of WDAV for the youth (ages 11 and up). Our music director, an announcer/producer at the station, would give a tour of the facility: The music library; on-air studio; and production/edit room. We'll even play with creating a sound production of our own in the production/edit studio. Interested? Contact Theresa.
|
Social Action UU Legislative Ministry
The Social Action Committee will be connecting our congregation to the UULM and its efforts to engage and educate UUs across the state on public policy and legislative matters. Our hope is that by doing so, we can help create a more just and loving world.
It is the mission of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of North Carolina (UULMNC) to provide a faith-based means for strengthening social justice programs at the congregational level, foster communication and common cause among UU congregations in our state, and to be a resource for public policy and legislative information and contact with other organizations that share our values and priorities.
The SAC is continuing to raise money to buy water filtration systems for families in Guatemala in support of our "Water is a Human Right" theme. We're asking that you bring your loose change to service each week and place it in the collection canister at the back table to support the Wakami filter project. We will also pass a second offering plate on June 7. This project is also in support of member Amy Hartman, who travels each year to Guatemala to help communities in need. The SAC thanks you for your support!
Mark your calendars
July 11, 8:30 a.m.: Our quarterly Adopt-a-Highway cleanup of Davidson's Concord Road. We'll meet at the home of Bruce and Lynn Henderson. All equipment is provided. Write action@uulakenorman.org to sign up or for more details.
|
Announcements
Come join us for some adult fun and live entertainment!
Where: Daveste Vineyards in Troutman
When: Thursday, June 11
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Who: Performances by Marie Reid & Ryan Chappell
Cost: FREE (beverages available for purchase)
The Book Club will meet on Wednesday, June 10 at 7 p.m. The chosen book is A Fighting Chance by Elizacbeth Warren. Everyone is welcome. For more information, email bookclub@uulakenorman.org.
A baby shower for Megan St. Amand and Glenn Morrow will be held after the June 14 service. They are registered at Babies R Us.
June 30 is the end of the congregation's fiscal year. Please be on the lookout for an emailed statement regarding the status of your pledge for this year, and plan to fulfill your pledge by the end of June.
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
