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UU News
Monthly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
An Intentional Liberal Religious Community April, 2013
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Greetings!,
| Welcome to the April edition of our church Newsletter!
Our Covenanted Community operates by democratic principles and congregational polity. We, the members of the UUCG, set our church's spiritual direction and elect our leaders.
April is a focus of these aspects of our congregational life. We are pledging the monetary gifts that will set our budget for the next year and enable our church's mission. We are entering the discussion stage on proposed new by-laws at our annual meeting in May, and we have submitted our application for a Developmental Minister to be assigned this summer.
Today's Newsletter also introduces two different series of articles. One is a list of volunteer opportunities called the Many Hands Project. It's there to help you find some ways to help out and get involved in the mission of the church.
The other new addition is an article highlighting the work and mission of a committee or team. We will cover one team each month in order to help all understand what it takes to make our church work. This month we cover the Buildings and Grounds Team.
As a result of all this, the month's newsletter is longer than usual. We apologize for the length, but hope you enjoy the reading.
If you have any submissions for the newsletter or questions for the editor, please send them to commuucg@bellsouth.net.
Sincerely,
Vance Archer
Newsletter Editor
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Liberal Religious Community
|  ALL ARE WELCOME IN THIS CHURCH
Distinctions of power, privilege, and estate, which apply outside these doors, do not apply within them. Women, men, and children; persons of any color, culture, age, ability, economic status, or affectional orientation; skeptics and those pursuing common or unorthodox religious paths...
All Are Welcome Here!
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Sunday Worship Services
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April 7 "The Birmingham Jail, 50 Years Later" Rev. Posa
April 14 "The Value of Meaningfulness" Rev. Posa
April 21 "Plain Members and Citizens" Rev. Posa (Earth Day Sermon)
April 21 "Missa Gaia" Earth Mass (7PM) UUCG Music Community
April 28 " Hail to the Summer" Wynn Perkins
Today we will celebrate Beltaine, the traditional Wiccan start of summer! Wear bright colors, bring bells and drums, and come prepared to dance a maypole! (Or at least to watch and laugh) Service will be brief in order to allow for time for the Maypole out in the yard. This service will be child-friendly despite its Beltaine theme, so feel free to invite your little ones to stay in the sanctuary with you if they would like! Hail to the Summer!
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Sunday Morning Schedule
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9:30-10:30
| Adult and Children's RE
| All are welcome. There are offerings for all ages, (Nursery services provided)
| 10:30-10:55
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Social
Gathering
| Informal Social Gathering prior to Worship. (Nursery Services Provided)
| 10:55-12:15
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Adult and Youth Worship
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Both adults and children start our service together. On most Sundays the children adjourn to their own Sunday Worship which also ends at 12:15. On Services labeled as "Worship for All Ages," the service will be shared by both children and adults.
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It varies
| Typically Rev. Posa meets visitors who wish to know more about our movement. There are often a variety of ministry team and special interest meetings to attend if you wish to participate.
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Expressions and Pot-Luck - Wednesday Evenings
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 Join us as we explore the connections between art and spirituality. 7pm every Wednesday.
In Honor of Poetry Month Several services feature poetry
April. 3 Danny Glen - Poetry
April 10 - Eric Posa Poetry
April 17 - Mike Bridges & Joyce Allen, Songs from My Fair Lady
April 24 - Mike Bridges - Poetry
Thank you for supporting Expressions on Wednesday evenings with your presence!
Looking ahead: Please mark your calendars for our annual "MISSA GAIA" concert on Sunday, April 21st, at 7:00 p.m. at UUCG. Like last year, but even better!
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Wednesday Potluck Precedes Expressions At 6:00 P.M. In An Effort To Uphold Our Green Sanctuary Status And To Cut Down On Dish-Washing, Please Bring Your Own Place Setting. THANK YOU!
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From Rev. Posa
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Sometimes we have an opportunity to stand at a historic moment. A few weeks ago, I received an invitation to do just that. My friend & former seminary classmate, Rev. Dan De Leon - pastor of a United Church of Christ (UCC) congregation in Texas - asked me to join him in Washington, DC. He was there to take part in the rally & interfaith prayer service for marriage equality at the Supreme Court. This rally would take place on the day the Court heard arguments on cases dealing with the legal recognition (or lack thereof) for same-gender marriage. After consulting with a couple of UUCG lay leaders, we agreed that representing our church's collective commitment to marriage equality. So away I traveled to the District of Columbia, spending just 24 hours there. That day was - is - Tuesday, March 26. I am writing this column on the evening of March 26, on the train carrying me home to Greensboro from Washington, after a day of (quite literally) standing on the side of love with our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender loved ones and friends seeking legal recognition for their marriages.
The prayer service, at a Lutheran church near the Court bldg., was an amazing & truly interfaith gathering for love and justice. Speakers included Christian priests & ministers, two Jewish rabbis, a Muslim imam, a Buddhist monk, a Pagan high priestess, a Native American leader, and Rev. Kären Rasmussen of the UU Congregation of Fairfax (Virginia), wearing her Standing on the Side of Love stole. The altar included ritual items from many traditions, including a flaming chalice placed there by Rev. Rob Hardies, of All Souls Unitarian Church in Washington. I was especially thankful for the presence and blessing of Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, quite possibly the most visible and influential LGBT faith leader in America today. It was also good to see Annette Marquis, former District Executive of our UU Southeast District, in attendance; she now directs the UUA's Office of LGBTQ Ministries . Then we marched to the rally. Thousands of people lined both sides of 1st St., in front of the Supreme Court building, as numerous speakers - of multiple generations, ethnicities, family statuses, and faith traditions, plus leaders of both major political parties - spoke in favor of equal legal recognition of marriage. So many people thanked us faith leaders for showing that religious groups can affirm, rather than oppress, same-gender-loving people. The most surprising moment was when Rev. De Leon and I found ourselves in the street. We saw a march coming down the street, seemingly led by a Standing on the Side of Love banner. We came out to join them. (Kudos to my UCC colleague for his willingness to march with us UUs.) We soon realized that the march behind us was an anti-marriage equality march, coming right through the pro-marriage equality rally. The local UUs had apparently jumped out in front with their banner, to offer an alternative message to the "Every child deserves a mom and a dad!" signs carried by those supporting marriage discrimination. (I could not help thinking of the well-adjusted children of lesbian parents I know.) Soon the anti-equality group was marching AROUND the Standing on the Side of Love banner, chanting "One mom, one dad!" while we chanted "Gay, straight, black, white, marriage is a civil right!" There was no direct confrontation, just two groups with opposing views on an issue each giving voice to their commitments. (It's worth noting that the pro-marriage equality rally attendees outnumbered the anti-equality marchers by almost 2 to 1, in my humble estimation.) I do not know how the Supreme Court will rule on this important case, or on the related case they will consider tomorrow ( Wed., Mar. 27). I doubt we'll here the rulings before late June. The struggle to gain legal recognition for same-sex marriages nation-wide may well continue past these Court rulings. But today's rally and prayer vigil demonstrated to the world, more clearly than any events I have previously known, that the tide has turned in our society, in support for equal marriage recognition. I reflected afterwards with my friend from the UCC what an immense privilege it is to serve a congregation like UUCG, where so many leaders and members are willing to have your minister stand for you before the highest court in our nation, to support the rights of our LGBTQ friends, loved ones, and fellow UUs, for which we have advocated for many years. It's true that my service to this good church will come to its conclusion in a few months. One of my many prayers for you, as you move into the next phase of your history, is that you continue finding ways to work together in the ministry of spreading justice and peace throughout your community and across this land, as you continue to stand on the side of love. In faith, Rev. Eric Posa  | | At the United for Marriage Rally, outside the U.S. Supreme Court, March 26, 2013. From Left: Rev. Eric Posa; Tracy Hollister, member of the UU Fellowship of Raleigh; Rev. Dan De Leon, Friends Congregational Church (UCC), College Station, Texas. |
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From Cindy Dillard, RE Coordinator
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There is something magical that happens when people come together over food. We experience it each Wednesday at our shared meal before Expressions: enjoying an array of dishes, chatting about our week, and making new friends. We experienced it more recently at the Passover seder, where we learned a little bit more about Jewish traditions and partook of foods both new and familiar. With each gathering, over food and conversation, our community grows closer. This month, there will be just such an opportunity for RE families. Join me on Sunday, April 21, 12:30-2pm for an RE potluck in the RE wing. RSVP to uucgre@att.net.
Namaste,
Cindy Dillard
UUCG RE Coordinator
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From the Congregational Vice President - Karen Madrone
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Board column:
The board had a very productive meeting in March. The board authorized the Developmental Ministry application submitted by the Developmental Focus Task Force and it has been submitted to the Unitarian Universalist Association. Details can be found elsewhere in the newsletter.
The board is doing an ongoing review of the proposed personnel manual. We will have a special board meeting on April 16 to evaluate the personnel manual submitted by the Human Resources Committee.
The board voted to recommend to the congregation the proposed bylaws from the Governance Task Force. There will be a town hall meeting on April 28 so that everyone can learn about the proposed changes.
This month we had the second part of a four part series to create a behavioral covenant. Please see Marie Houck's column in this newsletter for further information.
On Saturday, March 23rd eight teams and committees had a very productive Strategic Planning session where we talked about how we can: communicate effectively, build trust, create meaningful experiences, and build effective stewardship. There will be a second session on March 27 for those who were unable to make it on Saturday. It was really amazing to share our ideas and reflect on how we can be better leaders. Thank you to everyone who participated. We look forward to our shared work together in the future as we continue to move the church forward towards our vision. A special thank you to the members of the Strategic Planning committee: Elaine Stover, Marty Ward, Lonnie Houck, Rod Swonguer, Phoenix Harmony, Charlotte Hamlin, Lyn Khan, and Karen Madrone.
Please remember to turn in your pledge as soon as possible so that we can create our budget for the 2013-2014 church year. For planning purposes, it is very important that we know how much income we can depend on so that we can create a realistic budget.
In closing, please "save the date" of May 18 for the annual dinner and the congregational meeting on May 19. The theme for this year's dinner will be Gratitude. I am personally grateful for all that we have accomplished this year and I feel very positive about where we are going in the future. I am joy filled and grateful!
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Ministry Notes, From Rev Posa
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Developmental Ministry - The UUCG has now officially applied for a Developmental Minister. As I & many lay leaders have shared over the last year this option has been considered - especially since the congregational meeting in mid-October 2012, where our members voted 59-1 to support the board making this application - this is a new model for ministry in the UUA. This minister will start on August 1 of this year, serving for 3-5 years, helping the church focus on a few particular issues which it identifies in advance. At the end of the 3-5 year period, the church will have the option, if both they and the minister concur, to call that minister to serve them in long-term, settled ministry. NOTE: For now, for the developmental ministry period, this minister will be hired by the board, just as the board hired me for interim ministry; no congregational vote is involved, other than the one which already occurred last October. However, in 3-5 years, a call to long-term ministry will require a vote of the entire congregation. Also, unlike other models of ministry, the selection of our candidate for Developmental Minister will be made by the UUA Transitions Office. However, the UUA staff is not able to "appoint" our minister. Rather, they will send us the one candidate whose gifts and skills for ministry best match the needs of our congregation, based on our application and on input from congregational leaders over time. Our board, of course, still has to approve the hiring of this minister. Should our board find this minister not to be the right match for our church, they will inform the Transitions Office of their decision not to hire; Transitions will then select the best candidate remaining from available ministers, for our board to consider. The board-appointed Developmental Focus Task Force (DFTF) prepared the application based on input from multiple sources. That application was submitted to the UUA on March 21st. An abbreviated version of the application - only excluding explanatory material, but still showing all substantive content - is at the bottom of this column. (The full copy is available to anyone who wishes to see it; please contact me if you want a copy.) We have been assured that our board will receive the name of the candidate no later than the next board meeting (April 23rd); it is possible we will learn much sooner than that. The DFTF will conduct reference and background checks as soon as they learn the name, then make a recommendation to the board based on those. Stay tuned for more info, which will be provided as soon as possible. What Membership Means - To be a member of this church means more than signing the membership book and getting to vote at congregational meetings. Membership is a sign of commitment to the congregation, and indication that the church evokes for you the kind of meaning that enriches your life, and compels you not only to belong to it, but to sustain it, to support it. It is in that spirit of sustaining support that our board has voted to recommend a change in church bylaws to our members, for a vote at the May 19th congregational meeting. This change will require, for continued membership, not only an annual financial contribution of record, but also an annual pledge. It is hoped this change, if approved by our members, will reinforce the commitment to our congregation's ongoing well-being, by equipping our lay leaders with the foreknowledge of expected financial resources that will empower us to budget for the strongest possible ministries in upcoming years. Please note that there is no penalty for someone whose financial circumstances change in ways that prevent them from meeting the pledge; we ask only your good-faith best estimate of what you anticipate contributing to the church in a given year. Also, the president and minister retain the power to grant waivers to the financial contribution requirement. We hope you will grant this proposed change genuine consideration; I will be happy to discuss it with anyone who has questions.
A Note about Leave-taking - While I still have a couple more months to offer in service to this church, my time to leave you is drawing nearer. Several of you have asked where I will go next; truthfully, I do not know. On April 15-19, I will attend the UUA's Interim Ministry Seminar. There I will learn which churches are seeking interim ministers for next year. Early the next week, 4-5 of the churches in which I express interest will receive my name (along with 4 or so other names of possible interim ministers). Their search committees quickly will review search packets, conduct phone or Skype interviews, and check references. I hope to receive an offer by early May, and to finalize details and announce where I am going by mid-May. (There is a chance this process will be delayed 2 weeks or so, but odds are decent that will not happen.) As soon as I can tell you more, I will.
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Developmental Ministry Application
| We have included the Application Form for the developmental minister so that you can share this quick overview of our church and mission.
Vance Archer, Editor, Rev. Posa, Pastor, Charlotte Hamlin, Congregational President
Application form for the developmental minister Final Draft 3/20/13 Ministry|
Beginning date of ministry (mm/dd/yyyy):
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8/1/13
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Duration of ministry:
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3-5 years
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% of time:
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Fulltime
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How many Sunday services?
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1
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List starting times:
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11 a.m.
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Other worship (list date and time)?
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- WED., 7p.m. - Expressions
(Exploration of spirituality and the arts - music, poetry, storytelling, etc. Lay-led) - Christmas eve service
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Congregational Information|
Number of Adult Members:
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193
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Children's participation in Sunday service?
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First 15 min., then leave for children's chapel & youth circle worship.
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How often do you have complete intergenerational service in a year?
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Approx. 12: About once every other month plus holidays.
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Is there a Youth Group?
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Currently in Process of re-forming
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Is there a Campus Group?
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Not currently.
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Percentage of Young Adults participation in congregation (best estimate, ages 18-30)
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3%
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Congregational Demographics|
People of Color:
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5%
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BGLT:
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At least 5%
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People with disabilities:
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Not known.
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Demographics http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/3728000.html Name of Metropolitan area, if applicable: Greensboro, NC Metropolitan population: 273,425 (2011 estimate) Town/City Population 48.4 % White 40.6 % African-American / Black 0.5 % Native American/American Indian/Native Alaskan 4.0 % Asian 0.1 % Native Hawai'ian/Pacific Islander 7.5 % Hispanic/Latino/Latina 2.6 % Two or more races Finances and Compensation |
Total Operating Expenditures
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$258,341
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Total Operating Pledge Income
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$156,000
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Number of Pledge Units
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117 member pledge units, 110 member pledge units that pledged in 2012-13
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Is pledging required for membership?
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No but considering a bylaws change to make it yes.
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Congregation Size (I - VI)
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Size II (193 members, ~100-120 Sunday morning attendees)
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Congregation Wage Rate Area (1 - 7)
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GeoIndex 2
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Salary plus Housing offered (if range provided)
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$58,000 - $65,000
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Minimum Midpoint Maximum
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Salary plus Housing offered (if no range specified)
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Do the benefits and professional expenses meet (or exceed) the Transitions Office compensation guidelines? Note that the estimated cost of the benefits and expenses is an additional 35 - 40%
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Yes
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Estimated Total Cost of Ministry (TCM)
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$89,700
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Is minister expected to occupy a parsonage?
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No
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Median monthly rent for two-bedroom apartment in the congregation's vicinity?
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$700-$730 (mean; median not found)
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Is public transportation a viable option?
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No
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Congregational Needs and Strengths List 5 strengths of this congregation. - CARING, COMMITTED CORE CONGREGATION
- SUSTAINED COMMUNITY OUTREACH
- CLEAR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
- INCREASED CONGREGATIONAL RESILIENCE
List up to 5 goals to work on during the developmental ministry (think 1 per year). 1. Discern Identity 2. Deepen Right Relations 3. Strengthen Stewardship 4. Clarify Membership List up to 5 desired strengths of a developmental minister.
1) Pastoral effectiveness and a warm, welcoming presence that encourages congregants and visitors from diverse backgrounds to seek engagement. 2) Experience as program administrator and staff supervisor with a participatory leadership style, preferably in a UU congregation. 3) Ability to communicate UU identity, history, principles and traditions including active support for lifespan faith development for all ages. 4) Strong pulpit presence and sermon delivery. 5) Experience working collaboratively with lay leaders on leadership, strategic planning and managing conflict.
List up to 5 current areas of activity that should not lose momentum during this ministry.
1. Music program.
2. Active long-range planning processes.
3. Healthy Congregation training
4. Governance structure implementation.
List any current congregational traditions or programs you wish to maintain going forward.
- International dinner (February)
- Cabaret auction (March)
- Bridging ceremony (June)
- Thanksgiving potluck
- Wednesday evening services (Expressions)
- Lifespan faith development
- Familiar worship traditions such as
joys & concerns followed by the song "Spirit of Life,"
singing "Shalom Havayreem" for benediction.
- Feeding the hungry at the Urban Ministry
- Lay Pastoral Care Associates
- Care Team |
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Adult Religious Education Update - By Steve Pearsall
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 Sundays 9:30-10:30
"A recent survey of Americans' knowledge of religion found that atheists, agnostics, Jews and Mormons outperformed Protestants and Roman Catholics in answering questions about major religions, while many respondents could not correctly give the most basic tenets of their own faiths." AP, September 2010
Following the conclusion of Rev Posa's series of classes examining different religious terminology from a Unitarian Universalist perspective in mid-August, we will begin a series on religious literacy. We will utilize the work of Stephen Prothero, religion professor at Boston University and author of several books on religion in America. His 2007 book entitled Religious Literacy, What Every American Needs to Know - And Doesn't will serve as our source text.
"We have a major civic problem on our hands," says religion scholar Stephen Prothero. He makes the provocative case that to remedy this problem, we should return to teaching religion in the public schools. Alongside "reading, writing, and arithmetic," religion ought to become the "Fourth R" of American education.
From his website:
Do you get tongue-tied when asked to name the Twelve Apostles? Do you think Adam's wife was Joan of Arc? If so, join the crowd. The United States is one of the most religious places on earth, but it is also a nation of religious illiterates. Many Protestants can't name the four Gospels, many Catholics can't name the seven sacraments, and many Jews can't name the first five books of the Bible. And yet politicians and pundits continue to root public policy arguments in religious rhetoric whose meanings are missed, or misinterpreted, by the vast majority of American citizens. This is in my view a major problem in contemporary civic life. "Religious Literacy," explores this problem, pinpointing key moments in U.S. history that spawned our current epidemic of religious illiteracy and offering practical solutions to remedy this problem.
-Stephen Prothero (from his website)
Reading the book for class is preferrable, but not required.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Steve Pearsall
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Team, Committee Meetings and ways to help out
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Some of the Teams and Committees that make our UUCG mission real have regular meetings. Others meet irregularly or virtually and accomplish their missions without regular meetings. The list below contains the meeting time and location of those teams and committees that meet regularly. Feel free to attend any of these meetings as they are all open. We invite your participation in our church's governance and mission. Coordinating Council MeetingsThe Coordinating Council meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. This monthly meeting is where the complex church meeting and mission schedule is worked out by our various Team and Committee Chairs. The Council is chaired by Rev. Posa and Karen Madrone, VP. This is an open meeting. Board of Trustees MeetingsThe Board of Trustees meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. This monthly meeting is where Governance Decisions are made for our Church. This is an open meeting. Communications TeamThe Communications team publishes the monthly newsletter, and maintains the web site. We also administer our Facebook and Twitter Sites. We don't have regular meetings but there are several jobs that you could help with. If you would like to explore joining the Communications Team, please contact Vance Archer. Fellowship Team MeetingsThe Fellowship Team meeting is on the first Wednesday of the month. We meet during the potluck -- look for the table with the small flag. Everyone is invited to join this team that is always on the lookout to create opportunities for people to connect and have fun.
Healthy Congregation Committee Meetings
Healthy Congregation Committee meets Sunday, April 21st at 9 a.m. in the Library. Interested members are invited to attend.
Thanks, Sue Beck
Membership TeamThe Membership Team makes visitors welcome in our church and works to expand our membershp. Our team runs the visitor's table on Sunday Mornings, contacts all the visitors who come to our church and organizes meetings and classes for new members. Our team doesn't have regular meetings, but If you are interested in working with us, please contact Vance Archer
Music Team MeetingsThe Music Team meets after Church on the Sunday before the Coordinating Council. This is typically the 2nd or 3rd Sunday of the Month. Meetings are typically held in the Library. Policy & Procedures Committee Social Action Team Meetings Regular meetings of the Social Action Team are scheduled on the second Sunday of each month following the service. Opportunities for volunteering with SAC include hands-on, nitty-gritty tasks and work toward policy change to benefit Greensboro's residents.
Worship Team Meetings
Our Worship Team meets once monthly, on the first Wednesday of the month after the Potluck and Expressions. Contact Barbara Hands if you are interested in helping this team.
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Regular Events
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Feeding the Hungry at Urban Ministries, First Monday of each month
On the first Monday of each month a group of volunteers from our church shop for and cook a meal for the homeless at Urban Ministries. We are in the process of building a new team to carry out this important project. If you would like to be part of the action, contact Ken Knight at oldpeacenik@gmail.com or at 288-0103.
Men's Night Out, Monday, Second Monday each month
Join us at our next Men's Night Out beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Mi Pueblo,3911 Tinsley Drive in High Point for dinner and fellowship.
Ladies' Night Out, Last Monday each month
Ladies Night Out occurs the last Monday of the month at the Saigon Restaurant at the southwest corner of High Point Rd. and Merritt Drive. It's yummy Vietnamese cuisine with delightful and revealing conversation amidst lots of laughter. We meet at 6:30 pm. Newcomers are always welcome. Coordinators Mary Davis (586-0188) or Janet Plummer (294-6364) should be contacted before 5 pm if you plan to attend.
Men's Night Out 2, Last Monday each month
A second Men's Night Out is held the last Monday of each month. We will meet at Applebee's on Battleground Ave. |
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Celebrate Earth Day with Us!
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Sunday, April 21th at 7 p.m.
Come see and hear our third annual performance of Missa Gaia (Earth Mass) by Paul Winter. The choir of the UUCG and an instrumental ensemble, under the direction of our music director, Mark Freundt, will present this multimedia extravaganza (featuring the songs of wolves and whales) on Sunday, April 21st, at 7:00 p.m.
We will review how to make clear requests without making demands. Our objective is a relationship based on honesty and empathy. To prepare for this month's practice, think of an example of a request you would like to make of another person in your life and bring it with you.
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Compassionate Communication Practice
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Thursday, April 4th at 7 p.m. & Sunday, April 7th at 9 a.m.
Making Requests to Enrich Life
We will review how to make clear requests without making demands. Our objective is a relationship based on honesty and empathy. To prepare for this month's practice, think of an example of a request you would like to make of another person in your life and bring it with you.
Sylvia Beck
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Mediation Theories and Practices
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The mediation class has been meeting every Thursday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at UUCG. We have six regular participants. The class is casual and very participatory. We have learned a good bit about Narrative Mediation so far and have begun to practice some of these skills in role-play mediation sessions.Next we will be studying transformative mediation. We still welcome new students as well as volunteers to participate in role-plays. For more information contact Donya Lucas at donyalucas@hotmail.com or 336 686-0851
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Introduction to Compassionate Communication
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Saturday, April 27th at 1 p.m. -
Immediately after the lunch following the Church Workday. This is a chance to rest from your labors and enjoy the wise words of Marshall Rosenberg, founder of Nonviolent Communication. Please sign up on the sheet outside the kitchen
Sylvia Beck .
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Food Drive - Social Action Team news
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Another opportunity to help feed the hungry will occur on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Food Lion Store at 4652 West Market Street. The church will need at least 4 volunteers for 2 hour shifts to collect nonperishable groceries from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Greensboro Urban Ministry. Please contact Becky Floyd at 336-852-3592 or rfloyd2@triad.rr.com to volunteer. Thanks,
Becky Floyd
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Peanut Butter Update
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Thanks to everyone at the Unitarian Universalist Church who contributed to the 50.5 pounds of peanut butter and nonperishable food collected last month for the Greensboro Food Bank.
THANKS,
Becky Floyd
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Featured Team for April - Buildings and Grounds
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The UUCG Building & Grounds Team (B&G) is responsible for maintenance, repair, and improvements to our building, as well as landscaping, beautifying, and maintaining the church grounds. B&G is part of the Ministry / Programs pillar of our church governance structure, and reports to our Congregational Administrator, Julie Hamilton. B&G leads a church work-day every two months, to which everyone is invited. Come join in the productive fun!
If you would like to be part of the B&G Team, contact Jim Roeder (497-7941 or jimroeder2@gmail.com).
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Denominational Affairs
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Upcoming Events
Southeast District (SED) Meeting
26-27 April, 2013
The SED Annual Meeting will be held at UUC Charlottte, NC on 26 and 27 April, 2013. The keynote speakers will be Rev. Jeanne Pupke and Rev. Jake Morrill. The musical guests will be Emma's Revolution!
http://www.uusouthland.org/sed2013am.html
Southern Regional Training
Learn, refresh your spirit, and make an investment in your church community by joining other leaders from the UUA's Southern Region at our annual Spring Training. It will be held at the scenic Tumbling Waters Retreat and Conference Center from 04 - 07 April, 2013.
http://www.uusouthland.org/springtraining2013.html
General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association
General Assembly 2013, A Meeting of Congregations
June 19-23, Louisville, KY
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. Anyone may attend.
http://www.uua.org/ga/
Southeastern Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute (SUUSI)
Let it be a Dance! July 21-27, 2013
The mission of SUUSI is to provide a one week experience evoking the best within us, in concert with Unitarian Universalist principles. SUUSI offers the opportunity to share an intergenerational environment of love, personal freedom, ethics, and joy in an intentional, nonjudgmental community.
http://www.suusi.org/index.php/home
If you are interested in any of these programs, please contact the Denominational Affairs lead, Steve Pearsall for more information.
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Toward a New Behavioral Covenant
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The Board continued their exploration of developing a new behavioral covenant by sharing stories of both healthy and unhealthy behaviors at UUCG that they have personally witnessed or in which they were involved. When sharing stories that were about people in the room, we used names, whether the story was a demonstration of "holy manners" or a demonstration of unhealthy behavior. When sharing stories about other people, we did NOT share names, in order to be clearly talking about behavior not people.
The stories include some that went back a few years as well as some that happened within the past month, both on the healthy side and on the unhealthy side. Some were stories about name calling, shouting, aggression, combativeness, and behavior that was dismissive or disrespectful of other people's work. Others were stories of healing, of people being willing to talk directly and respectfully to those who had hurt them or were behaving badly, and of effective third-party involvement. In general, there was agreement that (as one board member put it) "gossip is alive and well at UUCG." At the same time, there was also agreement that a shift towards better congregational healthy has been happening. There is less stress, people have been more willing to talk to each other rather than about each other, Board meetings are more productive, and people seem to be more comfortable talking about disagreements and conflict..
At the end of the discussion, I passed out a two page document from Gil Rendel's Behavioral Covenants in Congregations titled, "Examples of Unhealthy Behavioral Norms". I can make additional copies of that document for anyone who wishes to read it.
At next month's Board meeting, we will continue this work by attempting to identify what we have learned from our stories about our congregational norms, and identify which of those norms we might want to see changed in the near future.
I will be looking at a Saturday in May to do a day long workshop for any congregational member who would like to explore this topic in more detail, including any Board members who would like to attend. In the mean time, feel free to contact me or any members of the Healthy Congregation Team about this ongoing work.
Marie Houck
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Many Hands opportunities in April
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For UUCG, our mission of creating a welcoming and supportive spiritual community means providing a beacon for people of different beliefs who seek a faith community with an open mind. It has been said that a smile is the light in the window of your soul. While this is true, another way to keep the light shining in our collective window is to share your time and talent. And volunteering is a wonderful way to get acquainted with other UUs.
We are grateful to folks who provided food and/or helped with set up and clean up for the Cabaret Auction and Seder Service, as well as to providers of auction items for Cabaret. Thanks also to our volunteer coordinator, Sue Sherwood, for matching up volunteers with the appropriate congregational leaders. She reminds team and committee chairs to let her know of any jobs or projects for which volunteers are needed. She is usually in the church office on Tuesday mornings and can be reached there at 856-0330. At other times, please contact Sue at 632-0312 sue@tssherwood.us
We want to highlight some volunteer opportunities in April, along with whom to contact for more details.
Newsletter proof reader
Sunday morning coffee
- An easy, fun way to serve the congregation is by serving coffee. We need volunteers for set-up & clean-up of coffee on Sunday mornings. Instructions are in the kitchen. You can volunteer by signing up on the coffee calendar in the hall or by calling Sue Sherwood, volunteer coordinator at 632-0312 sue@tssherwood.us
Occasional food provider
- We also need people who are willing to be contacted to supply a food item, as appropriate, for memorial services, fundraising receptions, shut-ins, blood drives, etc. If interested, please contact Sue Sherwood, volunteer coordinator at 632-0312 sue@tssherwood.us
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April 28 Town Hall Meeting - After Church
Proposed Membership Bylaws Change and Board Candidates
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As noted elsewhere in this newsletter, revisions to UUCG's membership bylaws have been recommended by the Board and will be voted upon at the May 19 Congregational Meeting.Proposed by the Governance Task Force, these revised bylaws are the result of months of deliberation about what it means to be a voting member of our congregation, as well as how members should be expected to support the mission and goals of UUCG. The Governance Task Force, formed in late 2010, was charged with recommending "improvements to ensure that UUCG's mission, values, and covenants are adequately incorporated in church governance structures and decision-making practices in order to fulfill UUCG goals." Among its responsibilities are examining the bylaws. At the 2012 Congregational meeting, the congregation voted to approve bylaw revisions intended to clarify organizational structure. A diagram of this structure has been posted in the R.E. hallway.
During the past church year the GTF considered the membership section of our current bylaws, drawing upon a variety of sources including: recommendations from the Alban Institute, bylaw language from other UU congregations, input from staff, UUCG leadership and other interested parties. The resulting changes aim to define membership more explicitly - the expectations, as well as the rights and privileges of membership. As referenced in the bylaws, relevant policies and procedures are also being addressed. The following GTF members contributed to this effort during the past year: Steve Andrews, Sharin Francis, Miriam Heard, Hope McLean, Sue Sherwood and Merritt Wayt. Thanks go to them, as well as to members of Policies and Procedures Committee, Pledge Drive Committee, Membership Team and Board members who offered feedback.
Please take time to read and consider the proposed bylaw changes. They will be posted via the UUCG weekly email announcements, on the bulletin board next to the kitchen in the church hallway and on the UUCG website.
We encourage you to attend the Town Hall meeting at 12:30 pm, Sunday, April 28, in the sanctuary. At this meeting you will also meet the Board candidates for the 2013-2014 church year. Following their presentation, there will be an opportunity to learn about and discuss the revised membership bylaws.
On April 15, following the 11:00 am service and a vote on a UUCG Statement of Conscience pertaining to the State 's proposed constitutional amendment, the governance task force will have another town meeting to review its recommendations for a new governance model at UUCG and explain the By-laws changes needed to accommodate that model. All members are encouraged to attend, so as to be well informed prior to the congregational meeting on May 20. Anyone unable to attend or having questions about proposed governance changes may contact Charlotte Hamlin, chairperson of the GTF, or any of the other members of the task force. These are Steve Andrews, Miriam Heard, Hope McLean, Sue Sherwood, Merritt Wayt, and GTF consultants Sharin Francis and Michelle Lee.
- Purpose/Goal of the Task Force
Evaluate and recommend improvements to ensure that UUCG's mission, values, and covenants are adequately incorporated in church governance structures and decision-making practices in order to fulfill UUCG goals.
- Responsibilities of the Task Force
Examine the current structure and systems of church governance and identify perceived areas of concern, overlap, or unclear organizational structure, By Laws or practices which may contribute to conflict or reduce effectiveness in operating the church and fulfilling its mission.
Sharin Francis, Governance Tasd Force
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Church Leadership and You
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At our annual meeting in May, the congregation will elect a new Treasurer, Secretary, two Board of Trustees members, and one member of the Committee on Endowment. From February through April, the Committee on Leadership Development will be identifying members to run for these offices. We are seeking members of the congregation who will provide strong leadership to help UUCG continue to make changes in our governance and culture to enhance the health of the congregation and help prepare us for a new developmental minister.
If you have a desire to serve the church, know someone who does, or if you have recommendations for others, please contact a member of the committee and/or fill out one of the nomination forms that will be at the church on Sunday mornings.
On the fence? Thinking about running but wonder what serving on the Board is like? Talk with one of our current Board members; their names and photographs are on the bulletin board in the hall outside the kitchen. Talk with someone who has served in the past. You'll hear what a rewarding and, yes, at times challenging experience it is. Service to the congregation is an important way that we act on one of the 7 UU Principles, "the use of the democratic process within our congregations."
In addition, nominations for the Committee on Leadership Development will be made from the floor and elected at the May meeting, so be thinking of and talking with people you believe would be effective members and willing to serve in that capacity.
Thank you for your help in assuring that UUCG has strong leadership in the coming year,
Ann Dickinson Co-Chair (674-2035; ardpuppy2@aol.com)
Harold Gunn Co-Chair (288-7926; tgunn1@triad.rr.com)
Gay Cheney (375-7013; gcheney@triad.rr.com)
Alex Stoesen (292-5999; astoesen54@bellsouth.net)
Cindy Williams (674-0535; cmmrw@triad.rr.com)
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Thanks for the Help in this year's Cabaret Auction
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 Thanks so much to everyone who helped make our 7th Annual Cabaret Auction a great success! This FUN raiser and FUND raiser could not happen without the hard work and dedication of so many. Please help us in thanking the folks who worked together to make it happen!
A big THANKS to everyone who donated items and/or bought items too! This is the single largest fundraiser of the year and is a big boost to our annual budget. Once again we passed the $10,000 mark! You'll see this money at work in our church - in RE, in the choir, around the building, in our community. This money helps us live our Covenant. THANKS!
Lauren Houck & Katie Klod
Cabaret co-chairs
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Summary of the March 2013 UUCG Board of Trustees Meeting
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- The Treasurer reported the Cabaret auction grossed $11,800 with about $500 of expenses.
- Nelson Stover reported that as of March 18, about 93 members have pledged for a total of $154,640. The amount pledged last year by the members who have not pledged this year does not cover the amount necessary to bridge the gap to the desired budget amount.
- The board approved the Developmental Minster application.
- The board recommended to the congregation, bylaws changes from the Governance Taskforce relating to membership requirements.
- At a future meeting, the board will consider the creation of a Reinhartsen Sermon Fund
- At a future meeting, the board will consider moving the reserved fund from Community One bank to Schwab brokerage account .
Thanks, Ken Williams |
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Birthdays this month
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Ben Freundt, Liz Grimes, Chellie Mason, Alex Stoesen, Ann Dickinson, Gladys McNatt, Wynn Perkins, Sue Beck, Barbara Hughes, Barbara Council, Gay Cheney, Audrey Ihrig, Michael Puzio |
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Attendance and Collection
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Sunday Worship Counts -
Adults RE C A Collection
February 24 116 26 6 $2,279.12 March 3 101 19 6 $1,813.57
March 10 97 18 6 $1,971.15 March 17 118 N/A N/A $1,768.29
Expressions Counts
February 26 50 $23.00 March 6 37 $ 6.00 March 13 45 $25.00 March 20 36 $19.00 |
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UUCG Covenant
| We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro, do covenant to:
- Promote a search for personal meaning, respecting individual truth in a community process of quest
- Speak and act with caring, courtesy and love thereby maintaining emotional, physical, and spiritual safety for all
- Support UUCG and denominational efforts with our resources
- Combat injustice while promoting equality
- Nurture our children on their spiritual journeys
- Hold ourselves to this covenant, especially during times of conflict and disagreement
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UUCG OFFICERS | Charlotte Hamlin, President chamlin1@triad.rr.com
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TRUSTEES | |
Michelle Lee (2015) nc.dogwood@yahoo.com
Stephanie Blake (2014) cicciblake@triad.rr.com
Myra Anne Geese Dean (2014) myraannegesse@yahoo.com
Steve Andrews (2013) sand3420@aol.com
Suzanne Deering (2015) zanned@earthlink.net
Katja Brown (2013) sabrown@ieee.org |
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UUCG STAFF
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Reverend Eric Posa, Interim MinisterOffice Hours: Please call church office for appointments Office Phone: 856-0330, Cell: 508-7568 E-mail: uucgminister@bellsouth.net  Julie Hamilton, Congregational AdministratorOffice Hours: Please call church office for appointments
Office Phone: 856-0330, Cell: 687-4101, Fax: 856-0384 E-mail: uucgadmin@bellsouth.net  Mark Freundt, Director of MusicOffice Hours: Please call church office for appointments Office Phone: 856-0330, Cell: 908-1103 E-mail: uucgdirmu@bellsouth.net Cindy Dillard, RE Coordinator Office Hours: Please call church office for appointments Office Phone: 856-0330 Cell (614)975-0126 E-mail: uucgre@att.net
Walter McCorey, SextonTuesday, Thursday & Friday (times vary based on needs). |
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Congregational Contacts
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Accountability Committee Zoli Rabb
Archive Committee Sharin Francis
Building and Grounds Team Jim Roeder
Care Team Suzanne Andrews Committee on Leadership Development Harold Gunn, Ann Dickinson Committee on Endowment Rob Cary Communications Team Vance Archer Newsletter Vance Archer (Editor)
Website Mariella Perez-Simons, Vance Archer Coordinating Council Karen Madrone Denominational Affairs Team Steve Pearsall
Fellowship Team Cindy Williams & Karen Madrone
Finance Committee Open
Cabaret Auction Lauren Houck & Katie Klod Governance Task Force Sharin Francis Healthy Congregations Committee Sue Beck Labyrinth Task Force Steve Pearsall & Ken Williams Lay Pastoral Care Associates Janet Eley & Liz Harrell Lifespan Religious Education (RE) Open Membership Team Vance Archer Music Team Sue Sherwood & Marilyn Clayton Committee on Leadership Development Harold Gunn Policies and Procedures Committee Michelle Lee Social Action Team Sara Bourquin, Sue Cole, Becky Floyd GLBTQ Karen Madrone Volunteer Coordinator Sue Sherwood Worship Team Barbara Hands
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