|
UU News
Monthly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
An Intentional Liberal Religious Community July 2014
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!,
| Welcome to the July edition of our church Newsletter!
I would like to welcome Liz and Jeff Gauger as our new Communications Team leaders. I'm thrilled to see new leadership emerging on our Ministry Teams and Board Committees. I am stepping back from team leadership but will continue as a member of the Communications team.
We hope you are enjoying our new Website. We anticipate more improvements in the coming year.
If your team or committee has any submissions for the August newsletter or if you have questions for the editor, please send them to commuucg@bellsouth.net.
The deadline for team and committee articles for the August Newsletter is July 18, 2014.
In Covenant:
Vance Archer
Newsletter Editor
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Sunday and Special Worship Services and Schedule
|
|
Sunday, July 6
| "Blue Boat Home " | Rev. Ann Marie
|
| What if the whole world was a Green Sanctuary, like UUCG is? |
| |
Sunday July 13
|
"Everything Possible "
|
Rev. Ann Marie
|
| What if there were no limit to what we might imagine? |
| |
Sunday, July 20
|
"Christian Horses and Heathen Cats"
| Steve Hayes |
|
Some of the most beloved stories in religion involve a spiritual message delivered in the form of a furry friend. From Balaam's ass to Muhammad's cat to Goodall's chimpanzees, animals challenge how we relate to our world and each other. Steve will offer a reflection on how old dogs and cantankerous cats have been "agents of grace" for him.
|
| |
Sunday, July 27
|
"Staring Life in the Face"
|
Rev. Holly Lux-Sullivan
|
| When we acknowledge and confront mortality--our own an that of our loved ones--life becomes much richer. |
|
Sunday Morning Schedule
|
|
| 10:30 - 10:55
| Social Gathering
| Informal Social Gathering prior to Worship. (Nursery Services Provided)
| 10:55 - 12:15
| Adult and Youth Worship
| Both adults and children start our service together. On most Sundays the children leave the sanctuary for Youth Religious Education, which also ends at 12:15. On Services labeled as "Worship for All Ages" or Inter-generational, the service will be shared by both children and adults.
|
|
|
Wednesday Pot Luck and Fellowship Activities
|
Join us on Wednesday evening for the Pot Luck Supper We share a pot luck supper at 6:00 on Wednesdays. On most Wednesdays there will either be board games or Movies with a Message starting at 7:00. See the Weekly Announcements for more details.
Please bring your own table service for the pot luck dinner. It helps our church stay green.
THANK YOU!
|
|
Reflections from Rev. Ann Marie
| |
I hope you have taken a look at the revised UUCG webpage! It features lots of photos, so potential visitors know what we look like and lots of information so new folks know what is going on when! The designers (Dovetail Creative Group) and the Communications Team wanted to provide an appealing format that could serve as a new front door for UUCG. I think they did a great job! I hope you will check the webpage often and send others to check it out often! www.uugreensboro.org
There is a section of the new website of special interest for those of you who are members of UUCG. You can access that area by clicking on "for members" at the top/left of the home page. There any member can find the latest directory, bylaws, policies, board reports and other documents of interest. You will need a password to access this section, but that is easy to obtain. Just call Julie Hamilton, the UUCG administrator, who will be happy to share that with you. Or send her an e-mail and she'll let you know how to get in!
Speaking of getting in, I will be getting the first in my lifetime experience of living in with newborns very soon! I really, really appreciate all the support you all have shown both me and Robin. Please stay tuned to e-mail and social media for pictures which I expect to be sharing in the next few weeks!
|
|
From Cindy Dillard, Director of Youth Religious Education
| |
YRE-2014 SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM-
"THE NURTURERS"
One of my favorite times of the church year is during the summer program. Being a multi-age program, for children aged preschool thru 5th grade, it is a wonderful opportunity for growth: our older children become models for our younger children, our younger children are empowered by interacting with the older children, and our very youngest get to "test the waters," transitioning out of the nursery at their individual rates. The summer program also gives parents the chance to be in the classroom with our curious, energetic children. And it gives us all the pleasure of welcoming visitors who might be in the area on vacation or who might have just moved here.
This month, The Nurturers schedule is as follows: July 6-Taking It T-UU The Streets care bag assembling; July 13-Childrens Gardening; July 20 and July 27-Cooperative Games. For more information, please contact Cindy Dillard, Director of YRE (uucgre@att.net).
|
From the Congregational President - Karen Madrone
|
Dear friends, I have just returned from my first General Assembly (GA), the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association. I am so excited that I had the opportunity to connect with UUs from around the country. The workshops were very applicable to our church and the worship services were heartfelt. The theme of this year's GA was "Love Reaches Out." This is also where I am at in my own spiritual development as a Unitarian Universalist; it's time for us as a movement to stop "hiding our light under a bushel." I began attending UUCG in 2005 as someone new to the area, searching for friends and community. I officially joined UUCG on January 1, 2006. I have served in a variety of leadership positions, from a teacher in the Religious Education program for the 3-5th grade class, choir member, board trustee, Vice President, and now President. Over the last eight and a half years I have moved from being a newcomer to our church to being a passionate Unitarian Universalist. This passion is what helped me decide to run for President of the Board of Trustees. I am committed to serving UUCG with the seven principles and our covenant always in mind. I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve with an amazing group of people, the Board of Trustees, who are also very highly committed to UUCG and to Unitarian Universalism. In addition to serving as President of the Board, I am a Program Specialist with the National Center for Homeless Education (we work to make sure that children and youth experiencing homelessness can stay in school), I'm married to Michelle Giorgi, and every once in a while I get together with folks not associated with church or work - imagine that! I am constantly striving for balance, not easy but worth it. I am actually an introvert, being "out in front" does not come naturally for me but I'm challenging myself to keep stepping forward even when it's uncomfortable. The next two years will be ones of great change and challenge for our church. I have faith that we will grow stronger in how we live the principles and how we are in relationship with each other and with the world. Truly, Love Reaches Out. In the words of Sister Simone Campbell who gave the Ware Lecture at GA, our work and transformation happens when we "walk towards trouble." Will you walk with me? Yours in Covenant, Karen Madrone |
|
Team and Committee Meetings and ways to help out
|
Membership in our movement entails the investment of both our time and talents to further our shared mission. Please find ways to connect your personal contributions with those of others within our Spiritual Community to make our Church, Community and Culture a better place.
Some of our Teams and Committees 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.
Ministry Team Meetings
All Ministry Team Leads meet with the Minister on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary to plan together for all church programming. This is an open meeting.
Coordinating Council Meetings
The Coordinating Council (both the Ministry Team Leads and all Committee Chairs) meet quarterly (Feb, May, Aug and Nov) on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. The Council is co-chaired by Michelle Lee, VP, and Rev. Ann Marie Alderman. This is an open meeting.
Board of Trustees Meetings
The Board of Trustees meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM in the Sanctuary. This monthly meeting is where governance decisions are made for our Church. This is an open meeting.
Communications Team
The 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. Please contact Jeff or Liz Gauger if you would like to explore joining the Communications Team.
Fellowship Team Meetings
Everyone is invited to join this team that is always on the lookout to create opportunities for people to connect and have fun. Contact Kay Bishop and Rick Tolley for more information on the Fellowship Team.
Healthy Congregation Committee Meetings
For more information, contact
Justice Action Team Meetings
The Justice Action Team meets on second Sundays after the service at 12:30 pm in the Library. Opportunities for volunteering with JAT include hands-on, nitty gritty tasks and work toward policy change to benefit Greensboro's residents. Membership Team The Membership Team makes visitors welcome in our church and works to expand our membership. 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. Please take a look at our bulletin board in the foyer and get to know our new members. Membership is a big focus for Rev. Ann Marie. If you are interested in working with us, please contact Judy Gecinger
Music Team MeetingsThe Music Team meets after Church on the Sunday before the Ministry Team/Coordinating Council meeting. This is typically the 2nd or 3rd Sunday of the Month. Meetings are typically held in the Library. Policy & Procedures Committee If you are interested in participating in the research, drafting, and editing process of our policy manual, please see Karen Madrone, President of the Board.
Worship Team Meetings
Our Worship Team meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month @ 3:30PM in the Minister's office. Please contact Barbara Hands if you are interested in helping the Worship Team as a Team Member, an Usher, Service Leader or Service Coordinator.
Youth Religious Education Team
For meeting times and dates see the calendar or contact Team Lead Heather Rushforth.
|
|
Regular Events
|
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 moves back to the Saigon Restaurant at the corner of Merritt Drive and High Point Road. We meet the last Monday of the month. Newcomers are welcome. We have a choice of ordering a favorite meal from the menu or eating a communal dinner created by the chef. Women with allergies are taken into consideration before he prepares this three-course meal of appetizer, soup and entree. We share our stories and have a delightful time. Please contact Mary Davis (586-0188) or Janet Plummer (294-6364) 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.
|
|
Faith Formation on Sundays in July
|
Adult Faith Formation - Sunday Afternoons and Evenings
| Every Sunday Afternoon Meditation |
Deep River Sangha, Buddhist meditation
|
4:00 - 5:30
| |
2nd and 4th Sunday Evening Meditation
|
Meditation for the Love of it
Joan Skokan et al
|
7:00 - 8:30
|
Seasoned meditators, new meditators, intermittent meditators, people who have convinced themselves they'll never be able to meditate, people who want to meditate, but hate it or don't know how to get started...all are welcome.
|
|
Faith Formation requests guidance for next year's topics
| |
The Faith Formation program is on vacation for the summer. Our 9:30 gathering for Adults will resume in the fall. Meanwhile, our team is asking for input as we plan next year's curriculum and the topics for our Sunday morning discussions.
What big or enduring questions would you like to explore to help bring meaning to your life? What issues need to be explored by our community?
Examples include: Why am I here? Where am I going?
How do I make a difference?
Please go to Survey Monkey at the link below to give your answer. You can go back multiple times, and there are no wrong answers...
|
|
Book Signing for "Through Three Portals" by Rev. F Nelson Stover:
|
 In commemoration of the official release of Through Three Portals: Helping Tomorrow Unfold, Nelson Stover will be available at 7:00 on Friday evening July 11th, 2014 to sign copies of the book. The event will be held at Scuppernong Books at 304 S. Elm St. in Greensboro.He will also be available to discuss overall themes of the book and autograph copies of his book. All are welcome to attend. About Through Three Portals Through Three Portals provides a way to include science and religion in the same context, the emerging natural world. It integrates the social, scientific and interpersonal research of previous centuries into a fresh perspective adequate for contemporary society. Through Three Portals is written for people who find the old answers to life's deeper questions less than adequate for their current understandings. It is written for groups and individuals looking for common ground on which to stand while determining their collective responses to current practical challenges. Readers will find the perspectives they need to help tomorrow unfold by looking through three portals: - By gazing at the wonder that fills the natural world,
- By experiencing beauty which shines through depth experiences of social interactions and
- By encountering the awe that pours forth from the center of selfhood.
Available on-line Through Three Portals can be ordered through the Emerging Ecology website. Emerging Ecology promotes a worldview for the next generations' solutions. The recently formed organization conducts programs to give practical expression to many of the concepts outlined in Through Three Portals. |
|
Thanks for Joining the All Church Workday
|
 Many thanks for the church members and friends who joined in our June 14 Church Workday. We spent the morning and early afternoon doing the cleaning and maintenance that keeps our church running. |
|
Our Newest Member
| 
Our June 15, our Membership Team introduced Carla Duncan as our newest member of our Church Please welcome Carla to our congregation and spiritual Community when you next see her.
Judy Gecinger, Membership Team Chair, |
|
Justice Action Team Update
| |
JAT Reports Successful Workday with Community Housing Solutions
Who knew working with hammers, grout, mowers and ladders could be so rewarding and even enjoyable! Fourteen UUs worked with two CHS supervisors to repair fascia, clean out gutters, put up a tub surround, and do lots of grouting and mowing and weeding. Three more provided lunch, did odd jobs and enjoyed visiting with the homeowner.
The Community Housing Solutions supervisors were knowledgeable and great to work with. All tools were furnished by CHS, although several of our do-it yourselfers brought their own tool boxes and belts. We have some very experienced carpenters in our midst.
Sorry you missed this exciting experience? You will have the opportunity to work on a home in the fall or spring. Watch for the announcement in the newsletter in upcoming months.
Monday Night Dinner at Urban Ministry July 7
Please join us on the first Monday of each month when the Social Action Team organizes and serves a meal to the 100 residents of the Greensboro Urban Ministry's night shelter. We usually have 10 to 12 volunteers from our church who buy, cook and serve the meal each month. We prepare on-site the same meal each month, consisting of turkey chili, buttered bread, fruit salad, corn and bean salad and homemade cookies. Several of our members make cookies, and the residents love the chance to eat such delicacies. The ingredients for the meal cost a little over $90 each month, paid for by UUCG.
A team of volunteers from Hinshaw Memorial Methodist Church usually comes in to help serve the meal to the residents. If you would like to be part of this rewarding work, contact Ken Knight.
Environmental Stewardship Greensboro note on (Styrofoam Peanuts)
As part of our Green Sanctuary status, our Congregation collects Styrofoam for recycling in bins on the Church Patio. However, please don't put Styrofoam peanuts in the Styrofoam recycle container. The recycling center we work with does not accept them.
Taking It T-UU The Streets (TTS)
On Sunday, June 8, three dozen care bags were assembled by The Nurturers during Sunday School. The children proudly carried them from the classroom to the lobby basket, some overflowing onto the floor. Yet by the time the building closed that Sunday, all but 7 bags had been picked up by members and friends for distribution to the needy. What a wonderful testament to the compassion we are carrying out into the world...and what a sad commentary on the need we are encountering every day. This ongoing project, co-sponsored by UUCG's Justice Action Team and the YRE Team, relies on your generosity.
The Nurturers will next be assembling care bags during Sunday School on Sunday, July 6. Please consider donating individual-serving non-perishable food items and hygiene items to the lobby basket or make a monetary donation to assist with the purchase of such items.
For more information, please contact Cindy Dillard, Director of YRE (uucgre@att.net).
Thank you for your "Share the Plate" contributions in May.
Thanks to all of your generous contributions for the Share the Plate in May. We were able to contribute $418.50 to Triad Adult & Pediatric Medicine. This agency is the medical provider for many indigent adults and children in Guilford County. --Ken Knight "Share Half" Recipient for July
The Recipient of July's Share the Plate Sunday cash Offerings is the Greensboro Urban Ministry Service http://greensborourbanministry.org/
|
|
Lay Pastoral Care Associates and Care Team
| |
Request forms for both Lay Pastoral Care Associates and the Care Team are available on the table near the back window in the sanctuary. If you would like help with something or know of someone who may need support, please fill out a form and place it in the care box.
The Care Team, headed by Sara Bourquin ( Sara's Email Link
or 632-1616), assists with meals and transportation.
Janet Eley (Janet's Email Link or 617-4666) oversees the Lay Pastoral Care Associates, who provide a confidential, caring presence to congregants undergoing stressful life challenges.
|
|
Highlights of the June 17, 2014 UUCG Board of Trustees Meeting
|
Highlights of the Board of Trustees meeting held on June 17, 2014 - Charlotte Hamlin, Board President, thanked outgoing Board members, Myra Ann Dean and Ken Knight for their service on the Board. Karen Madrone, incoming President, thanked Charlotte for her leadership in the last two years.
- The Board retreat on August 29-30 will be an opportunity for the Board to explore its vision for the 2014-15 year.
- The new UUCG website is live and receiving positive feedback.
- Lonnie Houck, Treasurer, reported that both YTD pledge income and expenses for May were 1% over budget. We received the bank lease check for $29,717. This income is distributed evenly over the next six months, so our current Delta (Income-Expense) for the year is positive by $2,508. YTD Cash in Plate/Operating income is 41% over budgeted amount.
- Joan Skokan reviewed the work of the Developmental Ministry Task Force. The DMT suggests that it may be useful to have a wider conversation for all congregants to explore the alignment of values with stewardship choices.
- As acting chair of the Accountability Committee, Charlotte Hamlin reported on its efforts for the year past, including the Developmental Ministry evaluation and the performance evaluation of the Developmental Minister. Results of the recent Board Self-Assessment were compiled by Marie Houck and distributed to Board members for discussion.
- Lonnie distributed and reviewed an update on Finance Committee research into refinancing the church mortgage at a rate that is 3% lower than our current rate. This would make it possible to pay down the principal faster with the same budgeted amount. A motion was made, seconded and approved for the Finance Committee to move forward with pursuing this opportunity.
Additional details are available elsewhere in this newsletter or in reports posted at http://uugreensboro.org/for-members/ under Member Documents. The next Board meeting will be Tuesday, July 15th at 7 pm and is open to anyone who wishes to attend. Submitted by Sharin Francis |
|
July Birthdays
|  Congratulations to our members with birthdays in July!
Bob Voorhees, Jason Adams, Elaine Stover,
Heather Rushforth, Carl Cook, E.J. Deering,
Amelia Mattocks, Laura Graham, Johnny Knight,
Ken Knight, David Kundtz, Rick Tolley Jr., Jackie Horner,
Barry Collum, Pete Summers, Julie Potts, Dan Alexander,
Mathieu Bialal, Johnathan Callihan, Brock Marston, Iman Sherbine,
Zoe Schroeder, Brandon Williams & Remy Dillow
|
Attendance and Offering Update
|  |
June 1 |
106
RE Adults 2
Children 13 | No collection | | June 8 |
145
RE Adults 6
Children 15 | $4,418.84 | | June 15 |
128
RE Adults 8
Children 21
| $1,766.00 | |
| | |
| |
| | |
| | |
Expressions On Hiatis until September 10th |
|
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
|
|
|
UUCG Officers
| Karen Madrone, President kmadrone@juno.com
|
|
CG Trustees
| |
Shawn Gagne (2017) jegauger@triad.rr.com
Jim Roeder (2017) jimroeder2@gmail.com
Cindy Williams (2016) cmmrw@triad.rr.com
Sue Beck (2016) sbeck1@triad.rr.com
Suzanne Deering (2015) zanned@earthlink.net
Katja Brown (2016) sbrown039@triad.rr.com;
|
|
UUCG Staff
|
Reverend Ann Marie Alderman, Developmental MinisterRev. Ann Marie Alderman began serving as our pastor on August 1, 2013. She may be contacted by sending an e-mail to amalderman@uuma.org or on her mobile phone 704.770.8748. She is usually in her UUCG office on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.  Julie Hamilton, Congregational AdministratorOffice Hours: Please call church office for appointments
(please note new email address)  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, Sexton
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (times vary based on needs).
|
|
Ministry Teams, Board Committees and Task Forces Contacts
|
|
Ministry Teams
|
Report to the Minister
| Adult Faith Formation Team (formerly Adult RE)
| Steve Pearsall, Nina Nameste
| Building and Grounds Team
| Ken Williams
| Care Team
| Sara Bourquin
| Communications Team
| Liz and Jeff Gauger
| Denominational Affairs Team
| Steve Pearsall
| Fellowship Team
| Kay Bishop, Rick Tolley
| Fundraising Team
| Open
| Cabaret Auction Sub-Team
| Lauren Houck
| Justice Action Team (formely Social Action)
| Sue Cole, Sara Bourquin, Becky Floyd
| GLBTQ Sub Team
| Karen Madrone
| Lay Pastoral Care Associates
| Janet Eley
| Membership Team
| Judy Gecinger
| Music Team
| Sue Sherwood & Marilyn Clayton
| Worship Team
| Barbara Hands
| Youth Religious Education Team
| Heather Rushforth
|
Committees and Task Forces
| Report to the Board of Trustees
| Accountability Committee
| open
| ACT
| Nelson Stover
| Archival Records Committee
| Sharin Francis
| Committee on Leadership Development
| Charlotte Hamlin
| Committee on Endowment
| Ken Williams
| Coordinating Council
| Michelle Lee
| Designated Gifts Task Force
| Ken Williams
| Finance Committee
| open
| Healthy Congregations Committee
| Sue Beck
| Human Resources Committee
| open
| Labyrinth Task Force
| Steve Pearsall & Ken Williams
| Policies and Procedures Committee
| open
| Strategic Planning Committee
| Katja Brown
|
|
|
|
|
|
