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UU News
Monthly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
An Intentional Liberal Religious Community October 2015
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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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Newsletter Notes
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The deadline for the December newsletter will be Wednesday, Nov. 25
Send news items to commuucg@bellsouth.net
The newsletter will be published on Dec. 4
Hard copies of this newsletter are available in the church foyer on the Visitor Table.
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Sunday and Special Worship Services and Schedule
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Sunday, Nov. 1
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All Souls Day
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Rev. Ann Marie Alderman
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Sunday, Nov. 8
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To Everything There is a Season |
Rev. Ann Marie Alderman
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Sunday, Nov. 15
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How to Win Friends and
Influence Enemies
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Rev. Lisa Schwartz |
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Sunday, Nov. 22
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Guest at Your Table Bread Communion
Intergenerational Service |
Rev. Ann Marie Alderman
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Sunday, Nov. 29
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Theism and Atheism:
The Differences
That Unite Us
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Rev. Chris Schriner
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Sunday Morning Schedule
| 9:30 - 10:30 | Adult Faith Formation | Compassionate Congregation Series continues the first Sunday of each month presented by the Healthy Congregations Committee. See the class descriptions below.
| 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 the service together. On most Sundays the children leave the sanctuary for Youth Religious Education, which ends at 12:15. Services labeled as "Worship for All Ages" are Intergenerational, shared by both children and adults.
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Inspirations
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Plenty of people believe that they are granted signs by God or the universe to guide them along their path. But what if you are entirely surrounded by signs? What if every bush and street and passer-by carries meaning and significance? Everything you need to know might just be out there, hidden behind a great mass of information.
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Wednesday Potluck
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We share a potluck supper at 6 p.m. each Wednesday.
Please bring a dish to share and your own table service.
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Expressions Music Service
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Wednesday evenings, following the Potluck.
See weekly E-News for a listing of performers
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Reflections from Rev. Ann Marie
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Might there be a "return" of the order of service? Some are asking!
It is true that we have been experimenting with doing without a printed bulletin handed to everyone by an usher all but a few of our Sunday Worship Services since the beginning of August. Going without using all that paper each and every week was primarily motivated by a renewed commitment to being a Green Sanctuary. UUCG earned that designation some years ago, and this was one more new way to be kind to the environment and cut down on the energy it takes to produce those copies!
One great result has been that Mark (our Director of Music) and I on many Sundays have found a new sense of flexibility and creativity in responding to each other and to the "feel" of the room! Another great result has been hearing how much some folks have been enjoying the fresh, spontaneous feel of the services.
Yet, I have also heard some say they miss not being able to look to see what is coming up next. It was for that reason we made a basic outline available on the back table in the sanctuary for anyone who wishes to pick one up. We have been making those available, along with a sheet that lists the same announcements that are e-mailed every Friday. Yet, after over a month, we are finding that not many of either sheet gets picked up. Perhaps we can print even less than we have?
What do you think? I'd welcome your letting me know what brings the right mix of challenge and comfort; what message and music, what prayer and/or call for justice, what that is new or that is old, moves you and encourages you to be the best UU you can be?
Yours in faith,
Rev. Ann Marie
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Cindy Dillard, Youth Religious Education Director
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BECOMING A DRE
As some of you know, I became UUCG's DRE-Youth somewhat by happenstance. Four years ago, my husband, Tom, and I relocated from Columbus, Ohio, to Winston-Salem for his new job at Wake Forest University. I was looking for work, and thought I'd check out organizations I had experience with -- such as preschools and UU churches. As more than one person has told me since then, sometimes the stars/fates/spirits align, but in that first week, I checked out the UUCG website and learned that an RE Coordinator was needed. And I said to myself: I can do that...I can do that! (a wonderful song from "A Chorus Line" that actually did pop into my head...after telling this story once or twice).
In any event, I have entered my 4th year as the person directing UUCG's Religious Education program for children and youth. And while I have degrees and credentials and experience in other fields and have taught various UU RE curricula since 2001, I have no formal training in being a Unitarian Universalist Director of Religious Education. Thanks to your love and support (in all sorts of ways), I've decided to become a credentialed DRE to better serve this congregation. It is a three-year process that will help me develop a solid background in the following areas of UU competency: Human & Faith Development, Administration & Volunteer Management, Right Relations and Professional Ethics, Sexual Health, Six Sources of UU Inspiration, Systems & Conflict, UU Foundations and Worship. I am excited to begin this new period of study and learning, and am grateful to have the support of Rev. Ann Marie and you! Look forward to: "Dispatches from becoming a DRE" in the months to come.
November YRE
[children start in the service @10:55, then adjourn to their classrooms*]
November 1:
UU BIBLE/UU TALES (Pre-K thru 2nd Grade) "Noah's Ark"
THE SIMPSONS & UU (3rd thru 7th Grades)
"Homer v. Lisa & the 8th Commandment"
CIRCLE OF YOUTH (8th-12th Grades)
Exploring Coming-of-Age Readings/Exercises
November 8
UU BIBLE/UU TALES (Pre-K thru 2nd Grade) TTS Carebag Assembling
THE SIMPSONS & UU (3rd thru 7th Grades) "When Flanders Failed"
CIRCLE OF YOUTH (8th-12th Grades) Exploring Coming-of-Age Readings/Exercises
November 15
UU BIBLE/UU TALES (Pre K thru 2nd Grade) "Old Turtle" THE SIMPSONS & UU (3rd thru 7th Grades) "Like Father, Like Clown'"
CIRCLE OF YOUTH (8th-12th Grades) Exploring Coming-of-Age Readings/Exercises
November 22
MULTI-GENERATIONAL SERVICE (children remain in the service): "Bread Communion"
November 29
UU BIBLE/UU TALES (Pre-K thru 2nd Grade) "Stone Soup"
THE SIMPSONS & UU (3rd thru 7th Grades) "Homer, the Heretic"
CIRCLE OF YOUTH (8th-12th Grades) Exploring Coming-of-Age Readings/Exercises
NURSERY
Our nursery staff has expanded! Please welcome Samiiah Wilson:
My name is Samiiah, and I am a current student-athlete at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I am entering my Junior year, and majoring in Business Administration with a Spanish minor. I have been working with children as a nanny for the past 6 years, and I hope to continue on for many more. I'm from Apex, North Carolina and was raised with an older brother and a younger sister. I'm very down to earth and outgoing and look forward to becoming acquainted with everyone at the church!
Nursery care is provided every Sunday for children birth-age 4, 10am-12:15pm (extended for meetings and special events.)
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From the Congregational Vice President Michelle Lee
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Accountability
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24
One of the governance committees that reports to the Board of Trustees is the Accountability Committee. The purpose of Accountability is to maintain and implement policies and procedures related to oversight. This includes monitoring and evaluating systems and outcomes. We assure accountability through recognition, support, and correction where appropriate.
The responsibilities of the Accountability Committee include: -
Assuring completion of performance reviews for the Minister/Chief of Staff and Operations, President/Chief Executive Officer, Board, and Staff.
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Reviewing congregational committee effectiveness (Leadership Development, Endowment, & Search)
The Accountability Committee consists of three to five congregation members with staggered two-year terms.
Reflecting on how we effectively live our values and accomplish our goals is important work. Completed evaluations of both the developmental minister and the overall ministry of the church each provide invaluable information to the Board.
If you would like to talk about the work of the Accountability Committee or other governance committees at UUCG, please contact Karen Madrone, president, or Michelle Lee, vice-president.
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Adult Faith mation
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November 1: The Enemy Image: Who are your EI's? Give your reasons!
9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
As we move towards elections, this seems a good time to explore what Compassionate Communications might offer us in dealing with our "Enemy Images". Who are YOUR enemy images?
  
November 8:
Gestalt Psychology and Economics: Tom Burwell will continue discussions inspired by his diverse reading, and ideas of how various subjects may inform each other.
Gestalt Psychology states that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, while Economics usually is considered simply additive. What can each subject teach the other, and how can understanding that intersection inform our own spiritual development?
November 15: Dreams and Individual Meaning: Tom Burwell will look at the writings of Carl Jung and Wolfgang Giegerich for understanding what our dreams can teach us about ourselves.
November 22: TBD: Tom Burwell will continue this look at how we know what we know, and how a variety of writings can inform our own spiritual development. Watch the weekly announcements for details on the specific topic.
November 29: NO ADULT FAITH FORMATION CLASS We will take this Thanksgiving weekend off.
December 6: Compassion and Self Care: The Healthy Congregation Committee will take a look at how we can use Compassionate Communication to take care of ourselves during this Holiday Season.
Looking Forward: The Unitarian Universalist Association announces a "common read" every year. This year's common read is Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. Sometime in early 2016, the Adult Faith Formation class will take a look at this book together. The book is available through Amazon, and also from the Unitarian Universalist Book Store. The UUA offers a discount for purchases of five or more. If you are interested in placing an order, please contact Marie Houck.
Sunday Afternoon Meditation
| Every Sunday Afternoon |
Deep River Sangha, Buddhist meditation
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4:00 - 5:30
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Annual UUCG Auction
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Gather your donations now. Handmade items are always top sellers.
Donations: Ann Dickinson
Entertainment: Marie Houck
Food: Laura Graham
Co-Chairs Lauren Houck and Robin Lewis
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Leadership Development
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Leadership Workshop, Saturday, Nov. 14
Committee on Leadership Development
What are the personal skills that contribute to effective leadership? This workshop will give you an opportunity to self-assess your skills and seek group consensus on which ones are most important to working on a congregational team or committee. Participants will consider several case studies as they relate to communication to achieve group objectives, with small-group and open discussion. Refreshments will be served. This workshop will run from 1:00 to 4:30 pm, and is open to all interested persons. Please sign up on the poster in the foyer so we'll know how many to expect, or email Wendell Putney at wputney@gmail.com. If you need childcare to attend, please let us know 48 hours prior to the workshop. |
Coffee Volunteers
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Volunteers are needed for Coffee Hour in November. It is a gift of a time and joy we can all share. Anyone can sign up; the sheet is on the bulletin board just outside the kitchen, next to the 'Flowers' sign-up. Serving coffee is easy, and we will be glad to go through it with anyone interested. 
We would like to express a sincere "Thank You!" to the great folks who have volunteered to provide coffee after Sunday service.
Karen and Robb Fulkerson
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Poinsettia Sale
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The Music Team will be selling poinsettias during November to help decorate the church during December and to raise money for the Music Team. There will be order forms on the table at the rear of the sanctuary. Fill them out and give to any Music Team member, or place in the Music Team mail box. They will be $15 each, or two for $25.
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| Ladies' and Men's Night Out | |
Ladies' Night Out
Ladies are invited to our monthly Vietnamese dinner at the Saigon Restaurant the last Monday of the month -- Nov. 30. We meet at 6:30 p.m. If we have ten or more, we have the option of having the chef prepare a communal meal for us. It's usually a soup, two kinds of egg rolls and one or two entrees, costing a little over $10.00. We also have the option of selecting from the menu. It's a lively evening of table discussion, laughter and getting to know more about each other. Newcomers are always welcome. If you plan to attend please contact Mary Davis (586-0188) or Janet Plummer (294-6364).
Men's Night Out
Join us the 2nd Monday of the month -- Nov. 9 -- at 6 p.m. at Villarosa, 6010 Landmark Center Blvd, Greensboro, near I-40 and Wendover. We also meet on the last Monday of each month at Applebee's on Battleground Avenue at 6 p.m.
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Donate Blood
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Here's a big 'thank you' to those UUCG donors who came out to our partner church, St. Timothy's UMC, for the August blood drive - we made the difference in reaching the Red Cross goal!  UUCG will be hosting its semi-annual blood drive on Monday, November 30 from 2:00-6:30pm. Please bring your donor card or photo ID when you come, and remember to eat plenty of iron-rich foods in the week prior! |
Justice Action Team Update | |
Monday Night Dinner at Urban Ministry
On Monday, Oct. 5, eight volunteers from our church and five from Hinshaw United Methodist Church served a meal of chili, fruit salad and homemade cookies to an appreciative group of residents of the Greensboro Urban Ministry night shelter. Thanks for your financial support and labor. If you would like to be part of this crew, contact. Ken Knight atoldpeacenik@gmail.com
Thank you Weaver House Team!
The season of giving thanks, is a wonderful time to recognize those who've made it possible for us to serve dinner at Greensboro Urban Ministry's Weaver House to hundreds of homeless people in the past year. Assisted in set-up and serving by members of Hinshaw Methodist Church, the following volunteers have shopped, cooked, served, washed dishes or all the above so that we could serve the homeless on the first Monday of each month: Donna Bankovich, Marabi Bofolo, Remy Bofolo Dottie Borei, Sara Bourquin, Tom Burwell, Josh Davis, Nick Divitchi, Sharin Francis, Robert Frederick, Rob Fulkerson, Charlotte Hamlin, Bill Haney, Barbara Hughes, Tony Kate, Ken Knight, Karen Niehans, Sam Niehans, Carol Owens, Nema Pampo, Deo Pampo, Nancy Powersmith, Jonathon Sands, Donna Scheidt, Rob Scheidt, Marty Ward, Peggy Wynn, Tess Wynn, Melanie Yokely and Zachary Yokely.
Cookie providers have also brought smiles to those we serve and we thank the following people for baking or buying these popular treats at some time in the last year. Sara Bourquin, Sue Cole, Terri Cummings, Suzanne, Sharin Francis, Karen Fulkerson, Phoenix Harmony, Michele Hutchins, Mary Alice Knight, and Paula Swongeur, and Melanie Yokely.
Thanks also to anyone whose names might have been inadvertently left off due to incomplete records. The combined generosity of all these folks has been an important part of our ministry in the larger community. We are also grateful to the congregation of UUCG for supporting the Social Action Team in this and other efforts that have a positive impact on the larger community.
Taking it T-UU the Streets On Sunday, November 8, our youngest class, "The Storytellers," will be assembling carebags and messages of kindness for our justice action project, Taking It T-UU The Streets (TTS). Please consider donating non-perishable individual food and hygiene items to the collection basket in the lobby. If you (or someone you know) travels, please gather the soaps, etc. and donate them to the lobby basket. Financial donations are also welcome to help purchase materials for the carebags. For more information, please contact Cindy Dillard (uucgre@att.net).
Community Housing Solutions
Saturday November 14 is the day! Join other UUs to repair a house working with Community Housing Solutions. This non-profit organization works to keep homeowners in their homes. These homeowners are often disabled or elderly and unable to complete or finance repairs. Jobs include carpentry, simple installations, lawn work,and cleaning. CHS furnishes all the tools, but you can bring a favorite hammer or rake! T eams from our church have worked on three homes and found it fulfilling and a great way to feel closer to other church members. The day usually begins around 8:30 and runs until 2:30 or 3:00. If you can work just a few hours, we'll welcome you! Lunch will be provided. 
You can sign up at the Justice Action table any Sunday in October. If you are unable to work, the team will appreciate snacks and brownies. Just put down your name!
Contact Carla Duncan or Sara Bourquin for additional information, or see us on Sunday morning.
Share the Plate: November
Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro and High Point Hospice
Share the Plate 2016For several years it has been a UUCG practice to donate half the cash or undesignated money in the collection plate for the first four Sundays of the month to local non-profit organizations working for the good of the citizens of Guilford County. Again this year we solicit your suggestions, asking that you submit the name and a brief description of the mission or work of the organization. Please be certain that this group is designated as a 501c3 nonprofit and can accept our donations. Selections will be made and announced in January. Please submit your nomination to the Justice Action Team by the end of November. Leave your written suggestion at the JAT table at the entrance or in their mailbox in the hall. You can also give your suggestion to any JAT member that you know. Members usually present at church are Nelson Stover, Ken Knight, Becky Floyd, Sue Cole and Sara Bourquin.
Food Drive Thank You
THANKS to Zach Owen, Katherine Carr, Chellie Mason, Gay Cheney, Joe and Judy
Gecinger, Harold and Tish Gunn, Sue Cole, and Becky Floyd for collecting 972
pounds of nonperishable food and $75 in cash for the Greensboro Food Bank at the Food Lion at 4653 West Market Street on Saturday, October 10, 2015.
Peanut Butter Alert
Thanks to everyone at the Unitarian Universalist Church who contributed to the 86 pounds of peanut butter and nonperishable food collected last month for the Greensboro Food Bank.
You are greatly appreciated! Becky Floyd
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Healthy Congregation Committee
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On Continued Good Health...
I have been going to the gym five days a week since early summer. It has been making a difference in my energy level, stamina and general health. There are days when it is hard to talk myself into leaving the house to do this, but I know it is something I need.
However, one night recently I kicked something hard, and broke my toe. It's no big deal, toes heal quickly. However, I was unable to get my sneakers on for several days, and therefore unable to go to the gym. I found I didn't really miss it much, and ended up skipping an entire week while I let my toe start healing.
This morning, I went back. I hadn't lost much in only one week, but I could tell. I was reminded rather forcefully that fitness isn't something you acquire once, then just sit back and enjoy: it requires constant attention, and regular exercise.
Congregational health is no different. We are doing well, and are definitely getting healthier as a congregation. However, we must not just sit back and enjoy the good health. Rather, we must continue to be attentive to how we are with each other, and continue the practices, both individual and collective, that lead to good health.
What kind of exercises are you doing for your personal spiritual health, and what are you doing to contribute to the continued health of the congregation?
Marie Houck, for the Healthy Congregation Committee
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Thank You
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A big THANK YOU to the following folks who toiled in the soil of the Memorial Garden during the October 10th Workday: Jason Adams, Sue Beck, Avery Courter, Sharin Francis, Bill Haney, Lonnie Houck, Shavonta Kuecker, Michelle Lee, Joanna Meroth, Carol Michaelis, Jim Roeder, Dakota Spooner, Rod Swonguer, Cindy Williams, David Williams, and Ken Williams. They weeded, pruned, raked, and shoveled for hours. The forecasted rain didn't arrive until late afternoon. Check out the great photos of their work posted by Michelle Lee on Facebook!
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Save the Date
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On Saturday, January 16, from 9:15 -11:00 a.m., UUCG and the Mental Health Association of Greensboro will offer a workshop on QPR: Suicide Awareness Training.
QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer. Participants in the workshop will learn to recognize the signs of suicide crisis and how to use the three steps of Question, Persuade and Refer to direct the person to help. Tuition/donation of $15 is requested. A limited amount of financial assistance is available; those seeking it may contact Rev. Alderman in confidence. All proceeds go to the Mental Health Association. Say "Yes" to saving the life of a loved one.
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Board of Trustees
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Highlights of the October 15, 2015 UUCG Board of Trustees Meeting - The November 1 Congregational meeting to vote on proposed bylaw changes will include a presentation by Katja Brown, Strategic Planning Chair, of results from the "Where Are We Now" listening circles. She will also introduce questions to gather feedback for guidance in moving forward.
- Susan Hill, Treasurer, reviewed the Treasurer's reports and answered questions. These included UUCG's Capital and Maintenance Plan, developed by Finance Committee to plan for anticipated long term expenses
- Rev. Ann Marie Alderman reported that the new UUCG sign outside is getting favorable attention and drawing in visitors. The experiment with no printed bulletin for worship service has been extended. In addition to being consistent with efforts to be environmentally responsible, the change has brought positive feedback from those who appreciate the flexibility and spontaneity. Printed copies of the basic worship service outline and other general information about UUCG, as well as weekly announcements, will continue to be available.
- Sharin Francis, Chair of Archival Records Committee, provided a written report on the current and ongoing status of the archival files
- The Smoking Task Force charter was accepted by the Board and additional members, smokers and non-smokers, will be invited to serve on the taskforce.
- The Board accepted the Board covenant for 2015-16,
- More details are available in reports posted at the UUCG website http://uugreensboro.org/for-members/members-only/ Go to "20 15-16 Board Reports" in October.
The next Board meeting will be Nov. 18 at 7:30 pm and is open to all.
Submitted by Sharin Francis
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Strategic Planning
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It is time for the next phase of Strategic Planning, the one in which you get to dream big!
Here are the 3 questions to ponder:
1. Who do we want to be as a church in 5 years?
2. What do we want to be known for?
3. How can UUCG meet congregants' needs in terms of personal growth/religion/spirituality?
When you are ready to answer please to to the form found here >>>>
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Team and Committee Meetings and Ways to Help Out
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Members and friends of UUCG are invited to participate in Ministry Teams or in Governing Committees. Whether you have a particular talent or want to learn one, there is a place for you!
Some of the 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.
Ministry Team Lead 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 ministry 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. We share regarding current and upcoming events. This is an open meeting. Board of Trustees Meetings The Board of Trustees meets on the 3rd Wednesdays in odd months at 7:30 pm, and 3rd Thursdays in even months at 7 pm. Please check the calendar for each month's meeting date. This monthly meeting is where governance decisions are made. This is an open meeting.
Adult Faith Formation Team
Adult Faith Formation sessions begin on Sunday mornings from 9:30 - 10:30 am on September 13. Marie Houck is the team lead.
Communications Team
The Communications Team publishes the monthly newsletter and maintains the web site. We also administer our social media presence. We don't have regular meetings but there are several tasks that you could help with. Please contact Liz Gauger if you would like to join 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. We sponsor the Wednesday night Potlucks and the Young Adult Gaming Group and many periodic fun fellowship events.
Healthy Congregation Committee Meetings
Membership Team
The Membership Team makes visitors welcome and invites all who are ready to be members into the full benefits of congregational life. 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. Take a look at our bulletin board in the foyer and get to know the new members. If you are interested in this vital ministry contact Nancy Henderson . We also sponsor the Chalice Circles, which are coordinated by Laura Graham.
Music Team Meetings
The 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
Worship Team Meetings
Our Worship Team meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 3:30PM in the Minister's office. Please contact Nora Bird 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.
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| Community Events | |
Reinhartsen 5K Run November 7
Race starts at 9:00 a.m., Alamance Community College Main Campus (Carrington-Scott Campus Exit 150 off Interstate 40/85) benefits The Steven Reinhartsen Memorial Scholarship for an Alamance Community College work-study student. $25 registration fee, $15 for students, $30 day of event registration (8:00 - 8:45 a.m.) Timed, chip race. Fun run / walk as well. Bring the whole family (sorry no dogs).
To register, click here Reinhartsen-5k-run
Spiritual Perspectives on Climate Change A gathering inspired by Thomas Berry Sunday, November 8, 2015 3:30-5:30 pm Haw River State Park Climate change is a real big deal, probably the biggest challenge we humans face. Here in Greensboro and in communities throughout the world, people of all faiths feel the urgent call to respond in a deep way, not put it off for other generations. Environmental Stewardship Greensboro (ESG) is devoting its November 8 meeting to stimulating ideas for addressing climate change, inspired by the work of Thomas Berry, Greensboro native, deep ecologist and theologian. Elaine and Nelson Stover, Carolyn Toben and Peggy Whalen-Levitt, past winners of the Greensboro Public Library's Thomas Berry Award, will present responses to the question "What would Thomas Berry say about the climate crisis?" Susannah Tuttle of North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light (NCIPL) will talk about what congregations in North Carolina are doing to generate positive momentum for a successful World Climate Summit in Paris. All people in Greensboro's faith communities are invited to come to Haw River State Park for this lively discussion. ESG is welcoming the NCIPL Leadership Council with a reception following the meeting.
NICARAGUA ECOTOUR FOR 2016
When I was a member of the UU Fellowship of Raleigh, I led several fascinating trips to this wonderful project in San Ramon, Nicaragua. One of the members of the Raleigh church, Diann Irwin, is recruiting for a trip in late February. I hope some of our members can accompany her. See details below.
February 27 - March 5, 2016 Fact Sheet
Cost: $1400 plus airfare. The cost covers all in-country costs for the week-long tour. Airfare looks to be about $800/person. There are many options currently. In order to be in Managua by 2 pm for pick up, it is likely that participants will need to fly to Managua on February 26. But do not book a flight until we are sure there are enough participants to go.
Return flights must leave after 1 pm on March 5.
How to commit to the trip? Turn in a $200 deposit, reservation form and liability waiver. Although malaria has largely been eradicated in Nicaragua, it occurs infrequently. We are not going during the rainy season but insect repellent on the skin and clothing as well as closed shoes and long pants are encouraged. You may want to check at a travel clinic to be sure you have all immunizations and your medications in order.
The itinerary last year consisted of 4 nights at the eco-lodge (FEV) and 3 nights in San Ramon staying with a village family. Activities at the eco-lodge included hikes, visiting a tree nursery, cooking lessons, bird watching, visiting a school, visiting the coffee farm, butterfly trail, an activity with some students, and more. Time in the village included a tour of San Ramon, a dance performance, visits to local centers, hikes and swimming, jewelry making, craft market
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AUUCG Covenant UUCG Covenant gust Birthdays
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Best Wishes to this month's honorees:
Larry Puzio, Cole Weih, Roger Robbins,
Robin Lewis, Jim Roeder, Abby Donnelley,
Zach Owen, Sue Cole, Caelen Mead,
Breeze Dunham, Samantha Meroth,
Patricia Vedder, Avery Courter,
Linda Bridges
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Attendance
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October 4 |
95
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October 11
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115
| October 18
October 25
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104
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 Share 1/2 donations for October: $ The donations went to the Animal Rescue & Foster Program. |
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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
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Karen Madrone, President
Michelle Lee, Vice President
Susan Hill, Treasurer
Sharin Francis, Secretary
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UUCG Trustees
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Sue Beck (2016)
Katja Brown (2016)
Robert Gretton (2016)
Jim Roeder (2017)
Cindy Williams (2018)
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UUCG Staff
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 Reverend Ann Marie Alderman, MinisterRev. Ann Marie Alderman 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
 Mark Freundt, Director of MusicOffice Hours: Please call church office for appointments Office Phone: 336.856.0330, Cell: 336.908.1103 E-mail: uucgdirmu@bellsouth.net Cindy Dillard, YRE DirectorOffice Hours: Please call church office for appointments Office Phone: 336.856.0330 Cell 614.975.0126 E-mail: uucgre@att.net
Walter McCorey, Sexton
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (times vary based on needs).
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Ministry Team and Board Committee Contacts
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Ministry Teams--Reporting to the Minister
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| Adult Faith Formation Team (formerly Adult RE)
| Marie Houck
| Building and Grounds Team
| Ken Williams
| Care Team - practical needs
| Sara Bourquin
| Communications Team
| Liz and Jeff Gauger
| Denominational Affairs Team
| Open
| Fellowship Team
| Kay Bishop and Rick Tolley
| Fundraising Team
| Open
| Auction Sub-Team
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Lauren Houck, Robin Lewis
| Justice Action Team (formerly Social Action)
| Sue Cole, Sara Bourquin, Becky Floyd
| Environmental Stewardship Greensboro
| Vance Archer
| Food Drives and Food Donations
| Becky Floyd
| Standing on the Side of Love
| Tim Leisman
| Potter House Service
| Ken Knight
| Red Cross Blood Drive
| Tim Leisman
| Pastoral Care Team
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Joe Gecinger
| Membership Team
| Nancy Henderson
| Music Team
| Sue Sherwood
| Worship Team
| Nora Bird
| | Labyrinth | Michelle Lee | |
Youth Religious Education Team
| Heather Rushforth
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Committees and Task Forces
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Report to the Board of Trustees
| Accountability Committee
| Karen Madrone, Acting Chair | ACT
| Open | Archival Records Committee
| Sharin Francis
| Designated Gifts Task Force
| Ken Williams
| Finance Committee
| Lonnie Houck | Healthy Congregations Committee
| Marie Houck
| Human Resources Committee
| open
| | Policies and Procedures Committee | open | | Strategic Planning Committee | Katja Brown |
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Congregational Standing Committees
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Report to the Congregation
| Committee on Leadership Development
| Wendell Putney | Committee on Endowment
| Ken Williams
| Coordinating Council
| Rev. Ann Marie, Michelle Lee
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