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UU News
Monthly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
An Intentional Liberal Religious Community December 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 January newsletter will be Friday, Jan. 1
Send news items to commuucg@bellsouth.net
The newsletter will be published on Jan. 8
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, Dec. 6
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Stranger in a Strangeland: The Risk of
True Hospitality |
Rev. Ann Marie Alderman
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Sunday, Dec. 13
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Holiday Music Service
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Mark Freundt
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Sunday, Dec. 20
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Holiday Cheer
Worship for All Ages
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Rev. Ann Marie Alderman |
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Christmas Eve,
6 pm
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Worship for All Ages |
Rev. Ann Marie Alderman
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Sunday, Dec. 27
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Letting Go
Worship for All Ages
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Marie Houck
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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 article below for the rest of the month's Adult Faith Formation 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 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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"The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving."
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
What direction are you moving?
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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.
Dec. 9 Mike Connors, harpist
Dec. 16 Marilyn Clayton and Martha Emrey Music of the Season
Dec. 23 An Ezerman or Two
Dec. 30 Labyrinth
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Reflections from Rev. Ann Marie
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This is supposed to be the season of hope and good cheer. Yet, the world around us feels more polarized than ever. It seems that if you disagree violence is the answer. It isn't. At least not for us. We are called to be a people of peace. A people who practice love, who do what we can to speak and act with faith that every moment is another opportunity to be the very best we can be. To act with kindness. To care for one another. To be gentle.
May we continue to be the people who make life worth living every day, year after year.
Yours in faith,
Rev. Ann Marie
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Cindy Dillard, Youth Religious Education Director
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 ALL-CHURCH POTLUCK-Sunday, 12/13, following Music Ministry Service
I LOVE...A POTLUCK...HOW 'BOUT YOU??? No matter who you usually hang out with at church-or if you usually fly solo-our quarterly all-church potluck brings our church family together in unexpected, delightful and tasty ways. As part of YRE's Fellowship Portfolio, we regularly sponsor this potluck, hosting everyone (including visitors and those not able to provide a dish) in the RE wing for food and fellowship following a church service. There's no sign-up list. Please just bring a dish to pass, if you're able-and if we only get desserts, so be it (though we usually get many delicious dishes incorporating all food groups)! Beverages and eating-ware will be provided. Volunteers for set-up and tear-down are welcome. Contact Cindy Dillard (uucgre@att.net) for more information.
YRE/SUNDAY SCHOOL
[children start in the service @10:55, then adjourn to their classrooms]
12/6 UU BIBLE/UU TALES (Pre-K thru 2nd Grade) "Jesus"
THE SIMPSONS & UU (3rd thru 7th Grades) "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire"
CIRCLE OF YOUTH (8th-12th Grades) Exploring Coming-of-Age Readings/Exercises
12/13 UU BIBLE/UU TALES (Pre-K thru 2nd Grade) "This is the Stable"
THE SIMPSONS & UU (3rd thru 7th Grades) TTS Carebag Assembling
CIRCLE OF YOUTH (8th-12th Grades) Exploring Coming-of-Age Readings/Exercises
12/20 MULTI-GENERATIONAL SERVICE (children remain in the service):
Winter Holidays Service
12/27 MULTI-GENERATIONAL SERVICE (children remain in the service):
Letting Go, Marie Houck leads
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From the Congregational President Karen Madrone
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Moving from Thanksgiving and into the Christmas season has me thinking about gratitude. I am grateful to work with a board and Executive Committee that is willing to ask difficult questions and to stay in the conversation even in times of disagreement. I am grateful for our minister who challenges us to be our best selves and live our faith in everything we do. I am grateful for our hard working staff who are very dedicated to UUCG. I am grateful for the Committee Chairs and Ministry Team Leads who do a lot of work behind the scenes towards taking care of everything from making sure coffee is provided on Sunday mornings to staying on top of our church finances. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of a faith community that knows that who we are as a community is the heart of who we are. Each person is part of the whole that makes our church work together cohesively and lovingly.
The Board has recently begun the practice of saying thank you to volunteers. This is a good grounding opportunity for us to acknowledge and connect with members and friends who have contributed to the life of our church. This practice reminds us of our seventh principle and that we are connected to everyone. Board work is necessary to the long term health of our church, but so is taking a few minutes to say "thank you."
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Adult Faith Formation
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This Month's Schedule
Child care is available if requested in advance.
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.
December 13: From the date we celebrate Christmas to kissing under the mistletoe, our traditions have been borrowed from other religions and other cultures. This morning, Marie Houck will lead a class in a discussion of the origin of many of our Christmas Traditions. December 20: What are your favorite traditions during the winter holiday season? Are there traditions you've given up, or would like to give up? Come in to hear about other people's thoughts on various traditions, and maybe get some new ideas. December 27: There will be no adult Faith Formation class this morning. January 3: The labyrinth will be up this morning for one of our annual labyrinth services. Come in early to learn more about labyrinths: where do they come from? Why do they persist? What do they represent? During this class you'll learn more about labyrinths, and have a chance to walk ours with a smaller group. Looking forward: Sometime this spring we will be looking at this year's Unitarian Universalist Association's Common Read, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. If enough people are interested in ordering it from the Unitarian Universalist Bookstore, we can get a discount. If you are interested in purchasing a copy through the church, please contact Marie Houck. Worship Service December 27: Letting Go The end of the year is a good time to take stock of what we are holding that might be holding us back. In this intergenerational worship service, Marie Houck will share a story and lead us in a service to take stock.
Sunday Afternoon Meditation
| Every Sunday Afternoon |
Deep River Sangha, Buddhist meditation
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4:00 - 5:30
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Coffee Volunteers
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Volunteers are needed for Coffee Hour in December. 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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| Ladies' and Men's Night Out | |
Ladies' Night Out
Ladies' Night Out takes its annual vacation in December. We will meet again on the last Monday in January at the Saigon Restaurant.
Janet Plummer & Mary Davis
Men's Night Out
Join us the 2nd Monday of the month -- Dec. 14-- 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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Justice Action Team Update | |
Monday Night Dinner at Urban Ministry
On Monday, November 2, 6 volunteers from our church and 4 from Hinshaw United Methodist church served a meal of chili, fruit salad, corn-bean salad and homemade cookies to an  appreciative group of residents of the Greensboro Urban Ministry night shelter. Thanks for your financial support and labor. Want to get involved on the first Monday of each month? Contact Ken Knight
Holiday Family at Partnership Village
Again this season the Justice Action Team will share our congregation's holiday spirit and generosity with a family residing at Partnership Village. Greensboro Urban Ministry provides these apartments to families who otherwise would be homeless. The families are provided with support and programs to assist them in returning to independent living.
The program director suggests WalMart gift cards so that the family can get the most for their money. They have access to WalMart, but would have difficulty getting to other shopping areas. You may purchase and donate the gift cards or donate cash or checks made out to UUCG with Holiday Family in the notation line. We will take the gift cards to Partnership Village by December 14. Look for the table with the tree to drop off your donation or give it to a JAT member.
TAKING IT T-UU THE STREETS
The generous support of YRE's justice action project has been phenomenal. Thanks to the person who knew of 2 dozen pairs of gloves, and donated them to the collection basket. And thanks to the couple that every month donates a carton of individual peanut butters and a flat of juice boxes. On Sunday, December 13, "The Simpsons & UU" class (aged 3rd-7th grades) 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).
Share the Plate: December
Triad Health Project
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.
Peanut Butter Alert
Thanks to everyone at the Unitarian Universalist Church who contributed to the 110 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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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 November 18, 2015 UUCG Board of Trustees Meeting - Karen Madrone, President, requested that a board member work with the Accountability Committee this year since she will be working more closely with the Annual Commitment Time Committee (annual pledge campaign). We are also still seeking someone to fill the opening for a Board Trustee at large.
- Susan Hill, Treasurer, reviewed the Treasurer's reports and answered questions. She noted that the shortfall was less at the end of October than for the previous month, but YTD pledge income is only 84% of the budgeted amount. The revenue from the Roaring 20s Service Auction was $13,000, which was $3,000 over the budgeted amount; the extra funds will remain in the operating fund for now. Efforts to eliminate the memorial garden deficit continue.
- Rev. Ann Marie Alderman noted that on January 16, Lay Pastoral Care will sponsor a session on Suicide Prevention, presented by the Mental Health Association of Greensboro.
- The Board approved the disbanding of the Bylaws task Force, with appreciation for the work of members, Lonnie Houck, Jim Kalinowski and Laura Graham, since it has carried out its charge of recommending bylaw revisions for a Congregational vote.
- Michelle Lee, Vice President, distributed a summary of committee reports, following the November 10 Coordinating Council meeting.
- Sharin Francis, Secretary, presented a first draft of the Columbarium agreement and policy, as well as questions for the Board to consider in policy development.
- More details are available in reports posted at the UUCG website http://uugreensboro.org/for-members/members-only/ Go to "2015-16 Board Reports" in October.
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, December 17, at 7:00 pm and is open to all.
Submitted by Sharin Francis
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Annual Congregational Meeting
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Summary of Annual Congregational Meeting on November 1, 2015 - Karen Madrone, President, led the meeting and, with 67 members in attendance, a quorum was declared.
- Lonnie Houck, Bylaws Task Force Chair, reviewed the proposed changes, which had been divided by broad categories into the following five items on the ballot.
- Item 1- Board authority on standard financing
- Item 2- Change in Board size
- Item 3 - Other Board / Election changes not related to size
- Item 4 - Minister Search process changes
- Item 5 - Miscellaneous changes (for clarification)
- One by one, each item was read and, following congregational questions and discussion, was put to a vote. Items 1, 3, 4 and 5 were unanimously approved by a show of hands.
- Item 2 pertained to reducing Board size and length of terms; it brought forth extensive discussion. Diverse viewpoints were expressed by more than a dozen UUCG members before discussion was closed and a paper ballot cast. With 37 approved, 29 opposed and 2 abstentions, item 2 did not pass. Amendments to the Bylaws need a 2/3 vote to pass.
- Item 4 elicited much discussion. A show of hands vote approved the item, with 2 votes opposed.
- Karen reviewed Strategic Planning Committee's new questions for this fall. Karen encouraged members to go to the link in the November newsletter (under Strategic Planning) and share their input to the following questions under the broad theme "What's Next?"
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? The link to the questions is also provided below. 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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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:
Betsy Lindsey, Sharin Francis, Kay Bishop,
Joseph Gecinger, Harold Gunn, Suzanne Andrews,
Tim Leisman, Samira Namaste, Lauren Houck,
Lou Finkle, Dean Perez-Simons,
AnitaCampitelli, Katherine Carr
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NovembAttendance
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November 1 |
135
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November 8
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117
| November 15
November 22
November 29 | 102
100
110
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 Share 1/2 donations for October: $379.00 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
| Ann Dickinson | Archival Records Committee
| Sharin Francis
| Designated Gifts Task Force
| Ken Williams
| Finance Committee
| Lonnie Houck | Healthy Congregations Committee
| Marie Houck
| Human Resources Committee
| Jeff Gauger, Oversees
| | 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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