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UU News
Monthly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
An Intentional Liberal Religious Community February 2016
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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 March newsletter will be Friday, Feb. 26
Send news items to commuucg@bellsouth.net
The newsletter will be published on March 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, Feb. 7
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Creative Fire and Big Magic
We'll be exploring the intersection between spirituality and creativity, what it means to live an "amplified life," and the importance of honoring our creative impulses in order to live a more fulfilling existence.
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Mariela Perez-Simons
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Sunday, Feb. 14
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Love is What Justice Looks Like (at home!)
This is an intergenerational service.
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Rev. Ann Marie Alderman
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Sunday, Feb. 21
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The Names of God
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Rev. Ann Marie Alderman |
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On Vulnerabily and Gratitude
Join us for the Annual Commitment Time (our pledge campaign) Kickoff Sunday when we consider our present and future at UUCG. Can we stand in the place of risk while remaining grateful in all things? |
Karen Madrone
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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 below and the weekly announcements for the upcoming Sunday topics.
| 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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Feb. 7 Hat Day
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Hat Day is Feb, 7. Wear a hat, bought or home-crafted, and enjoy the high spirits at church this Sunday.  The tradition of Hat Day began in the late 70s when a visiting minister and our minister Wyman Rousseau did a pulpit exchange. The visiting minister told us to wear a hat the next day to surprise Wyman. We did and what fun it was to see the variety of hats! Later we heard from congregants who didn't have hats, so we suggested that they create them from items around the house. Gallon milk jugs, folded newspaper, and flowerpot wrappers were some of the items used for hat creations. Questions? Contact Janet Plummer 294-6364.
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Inspirations
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"The best partnerships aren't dependent on a mere common goal but on a shared path of equality, desire, and no small amount of passion." Sara MacLean
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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 the schedule of performers in the weekly E News.
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Reflections from Rev. Ann Marie
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Desire is the theme for the Chalice Circles and for the 2nd Sunday sermon in February. We are familiar with hope. But desire is more than hope, it is extreme devotion to getting what you want. It is a longing, even a craving for a person, an object, or an outcome. It is more than wishful thinking. Desire is extremely motivating, often causing us to go beyond social convention to reach what we long for. How does desire play a part in your life?
Yours in faith,
Rev. Ann Marie
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Cindy Dillard, Youth Religious Education Director
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A cornerstone of Unitarian Universalism -- as well as many other faith traditions -- is acting on behalf of social justice. Social justice is advocated through our 1st principle, standing up for: The inherent worth and dignity of every person...and our 2nd principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations...our 5th principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large...and our 6th principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all. In YRE each week, we reinforce our principles, but there is no better teacher than experience.
On Saturday, 2/13, there will be such an opportunity. UUCG will once again be a presence for the 10th annual HKonJ (Historic Thousands on "J" Street) March in Raleigh. We will gather at UUCG at 7am, and leave at 7:30am sharp. It might seem daunting to bring your children to such an event, but I am committed to supporting family participation. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer for ride-sharing. I hope some families with children\youth will consider participating. ALSO the sign-up sheet is for ALL participants. Let's be a presence again at HKonJ!
YRE/Sunday School Schedule
Children start in the service at 10:55, then adjourn to their classrooms
| February 7 | UU Bible/UU Tales (Pre K thru 2nd Grade)
Spirit of Adventure (3rd thru 7th Grade)
Circle of Youth (8th thru 12th Grade)
| St. Valentine
A Take Apart Party (Guest Ken Williams)
Coming of Age Readings and Exercises |
February 14 |
Intergenerational Service
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No YRE Classes
(Nursery Care Provided)
| | February 21 | UU Bible/UU Tales
Spirit of Adventure
Circle of Youth | Carebags
Comets & Constellations (Guest Dennis Hands)
Youth Service Prep | | February 28 | UU Bible/UU Tales
Spirit of Adventure
Circle of Youth | Queen Esther
Clara Barton and The Red Cross
Youth Service Prep |
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From the Congregational President Karen Madrone
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 As you see in the Board summary section, this year we have had three board resignations which has been a rather unusual set of events. There are many ways that this kind of information can be perceived. The board can say, "I wonder what we're doing wrong?! Why won't they stay with us?" This version makes these resignations about us, as if we have some kind of control over other people. Another way to respond to this information is to make it about them, "What's wrong with them? Haven't they heard of commitment?!" We can get angry and irritated while using this framework. And yet still another way is to take the long approach, knowing that we all have different needs in our lives. As Unitarian Universalists, we hold the inherent worth and dignity of each person to be so important that we made it one of our principles. If I truly believe in that principle, I have to remind myself that we should all be allowed to live our lives authentically, and sometimes that means breaking commitments. To quote the author Oriah Mountain Dreamer from her poem "The Invitation", "I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself." While the process of adding and changing members can feel disruptive, it also gives the board the (unasked for!) opportunity to practice flexibility and hospitality. It gives us the opportunity to meet new people and to stand in the place of not-knowing; of being aware that we don't have everything figured out and that we can be open to new points of view. In the moment of receiving the resignations, I have to admit I didn't receive the news enthusiastically, but I have learned to take the long view because it allows me to practice acceptance. I cannot change other people, but I can change my perceptions. How we are together is ministry. How we serve together, how we challenge each other, how we say thank you and how we say goodbye are all ministry. Serving in leadership, if you let it, will change you. I encourage you to take opportunities when they come your way. We need each other, and we love you for who you are. For more information contact Karen Madrone
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Adult Faith Formation
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February 7: The Healthy Congregation Committee will continue to lead the Faith Formation class on the first Sunday of each month. The February class will be titled "Giving From the Heart" and we will explore how we can be genuine and take joy in both giving and receiving.
Child care is available if requested in advance.
--Marie Houck
Sunday Afternoon Meditation
| Every Sunday Afternoon |
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4:00 - 5:30
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International Dinner Feb. 20
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Bring your favorite food from another land! Come share your international flair! Please label your dish including its country of origin and what is in it. This is a family event where adults and children are welcome. We will have stories from around the world. In an effort to be green, please bring your own plates and silverware. A signup sheet will be on the bulletin board by the kitchen. |
Coffee Volunteers
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Volunteers are needed for Coffee Hour in February. 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 are invited to our monthly Vietnamese dinner at the Saigon Restaurant the last Monday of the month -- Feb. 29. 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 -- Feb. 8 -- 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 February 1, 2016 9 volunteers from our church and 5 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.
Taking it T-UU The Streets On Sunday, Jan. 10, Shannon & Natalie Gauger single-handedly assembled 40 carebags for the needy, in addition to decorating lovely messages of caring, in support of our monthly Justice Action project. The bags were taken home by our members and friends at a record rate. CLEARLY THE NEED IS GREAT, BUT UUCG's SUPPORT OF THIS PROGRAM -- IN ITS 3RD YEAR -- IS ALSO CLEARLY GREAT. Want to help? If you travel and don't use the individual soaps, etc. in your hotel room, your donation is welcome. If you find a good deal on granola bars and can afford to buy an extra box, your donation is welcome. If you can provide a box of bandaids, or some juiceboxes, some new socks or some individual packages of raisins/fruit/peanut butter, your donation is welcome. Carebags will be assembled again on Sunday, February 21 by our "UU Bible/UU Tales"class (pre-2nd). For more information, please contact Cindy Dillard (uucgre@att.net).
Share Half February Partners: :Interactive Resource Center and Servant Center
Thank You for a Great Giving YearThe Justice Action Team offers a heartfelt thank you to the UUCG congregation who contributed so generously to our outreach efforts to serve the people of Guilford County. The first Monday of each month a team of volunteers cooks a dinner at Urban Ministry for the Weaver House program. Another groups bakes cookies for this dinner. The average monthly cost was $119 plus the donated bread and cookies. Each month UUCG shares half of the cash collection for the first four Sundays with a local charitable organization. For 2015 we made donations to 13 nonprofits averaging $418 per month. UUCG delivers peanut butter and other food to the Urban Ministry food bank. An average of 103 pounds was donated each month. UUCG joins in with the community to participate in Urban Ministry's semi-annual food drive. In April we collected 927 pounds of food, and $27 and in October we collected 972 pounds of food and $75. UUCG coordinates with St. Timothy's to sponsor two Red Cross blood drives here and two at St. Timothy's. Volunteers help us to set up, help out as hosts, and clean up. Your help is appreciated. Remember to keep on eating your spinach! We have been helping one or more families at Partnership village each Christmas by donating gift cards to Walmart. Last Christmas UUCG donated $525. UUCG was involved in two Saturday workdays in April and November with Community Housing Solutions. UUCG participated in the October Crop Walk and raised $579. Shepherd's Center received $250 from UUCG through the sale of Attraction Books. THANK YOU!!!  Peanut Butter Alert
Thanks to everyone at the Unitarian Universalist Church who contributed to the 60 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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Board of Trustees
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Highlights of the January 27, 2015 UUCG Board of Trustees Meeting - Karen Madrone, President, reminded Board members to plan on signing their pledge cards at the February Board meeting, as part of the February 28 kick off of the Annual Commitment Time (ACT) pledge drive.
- Susan Hill, Treasurer, reviewed the Treasurer's reports and answered questions. She noted that the quarterly bank lease payment came in December, helping to make December delta (income-expense) almost even. Pledge income received through December was up by $2,210 compared to November.
- The Finance Committee is taking steps to sell the timeshare. The February 8-15 week did not sell at the November service auction and the timeshare is not generating income.
- Rev. Ann Marie Alderman and the Membership Team, led by Nancy Henderson, will host the new member reception on February 13 at the church. The board will participate by sharing food.
- It is almost time for the Board to extend Rev. Ann Marie's Developmental Ministry contract, as it will expire at the end of June. UUCG is well below midrange of the UUMA guidelines for congregations similar to ours. There was discussion about how this would affect future ministerial searches.
- The Board voted to accept and welcome Paul Namaste as the newest member of the Board. Jim Roeder has resigned from the Board and Paul will complete his term.
- Wendell Putney, Committee on Leadership Development Chair, reported that a leadership workshop is scheduled for Saturday, March 5. More details will be forthcoming. Also, an online survey went out January 14 for congregants to indicate their interest in leadership positions and will be available again soon. The link to the survey is >>>>>>here.
- Marie Houck, Chair of Healthy Congregations Committee, reported about ongoing efforts to strengthen right relations in the congregation, including monthly compassionate communication classes. A complaint procedure has been developed and is available in the "for members" section of the UUCG website.
- More details are available in reports posted at the UUCG >>>> website Go to "2015-16 Board Reports" in January.
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, February 18, at 7:00 pm and is open to all.
Submitted by Sharin Francis
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Save the Date
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Lay Leadership Workshop, Saturday, March 5
Finding the Power of YOU and UUCG
Presented by 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 4:00 pm, and is open to all interested persons. Child care is available with 48 hours notice.
Please look for the sign-up sheet in the hallway, or email Wendell Putney at wputney@gmail.com.
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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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A Ride to Church
Mariah is the young woman with Downs Syndrome who has recently started coming back to our church. She and her Mother, Liz Brown, were former members. Liz went on to become a UU minister and now has advanced dementia and is living in an excellent facility in Greensboro. Mariah has no family who can care for her, and she is living in a nice group home in Southeast Greensboro. Several of our members have been bringing her to and from church on Sundays for several months. Mariah is very happy to be among us, and she helps out with the children in our RE program. One of our drivers is finding it too difficult to commit to bringing her. If you want to help out talk to me at church or call me at 336/327-7214. Ken Knight
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 |
Best Wishes to this month's honorees:
Dorothy James, Steve Pearsall, David McLean,
Carolyn Crumpacker, Cora Miller, Cyd Henderson,
Nancy Powersmith, Steve Andrews, Natalie Gauger,
Savannah Welder, Sheppard Morse,
Ava J. Kuecker, Ann Galiger, Janet Plummer,
Susan Hill & Vance Archer
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NovembAttendance
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January 3 |
80 | |
January 10 |
112 | January 17
January 24
January 31 | 98
No Service
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 Share 1/2 donations for December: $416.50 The donations went to the Triad Health Project. |
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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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Dawn Allen (2016)
Sue Beck (2016)
Katja Brown (2016)
Robert Gretton (2016)
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, Director of Youth Religious EducationOffice 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 | | Smoking Task Force | Katie Klod | | 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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