|
UU News
Monthly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
An Intentional Liberal Religious Community April 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
Newsletter Notes
| |
The deadline for the May newsletter will be Friday, April 29
Send news items to commuucg@bellsouth.net
The newsletter will be published on May 6
Hard copies of this newsletter are available in the church foyer on the Visitor Table.
|
|
Sunday and Special Worship Services and Schedule
|
|
Sunday, April 10
|
(Have you been) Born Again?
|
Rev. Ann Marie
Alderman
|
| |
Sunday, April 17
|
The Earth and Sky
|
Rev. Ann Marie Alderman
|
| |
Sunday, April 24
|
Remember the Children
|
Rev. Ann Marie Alderman |
| |
|
Youth Service
(Memorial Garden Dedication immediately
following the service!)
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Inspirations
|
"Never keep your brain so full that people's opinions take up every pew in your mind, and truth has to be "born again" before it is believed." Shannon L. Alder
|
|
Wednesday Potluck
| |
We share a potluck supper at 6 p.m. each Wednesday.
Please bring a dish to share and your own table service.
|
|
Expressions Music Service
| |
Wednesday evenings, following the Potluck.
April 6 Brian Blauch, Flute
April 13 UNCG Flute Students
April 20 Dennis Hands and Tim Bullard
April 27 Charlotte Hamlin, Storytelling
|
|
Reflections from Rev. Ann Marie
|
 In the last month, both the Worship Team and the Pastoral Care Team had deep conversation about the practice of having an open microphone available during Joys and Sorrows. Their concern was that this way of communicating does not reach the ears of all our members and friends, but only those who happen to be present for the worship service on any given Sunday.
So, I am going to see if we can change our practice so that all members and friends, all those who subscribe to the weekly electronic announcements can not only know what is on each other's minds and hearts but reach out with a caring word or thought. Those who aren't in Sunday services, such as the youth Religious Education volunteers, those who happen to be out of town, or who for whatever reason can't be here on a given Sunday, will now be able to know what other's may wish to share in terms of personal joys and sorrows.
We can make this a reality if everyone that wants to share will fill in a yellow card during the early part of the Sunday Service or by emailing me during the week. I will share what I have permission to share during the pastoral prayer and in the e-news. If you are here on a Sunday you are always invited to light a candle at the Joys and Sorrows table at any time during the service. It is my hope that this change will prove to be more inclusive of all who are part of this caring community, and will serve to feel more inviting to our many visitors. |
|
Cindy Dillard, Youth Religious Education Director
|
CELEBRATIONS OF SPRING
I grew up in a non-religious household. My celebrations of spring amounted to dying hard-boiled eggs the week of Easter, then waking up Easter morning to baskets, a special breakfast, and an egg-hunt. When I got older, I learned that Easter was an important religious holiday. And, in college, I fell in with a crowd that loved "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Godspell", and I became aware of other religions.
Later in life -- while working at a synagogue -- I became familiar with many Jewish traditions, including the Passover seder (that sometimes coincides with Easter). For those 7 years at Temple Israel, it became a part of my family's springtime pattern in Columbus, Ohio, observing 2nd night seder at the rabbi's house. And when I became more active at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, I partnered with Rev. Mark Belletini (and many others) for an annual congregational seder, which followed Mark's UU version of the Passover Haggadah (like a script for the Passover meal).
When I joined the staff of UUCG 4 years ago, I felt the need to bring this tradition to my new church home. This year will mark our 4th consecutive year celebrating springtime with a seder meal, this year on the final night of Passover, Saturday, April 30, 6-8 pm, to be facilitated by me and Rev. Ann Marie Alderman. Please consider joining us in this annual ritual celebration of struggling from bondage, holding up hope for the future...and lots of good food and community. Cost: $10/adult, $5/child. Volunteers are most welcome! More information is posted outside the kitchen door. If you have questions, please contact me (uucgre@att.net).
YRE/Sunday School Schedule
Children start in the service at 10:55, then adjourn to their classrooms
| April 3 | UU Bible/UU Tales (Pre K thru 2nd Grade)
Spirit of Adventure (3rd thru 7th Grade)
Circle of Youth (8th thru 12th Grade)
| Miss Rumphius
Fannie Farmer
Youth Service Prep | | April 10 | UU Bible/UU Tales
Spirit of Adventure
Circle of Youth
| Carebag Assembly
Henry David Thoreau
Youth Service Prep | | April 17 | UU Bible/UU Tales
Spirit of Adventure
Circle of Youth | Jonah & the Great Fish
P.T. Barnum
Youth Service Prep | | April 24 | IUU Bible/UU Tales
Spirit of Adventure
Circle of Youth | King Solomon
Beatrix Potter
Youth Service Prep - Final |
|
From Congregational President Karen Madrone
| |
 Over the ten years I've been a member of our church, I have heard and been a part of many conversations regarding the carpet in the sanctuary. It seems like quite a strange thing to have multiple conversations about, don't you think? But anyone who's seen it would agree: our carpet is noteworthy. We all know, however, that carpet should not be noteworthy. It should just be part of a room, not the part that draws the most attention. And yet, for many first time visitors to our church it is one of the first things they notice.
The Board of Trustees, through the Finance Committee, and in particular Lonnie Houck, have been creating a long term maintenance plan over the last few years. Lonnie and the Finance Committee have done an amazing job of evaluating our needs and creating a plan for upgrades to our campus. One of the items on the list is the carpet in the sanctuary.
Julie Hamilton, our Church Administrator; Ken Williams, the Building and Grounds Team Lead; Rev. Ann Marie Alderman, our minister; and our board have been having conversations over the last couple of months about options for replacing the carpet. We talked about different options, but the one we have decided to go with is removing the carpet, grinding the concrete, staining it the color of our chairs, and sealing. This will give our sanctuary a more modern look but also keep our space cleaner and more inviting. Our Director of Music, Mark Freundt, is in support of this change as well. At our March board meeting, the board approved this financial endeavor because it is under the $10,000 requirement as stated in our bylaws.
After the board's vote, Julie Hamilton moved forward with scheduling this work with a contractor. It will begin on June 3 and end at the end of the following week. On June 5, our service will be at Gibson Park and the following Sunday, June 12 we will be back in our sanctuary, in a brand new beautiful space. Much thanks is due to all of the people listed above who are part of making this important improvement to our church. Please make sure to thank them for their commitment and hard work for our church. For more information about our congregation, please contact Karen Madrone, president or Michelle Lee, vice president.
|
Adult Faith Formation
|
April 3: Imam Eesaa Wood was born and raised Protestant in North Carolina, and converted to Islam at the age of 25. From 2011 to 2014, he was the Da'wah committee president of the The Islamic Center of Greensboro. During that time, he established monthly open houses at the Islamic Center for people in the community to learn more about Islam. Through the Furqaan, he has also been part of the "Meet Your Muslim Neighbor" gatherings here in Greensboro. This first Sunday, Imam Wood will be covering the basic tenets of Islam.j
April 10 and 17: TBA
April 24: Discussions with Imam Wood on the Islam faith resume
Sunday Afternoon Meditation
| Every Sunday Afternoon |
|
4:00 - 5:30
|
|
|
Missa Gaia
| |
Celebrating the Earth at UUCG
Please join us for Concert for Mother Earth, featuring the Missa Gaia, the 6th annual concert in honor of Earth Day, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 23 at UUCG.
This year we will again be joined by the Triad Tapestry's Children's Chorus from The Piedmont Interfaith Council.
Help us celebrate the beauty of the earth and reflect on our Seventh Principle, Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part!
|
Congregational Fellowship
|
 Fellowship Fun
We're starting off the warm weather fun with a baseball theme:
April 28 (Thursday evening)
"Fences" at Triad Stage is an award-winning drama by August Wilson, set in 1956. Troy Maxson is a former Negro League homerun king from before Jackie Robinson broke the baseball color barrier. He now struggles as a Pittsburgh garbage man - barely making ends meet. His youngest son, Cory, is a promising high school football star who bears the brunt of the devils that only Troy can see. Winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama "Fences" explores the evolving African-American experience on the brink of the Civil Rights Movement. Seats are available for just $10 per person, if we purchase them soon. Kay Bishop is organizing (285-6761 or KBooklover@gmail.com).
May_(exact date tbd)
A family fun outing to watch a Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball game. If you haven't seen a minor league baseball game in recent years, you'll be amazed at how much fun it is, whether you're interested in baseball or not! As a special inducement for a big turnout, we will purchase tickets as a group; your share will be $5 per person. Watch the bulletin board by the kitchen, or contact Stephanie McGovern.
May and through the summer MUSEP -- MUsic for a Sunday Evening in the Park is an enjoyable event where we can enjoy each others' company and music too. Fellowship Team will display the UUCG banner to make it easy to gather.
June (exact date tbd) A return to Triad Stage for the classic, hilarious Don Juan and more!
|
Coffee Volunteers
| |
Volunteers are needed for Coffee Hour in April. 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
|
| 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 -- April 25. 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 -- April 11 -- 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.
|
Styrofoam Collection
| |
UUCG Styrofoam Collection Program
We are looking for volunteers for the next several months to handle the emptying of bins and transport of the collected Styrofoam to Dart, Inc. in Randleman, NC. Usually it is taken every 5 to 6 weeks. If you can help your planet and community, or if you need more information, please contact Vance Archer
|
Justice Action Team Update | |
Monday Night Dinner at Urban Ministry 
Each month, volunteers from our church and from Hinshaw United Methodist church serve a meal of to an appreciative group of residents of the Greensboro Urban Ministry night shelter. Thanks for your financial support and labor.
Food Drive There will be another opportunity to help Greensboro Urban Ministry feed the hungry on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Food Lion store at 4653 West Market Street. The food drive will need 8 volunteers, 2 volunteers to work each 2 hour shift, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to collect nonperishable goods from the patrons of the store. Please contact Becky Floyd to volunteer. Your help is greatly appreciated. Taking it T-UU The Streets On behalf of YRE's carebag assembling project, I am most appreciative of the fast-food coupons that have been dropped off in the TTS basket in the lobby, as well as the individual hygiene and non-perishable food items. As we near the end of the fiscal year, financial donations are also welcome. Carebags will next be assembled on Sunday, April 10 by our "UU Bible/UU Tales" class (Preschool-2nd Grade). For more information, please contact Cindy Dillard.
Community Housing Solutions is a nonprofit home repair and renovation organization committed to helping physically and financially challenged homeowners maintain their homes. We need your help for a one-day project working on homes in High Point's Southside neighborhood as part of Operation INASMUCH on Saturday, May 14 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Sign up at the Justice Action Team table or contact Joe Gecinger. All skill levels welcome; high school students can earn community service credits.336-312-3
Share Half April Partner: Mustard Seed Community Health Clinic
Peanut Butter Alert
Thanks to everyone at the Unitarian Universalist Church who contributed to the 90 pounds of peanut butter and nonperishable food collected last month for the Greensboro Food Bank. You are greatly appreciated!
--Becky Floyd
|
|
Check out our Website
|
Need a current UUCG directory? Interested in Board reports?
These and other important documents are posted on our UUCG website. You can also find our current bylaws, budget and other governance related documents.
To do this, go to the uugreensboro.org website and select the "For Members" tab at the upper right hand corner of the home page. From the "For Members" page, select "Access Member Documents" under the Member Documents heading. As you'll see, a password is required, which you can get by calling the church office. Once you access the "Members Only" section, you'll find various documents arranged by folders. Within the folders there may be subsections, such as Board minutes and reports arranged by year and month. These documents are provided to members so they can be well-informed about how to contact other members and about church governance.
It is also possible to read past issues of the UU News by selecting the News and Events tab. This will bring up a list of four options, from which you select "Newsletters". On the page this brings up, is one sentence: You can access all newsletters here. Clicking on the "here" link will take you to past newsletters. If you have further questions about accessing member documents on the website, you are welcome to contact me at sharinfrancis@hotmail.com or 336-520-3866. Thank you, Sharin Francis Board Secretary
|
|
Board of Trustees
|
Highlights of the March 16, 2016 UUCG Board of Trustees Meeting - The Board unanimously approved a motion to recommend to the congregation (at the May 22 annual meeting) that we begin the search process with the intent of calling a minister to arrive in August 2018. This process will include the incoming Committee on Leadership Development providing a slate of candidates for Committee on Search no later than the 2017 annual meeting (May). The Committee on Search will require a budget of $10,000 to $15,000 to complete the search process.
- Following discussion, the Board approved a motion to pull up the carpet in the sanctuary and have the floor stained and sealed.
- Susan Hill, Treasurer, Susan reviewed the financial reports and noted that February expenses were about $3,000 more than income, but when the biannual lease payment from the bank comes in, it will decrease the deficit. The pledge campaign to date is a little short of where we hope it will end up
- Rev. Ann Marie Alderman will hold a new UU orientation on Saturday, March 29. The search continues for someone to lead the Worship Team. Rev. Ann Marie attended a two day seminar conducted by the Racial Equity Institute. In her role as UUA Transitions Office Ministerial Settlement Representative, she continues working with two congregations currently in search.
- Results of the Developmental Minister Evaluation surveys conducted by Accountability Committee were distributed by Paul Namaste and acting chair, Karen Madrone. They led Board review and discussion of the results.
- Michelle Lee, Chair of Policies and Procedures Committee, indicated that the Policy Book could be ready for Board approval at the May or June Board meeting, pending some updates.
- 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 March.
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, April 21, at 7:30 pm and is open to all.
Submitted by Sharin Francis
|
|
Save the Date
| |
Nonviolent Communication
Please save Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for a showing of Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Love. Rosenberg gives insightful stories, practical exercises and role-plays that will dramatically change your approach to communication. We will meet at church, serve coffee and donuts and discuss this wonderful seminar. There will be no signup sheet, just contact Sue Beck to let her know you plan to attend.
|
Team and Committee Meetings and Ways to Help Out
| |
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 every other month (Feb, May, July, etc) 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 will meet on the 3rd Wednesdays in March and then return to all meetings on 3rd Thursdays 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 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 4:30PM in the Minister's office. Please contact Rev. Ann Marie 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.
|
|
AUUCG Covenant UUCG Covenant gust Birthdays
|
Best Wishes to this month's honorees:
Michael Puzio, Bodhi Bhimireddy,
Rakesj Bhimireddy, Trevor Miller,
James Ingram, Alex Stoesen,
Barbara Council, Barbara Hughes,
Gladys McNatt, Ben Freundt,
Ann Dickinson, Chellie Mason,
Sue Beck, Gay Cheney, Sarah Shaffer & Madelin Miller
|
NovembAttendance
|
March 6 |
117
| |
March 13
|
110
| March 20
March 27 April 3 | 105
137
97
|
 Share Half donations for February: $477.00 The donations went to the Interactive Resource Center and the Servant Center |
Community Events
| |
Essential Oils Workshop
April 15, 7 p.m. at UUCG
Introduction to Essential Oils: Learn what Essential Oils are and how to use them everyday for health and wellness. Cost for the workshop is $5, but all who sign up to attend will receive a 5 ml bottle of Wild Orange oil. Contact Heather at hmrushfo@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
|
|
UUCG Covenant
| We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro, do covenant to:
- Promote a search for personal meaning, respecting individual truth in a community process of quest
- Speak and act with caring, courtesy and love thereby maintaining emotional, physical, and spiritual safety for all
- Support UUCG and denominational efforts with our resources
- Combat injustice while promoting equality
- Nurture our children on their spiritual journeys
- Hold ourselves to this covenant, especially during times of conflict and disagreement
|
|
|
UUCG Officers
| |
Karen Madrone, President
Michelle Lee, Vice President
Susan Hill, Treasurer
Sharin Francis, Secretary
|
|
UUCG Trustees | |
Dawn Allen (2016)
Sue Beck (2016)
Katja Brown (2016)
Robert Gretton (2016)
Paul Namaste (2017)
Cindy Williams (2018)
|
|
UUCG Staff
|
 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).
|
|
Ministry Team and Board Committee Contacts |
|
Ministry Teams--Reporting to the Minister
|
| 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 Stephanie McGovern
| Fundraising Team
| Open
| Auction Sub-Team
|
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
|
Joe Gecinger | Membership Team
| Nancy Henderson
| Music Team
| Sue Sherwood
| Worship Team
| Barbara Hands | | Labyrinth | Michelle Lee | |
Youth Religious Education Team | Heather Rushforth
|
|
Committees and Task Forces
|
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 |
|
Congregational Standing Committees
|
Report to the Congregation
| Committee on Leadership Development
| Wendell Putney | Committee on Endowment
| Ken Williams
| Coordinating Council
| Rev. Ann Marie, Michelle Lee
|
|
|
|
|
|
