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UU News
Monthly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
An Intentional Liberal Religious Community August 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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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, Aug. 7
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"Lead, or Follow,
but Always Dance"
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Rev. Diane Dowgiert
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Sunday, Aug. 14
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"The Wisdom of Uncertainty"
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Rev. Diane Dowgiert
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Sunday, Aug. 21
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"Longing, Belonging
and Calling"
Exploring the Longing to Belong
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Mariela Perez-
Simons
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Sunday, Aug. 28
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"Saved. Again. And Again.
And Again"
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Rev. Diane Dowgiert
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Sunday Morning Schedule
| 9:30 - 10:30 | Adult Faith Formation | Classes will resume in the fall..
| 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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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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Following the Potluck this Summer ...
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Join us each Wednesday night following our traditional potluck supper for some invigorating conversations, and a bit of Star Trek thrown in for fun. This summer on Wednesday nights, beginning at 7:00 PM, Barbara Hands will lead discussions concerning the four major philosophical ethical theories as they are demonstrated in the widely popular sci-fi series Star Trek. We will delve into The Divine Command Theory, Consequentialism and Virtue Ethics, among others. We will also discuss the idea of "personhood" (philosophically, person and human are not interchangeable). What constitutes a person and when does one gain the rights and privileges of being able to be called a person. If time permits, we will also look into the issue of aging and death with dignity. Sessions will last approximately 90 minutes depending on depth of discussions.
Except as noted, all episodes will be from The Next Generation franchise.
The schedule for the remainder of the summer is:
The Nature of Reality
Aug 10 - "Elementary Dear Data"
Aug 17 - "Ship in a Bottle"
Time Travel
Aug 24 - "Time's Arrow, part 1"
Aug 31 - "Time's Arrow, part 2"
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| Rev, Diane Dowgiert |
 Greetings! It is with joyful anticipation that I begin interim ministry with you. I am eager to get to know your congregation: its history, its traditions, and of course, its people.
There is an old saying that you can never step into the same river twice. The same can be said for congregations. Gender exclusive language aside, when the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus said "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man", he was speaking to the ever-present reality of change.
As I prepare to step into your congregation, I am aware that with my presence, things will inevitably change. Not only will the congregation change, I will be changed in the process, too. This is the beauty of congregational life. We are all both the changer and the changed. Each time someone new walks through the doors for the first time or when someone leaves, the congregation changes. Though it endures over time, it is never the same congregation twice.
Interim ministry is intentionally time-limited, one year at least, two at most. The beauty of this arrangement is that it affords the opportunity to bring awareness to the ever-changing nature of the shared life of a spiritual community, taking time to ask, "Who are we now?" and, "Who do we want to become?" The answers to these questions will inform who it is you will call as your next settled minister.
My contract with you begins on August 1. The month of August will be a time of settling in. My first Sunday in the pulpit is August 7. Since I am just beginning to learn the particular rhythms and routines of your congregation, I will wait until September to establish regular office hours. During the month of August, Monday will be my "Sabbath" day, a day off, free from church duties, and Friday will be my at home writing day. I also know that I will be away August 21 - 25 for a gathering and training of interim ministers. You can reach me at the church phone number: (336) 856-0330, or by email: ddowgiert@gmail.com. For urgent matters or emergencies, please call my cell phone: 520-465-8804.
I am looking forward to taking this journey with you, travelling the waters of change, discovering who you are as a people, deepening relationships within the congregation and the community at large, and sharing the good news of our Unitarian Universalist faith.
Yours in the interim, Rev. Diane Dowgiert
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Cindy Dillard, Youth Religious Education Director
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On August 28, 2012 -- two weeks before YRE was scheduled to begin @ UUCG -- I entered into an  agreement with UUCG to serve as its RE Coordinator.
I am now in my 5th year on UUCG's staff, serving as the DRE-Children & Youth, while also in the process to become a credentialed RE professional with the UUA. My partnership with UUCG has been loving and focused on building our YRE program.
After attending last month's UUA General Assembly in Columbus OH, I am filled with energy, hope and ideas. At the impromptu after-church potluck last Sunday (7/24), it was heartening to see how many folks showed up to learn more about GA from our youth (Logan Hamilton and Avery & London Courter), as well as from delegates Steve Pearsall & Karen Madrone. Dawn Allen and Susan Hill were also delegates who attended GA, but weren't able to attend the potluck. If you have questions, I'm sure they'd be glad to share.
For the upcoming year, I'm in the process of selecting YRE curricula that lift up the GA themes of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multi-culturalism. To learn more, please plan on attending the YRE Team potluck in rm 4/5 after church on Sunday, Aug. 14. Childcare will be provided. For more information, contact Cindy Dillard, Director of Youth Religious Education (uucgre@att.net).
SUMMER SCHEDULE:
In August, YRE will continue to build community through cooperative games:
8/7 Cooperative Games
8/14 Taking It T-UU The Streets carebag assembling
8/21 Cooperative Games
8/28 Cooperative Games
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From Congregational Vice President Katja Brown
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 I was not able to attend the president's convocation in Greenville, SC from July 8 to the 10th, but I met up with Lonnie Houck afterwards. Lonnie gave me the book "Growing a Beloved Community" by Tom Owen-Towle, that was discussed during the president's convocation weekend. I like how Tom Owen-Towle compares the Hokey-Pokey to the commitment of a mature congregation. He states: "Start by sticking our toes into the stream of Unitarian Universalism. If we can stand the temperature, we venture further in until we end up plunging into the flowing river of this responsibly free religion. Such serious, whole-bodied participation is truly what it's all about - in family, in religion, in life itself." I invite you to do the Hokey-Pokey with me. Participate in our church community in every way that you see fit. There are one time commitments, such as hosting the Sunday morning coffee or bringing flowers for worship, and there are many ongoing commitments, for example becoming part of a team or committee. As the chair of the strategic planning committee, I am asking you to stay present to the proposed mission and vision. I am planning on starting back up with listening circles in September, and I am looking forward to your feedback. Katja
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Adult Faith Formation
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Understanding Depression
The Pastoral Care Team will present two Adult Religious Education classes in September during the Sunday morning RE hour from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
These sessions will feature TED talks and discussions, informative, we hope, on the subject of ""Depression, as an illness". Mark your calendar for Sept 18 & 25.
Sunday Afternoon Meditation
| Every Sunday Afternoon |
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4:00 - 5:30
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Coffee Volunteers
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Volunteers are needed for Coffee Hour. 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
One of the best ways for newcomers to get to know our ladies is to dine with us at the Saigon Restaurant. We meet the last Monday of the month ( Aug, 29) at 6:30 pm. If ten or so meet, we have an option of ordering individually from the menu or having the chef offer his created menu. In that case he asks us to approve of the menu before he creates it. The delicious servings are generous, usually three entrees with appetizer and drinks costing $10.00. The evening is filled with conversation to help us understand more about each other as well as a lot of humor. If you plan to attend please contact Mary Davis at 336-212-0819 or Janet Plummer at 336-294-6364 before 5 pm the day of the dinner.
Men's Night Out
Join us the 2nd Monday of the month -- Aug. 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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Styrofoam Collection
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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
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Justice Action Team Update | |
Monday Night Dinner at Urban Ministry 
On the first Monday of each month, volunteers from our church and from Hinshaw United Methodist church serve 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.
This project depends on the labor of volunteers and financial support from the church budget. Some of the volunteers make cookies and some help with preparing the meal.
If you would like to be part of the crew, contact Ken Knight at oldpeacenik@gmail.com.
TAKING IT T-UU THE STREETS (TTS)
This Justice Action Project is a monthly hands-on activity that helps our youngsters think about those who stand on the side of the street with signs, and act in a tangible way to help us live our 1st & 2nd UU Principles. They assemble carebags (that typically include individual peanut butters, a juicebox, bandaids, vitamin C lozenges, granola bars, peanut butter crackers, raisins & more) and then use their creativity to personalize messages of love. This month our children will be assembling TTS carebags in the classroom on Sunday, Aug 14. Your material and/or financial support of this ongoing project is most welcome. For more information, please contact Cindy Dillard (uucgre@att.net).
Share Half August Partner: Mental Health Association
 Peanut Butter Alert
Thanks to everyone at the Unitarian Universalist Church who contributed to the 51 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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Strategic Planning Update
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Have you heard of the "Enigma" machine? The German engineer Arthur Scherbius invented the Enigma machine at the end of World War I. The German military used the machine to encipher messages. As the chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, the process of coming up with a new vision and mission statement feels somewhat like deciphering the messages that we have heard from the congregation through the surveys and listening circles and condensing these messages into a couple of short sentences.
Our committee has collaboratively crafted this first draft of the mission and vision, but we all carry around our own cipher. Up to the point when this article was due, we could not all agree on just ONE version.
Therefore, I am asking all of you to take some time to think about this first draft of the vision and mission over the summer. If the timeline works out and we'll get an interim minister starting on August 1st, 2016, we'll present the new minister with this draft and he/she will have a chance to look at it with fresh eyes and see if our draft matches what he/she actually observes at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro.
Our next listening session will be in early fall. We appreciate your patience with us, and we hope you will continue to support our strategic planning work!
Draft of the vision: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro is a place of religious worship, spirituality, learning, and community service. Our church is inclusive, based on love, compassion, responsibility, shared power, and respect for all people, places, and things. We provide a safe place for families and individuals wanting a religion based on principles rather than creed, and discussion rather than dogma. We aspire to be an attractive, thought-provoking and adventurous place to worship, providing many opportunities for our members to participate in the church and local community. MISSION: Love +Learning = Service
For more information, contact Katja Brown (441-5252)
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Check out our Website
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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 "For Members" 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
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Board of Trustees
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Highlights of the July 21, 2016 UUCG Board of Trustees Meeting - Lonnie Houck, President, noted that he had attended the Southern Region UU Presidents' Convocation in Greenville, SC (moved from Charlotte, due to HB2). He announced the decision that UUCG Board will host the Board retreat for the UU Fellowship of Winston Salem on September 10. UUFWS will host our Board retreat on September 17. The vote to elect the Committee on Search (for a settled minister) will be held at the January 22 Congregational Meeting.
- There was no report from the minister as Rev. Diane Dowgiert will not arrive until August.
- Lonnie Houck reported on behalf of Susan Hill, Treasurer, noting that UUCG ended the 2015-16 year close to even. The remaining balance for the Memorial Garden/Labyrinth has been paid down to 0.
- The Board Discussed a proposal that UUCG buy a "Black Lives Matter" banner to be displayed on church property, near the front of the building though not directly facing Hilltop Road. A decision will not be made until further research has been done.
- The Board considered a request from UUWSF to assist them in providing a meal for the Million Hoodies National Congress to be held at UNCG August 5th through the 8th. This event is part of black-led organizing efforts.
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, August 18, at 7:00 pm and is open to all.
Submitted by Sharin Francis
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Community News
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 Every Vote Counts
It is important that all citizens have the ability to vote, to be heard and involved. Therefore, the Shepherd's Center of Greensboro is helping older adults getphoto ID cards from the Department of Motor Vehicles, or in some cases help seniors get absentee ballots before the 2016 general election.
There is no charge for this service. This project is consistent with the Shepherd's Center mission statement: To help older adults pursue
independent and active lives of purpose.
If you would like to volunteer to assist older adults to get a photo ID card or an absentee ballot please call the Shepherd's Center at 336-378-0766 to volunteer. It's not difficult...and you may find it very satisfying.
If you or someone you know needs a photo ID or help with absentee ballot registrations, please call the Shepherd's Center at 336-378-0766 and give the person's name, phone number or email to a staff member at Shepherd's Center. Someone from the center will contact everyone on the list and review the materials they need plus arrange availability to go to the DMV. Screened volunteers will assist with transportation and materials.
Voting is a one of our most basic duties as citizens. We believe everyone who wants to vote should be able to. No one should be denied because they lack a free Photo ID card. If you would like help, please sign up today.
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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 every other month (Feb, May, July, etc) on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. We share regarding current and upcoming events. This is an open meeting. Board of Trustees Meetings The Board of Trustees meets on the 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.
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 3:30PM in the Minister's office. Please contact Barbara Hands if you are interested in helping the Worship Team as a Team Member, an Usher, Service Leader or Service Coordinator.
Youth Religious Education Team
For meeting times and dates see the calendar or contact Team Lead Heather Rushforth.
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AUUCG Covenant UUCG Covenant gust Birthdays
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Best Wishes to this month's honorees:
Marty Bergman, Lindsay Clinard,
Dylan Corns, Rebecca Floyd, Tish Gunn,
Ryan Hamilton, Barbara Hands, Lonnie Houck,
Lyric Moore, Louise Porter, Michelle Puzio,
Chris Roerden, Ian Rushforth, Sue Sherwood,
Carlee-Jane Smith, Nelson Stover, Sarah Weih, David Williams
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NovembAttendance
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July 3
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90
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July 10
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85
| July 17
July 24
July 31 |
80
86
76 |
 Share Half donations for June: Triad Adult/Pediatric Medicine $351.50 |
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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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Lonnie Houck, President
Katja Brown, Vice President
Susan Hill, Treasurer
Sharin Francis, Secretary
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UUCG Trustees
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Nora Bird (2017)
Mary Alice Knight (2017)
Paul Namaste (2018)
Cindy Williams (2018)
Robert Gretton (2019)
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UUCG Staff
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Reverend Diane Dowgiert, Interim Minister
336-856-0330 Email: ddowgiert@gmail.com Emergency: 520-465-8804
 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
| Open | Denominational Affairs Team
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| Fellowship Team
| Kay Bishop and Stephanie McGovern
| 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
| Barbara Hands | | Labyrinth | Michelle Lee | |
Youth Religious Education Team
| Jake Mattocks
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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
| Robert Gretton | Healthy Congregations Committee
| Marie Houck
| Human Resources Committee
| Open
| | 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
| Marty Bergman | Committee on Endowment
| Wendell Putney | Coordinating Council
| Michelle Lee
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