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JULY/AUGUST 2018 - In This Issue:
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SUMMER SCHEDULE: SINGLE SERVICE AT 10:30 A.M.
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two-service schedule begins August 19
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July 1
"By Any Other Name"
Krista Westervelt Rowe, Preaching Practicum
Through personal stories, Krista will explore how identity can place us at the crossroads of Privilege and Oppression and how our Living Tradition guides us as we navigate that path.
Music Notes: Pianist Keith Sawyer will play Gathering Music this week, as well as accompany vocalist Kate Shipman during the service. They will be performing "(Something Inside) So Strong" by British songwriter and poet Labi Siffre, and the R&B song "None of Us Are Free."
July 8
"Mister C's Lemonade".
Danny Gotham, Guest Speaker
Living with cancer can be an unending scare. Danny Gotham will explore how a terrible disease can meet its match with something that can't be destroyed: the human spirit. Featuring readings from "The Emperor of All Maladies", and special music from Danny Gotham and "the bennys".
Music Notes: Wonderful music for this service, as you would expect from one led by Danny Gotham. He'll be joined by folk/americana band "the bennys" on songs by Joni Mitchell and Phil Ochs. Danny and Mike Babyak will play Gathering Music as well.
July 15
"There Are Still Places Google Can't Take You"
Cheryl Wilder, Preaching Practicum
It is a common expression to say, "Follow Your Dreams." But what does that really mean? What does it look like? And, where's the map to get there? Come hear one member's story about when she decided to follow her dream.
July 22
Reflections on My First Year of Seminary (AKA "what I did last semester")
Sara Gush, Guest Speaker
Over the course of my first year in seminary I explored my faith, I learned and I lead, and grew as a person. There is nothing like seminary. No other graduate degree that asks the same of you-to lose and find your faith, your identity, over and over, each day. A few particular pieces have meant a lot to me: the ministry of hospitality, the religion of Jesus, and the six sources of Unitarian Universalism. I hope you'll join me as I reflect on this experience and the wisdom I have gained from it.
July 29
"What is Your Divine Calling - Are You Listening?"
Lizzie Lange, Preaching Practicum
August 5
Single Service at 10:30
Rev. Thom Belote returns to the pulpit
August 12
Single Service at 10:30
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
August 19
Return to Two Services, 9:15 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
August 26
Two Services, 9:15 a.m.& 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Thom Belote
Water Service
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In the immediate wake of the June 10 annual meeting, total congregational donations and pledges for the capital campaign grew to nearly $1.5M. The campaign co-chairs have retired in a flurry of plaudits for their dedicated work. Though the capital campaign is now completed, further donations and pledges may be made at any time to the church's
capital fund, having a direct and positive effect on the degree to which the building project can meet our prioritized requirements.
With enough now committed to move forward with renovating and expanding our space, the Building Task Force is working with the architect and engineers to prepare final design plans that reconcile expected funds with congregational inputs on priorities. Please refer to
"Building on Our Legacy - History and Planning"
on the church's website for more information and updates.
OCTOBER 14: Congregational meeting to approve proceeding with construction plans and "bridge" financing.
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On Sunday mornings, August 5 & August 12, we'll be offering a two-part Exploring Membership class before the service. The class will provide an introduction to Unitarian Universalism and our congregation, cover the meaning of membership, provide an opportunity for reflecting on our spiritual journeys, and give you chance to meet others who are newer to The Community Church.
Classes will be held from 9:00 to 10:20 a.m. Please RSVP by sending an email to Rev. Thom Belote or Rachel Rose. Childcare is available upon request. Let Thom or Rachel know ASAP if you need childcare to be able to attend.
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Saturday, October 27, 2018. Mark your calendars now for this all-church fundraising event! See article below for more details.
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 Summer Dreams presents works in summer colors and themes by 11 members of Triangle Visual Artists. Triangle Visual Artists is a virtual entity that has a physical presence as their art works are viewed in many places throughout the Triangle and beyond.
The artists are Sharon Barnes, acrylics; Louise Francke, photography, acrylics; Jillian Goldberg, acrylics; James Keul, oils; Henri Lorie, oils; Joan Meade, acrylics; Karin Neuvirth, acrylics; Dennis Szerszen, photography; David Taylor, oils, acrylics; Hollie Taylor, photography; Trudy Thomson, fabric. The group is unique in that they remain on the move and bring their art to you!
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"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air."
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MUSIC NOTES
by Glenn Mehrbach, Music Director
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Music in Church
This summer I've been thinking a lot about the purpose of music at the Community Church. The answer isn't so obvious. All the music, primarily, should enhance the message of each service. Hymn singing should facilitate a greater connection among the congregation. The Special Music should deepen our spirituality, of course, but the text of a song might also shine a light on an important issue. Instrumental music may cause us to meditate and quiet our inner selves. Certain pieces may encourage participation, where "we would be one" by sharing a chorus together. Music can, and should, inspire, move us to joy or tears, and sometimes agitate. How to balance all of this is my job, and one I think about as I plan for the entire church year, and also for each service.
I would love your input as I continue to think about music in church. Is there a way to use it in a service that I'm ignoring? Are you happy with the hymn choices? The Gathering Music? The Hymn Sings? Does the Special Music in each service connect and resonate with you, or does it just seem like a "performance?" Would you like more of certain kinds of music? More musicians from outside the congregation? If you have any thoughts or ideas, good or bad, about music at the Community Church, feel free to email me at [email protected].
- Glenn Mehrbach, Music Director
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ECO'S ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER
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First Sunday Recyclables at the ECO table :
- July 1: Batteries (AAA - D, button, rechargeable), corks (natural and synthetic), and tiny bits of metal (paper clips, nails, screws, etc.).
- August 5: All of the above, plus children's books.
SAVE THE DATE:
As climate change is causing stronger hurricanes, more wild fires, and rising sea levels, it is time to take action NOW. Be a part of Rise for Climate Action! on September 8. Thousands of rallies will be held in cities and towns around the world to demand our local leaders commit to building a fossil free world that works for all of us. Join 350 Triangle in Raleigh to hold our local leaders accountable and demand that they walk the talk on climate action! RSVP and more info here.
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STP - JULY 15
NO MORE DEATHS
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The mission of
No More Deaths is to end death and suffering in the Mexico-US borderlands through
civil initiative: people of conscience working openly and in community to uphold fundamental human rights. Our work embraces the Faith-Based Principles for Immigration Reform and focuses on the following themes:
- Direct aid that extends the right to provide humanitarian assistance
- Witnessing and responding
- Consciousness raising
- Global movement building
- Encouraging humane immigration policy
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STP - JULY 29
SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROJECT
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Mark your calendars for the 2018 School Supplies Project. Proceeds will be used to purchase backpacks
and basic learning tools such as pens, pencils, paper, highlighters, etc... all the necessary supplies to jump start a successful school year for some worthy students in Chatham and Orange Counties.
Thank you, in advance, for your support!
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STP - AUGUST 12
ALL WE ARE
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Last February Gabby Adams, a member of our high school youth, traveled to Kampala, Uganda with members of the All We Are nonprofit
(
http://allweare.org
)
. She was able to assist with a needs assessment that helped All We Are determine the issue most important to the community; lack of clean water. This led to a project that will provide clean water to a school and health clinic in a town just West of Kampala. In March, members of the high school youth group were involved with a silent auction fundraiser that supported this specific Water Project. There is still more money that needs to be raised and
the Church's contributions will help All We Are provide clean water to thousands of people.
If you can't be here on August 12th you may drop off or send your contribution to the church office. Please make checks payable to The Community Church of Chapel Hill UU and put "All We Are" in the memo line. Thank you!
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STP - AUGUST 26
SISTER COMMUNITIES OF SAN RAMON
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Support Rural Schools in Nicaragua
Share the plate on August 26 will be for 2 schools in the remote mountains of Nicaragua. For the last 3 years we have participated in the Rural School Partnership, a part of the Sister Communities of San Ramon. In this program we are paired with 2 schools for 3 years. We commit to raising at least $500/year for each school which the parents in the schools decide how to use. Over the last 3 years the funds have gone for basic school supplies, used musical instruments for a small band, to pave a play yard, and to help bring running water to the village and the school. We have now agreed to another 3 year commitment and will be paired with 2 new schools that have not been previously paired. Our gifts can make a huge difference for these schools. Give generously!
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Come join the Community Clickers
as we use needles and yarn to create comfort and warmth for our community. Our projects are made with 7" x 9" knitted and crocheted blocks (with 18" yarn tails) of washable acrylic, #4 worsted weight yarn. It takes 18 blocks to make each of the shawls we donate to UNC Hospice. Our next meeting will be Monday, July 16th from 7-9 pm in the Straley Room. Dawn Carney-Meriwether (
[email protected]
) will lead the meeting. We generally spend some time working on a group project and then click and chat, but some attendees click and chat the entire time! Can't knit or crochet? Come learn! Donations of acrylic yarn, knitting needles (6-8), and crochet hooks (J-L) are appreciated! Contact
[email protected]
for more information. Our August meetings will be on Wednesday, August 1st (2-4 pm, Commons Area) and Monday, August 20th (7-9 pm, Straley Room).
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FLAMING CHALICES SOFTBALL
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The Sanctuary for Dialogue (SfD) team continues its work in service of its Mission to "
To facilitate civil and respectful dialogue in which people express their beliefs and ideas, and seek to understand better the
beliefs and ideas of others, including why they believe as they do." In April we held our sixth Dialogue within the church community on "Addressing Income Disparity," with 25 participants including 14 new participants. Also, seven of our members received training for workshop moderators by Better Angels organization, a nationwide group committed to addressing political polarization through organized conversations. We conducted two workshops last November for Church members to enhance their skills at "Talking Across the Political Divide" with family members and friends. We are also moderating workshops that will bring together "Reds" and "Blues" for political conversations: Durham on 6/30, Winston-Salem/Greensboro on 7/29, UNC on 9/15 and Davidson University on a date TBD.
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SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS
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SEA continues to develop programming that meets the need for communal connections and spiritual development. Lasting, supportive friendships have been realized through SEA programming; and new church members become part of a loving community and expand their awareness of the possible connections realized via vibrant adult religious education experience at Community Church. Along with Covenant Groups, SEA is often one of the first places for connection for visitors and new members.
Summer SEA Offerings include
Tai-Chi and a Book Discussion: Teacher, Guide, Companion: Rediscovering Jesus in a Secular World by Eric Walker Wikstrom. Tai Chi is drop-in and includes beginners: Sundays 9-10 AM before service. For information on Tai Chi contact Joe Swain
. The
Book Discussion meets Sunday on July 15 and 22, 9-10:00 AM, also before the service. To register contact Marion Hirsch
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On Saturday, July 21 at 10:30 in the Kirby Room, the CCCH Readers will discuss Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal by Mary Roach. The book is an informative and humorous look at the part of the body beginning where food is consumed and ending where solid waste is expelled. Mary Hulett will be leading our discussion. Drop-ins are welcome.
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For 2 years a number of women have been knitting and crocheting objects to be given to community groups. Some of these folks come to regular meetings: others do it at home and bring their handiwork to church. There are over 50 of them, too many names to list here. You may have seen a few at their table at Coffee Hour, but likely you did not know the full scope of their project.
These Community Clickers have made shawls, lap blankets, scarves, baby hats, teddy bears, specialty gloves, and a large afghan. They have been presented to the IFC Homestart, Charles House, Duke Hospice, UNC Hospice, UNC Hospital, Durham Meals on Wheels, our church youth participating in a demonstration, a new immigrant family, and The Auction. Wow!!!
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It's alive! It's alive! (Well... it will be soon!) The website for the 2018 Fall Auction (Saturday, October 27, 5 pm) will open for business on August 1! Log in using your phone number and PIN - the last four digits of your phone number - and enter your donations now by selecting Donate at the top of the page. Next, select Donate a new item, then choose one of the ten categories and complete the form, e.g. breakfast/lunch/dinner (vegetarian), food (pies, breads), entertainment (musical party), service (home repair), vacation rental, hand-made treasure, etc.
If you would like to re-offer something from a previous year, select the year from the Other Years box under My Statement. Click on the Offer Again button next to the item (under your donations) and update if needed (check the date!). Mark your calendars and plan to attend our largest FUNdraiser of the year! For more information and to volunteer to help, contact Don/Susan Blanchard.
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STAY CONNECTED
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