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MAY 2018 - In This Issue:
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9:15 A.M. & 11:00 A.M.
(Single service schedule begins May 27)
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May 6, 2018
"The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass"
Glenn Mehrbach, along with the Community Church Choir, will lead this service with a reprise performance of "The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass," with text by Marisha Chamberlin and music by Carol Barnett, accompanied by fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo and acoustic bass. In a program note about the piece the composer writes: "Composing music for The World Beloved has given me the chance to write cheery sacred music-all too rare in a medium rife with staid and even lugubrious settings." Join us for what is bound to be an energetic, life-affirming and glorious service.
May 13, 2018
"Poetry Crossing Borders"
Rev. Thom Belote, preaching
9:15 service at Memorial Rock
Each May, Thom creates a service inspired by poets and poems that speak to him. This year, the service will be about the power of poetry to move us across borders and barriers, both physical and mental. The
9:15 service will be held at Memorial Rock amphitheater, weather permitting.
May 20, 2018
Coming of Age
Led by Rev. Thom Belote and Marion Hirsch
This is a service that is always moving and memorable as our 14-15 year olds share their beliefs and journeys. All year long they have been discussing important religious, theological, ethical, and spiritual questions about life, meaning-making, and death, as well as meeting with their adult mentors. Come hear them speak their "credos!"
May 27, 2018
"Dear Thom"
One service at 10:30
In the tradition of "Dear Abby," Thom will create a sermon that attempts to answer questions posed by congregants. To ask a question, fill out a form located in the rear of the sanctuary, next to the coat closet, and place it in the box provided. Please submit questions by Sunday, May 20.
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PLEDGE DRIVE & CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
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Building on Our Legacy Capital Campaign - UPDATE
We've collectively made tremendous progress over the past few months since the campaign's launch. We send heartfelt thanks to everyone who has turned in their Annual Pledge Drive and Capital Campaign commitment forms! We have entered the phase where we are following up with those who have yet to pledge. We encourage everyone to be as generous as they can be now before we move to the next step of engaging the architect and the engineers in responsive cost and design proposals. If you have questions or concerns please contact capital campaign co-chairs Ivy Brezina, Cathy Cole or Paige Smith.
Important Congregational Meeting on June 10 -- SAVE THE DATE
We invite everyone to come to our congregational meeting on June 10 to learnhow generous our congregation has been to the capital campaign and the next steps for vital improvements to our building space. There is only one service that day (at 10:30) and the meeting will begin just after. Child care will be provided. Following the meeting, we hope everyone will join us in the community room to enjoy mingling with old friends and new members whose membership is being recognized and congratulated. There will be light lunch for all. Do come!
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FAMILY DINNER & TALENT SHOW
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May 5
: Saturday dinner at 5:00, followed by a short program for the whole family at 6:00-6:30/6:45. Entree provided, you bring a side to share. $3 per person. Everyone can get home for an early bedtime.
RSVP HERE .
This is for kids and the adults who love them to share their talents -- instruments, singing, dancing, skits, jokes. Sign up to share talents
HERE
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May 19, Robertson Millpond, near Wendell. One of last year's favorites, a well-marked paddle (reasonable rentals) on kayak width trails through a Bald Cypress swamp. With luck we'll catch wild roses in bloom.
June 8-10. Roan Mountain for what may be the most spectacular display of Rhododendrons - period. Plus Linville Falls, a 10 + spectacle of its own. Plus! Decide by
May 7 and share a private cabin near Banner Elk on 20 acres of mountaintop at bargain rates. RSVP for all/any to:
[email protected]
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ECO'S ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER
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First Sunday Recyclables
May 6 at the ECO table:
Cell phones (including chargers).
As every month, ECO is also collecting
batteries
(AAA - D, button, rechargeable),
corks
(natural and synthetic), and tiny bits of metal (paper clips, nails, screws, etc.).
The newly remodeled Eubanks Waste and Recycling Center is open!
New items accepted include textiles, plastic bags, and food waste. See brochure here
for details.
Recycling tip.
Did you know? Shredded paper can be recycled ONLY if it is enclosed in a paper grocery bag, stapled shut and labeled "SHREDDED."
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SANCTUARY AND REFUGEE SUPPORT MINISTRY
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 Concert for a Cause! The Sanctuary Ministry Team thanks Deborah Davis for offering and organizing a splendid cello concert to benefit the Sanctuary and Immigrant Outreach Ministry work. Deborah performed works by Debussy, Cassado and Mendelssohn, accompanied by pianist Deborah Hollis. Elsbeth van Tongeren, Dorothy Hammett and Susie Hafer helped with the planning, publicity and reception, along with several of our congregation's friendly bakers, and all together raised over $1000. |
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MAY 6 - INTERFAITH COUNCIL (IFC)
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The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service meets basic needs and helps individuals and families achieve their goals. IFC provides shelter, food, and
direct services to people in need. This occurs through strong partnerships with volunteers, staff, and those IFC serves.
IFC relies on the active involvement of caring individuals, congregations
and other community organizations. IFC has taken an active role in advocating for affordable housing in Orange County. We encourage you to be generous in giving to this non-profit social service organization which does so much for so many in need.
It's time again for, yes you guessed it BOUNTIFUL BAGS. With summer coming and children at home needing snacks and lunch, the timing is right for helping the IFC Food Pantry in getting ready to provide food for families with limited resources. LOOK FOR THE BONNY BOUNTIFUL BAG LADIES on May 13th to get your bag with suggested items needed.
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 UNC Graduation! Mother's Day! - but not all mothers can hope their children graduate from college. OKAY (Opportunities for Kids and Youth) cares about healthy development of our community children, especially low-resource families, when they aren't in a safe space. Also inactivity during summer exacerbates the achievement gap. OKAY includes members from various local churches, born out of Church Women United, partner with IFC.
OKAY:
- Advocates - for affordable programs in the community
- Provides - information, resources, ideas, space, volunteers, love
- Facilitates -
- Identify, encourage, supplement, support, collaborate, network with programs and resources in churches and community - Vacation Bible Schools, Parks & Rec. (not enough programs), El Centro, Rogers Rd. Center, etc
- Connect families to programs (develop list; share with schools, churches, community agencies)
Church members have supported, participated and continue important leadership in this community endeavor.
Email Connie Gates to volunteer; share ideas; donate expertise, supplies, money, etc.
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MAY 20 -
THE JOE & LUCY STRALEY FUND
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 The Joe and Lucy Straley Fund for Youth Travel was established to fund youth from the Community Church to travel for peace, justice, and service. The Straley Fund has supported over 70 youth trips from our church in the last decade, to the General Assembly, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Workshops, Ecuador, New Orleans and Nicaragua. Church support means that youth of modest means can take these trips which would otherwise cost prohibitive, and it conveys to our youth our values and commitment to their future. The fund honors Joe and Lucy Straley - founding and stalwart members of the Community Church and prominent activists for civil rights, peace and justice here in North Carolina and around the world.
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SAVE THE DATE The Share the Plate Committee is now accepting applications for Share the Plate Sundays for July-December 2018. Deadline for applications is Sunday, May 13. For applications,
click here. Questions: Email
Jill Baker or
Jane Provan.
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STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE
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Although the Standing on the Side of Love Ministry Team is temporarily inactive several active Task Forces offer opportunities for you to raise a voice of love in a call for justice:
- The Voting Access Task Force, led by Melva Okun is up and running, to turn out voters for the primaries. Contact her for information about a May 6 phone bank, or to join in later activities this fall.
- Will there be UUs at this year's Pridefest in September? Not without advance planning. If you are interested, Ruth Gibson can get you started.
- The Concerts for a Cause Task Force needs volunteers this fall to bring a performance from emma's revolution, and possibly another from Holly Near. Contact Ginger Long if you would like to help organize these great events.
The work of all these Task Force groups would be much easier and more effective with an operational Side of Love Ministry Team helping behind the scenes. If you would like to support small groups in short-term tasks advocating for justice, please contact Ruth Gibson.
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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 of washable acrylic, #4 worsted weight yarn. Our ongoing projects are to make shawls for UNC Hospice Home and a rainbow shawl and a lap blanket/throw for the 2018 auction. It takes 18 blocks to make each shawl and 25 blocks to make the throw. Join us on Wednesday May 2nd from 2-4 pm in the Commons Area and on Monday May 21st from 7-9 pm in the Straley Room. 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.
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SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS
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There is still time to take a SEA course this spring.
Voluntary Simplicity facilitated by Marion Hirsch, Thursdays 7-9 PM 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31. Examine the distractions that get in the way of caring for the planet. Explore how consumer culture impacts you and your relationships, as well as the environment. Our decisions on how we live and consume are not made in a vacuum. Discover ways to slow down and live simply.
Vegetarianism from a Spiritual Perspective led by Rondy Elliott, RN, MTS, Thursdays 7-8:30 PM 5/17, 5/24, 5/31. Vegetarianism/veganism is helpful for the environment, a healthier dietary option, and a choice often made by people who are outraged over the treatment of animals in factory farms and slaughterhouses. But can it have a spiritual dimension as well? Without judgment or proselytizing, participants will explore all these issues in more depth.
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On Saturday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m., the CCCH Readers will be discussing American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America by Colin Woodard. Each of our distinctive cultures has unique historical roots and distinguishing ideals and identities. The results are apparent in the composition of the U.S. Congress, and in understanding who voted for whom in our last presidential election. Laurence Kirsch will be leading our discussion. Join us in the Kirby Room to share your insights. Drop-ins are welcome.
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Many of you bring food and toiletries for the IFC on a regular basis. For years and years Susie Hafer has been the person who quietly delivers them to the IFC.
On the 1st Monday morning of the month the Spiritual Mechanics gather at our church. They are Don Blanchard, Gary Giles, Mike Goodyear, John Lestina, and Dave Salman, led by Brad Kosiba, chair of the Building and Grounds Committee. Their task is to maintain our property and fix as much as they can, before paying for professional help. They would welcome additional helpers (female or male) and will provide tools and instruction. Helpers are useful even if they can't come every month. The group works from 9-12, and often goes to lunch together afterwards.
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Spring brings with it the enjoyment of many items - dinners, a concert with Nevilles Quarter, fun at a Durham Bulls baseball game - that were sold in 2017. Do you need to get something that you bought? Log into the auction website
using your phone number and PIN - the last four digits of your phone number. Click on My Statement to see what you purchased. Contact the donor of the service or item to arrange fulfillment. You can also use the lists from previous years to get ideas for dinners/events, food, treasures, services, vacation places, and other items that you might want to offer at the 2018 Fall Auction on Saturday, October 27. Mark your calendars and plan to attend! This is the church's largest fundraiser (and FUN-raiser) in support of the annual operating budget. For more information and to volunteer to help,
contact Don and Susan Blanchard
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STAY CONNECTED
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