Letter from Sandra

Last Sunday, I met with Rev. Jaimie and the members of the DRE Search Team (Suzy Delacey, Nancy Finley, Eva Reese, and Andrew Warrington). The members of this Search Team are providing much-needed perspectives, personal experiences with UUCH, and deeply-held values about Unitarian Universalism faith formation.

Several questions guide this search, the most important of which centers on success. Not just the successful lifelong faith formation ministry, but the personal and professional success of the staff person. In my time serving multiple congregations, that question was paramount in my decision to accept an offer: Can I be successful and how will I know?

In my short time with UUCH, it is clear how important children, youth, and families are to everyone. Ideally the new Director is a Unitarian Universalist or has experience with our denomination, is committed to professional development and collegial connections, shares the same values that inspire all of you, and whose leadership is guided by shared feelings of respect, kindness, and gratitude.

What is involved in everyone feeling successful? Some factors to consider are the volunteer base, leadership infrastructure, shared responsibility for this and all ministries, shared understanding of what families in Huntsville need and want from UUCH, financial commitments, commitment to covenantal relations, and most significantly a willingness to make any needed changes.

What does a successful faith formation ministry mean to you? And what needs to be done on a personal and congregational level for that to happen? Send me an email; I will share your perspective with the Search Team! My email address is below.

Have a great week everyone. I will not be available this Sunday (the folks leading children and youth programs have their materials) as I will be in New York co-leading an Our Whole Lives training. I am thrilled so many congregations are returning to in-person OWL classes!

In faith,

Sandra Greenfield

RE Transition Consultant

sandra.l.greenfield@gmail.com

UUCH "TED Talk"

Join us at UUCH tomorrow, Friday, January 20 @ 6pm in the Fellowship Hall for dinner, a Ted Talk, and discussion.

Topic: Leadership is Love by Dr. Mark Rittenberg.

In this short 15 minute talk, Dr. Rittenberg teaches us that leadership is about the Power of Human Connection. After his talk, we will discuss what this means and how we can apply it in our lives inside and outside of UUCH.

Please RSVP using the signup genius link here so we have an idea about how many people for pizza dinner. BYOB.

If you have ideas for future Ted Talks or would like to facilitate a UUCH Ted Talk discussion, please get in touch.

Childcare can be arranged if sufficient notice is given. Please contact us if needed.

*** We are asking for donations towards the cost of this event. Please consider donating $5 per person or $15 per family. But don't let the cost push you away.

Teri Thomas (terit4u@yahoo.com), UUCH Adult RE Committee Chair

Sarah Rody (sarah.rody@live.com) and Steve Rittenberg (srittenberg@gmail.com), UUCH Fellowship Committee Co-Chairs

Sponsored by the Adult RE and Fellowship Committees

Shambhala Open House and Book Discussion

The Shambhala Meditation Group that meets in our Religious Education space on Saturdays is having an Open House on Sunday, January 22nd at 9:30am. The Open House will provide an opportunity to learn more about meditation, find out about what the group is studying and learning and meet some of the people in the meditation group. There will be a short meditation instruction provided for those that are interested in learning how to meditate. All are welcome.

Anyone who is interested is also welcome to join our book study which will begin on Jan 28th at 9am after our 8am meditation. We will continue the book study through March. We will be studying The Places that Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times, by Pema Chodron. This is an excellent book that offers practices to help us understand and get through the difficult times of our lives.

This group is an extension of the Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center and is led here in Huntsville by Bill Elliott, who has been meditating and studying Shambhala Buddhism for 18 years. Shambhala is based on trust in human dignity offering a path of meditation practice and contemplative arts oriented towards modern life. The Shambhala communities around the world cultivate kindness, bravery, and genuine dialogue. The Shambhala vision is to inspire compassionate, sustainable, and just human societies.

Sponsored by the Adult RE Committee

Fellowship Brainstorming Dinner

Everyone (especially new UUs and those thinking about joining UUCH) is welcome to come to a brainstorming potluck dinner hosted by Cam Scales on Thursday, January 26. Arrive around 5:30 pm with dinner to begin at 6pm. We'll chat as we eat and finish up by 8pm. This will be potluck style with Cam providing the pasta, veggie sauce, bread, and drinks. Please use the Signup Genius link here to RSVP so we can have an idea about who is coming but also to round out the menu with meat sauces, salads, and desserts. (Please don't let the word "potluck" be a barrier to attending. You are welcome to sign up as just your own sweet, wonderful selves.)

What will we do this year? That's up to you! We currently go out to dinner once a month. We'll arrange a UUCH night at a Trash Panda game. Want to attend a game night at UUCH, see a movie at church or around town, or go to an event? Hike, bike, walk, jog? Dance, sing, buy some bling, take a fling? All possibilities are open! Please note that at our dinner you are not committing yourself to host, sponsor, facilitate, or plan anything. You are always welcome to provide that support but first let's decide what we want to do and then we'll figure out how and when.

Cam's address:



Cam Scales

19 Georgetta Drive (up on Monte Sano)

Huntsville, AL

We look forward to seeing you!

Sponsored by the Fellowship Committee

Annual Chili Fest on Saturday, January 28th

Our Annual UUCH Chili Fest is scheduled for Saturday, January 28th in the UUCH Fellowship Hall. The supper begins at 6:00 pm. You are encouraged to bring your own personal version of chili, whether it’s red, white, spicy, mild, vegan, vegetarian, or meaty. You can help with decorating and/or clean up, as well as bringing side items such as cheese, cornbread, etc. by signing up on the poster in the Fellowship Hall or by going to our SignUp Genius here.

There will be an Open Mic for those who want to perform; please contact music@uuch.org.

Sign up before the event is not required

Sponsored by the Hospitality Committee

Circle of Candles

The Delaceys lit a candle of Joy: "Taylor celebrated her 17th birthday on Thursday, January 12th. We are so proud of the person she has become!"

The DeMours lit a candle of Concern: "We continue to pray for a peaceful resolution to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "

Betsy Applegate lit a candle of Sorrow: "Longtime former and very active member Millicent Simmons passed away recently. She had moved away several years ago to be near family."

Special Request

Kathy Fisher: "Anyone with a chainsaw is welcome to come help me clean the large of amount of fallen trees in my back yard. Free firewood for anyone who can help. Email me with a date that works for you: kathy47f@gmail.com"