Calendar of Events

March 09, 2023

Vol. 23 Issue 10

COVID Policy as of 10/25/2022

In This Issue



-COVID Policy


-Upcoming Service


-Nursery Care 


-Call to Preach


-Children and Young Adult News


-New UU Class


-Letter from Sandra


-Cottage Meeting Info


-Adult RE Sign Up


-Return of a Popular Group


-Share the Spotlight


-Fellowship Event


-UUCH "TED" Talk


-Board Report


-Circle of Candles


-Calendar of Events


-Little Food Pantry


-In Case You Missed It


-Donate Online or

by Text


-Submit to the Newsletter


-Minister Info


-UUCH Board Members


-Church Info






Upcoming Service

Body Liberation

Reverend Jaimie Dingus

10:45 AM, Sunday, March 12, 2023



In this month of vulnerability, we will explore a deeply vulnerable place: our physical bodies and our societal relationships to our bodies. Fat or thin, disabled or able, frail or strong, whatever our body is now, and whatever it will become, it is a gift. Can we be gentle and kind to our bodies? Can we interrupt the microagressions of abilsm and fat phobia? Can we advocate for liberation for all bodies?

Worship Zoom Link

This Sunday Events Following Service


Coffee Hour

Fellowship Hall 


UUCH Choir News

This week the choir is singing Simple Gifts, a familiar song, arranged by Lori Larson. Did you know that the line "to turn, turn will be our delight, 'til by turning, turning we come 'round right" is a dance instruction as well as a life instruction?

Rehearsal this week is after coffee hour at 12:10.


Nursery Care

Nursery care will be available during the service
from 10:30-12:15.

Little ones can be signed in and out upon arrival and departure in the RE wing.

Do You Want to Preach?

One of the most unique parts of Unitarian Universalism, is that we have a free pulpit. That means that anyone in our community who wants to prepare a sermon that reflects our UU values and is welcome to do so.


As the weather gets warmer, I’m starting to think about summer and wanted to make you aware of several dates that are currently open for members of our congregation to preach.


I will work with you and will be more than happy to read and edit any sermon as well as point you to resources and readings to create a cohesive worship service.


Right now we need preachers for:

June 25th

July 9th

July 23rd

August 6th

August 13th

September 3rd


If you are interested please send me an email to minister@uuch.org with your preferred date and what you hope to preach about. Additionally, if you know of people in our community who might make excellent summer speakers, please send me their names and contact info!


Blessings

Rev. Jaimie

Children and Youth Education News


SOUL MATTERS - THE PATH OF VULNERABILITY


This month, the children and youth will explore the challenges and paths of vulnerability. Each path includes an exploration of a moment of vulnerability. The aim is to explore four key moments when life asks us to be vulnerable. Each path includes a statement that expresses how we are being asked to be vulnerable.


One path to vulnerability is being part of the Beloved Community for children and youth. If you would like to explore your own vulnerability here is the link to add your name to the calendar:


Soul Matters For March

  • March 5th: When We Seek Friendship (On the ability to say “I like you.”)
  • March 12th: When We Can’t Do It On Our Own (On the ability to say “I need help.”)
  • March 19th: When We Hope (On the ability to say “I trust it will happen. “)
  • March 26th: When We Show Our True Selves (On the ability to say “This is me.”)


Younger children (Preschool up to Grade 5)

Following the three-fold path of “Introduce It (Wonder Box),” “Tell It And Talk About It,” and “Explore It,” the children and their leaders will not only explore what it means to ask for help but will create special “worry” containers for those times when they feel anxious, worried or afraid. Sunday's program is being led by Eva Reese.


Youth (6th - 12th grades)

Each Soul Matters session follows a powerful pattern of engagement with the topic that recognizes the connections youth have with each other. The pattern includes Getting Started, Spiritual Practice, Discussion Starters, Express Yourself, Fun & Games.


In this second Sunday of vulnerability, the teens will explore the times when life asks us to be vulnerable because we need help, feel worried, or can’t do something on our own. In these moments, we are asked to vulnerably say “I need help.” Some questions and values being considered will be: “What are your values?”, “Is vulnerability a weakness?”, “Can we benefit from being vulnerable?”, and “Do we think that on some level everybody is vulnerable?” GREAT questions!


  • Sunday's youth advisors are Andrew Warrington and Betsy Applegate.

New UU Class at UUCH

Sunday, Mar 26th & Apr 2nd

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.


What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? You are invited to attend a two-part class at UUCH that explores important themes in UU congregational life.


We will discuss UU worship and theology, history, covenant and polity, faith development, social justice, and membership. This program is particularly focused on introducing newcomers to UUCH, but those of you who have been here for a while will also be able to share and connect with others as we explore our own beliefs and how they intersect with the UU tradition. Everyone is welcome!


Mark your calendars now for the Sunday mornings of March 26th and April 2nd from

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for this chance to learn, to share, and to be together. The classes will be held in the Adult Religious Education classroom at UUCH, located at the back of the Religious Education wing. Nancy Finley and Nick Wilbourn will facilitate the discussion.


Contact membership@uuch.org for further information. If you will need childcare during the classes, please contact us at least a week in advance. We look forward to seeing you there!


Submitted by Adult RE and Membership Committees

Letter from Sandra


"Faith minus vulnerability and mystery equals extremism. If you’ve got all the answers, then don’t call what you do 'faith.'” ~ Brene Brown


I am part of an inspiring and experienced group of Religious Education Transition Consultants who are connected to the Guild of Interim Religious Educators. One of my colleagues, Michele Grove, wrote an intriguing blog post about family systems, a philosophy that has inspired many Unitarian Universalist ministries. I know you learn a great deal from Michele’s professional experience. Her article is below:


“Going Beyond Family Systems Theory in the Interim Process”


Interim ministers and religious educators are transitional specialists who commonly work with a congregation for a short period of time as the congregation navigates the complicated network of transition between clergy and professional lay leadership. Interim ministry is built on the common understanding that church communities are complicated systems of people with different ideas, thoughts, and emotions. It may seem like the departure of one religious leader and the entrance of another should be a simple process; but the multiple layers of human experience and emotion response make this process more complicated. It is important to honor the confusion, self-doubt, grief, anger, and fear that is embedded in transitions. When done well, interim ministry does this with patience, compassion, and a non-anxious presence.


The creation of this interim ministry model in the 1970’s was built on an understanding of family systems theory. Family systems theory as it is outlined by Murray Bowen and Edwin Friedman sees the family as a tightly connected system where all parts affect the other. When one member or small group within the family interacts in positive emotional ways, it affects the entire family system for the better. On the other side, when one member or small group within the family interactions in negative or dysfunctional emotional ways, it introduces challenging influences on the entire family. Navigating family systems is something we all do in our immediate and extended family.


This theory has been successfully translated to congregations who often interact like a family. And for several decades, this theory which studies the multiple layers of interconnectedness and historical trauma has helped congregations understand why transitions between clergy and other religious leaders are more complicated. Congregations experience confusion, self-doubt, grief, anger, and fear just like families when navigating transitions. This is a good theory, and it has served congregations well for almost fifty years.



But it is important to note that these theories were developed by well-established, economically secure white men who possibly received more attention because of their race, gender, and economic status. Is it possible that there are other voices that do not receive as much immediate attention that can also speak to the underlying systems of congregations? Over the past several years, I have made it a point to dig deeper and find some of these diverse, astute voices who look at systems in different ways. What I have found is a gift beyond imagination. This is the first of several blogs I will write exploring these gifts. I look forward to exploring with you. If you have a thought or question, please leave a comment. I believe that the conversation is the best part of blogging! -Michele Townsend Grove (Townsend Grove Consulting and Coaching townsendgrove@gmail.com)


In vulnerability,

Sandra Greenfield (my pronouns are she/her)

RE Transition Consultant living on the tribal lands of the Cocheco in NH

sandra.l.greenfield@gmail.com

Sponsored by the Board

Cottage Meetings Start this Weekend!


The Annual Budget Drive (ABD) was kicked off last Sunday during the potluck! We heard about the role of the cottage meetings, we sang a song of gratitude, and (of course) we ate some great food (including a special cake!). The ABD is our annual campaign to collect pledges of financial support for the next fiscal year (beginning July 1), and we hope to get those pledges all collected by the end of this month. To that end, we hope that all households -- both members and friends -- who are at all able will attend one of our cottage meetings. There, we will have fun hearing the stories of other congregants and get to know one another better, we will hear more about the budget process and any particular needs for next year, we will have an opportunity to make our pledge, and once again we will eat some great food! Most of the cottage meetings are held in the homes of members, and others will be at the church (one of which is this Sunday, for lunch after the service). There are lunch, dinner, and happy hour formats to choose from, on dates scattered through the month. We will also have a zoom meeting at the end of the month for those who are unable to attend one of the meetings.


If you have not yet done so, please sign up for a cottage meeting at THIS LINK! Help ensure that UUCH has the resources to pursue its mission of building a beloved community, and a better world!


Sponsored by the Stewardship Committee

Adult RE sign up table


Have you notice the ARE signup table in the fellowship hall? Please make it part of your coffee hour routine to peruse our offerings for engagement in adult religious education.


Sponsored by the Adult RE Committee

SoulCollage Sunday Afternoons


Coming soon, we will be restarting our popular SoulCollage® group. Based on the work of Seena Frost, SoulCollage® is an easy, creative way to get in touch with your right brain, intuitive self. 


We will be using cut out images, our imaginations, a bit of glue, and some card stock to create a collaged card. By musing and journaling with this card, we can explore and express ourselves in ways we might not have thought possible. Finally, we will gather in a circle of community to share as each one feels comfortable.


All materials will be provided, but feel free to supplement by gathering images from magazines, online photo sharing websites, or bring photos of loved ones and pets.

Using images instead of language helps us to connect with the parts of ourselves that may be hidden from our everyday view. As we learn more about ourselves, we become able to recognize patterns in thought and action that no longer serve us. Each card is personal and unique because everyone chooses images that speak to them.


“The most original contribution to the battery of tools for deep self-exploration and psychology in years.” --Stanislavsky Geof, M.D. Ph.D. author of Psychology of the Future--Lessons from Modern Consciousness Research


Sponsored by the Adult RE Committee

Children's Books


Did you know that we have a full bookcase of children’s books? It is located in the Adult RE room. Feel free to peruse and borrow!


Sponsored by the Adult RE Committee

Share the Spotlight!


UUCH is a community of Shared Ministry, and we invite YOU to share the spotlight.


Have you ever admired or envied the person who reads announcements and gets the service going on Sundays? Have you ever wondered how EASY it is to do it? Do you want to practice your speaking in front of a loving audience without having to compose anything? Are you craving an opportunity to ring the bowl? Do you want to show off your new haircut?


Being a host for our worship services could be for you! You don’t have to be a member of any committee to try it. You can do it only one time, or you can continue to be part of the rotation. Whatever is right for you. It’s TOTALLY SCRIPTED! No worries, no need to ad lib. 


Contact Suzey Delacey at pseuzieq@gmail.com to get access to the spotlight.

Lunch at Luigi's Italian Grill in Madison


Hey! How about a nice lunch at a great Italian restaurant? Come join us at Luigi’s Italian Grill on Hwy 72 in Madison


When: Thursday, March 23 at 12 Noon

Where: Luigi's Italian Grill, 7559 Hwy 72 W Suite 112, Madison, AL 35758


Please sign up so we know how many to expect. SignUp Genius link.


Money will never be a barrier to participating in Fellowship at UUCH. If you need financial assistance to participate, please contact Rev. Jaimie at minister@uuch.org.


Contact Sarah Rody at sarah.rody@live.com or Steve Rittenberg at srittenberg@gmail.com if you have questions. Thanks!


Sponsored by the Fellowship Committee

UUCH Ted Talk: Friday, March 31st at 6pm


Join us at UUCH on Friday, March 31 @ 6pm in the Fellowship Hall for dinner. a Ted Talk, and discussion. Topic: Give yourself permission to be creative by Ethan Hawke. In this short 9 minute talk, Mr. Hawke helps us understand about and why creativity is so important. This talk is a great way to wrap up our monthly theme of Vulnerability. After his talk, Teri Thomas will lead us in a discussion about what this means and how we can apply it in our lives inside and outside of UUCH. Please RSVP using the signup genius link at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094aa4aa2ba2f4c43-uuch so we have an idea about how many people will be coming 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. Cost will never be a barrier from attending a UUCH Event. Please get in touch with Rev. Jaimie at minister@uuch.org if you need assistance.


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 Committee

UUCH Board Report

February 28, 2023


The UUCH Board met for its regularly scheduled meeting on February 28, 2023.


The Board continued work on preparing for the beam repair on the building, which includes looking into possible loan terms and obtaining the contractor bids. They also discussed issues concerning the parking lot, and reviewed proposals for its repair and maintenance. A “Building Plan” is being established to assess and prioritize ongoing building maintenance issues.


The Board voted to extend the consultation services of Sandra Greenfield for CYRE through March, since the funds already allocated will cover this additional time. This will allow her to assist in the transition to the new permanent Director of Religious Education when they are identified. Rev. Jaimie reported that we have qualified applicants for this position. The search committee will continue to work on filling this important position soon.


David Bollinger, Treasurer, reported that we continue to have excellent financial reports. In terms of income, we are well above projections, and we are below expenses. We have had some personnel vacancies this year, so when fully staffed, we will be using more of the budgeted expenses.


The Board worked on developing the Goals for the 2022-2023 Annual Budget Drive.


The next scheduled Board Meeting will be held on March 28, 2023.

Circle of Candles


Tim Miller lit a candle of Joy: "I finished my 7 weeks of radiation therapy for the cancer on my ear."


Holly Hopkins lit a candle of Concern: "My husband is Army National Guard and is deploying for a year to Poland. He is Leaving March 16th."


The Delaceys lit a candle of Sorrow: "Many of you know Amanda Schuber and Wanda Snoddy. Wand's dad passed away this week after and extended illness. Their kids have lost their beloved Grandpa."


Kathy Fisher lit a candle of Joy: "Overjoyed I am finally and officially out of physical therapy!"

Upcoming Events
Click the calendar to see all of our upcoming events!
Little Food Pantry

The food pantry is a huge success, being utilized by numerous people!
If you are able to pick a day to re-stock the pantry, please do so, using the Sign-Up Genius link below.

There are also baskets in the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary entry foyer for food collection. The collected food will ultimately be used to fill the pantry on days not chosen on the sign-up genius.

Canned meats, soups, veggies, mac-and-cheese, bread, fruit, fresh veggies--all kinds of foods are welcome.

Thank you for being so generous. We are making a difference!
Sign-Up Genius
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee

In Case You Missed It


We love when you can join us at Service but we know that life can throw curveballs! Click below to view the past 5 services:

03/05

02/26

02/19

02/12

Currently Unavailable

02/05

Donate Online

via CDM+ Engage

Online:
 Like our other online and mobile giving options, this option is through CDM+ Engage, is secure, and has a good option for "plate" donations as well as "pledge".
Donate

Submit to the Newsletter


Do you have news to include in the newsletter next week? Please submit your article to the newsletter through our request form no later than 10:00 am each Wednesday. Please make sure to complete a new request form each time you make a submission to the newsletter.

Minister
Rev. Jaimie Dingus

Office Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday by appointment.
Make an Appointment with the Minister

UUCH 2023-24

Board Members

 

 President:

Betsy Applegate

 

 Vice President:

Brad Korb


Secretary:

Nancy Finley


Treasurer: 

David Bollinger


Trustees: 

Will Garrison

Shalin Mody

Nancy Pettus


Minister:

Rev. Jaimie Dingus


Do you have an agenda item for the Board? 

The Board respectfully requests that all agenda items for the meeting be submitted to Board President Betsy Applegate via email no later than one week prior to the meeting (i.e. the Tuesday before). The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6:30 pm.

Office Administrator

Ryan Vidal Gonzales


Main Office Hours:

Ryan will be on PTO the week of March 12th.


*Please call/email the office in advance if you need building access.


Phone: 

256-534-0508

Email: uuch@uuch.org


For more info on any event, contact the church office or visit our website.

Contact the Office
Visit the UUCH Website

The Overlook is a publication of The Unitarian Universalist Church,

3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810


Editor-in-Chief:

Laurel Bollinger


Copy Editor:

Ryan Vidal Gonzales

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