In This Issue
-Quick Links
-Happening Soon
-Upcoming Service
-Solstice & Christmas Eve Zoom Links
-Board Report
-UUSC Guest at Your Table
-This Sunday in CYRE
-UUCH Young Adults
-Little Food Pantry
-Frank Holm Obituary
-Donate with Text Message
-In Case You Missed It!
-COVID-19 Relief Funds
-WLRH Holiday Programming
-Office Hour Changes
-Care List
-Upcoming Events
-Minister Info
-UUCH Board Members
-Church Info
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Happening Soon
Tuesday, December 22
Winter Solstice Service
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 24
Christmas Eve Service
5:30 p.m.
For all upcoming events, please see Check Events tab at the top of the newsletter or see the upcoming week's list near the end of the newsletter.
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In future services, and especially the Christmas Pageant on December 20th, we are experimenting with different Zoom features to enhance our worship experience. It's important to regularly update Zoom on your computer, phone, or tablet to access these features. Please take a few minutes this week to update your Zoom application. You can click here for more information.
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Christmas Pageant
Rev. Jaimie Dingus/Multi-Generational
10:45 a.m.
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Each winter, our children in our CYRE program put on a pageant to retell the ancient story of a baby in a manger. This year will be a pageant like no other as we adapt this tradition and Joyce Poley's beautiful pageant to fit our online world. Despite many things being different this Holiday season, you can count on cuteness, chaos, costumes, and Christmas Cheer. Join us for this timeless story made new!
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December Theme – Stillness
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Winter Solstice & Christmas Eve Services Zoom Links
Winter Solstice Service
December 22
7:00 p.m.
Meeting ID: 390 845 9671
Christmas Eve Service
December 24
5:30 p.m.
Meeting ID: 390 845 9671
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UUCH Board Report December 6, 2020
The UUCH Board met on December 6th for its monthly Board meeting. Along with other monthly business, they discussed the annual stewardship drive and reviewed the budget. The church has received the final payment from the Blossomwood Foundation for the Governors’ Drive property, and we will be releasing the lien on the property. Our application for 501(c)(3) status is ready to submit.
The Board approved congregational sponsorship of Nicole Jacobson, who joined UUCH in October. She is currently the Director of Religious Education at the UU Church in Birmingham, and is being mentored by Rev. Jaimie in her pursuit of ministerial credentials. UUCH will serve as her supporting church as she begins the process of becoming a minister.
The Board continues to review the new Policies and Procedures Manual and will have special meeting on December 13th to continue this process.
Brad Korb will be heading an effort to complete the renovation of the sanctuary.
A Committee on Ministry (COM) has been established which will include Brad Korb, Laurel Bollinger, Nicole Wright, Gary Hitt, and Nicole Sharp. The role of the COM is to keep track of the mission and vision of the congregation and look at the ministry of the church as a holistic effort shared between minister, staff, and congregation. They are sometimes called upon to intervene in conflict and are good listeners to share what is going well and what needs improvement in the congregation. A COM is also helpful for ministers who are starting at their first churches, so the UUA requires that they form a COM to serve as advisors, supporters and evaluators. UUCH has a wonderful Committee on Ministry in place to support Rev. Jaimie as she moves from preliminary fellowship to full fellowship, which is similar to a tenuring process. The COM meets monthly to review Jaimie’s minister’s reports, talk through any issues or questions she is wondering about, and to learn about the seven areas of UU Ministry. This is important, sacred work, and we are all so grateful for this team who will serve this year as the COM.
The Board, COM, and professional staff will be attending a Minister Start-up Meeting via Zoom on January 16th where the leadership will work with Southern District Facilitators on goal setting. They will also review role clarity and values of the church, and discuss covenant, mission, and structure.
The Board will meet again for their regularly schedule meeting on January 26th, 2021.
Submitted by the Board
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UUSC Guest at Your Table
Please support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) in its mission to advance human rights worldwide. Each year, through its Guest at Your Table fundraising campaign during December, UUSC invites us to join or to renew our memberships. This year, instead of little Guest at Your Table boxes and donation envelopes, UUSC has provided visual stories about the “guests,” that your donations to UUSC will support. Thank you. View a compilation of the visual stories here: Watch Video
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
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This Sunday in Children and Youth
Religious Education (CYRE)
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There will be no CYRE or YOUUTH Group this Sunday, or next (12/27). Please join us instead, for UUCH's Annual Christmas Pageant during this Sunday's worship service. We will see you again for programming on January 3rd. Happy Holidays!
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Registration for the new year in CYRE is still open!
Please use the link below to register your children and youth. Whether you've registered in the previous year or are brand new, we'd love to include you in our joyful and welcoming community of all ages. If you'd like more information about the CYRE Program, please contact acting DRE Harper Goodman.
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Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee
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we invite you to reach out to us.
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Submitted by the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee
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Little Food Pantry
Please see previous newsletters for food ideas to fill the pantry. If you are unable to use the sign-up schedule but would still like to fill the pantry, please try to fill it on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, which are between sign-up days. It is usually empty on those days. If the pantry is full, add your food to the overflow box by the church door. Thanks for your support of this important ministry of the congregation!
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FIRST STOP and Grateful Life Church are in need of blankets and socks for our homeless neighbors through January. As homeless can do laundry at First Stop, the need is for washable blankets. You can drop them in or on the overflow food pantry brown box by the door of the church. It’s cold now and folks need help.
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
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Obituary for Charter Member Frank Holm
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Frank John Holm died peacefully on December 4, 2020, at age 91, in Northport, Alabama. He is survived by his wife Rebecca (Becky) Searcy Holm, daughter Susan Maynard, daughter and son-in-law Phyllis and Jake Wood, son-in-law Dan Maynard, daughters-in-law Mary Holm and Karen Holm, 13 beloved grandchildren, and 15 (soon to be 17) adored great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Pauline Scheve and his 3 sons, John Frank Holm (infant), George Frank Holm, and John Paul Holm. Born and raised in Nebraska by forward-thinking parents, Frank learned the importance of education, hard work, family, and integrity. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War as a flight navigator and subsequently graduated from the University of Nebraska with an electrical engineering degree. In 1958, the family moved to Huntsville, Alabama, their home for the next six decades. The Sixties were busy! Frank worked with zeal and awe in the Space Program–specifically, testing the hold-down arms for the Saturn V. He worked with courage and commitment in the Civil Rights Movement–marching in Selma, speaking up at City Council meetings, and teaching his children that it is never wrong to do the right thing. He sought justice for all. He was a devoted father–coaching, mentoring, teaching, infusing the same integrity and humanity in his children that his parents instilled in him. He joined TVA in 1970, retiring in 1994. His heart was always in his job and he was a passionate advocate for public utilities. He contributed mightily to the community. He was a charter member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Huntsville. He helped dig, seed, mow, and build the Lakewood ballpark, which became the gathering place for hundreds of children. He was never idle, a lifelong learner and doer. The "Kakkaw" years began in 1977 and never ended as he devoted himself to the next generation, and then the next. He held a special place in his heart for the youngest "punkin' pie," which meant that every grand and great-grand had a turn. He was Uncle Frank to 19 cherished nieces and nephews. He nurtured wonderful friendships. For 60 years, meetings with a core group of "Glee & Perloo" friends fed his soul and intellect as they discussed politics, religion, and anything else that had even a whiff of controversy. And for almost 70 years, he loved and admired and co-navigated life with his dear Becky, fondly referring to himself as her "evermore blue-eyed husband." They were a good match in both mind and heart, challenging each other, supporting each other, and working together to love and encourage their family and friends and to make the planet a better place. No services are currently planned. If you wish to pay your respects to Frank, think of him as you do a good deed.
Published in The Huntsville Times from Dec. 8 to Dec. 13, 2020: Link
Submitted by the Care Committee
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Donating by Text or Online
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To give a plate offering to UUCH from your mobile device, text the amount (without dollar sign) to 833-559-0257, and follow the instructions. Text giving is by debit or credit card only.
Like our other online and mobile giving options, this option is through Vanco, is secure, and has a good option for "plate" donations.
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Submitted by the Finance Committee
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”The Most Wonderful
Time of the Year”
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
December 6, 2020
Did you miss our virtual worship service on Sunday?
Want a midweek re-watch?
Fear not, you can click here to see the recording.
Remember, the building is closed,
but CHURCH is open!
Submitted by the Worship Committee
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COVID-19 Relief Funds Available
Funds are available for members of the congregation who have been negatively impacted financially by COVID-19.
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Beautiful Holiday Programming on WLRH!
Do you love holiday music as much as I do? Check out WLRH’s Special Holiday Programming here! Wishing you a Happy Holidays from Holly in the office! Enjoy!
There is much more but here is just a sample of upcoming programming:
Monday, December 21st
- Sundial Writers Corner with Kathryn Tucker Windham at 9:00 AM
One of the longest-running voices in our wonderful Sundial tradition, legendary story-master Kathryn Tucker Windham takes us on a Christmas ride.
Thursday, December 24th
- A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 9:00 AM
A yearly WLRH tradition...share in a live, worldwide Christmas Eve broadcast of a service of Biblical readings, carols, and related seasonal ‘classical’ music (anthems a cappella and with organ accompaniment, and congregational hymns), presented by King’s College.
- A Chanticleer Christmas at 11:00 AM
Celebrate the season with holiday favorites, new and old, presented live in concert by the superb 12-man ensemble known as "an orchestra of voices."
Submitted by Office Administration
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Office Hour Changes for the Christmas Holiday
Main office hours for next week:
Monday 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday - Closed
Thursday - Closed
Friday - Closed
Saturday - TBD
Submitted by Office Administration
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Care List
This Sunday at our Circle of Candles:
Michaela Whitehead lit a candle of joy & gratitude: This is my first time joining your congregation for worship and I feel joyful and grateful for the opportunity!
Barbara Hitt lit a candle of sorrow: We received a notice from Phyllis Wood, Frank and Becky Holm’s daughter, that Frank passed away on December 4. Frank was a charter member of UUCH. There is an article with his obituary in this newsletter.
Barbara Hitt lit a candle of gratitude: Michele Rich is very grateful for all the food and love her family received from the Care Committee following her surgery. Contributors were Patti McKee, Jefflyn Weed, Eleanor Schweinsberg, Teri Thomas, Lynda Lamitie, and Barbara.
Michele Rich lit a candle of gratitude: Thank everyone for all the food and love her family received from the Care Committee following her surgery. Contributors were Patti McKee, Jefflyn Weed, Eleanor Schweinsberg, Teri Thomas, Lynda Lamitie, and Barbara.
Sarah S. Rody lit a candle of joy: That the first COVID-19 vaccine was approved.
Kathy Fisher lit a candle of sorrow: Today is the 33rd anniversary of Daddy’s passing, also on a Sunday morning. He informs my life every day. Thank you, Daddy!
Paul and Bridgit lit a candle of concern: Good Morning, this is Bridgit. On November 19th, I took a test for COVID-19 and tested positive. The good news is so far is that my case has been mild. The bad news is that I've been super reluctant to send anybody anything that I have touched.
Mary Ann Conklin lit a candle of joy: Really appreciate those who handle all the arrangements needed to bring us this every Sunday. THANK YOU.
Salaama lit a candle of concern: please keep our dear friend in your thoughts and prayers. She's an RN who is battling COVID-19.
Sara Coble (she/her) lit a candle of joy: I was featured in the High School Democrats of America newsletter for my work on the Georgia Senate Runoffs!
Barbara Hitt lit a candle of sorrow: We are deeply saddened that our son-in-law lost his mother to COVID-19. She spent a life well-lived, teaching high school English and being a sweet and loving wife, Mom, and Grandma. She left behind a husband of 55 years and a heartbroken family.
Timothy Bullis lit a candle of joy: My family came to see me over the weekend. Love those girls.
Pam and Erin lit a candle of gratitude: Thank you SOOOO much for the food, love, and healing energy and support from this loving community. Erin and I are so very grateful.
J. Schulz lit a candle of gratitude: Very grateful that our daughter, Lauren, is OK after a car accident that resulted in the car being totaled. Went to visit her yesterday and while she is a bit battered, she is doing well.
Cheri Smith lit a candle of concern: My ex-husband is still on the respirator.
Gail and Howard Williams lit a candle of joy: Congrats Sara, keep up the good work!
Cheri Smith lit a candle of joy: Vincent has come home from the Navy. We haven't seen him in 2 years.
Pam and Erin lit a candle of joy: Awesome, Sara.
Theresa and Tim Miller lit a candle of concern: We're keeping our daughter Allie's in-laws in our prayers who have COVID-19. Also, Allie (an RN) had an exposure with a patient this week, so hoping for the best.
Tim Waskerwitz lit a candle of concern: I have tested positive for COVID-19 and am not getting better and my roommate, Barry, who originally tested negative now has symptoms and just got retested. I hope he is clear.
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Upcoming Events
Please note that all meetings, worship services, and gatherings will be held online until further notice. Please check our Facebook page and website for updated information and links
Thursday, December 17
Worship Council
5:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 20
Worship Service
Christmas Pageant
10:45 a.m.
All Alabama Young Adults Group
12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 22
Winter Solstice Service
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 23
Susan's Happy Hour
5:00 p.m.
Meeting ID:
847 8458 5916
Choir Practice
7:00 p.m.
Meeting ID:
910 8283 2653
Thursday, December 24
Christmas Eve Service
5:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 27
Worship Service
Visiting Another UU Church
11:00 a.m.
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Minister
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
Office Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday by appointment.
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UUCH 2020-21
Board Members
President:
John Schulz
Vice President:
Nick Wilbourn
Secretary:
Nancy Finley
Treasurer:
Bob Locklear
Trustees:
Suzey Delacey
Jack Long
Bryan Walls
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 John Schulz via email no later than one week prior to the meeting (i.e. the Tuesday before). The next board meeting is scheduled
for Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
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Office Administrator
Holly Hinkle
Main Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday
9:30 am-1:30 pm
*Please email office if you need building access.
Phone:
256-534-0508
For more info on any event, contact the church office or visit our website.
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The Overlook is a publication of The Unitarian Universalist Church, 3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810
Editor-in-Chief:
Laurel Bollinger
Editor:
Holly Hinkle
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PO Box 5545
Huntsville, AL 35814
(256) 534-0508
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