UUCH Chalice
The Overlook
Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville
3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville AL 35810  
November 24th, 2016
Vol. 16 Issue 47
In This Issue

Yes We Can
Reach 100!  
 
Your Social Justice Committee asks that we bring non-perishable food and personal hygiene items for the food basket each Sunday, to be donated to the Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP). Collection Baskets are located in the Foyer and in the Fellowship Hall.
Our Goal: 100 Food Items per month!
So please check your pantry, and/or pick up an extra item on your next shopping trip.
Suggested donations: macaroni and cheese, pasta and sauce, dry beans and rice, boxes of cereal, bars of soap, canned meat, and peanut butter!
Also toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary napkins and tampons, shampoo and conditioner...you get the idea!
Thanks in advance! 

Join the UUkulele Fun Group!
Here's your chance to learn an instrument! Our UUkulele Fun Group meets every other Wednesday from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. to enjoy ukulele playing. (Note: due to the Thanksgiving holiday, our next meeting will be November 30th.)
This group is for all levels of familiarity with the ukulele--from the "very beginner" to more "seasoned" players. We learn from each other, jam, share music, and simply enjoy this lively instrument. No prior experience necessary; this is an easy instrument to learn. All ages welcome.
 
So join the ukulele bug that is sweeping the country, and come make a little music with us. This group is sponsored by UUCH Adult RE. Contact Nancy Finley [email protected] or Glen Clark for further information.

Safe Space for Children and Youth
For the safety and enjoyment of our all-ages community, parents/guardians are asked to supervise children and youth in the church facility and grounds when they are not in their planned RE activity.

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November's Theme: Story 
Upcoming Services
UUCH Chalice
Sunday, Nov. 27th, 2016
 

"Creative Activism"
Clete Wetli

Much of what our Unitarian Universalist Principles call us to affirm and promote is at risk. Clete Wetli says it is more important now than ever to be persistent about activism in support of the issues you care about. Being an activist does not have to mean being the center of attention. You might be surprised at the productive ways you can work for the causes you care about, using your own unique gifts. Being fearful is understandable. Yet, how might we find the courage to show up for what we believe is right?
 
Clete Wetli has a long history of working for social causes and organizations promoting values consistent with Unitarian Universalism, such as the Interfaith Mission Service, First Stop, REACHsv and Free2Be. It's my pleasure to invite him back to UUCH to share with us again this Sunday.
--Rev. Alice
This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education 
        
Children and youth will make meal packs for homeless outreach with members of the Social Justice Committee!      

Nursery care (ages 0-3) will be offered as usual.
 
Register for the UUCH Children and Youth Religious Education program by going to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WS8LDNP. Paper registration forms are also available at the church.
For more information, contact Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education (DRE) at [email protected] or Audrey Fox, CYRE Chair, at [email protected].
Social Justice Meets Nov. 27th! 
 
justice scales Your Social Justice Committee will meet Sunday, November 27th at 9:30 a.m. in the RE wing. Come help us set up for the Children and Youth RE Meal Pack activity--and share any thoughts on social justice projects for the spring!  We'll have bagels.  If you need childcare, please let Tonia know at (256) 882-9891. Everyone is welcome!
All-Church Movie Night! 
The Muppet
Christmas Carol
Saturday, December 3rd!  
 
Join ALL AGES for a screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol on Saturday, December 3rd. We will gather at the church at 6:15 p.m. with snacks and treats; show time is 6:30 p.m. Bring themed refreshments or your favorite movie snacks to share.

This event is sponsored by the Children and Youth RE program. All are invited! Contact RE Chair Audrey Fox for more information at [email protected].
Deedee is Retiring!

After 20-something years as our church's Office Administrator, Deedee Moore is officially retiring on her birthday, December 23rd!

On December 4th, we'll be celebrating with her, right after the December Potluck.
Bring "Celebratory" food, whatever that means in your home. We'll have a large cake for Deedee (don't tell her!), so desserts are covered.
null It's Pageant Time! 
 
Our UUCH Annual Christmas Pageant will be performed during the Worship Service on Sunday, December 18th!

Children who participate in the pageant should:
  • be at least 4 years old (we have parts for youth and adults too!)
  • be able to attend a short rehearsal during RE on Sunday, December 11th
  • be able to arrive at church early (9:45 a.m.) on the day of the pageant (Dec. 18th) for a quick run-through
  • be able to supply simple costume items (e.g., bath robes, etc.--no sewing or elaborate costuming required)
If you'd like to be part of this exciting production, please come to RE Sunday, December 4th, for our Christmas Pageant Prep day and Casting of Parts. Parents should plan to come to the RE area and confirm children's participation following the service. You may also contact Erin Reid at (256) 694-6786 or [email protected]. T here are parts for Everyone!
Alabama Hispanic Association
and UUCH Christmas Dinner
Saturday, December 10th,  
11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. 
 
We need your help to bring Christmas cheer to local Hispanic families in need! Alabama Hispanic Association (AHA) reaches out to these families to provide a Christmas gift to children, and UUCH provides a nice Christmas dinner.
 
How can you help? In the upcoming weeks, sign up to bring a dish on the poster in the Fellowship Hall or click here to volunteer on the "Sign-Up Genius" list. You can also sign up to work a shift at the dinner. Childcare will be available, or children are welcome to help out at the dinner.

Thanks so much to those of you who have donated money thus far. The UUCH Youth Group uses these donations to buy gifts for the older kids and teenagers that AHA does not have covered. Social Justice co-chairs Gail Williams and Tonia Betts will be happy to receive additional donations.

If you have any used coats, clothing, blankets, or other items you would like to donate to the families, please bring them to the Fellowship Hall by December 8th.
 
This is a great heart-warming holiday event--please be a part of it!
Standing on the Side of Love 


On Saturday, Nov. 12th, Moms from the Alabama Hispanic Association (AHA) gathered at UUCH to share their stories in a Solace Circle with Rev. Alice Syltie and Hilda Mary Esguerra, President of the AHA. Meanwhile, many UUCH volunteers entertained their children. Thanks to Betsy Applegate, Erin Reid and all who helped with organizing, refreshments, and childcare.
votives Care List
 
At our Circle of Candles on Sunday,  November 20th, candles were lit for:
 
Pam Siegler , a candle of concern: "Healing light, warmth, comfort for Erin recovering from rotator cuff surgery. Thank you to all who have sent food, cards, calls, etc."
 
Maggie , a candle of concern: "I worried about my brothers because someone broke into our car and left the window open."
 
Tim Miller et. al., a candle of sorrow: "Catherine Hall is in assisted living at Magnolia Trace. She is on oxygen for her pulmonary fibrosis which continues to worsen. She is being cared for by a wonderful staff, by hospice workers, and by church members who are taking turns staying with her. She welcomes cards and occasional visitors. Please see Alice Dilbeck, Betsy Applegate, Barbara Hitt, or Tim Miller for further information." (Catherine's address is One Crown Circle, Apt. 147, HSV, 35802)
 
Haley Clark , a candle of joy: "I had a chess tournament yesterday at Mill Creek Elementary, and I won 12th place out of 52 people. And I also got a hat, shirt, and medal!"
 
Will Garrison and the Tech committee, a candle of joy: "Pleased to announce we have a new hearing assistance system for those who struggle to hear services clearly. Thanks to Dan and Mari for helping me get it installed."
 
LaDawn Edwards , a candle of relief: "The police officer in Minnesota involved in a shooting death last summer has been charged and will stand trial."
 
Barbara Hitt for the Care committee, a candle of Joy: "Mona Smith is doing well with her recovery from surgery, and hopes to be home on Tuesday."
And a candle of concern: "Echo Long started chemo last week, and Jack will undergo cataract surgery for his second eye this week."
 
From Rev. Syltie: "A candle for Bobby Hall who spent a few days in CCU following a trip to the ER, where they discovered a Pulmonary Embolism. We are delighted that Bobby is home and is easing back into regular activities."
       
If you have pastoral care needs, please contact the Reverend Alice Syltie at [email protected]Barbara Hitt is Chair of the Care Committee, and may be reached at home, (256) 881.2531; on her cell, (256) 348.5845; or by email at [email protected].
UUCH 16-17 Board Members

 

President: Laurel Bollinger 

Vice-President: Denise Runnels  

Secretary: Ed Bernstein           

Treasurer: Greg Howard   

Trustees: Susan Coddington, Kathy Heath,

   and Lynsie Lamitie 

 

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 Laurel Bollinger, no later than one week prior to the meeting, i.e. the Tuesday before. You may leave a copy of your request in her Mailbox at the church office, or contact her at [email protected].

The next UUCH Board Meeting will be held
on Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Thanks for your cooperation!

From the Overlook is a publication of

The Unitarian Universalist Church,

3921 Broadmor Rd. Huntsville, AL 35810

Minister: The Reverend Alice Syltie

Board President: Laurel Bollinger  

Editorial Board: Laurel Bollinger, Kathy Heath 

 

Newsletter deadlines are each Monday at midnight!
Please send submissions to news collator Deedee Moore at
[email protected].  

 

Admin. Office Hours: 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Mon-Tue-Thu-Fri.

For Wednesday access, please call in advance. 

Office phone: 256.534-0508, email: [email protected] .

Minister's email: [email protected].

Website: www.uuch.org 

 

Sunday Services are held 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon;  

Children's Religious Education held concurrently.   

Nursery available for age 3 years and under.

For further info on any event, call the church office:
256. 534-0508.