In This Issue
-Quick Links
-Happening Soon
-Upcoming Service
-This Sunday in CYRE
-Flower Communion
-Annual Budget Drive
-Board Report
-Virtual Town Hall
-Share the Plate Week
-Social Justice Facebook Page
-Community Garden
-Are You Ready to Become a Member?
-Spring Zoom Dinner
-Vegetarian Cooking
-Little Food Pantry
-Donate with Text Message
-In Case You Missed It!
-COVID-19 Relief Funds
-Care List
-Upcoming Events
-Minister Info
-UUCH Board Members
-Church Info
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Happening Soon
Annual Budget Drive: It's not too late!
Saturday, April 3
STP Week Begins
Community Garden: Raised Bed Construction
10:00 AM
Sunday, April 4
Flower Communion
12:30 PM
Thursday, April 8
Virtual Town Hall
6:30 PM
PFlag
6:30 PM
Saturday, April 10
Zoom Spring Dinner
6:00 PM
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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“Rising and Blooming”
Rev. Jaimie Dingus / Multigenerational
10:45 AM
This Sunday, we mark Easter on the Christian liturgical calendar, and we celebrate “Flower Communion,” a distinctly Unitarian Universalist ritual. In both celebrations, we are called to reflect on hope, possibility, and what can be made new. This service will include a virtual Flower Communion and will be followed by an in-person Drive-Thru Flower Communion celebration.
Meeting ID: 229 305 601
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This Sunday in Children and Youth
Religious Education (CYRE)
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Children, youth, and families are invited to attend the multigenerational worship service of sharing flowers. There will be no CYRE in the morning. Rev. Jaimie and Erin hope to see you in the afternoon (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM) for our drive-through flower sharing in front of the church. We will offer flowers and Easter treats for families as well.
Zoom links will be shared via email and our CYRE Family Facebook group. Contact Erin at DRE@uuch.org for more information. |
Flower Communion
Sunday, April 4
Friends, it is a UUCH tradition to celebrate Flower Communion on Easter Sunday. This year on Sunday, April 4th, we will have two ways to participate in the Flower Communion. First, please send in a photo of yourself holding a flower to be included in a flower communion slideshow. Photos should be sent to Minister@uuch.org and can be submitted until Thursday, April 1st.
Second, Rev. Jaimie and Erin are hosting a Drive-Thru Flower Communion. After the service between 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, drive by the UUCH building to get a flower and, if you are able, drop off a food donation for the Little Free Food Pantry. There will also be special Easter Baskets for children in the CYRE program. We can't wait to see you in person and share the beauty of Flower Communion!
Submitted by the Minister
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It’s Not Too Late to Pledge For the 2021-2022 UUCH Budget!
Throughout the month of March, 61 individual members and families of UUCH responded to our Annual Budget Drive (ABD): 57 with a mailed or online pledge and 4 with reasons they are not prepared to make one to financially support the church’s operations for July 2021 through June 2022. Thank you for your commitments by pledging financially and responding to the Time and Talent Survey. And thank you to those who would not commit but were courteous enough to respond to the ABD, so that the Stewardship, Membership, and Nominating committees know that you plan to move from the UUCH commuting area or have other reasons to withdraw your support to the UUCH community in the coming year.
The UUCH Board and Rev. Jaimie Dingus now have a working budget amount of $172,194 from which to form next year’s budget that the Board will present to the voting members of the congregation in June for approval. With only 73% of the 2021-2022 ABD monetary goal having been met, their challenge will be to prioritize costs for what must be done for us to return to onsite Sunday services in the coming church year with those continuing costs it took to remain a virtual congregation throughout this COVID-19 pandemic year.
If you are among the 71 on our mailing list who have not yet responded to the ABD, a member of the Stewardship Committee— Ed Bernstein, Lynda Lamitie, Dan McKitrick, or Bryan Walls— will be contacting you, if one of us hasn’t already. Please welcome our call, so that we can learn how you are currently doing, how the UUCH community could better nurture your spiritual growth, and how you might enrich the UUCH community in return. Feel free to contact Dan at dugndun@gmail.com as an alternative to that call if you do not wish to hear from us. Or as always, you can return the pledge forms mailed to you or pledge online here.
Submitted by Stewardship Committee
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UUCH Board Report March 23, 2021
The UUCH Board met on March 23, 2021. Among the regularly scheduled business, the Board approved an adjustment of the budget to cover online payment costs, received updates on the current Annual Budget Drive, and discussed problems we are having with the church email system. The Board reviewed and reaffirmed the current COVID-19 policy. It reconfirmed that the Policy also covers any “event or gathering sponsored by a committee or an established part of church ministry (i.e. Hospitality, Social Justice, Soul Circles, Music, RE, etc.), whether at the church or off-site.” There was extensive discussion about the future plans for regathering in person. The Board is reviewing details of guidance by the CDC, UUA recommendations, policies at other UU churches, and local metrics. It will be developing a process for making a detailed plan for safely moving toward regathering in person when COVID-19 rates subside to make these stages possible. A virtual Town Hall will be held on April 8th to include the congregation in the visioning of a plan for regathering in the future with respect for the health and safety of all.
Submitted by the Board
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Save the Date! UUCH Virtual Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, April 8th, 2021
Topic: “Regathering in Person When COVID-19 Subsides”
While the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, with hope we begin to look ahead to days when stages of regathering in person will be possible. The UUCH Board recognizes that there are many complicated issues to be considered around safely reopening in a way that honors public health, our responsibility to each other, and our covenant. We are studying guidelines from the UUA, policies of other churches, local COVID-19 data, and recommendations from the CDC. It is important, however, that all the congregation has the opportunity to be involved in imagining how we might phase in our in-person programming, and what elements of our mission and values must be considered.
To that end, the UUCH Board is hosting an online Town Hall to discuss these issues. Please save the date, Thursday, April 8th at 6:30 PM, and join us in this important conversation.
Submitted by the Board
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Share the Plate
Sunday, April 4, thru Saturday, April 10, our plate partner is Still Serving Veterans (SSV) a Huntsville-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Veterans find good-quality, meaningful jobs, access to VA benefits earned through military service, and connections to community resources. SSV also strengthens Veteran communities through leadership and collaboration. For more information, please visit their website at www.ssv.org.
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
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Social Justice Facebook Group
Want to learn more about upcoming UUCH Social Justice Projects? Email social.justice@uuch.org for access to our Facebook page!
Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
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Community Garden: Calling all gardeners! (Master to novice)
This Saturday
To provide fresh food for the UUCH Little Food Pantry, we are expanding the initial garden we started last year. We have materials to build three raised beds that will allow us to grow a greater quantity and wider variety of vegetables. There are several opportunities for you to help with this project to reduce hunger in the community and our congregation.
- Building the raised beds can be done in a couple of hours by a few people.
- Planting seedlings or seeds can also be done in a couple of hours.
- In the comfort of your own home, though, you can also help by starting the seedlings for planting. In addition to tomatoes and peppers, seedlings of broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and other vegetables are wanted.
- There are opportunities to help with the garden throughout the growing season: harvesting, watering, and generally maintaining the garden. Scheduling will be through Signup Genius.
Spring has now officially arrived and this is the time to get the garden growing. Raised bed construction is planned for Saturday, April 3, starting at 10:00 AM. The rain date is Sunday, April 4 at 2:00 PM.
Submitted by the Property Committee
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ARE YOU READY TO BECOME A MEMBER?
If you’ve been attending UUCH long enough to know that this church community feels like your spiritual home, you may be ready to take the next step and become a member of this congregation. In late April, Rev. Jaimie plans to welcome new members as they “sign the book” and officially join our church. New members will be recognized during a virtual Sunday service. Due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, we plan to use recorded moments from socially-distanced individual sessions for each new member, where they will sign the membership book and be welcomed to UUCH.
If you are ready to become a member or would like to find out more about the process, please contact Pam Korb as soon as possible, but no later than April 20th ( click here).
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP
Because we are a democratic community, members are collectively vested with responsibility for the congregation. Members may vote at all congregational meetings, be elected to the governing Board, be appointed as committee chairs, and participate in all activities of the congregation. Because we are a covenanted congregation, members have certain responsibilities to the congregation and each other. These responsibilities are best fulfilled by:
- Regular attendance at worship
- Voting at congregational meetings
- Making financial contributions
- Contributing time and talent
- Spiritual growth and development
Submitted by the Membership Committee
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Spring Zoom Dinner
Saturday, April 10th
Join the Hospitality Committee at 6:00 pm Saturday, April 10th, to share a springtime meal together. It will be fun to find out how your spring is going, what’s blooming in your yard, and how soon we will all be vaccinated. We can make plans for when we can get together in person! Let us know you’re coming so that we can save a seat at our virtual “table”: hospitality@uuch.org.
Here’s the Zoom link:
Topic: Spring Zoom Dinner Time: Apr 10, 2021 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee
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Vegetarian Cooking
by Teri Thomas
An easy peasy dish: Edamame Rice Bowls
Serves 2
1 cup of cooked rice
1 8 ounce bag shelled edamame, cooked
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 ounces crumbled feta
10 pitted Kalamata olives, halved
3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp lime juice
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.
Submitted by the Hospitality Committee
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Little Food Pantry
Help keep our outdoor food pantry filled. It’s fun, feels good, and we are Doing Unto Others. Sign up here!
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Submitted by the Social Justice Committee |
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Donating by Text or Online |
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By Text:
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.
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Online:
Like our other online and mobile giving options, this option is through Vanco, is secure, and has a good option for "plate" donations as well as "pledge" and "AHA".
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Submitted by the Finance Committee |
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“Commitment Sunday”
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
March 28, 2021
Did you miss our virtual worship service on Sunday? Want a midweek re-watch?
Fear not, you can visit here to watch 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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Care List
This Sunday at our Circle of Candles:
Kathy Fisher lit a candle of joy: Joyful I got my second vaccination and had no side effects at all! And I get to go see family, at long, long last! Happy Spring Break!
Jessica Schulz lit a candle of joy: Daughter Lauren and her dog Remi are joining us today.
Paul and Bridgit lit a candle of concern: I've heard too many people say they are ready to leave their house. BUT we're not done with the pandemic yet...
Erin Reid (she/her) lit a candle of concern and joy: Concern for a family member who had pancreatic surgery. Joy that the surgery went very well!
Nick Wilbourn lit a candle of concern: I'm facing a difficult decision regarding a potential job change. Lots of factors impact decisions like this, which are rarely easy.
Angela Arnold (she/her) lit a candle of joy: For cousins from Valley, AL, coming to camp on Monte Sano, and spending outdoor time with them!
Harper Goodman (she/they) lit a candle of joy: For my dad's birthday today, and my mom's a few days ago! Happy Birthday Week, Vickie and Malcolm. <3
Barbara Hitt lit a candle of sorrow: For the mass shooting in Colorado. So much needless sadness.
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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, April 1
Personnel Meeting
2:30 PM
Worship Committee Meeting
5:30 PM
Soul Circle Ministry Meeting—Group B
6:00 PM
Saturday, April 3
Share the Plate Week Begins
Raised Flower Bed Construction
10:00 AM
Easter Sunday, April 4
Worship Service
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
10:45 AM
Flower Communion
12:30 PM
Social Justice Committee Meeting
2:00 PM
Tuesday, April 6
Soul Circle Ministry Meeting—Group A
7:00 PM
Wednesday, April 7
Susan's Happy Hour
5:00 PM
Choir Practice
7:00 PM
Thursday, April 8
Worship Committee Meeting
5:30 PM
Virtual Town Hall
6:30 PM
PFlag
6:30 PM
Saturday, April 10
Springtime Zoom Dinner Meeting
6:00 PM
Sunday, April 11
CYRE
9:30 AM
Worship Service
Rev. Jaimie Dingus
10:45 AM
YOUUTH Group
4:30 PM
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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, April 27, 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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