The Overlook
Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville 
3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810  
December 13, 2018
Vol. 18 Issue 50
In This Issue
Upcoming Events  
 
Thu. 12/13
Huntsville Feminist Chorus
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Choir Room

Sat. 12/15
Memorial Services for John Hall
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Sanctuary

Holiday Movie night
5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Fellowship Hall

Sun. 12/16
Soul Matters Small Groups
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
[Group D]

Sunday Service
Christmas Pageant  
10:45 a.m.
Sanctuary

Wed. 12/19
Solstice Service  
6:45 - 9:00 p.m.
Sanctuary

Thu. 12/20
Huntsville Feminist Chorus
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Choir Room
Huntsville Assistance Program 
canned goods
The Social Justice Committee has a goal to collect at least 100 items each month for the food pantry.
 
Please put your nonperishable food items or personal care products donations in the basket in the church foyer for the Huntsville Assistance Program. 
 
Thank you for your continued generosity! 

Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee
Awareness Through Movement
 
The Feldenkrais Method of Awareness Through Movement class usually meets each Friday at 10:00 a.m. However, we are taking a break and will restart in the new year.
 
For further information, contact Adult RE chair Nancy Finley

Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education Committee
UUkulele Fun Group
The UUkulele Fun Group is open to everyone, regardless of skill level.
 
The group meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 5:45 p.m.
UUCH Choir

The UUCH choir practices on Wednesdays in the Choir Room. Our start time has changed to 7:00 p.m. Whether you know how to sing or would like to learn, we would love for you to join us! If you plan to attend but cannot, or if you have other inquiries, please contact Pam Siegler at 931-307-4994 or via email .
Girl Scouts at UUCH

We are living the Girl Scout way at UUCH and looking for friends to join us! Girl Scouts at UUCH meet biweekly to enjoy adventures, friendship, and fun together.

Contact Harper Goodman for more information.

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UUCH 2018-19
Board Members
 
President:  
Susan Coddington  
 
Vice President: 
John Schulz

Secretary:
Nancy Finley

Treasurer: 
David Bollinger 

Trustees: 
Ed Bernstein
Theresa Miller

Nick Wilbourn
 
 
Interim Minister:
The Rev. Edward L. Brock

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 Susan Coddington  no later than one week prior to the meeting (i.e. the Tuesday before). You may text or call her, or send a copy of your request via email. The next board meeting will be Tuesday, January 29.

The Overlook is a publication of The Unitarian Universalist Church, 3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810


Interim Minister:
 

The Rev. Edward L. Brock

Board President:  

Susan Coddington    

Editor:  

Nick Wilbourn 

 

Newsletter deadlines are each Monday at midnight.
Any committee with newsletter announcements should send submissions to news collator Willette Battle at
uuch@uuch.org.  

 

Office Hours:

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Monday - Friday

 

Office Phone: 256-534-0508
Email:
uuch@uuch.org

Minister's Email: minister@uuch.org

Website: www.uuch.org 

 

Sunday Services are held 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Children's Religious Education held concurrently. Nursery available for age 3 years and under.

 

For more info on any event, contact the church office.

 
Upcoming Service
 
Sunday, December 16, 2018
        
" Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Our Annual Christmas Pageant 
 
The Children and Youth Religious Education Program,  Worship Team, and Music Program
       
This musical, multi-generational service celebrates the spirit of the holiday season. The Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE) Program will present our own adaptation of Joyce Poley's service, "The Spirit of the Christmas Tree," retelling the story of the Nativity from a Unitarian Universalist perspective and inviting the congregation into reflection on its meaning for today. The service features a special musical selection from the choir, congregational caroling, a Christmas pageant of all ages, and a surprise!  
 
Cast and Crew: please remember to arrive at the church at 9:45 a.m. on the day of the pageant for a quick run-through! For more information, contact Erin Reid at (256) 694-6786 or dre@uuch.org.  
 
* Flowers in the sanctuary are gifts of memory from Saturday's memorial service. 
This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)
Children and youth will participate in the all-ages Christmas Pageant! If you would still like to sign up to participate in the pageant, please contact Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education.
 
Nursery care (ages 0-3) will be offered as usual.
 
For more information, contact Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education, or Steve Rittenberg, CYRE Chair.

CYRE registration is open! All families, new and returning, should register each year.  Click here to register! 
Winter Solstice Candlelight Service
Wednesday, December 19
  
Amanda Schuber
 
Since ancient days, people have gathered at the time of the winter solstice to welcome the sun and the return of light. In the darkest season of the year, we too are invited to gather in community to share in the mystery and miracle of the natural world. The returning light has long been a sign of rebirth and a source of hope. In the soft glow of candlelight, open yourself to the wisdom of the ages through silence, music, and the poetry of the season.    
 
The Winter Solstice is a time to journey inward and reflect on the lessons, joys, and sorrows of the last year. It's also a celebration of the light and darkness in each of us. Join us for a service of readings, songs, stillness, and ritual.
 
There will be a harp prelude beginning at 6:45 p.m., with the service starting at 7:00 p.m.

All are welcome. Refreshments, provided by the choir, will be served following the service.

Sponsored by the Worship Committee
UUCH Board Report gavel
 
The Board held its regularly scheduled meeting on November 27, 2018.
 
The Bylaws Task Force has completed its draft of bylaws changes, and now the Board is in the process of reviewing them. When the Board is finished with its review process, Rev. Ed will lead town hall meetings to introduce the proposed changes to the congregation for review.
 
A Task Force to pursue 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for the church was established.
 
The Board approved a request from Property Renovations to contract with TNB Construction & Concrete as our general contractor for the renovation of the RE Wing restrooms.
 
The search committee process for a settled minister was discussed, and in December, the Board will begin to notify the congregation about their opportunities to help in the selection process for the search committee. The goal is to have a search committee in place by March, 2019.
 
In the Minister's Report, Rev. Ed discussed minister evaluation models and suggested a model that he thinks might meet the needs of our church.
 
The Facility Visioning Task Force has revealed interest in future renovations of the Fellowship Hall and a conversion of one room in the North Wing to a nursery. We are in the information gathering stage for these possible future projects.
 
The Board discussed job descriptions for custodial staff and the office administrator. It also discussed safety concerns and worked toward finalizing the Safety Task Force.
 
We have a need for more hymnals. The Board approved a promotion allowing members to donate hymnals in someone's name.
 
Next meeting
There will be no regularly scheduled Board Meeting in December due to holidays. The next Board Meeting will be January 29, 2019.
Gift Idea  
 
Looking for a unique gift for that special someone who has everything? Consider donating a hymnal in honor or in memory of those you love.

The paperback (teal) hymnal is $18.00, and the hardback (grey) hymnal is $27.20. As a bonus, we will place a name plate in the hymnal honoring the person of your choosing.

For this holiday season, give a lasting gift of music by donating a hymnal to our congregation. Theresa Miller will have a table in the Fellowship Hall after church on Sunday with more information.

Sponsored by the Worship Committee
singing chili
 Save the Date  
 
UUCH's  Annual Chili Cookoff will be Saturday, January 26

Entertainment, chili and fixins, and warm fellowship are offered. Who could ask for more on a cold winter's night? 

Sponsored by the Hospitality Committee, with Fran Alexander leading the event
Multigenerational Pickup Choir 
 
Want to be part of a choir but don't have the time?

Beginning in January 2019, the UUCH Music Program will host a "pickup" choir opportunity for all ages. Many children, youth, and adults want to express themselves through music but can't come to regular Wednesday night choir practice. The UUCH All-Ages Pickup Choir will offer a flexible, multigenerational alternative. 
 
On the last Sunday of each month, anyone who wants can attend a short rehearsal at 9:30 a.m. in the Choir Room. Singers ages 4 and up will run through the song a few times and then enjoy sharing the musical message with the congregation that same day.

For more information, contact Pam Siegler, Music Director.
Guest at Your Table (GAYT) is the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about UUSC's work to advance human rights around the globe.   This year's theme -- Justice Across Borders -- celebrates the bravery, innovation, and reach of UUSC's grassroots partners. From the Northern Triangle of Central America, to the deserts of Mexico and Arizona, to detention centers in the United States, the road away from danger is paved with injustices. Partnering with grassroots allies along the Central American migration trail, UUSC addresses root causes, supports migrants in transit, and protects the right to seek asylum. With your support, UUSC and our partners are not only responding to extraordinary challenges of today, but also addressing root causes of injustice and building the capacity to respond to future challenges.
 
The GAYT brochure describes four UUSC partners who can be the guests at your table. You are encouraged to set out a box at your table to represent one of these or another guest. Boxes and brochures are available in the Fellowship Hall. The GAYT program will run through the end of the year, and we'll collect the boxes in January.
 
Please contact Brad Korb at 256-895-9303 or via email with any questions.
 From the Property Committee

Want to learn a new skill? We are looking for you! We do not discriminate on any basis whatsoever -- including  tool ownership. Feel free to come in disguise!

The  Property Committee needs the occasional help keeping the lights on in the church. Literally, we need people to help change light bulbs.

Come help on one project with no long-term commitment required. Or, for those who want to work with a team, we do have a few bigger projects, such as painting Rev. Ed's office and replacing boards on the playground fort.  

If you are interested in learning more, talk to Wanda Snoddy, Brad Korb, Tim Miller, or Jeanne de France.
For those who are introverted, you can also email us.
votives
Care List
 
This Sunday, December 9, 2018,  at our Circle of Candles:
 
The Social Justice Committee, Hospitality Committee, and Alabama Hispanic Association (AHA), lit a candle of joy: Thanks so much to everyone who donated money, food, and time to make the AHA dinner such a huge success. Betsy Applegate ran it like a well oiled machine and the joy and gratitude was evident on every smiling face. It is such a blessing to be part of a community that shows up with so much love whenever called.
 
Mari Hinckley Wear, lit a candle of joy: I am so proud of my daughter, Kristabelle. Last weekend, she did her first violin recital and this weekend she was an awesome tap-dancing snowman in AAA's Polar Express Ballet. I'm so proud of her!