Upcoming Events
Fri. 3/16
Awareness Thru
Movement Class
10:00 a.m.
Sat. 3/17
Spring Workday Planning Meeting 9:00 a.m.
Jerome Belcher Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Sun. 3/18
Church Services
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Sanctuary
Tue. 3/20
Yoga
5:15-6:15 p.m.
Adult Religious Education Room
Wonderful Wednesdays Supper
6:00-6:45 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Wednesday Night Film Series
7:00 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
UUCH Choir Practice
7:15-8:30 p.m.
Music Room
Fri. 3/23
Awareness Thru
Movement Class
10:00 a.m.
Sat. 3/24:
Spring Work-Day at UUCH
9:00 a.m.
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February HAP Collection
February HAP
Collection was 89.
The Social Justice Committe
e has a monthly goal to collect at least 100 items during each month for the food pantry.
Please put your nonperishable food items or personal care products donation in the basket in the church foyer for the Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP).
THANK YOU for your continued generosity!
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April 1st
Service
In our Unitarian Universalist tradition, we honor new life and welcome children into the world in a special Ceremony of Dedication. In the words of Shelley Denham's song, "We dedicate our hearts and minds to the spirit of this child." This special Dedication and Naming service will be part of our Flower Communion Service on Easter Sunday, April 1st.
If you would like to have your baby or child dedicated, or have questions about this, please contact Reverend Alice Syltie for information.
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The UUCH choir practices on
Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. in the Choir Room. Whether you know how to sing or would like to learn, we would love for you to join us!
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The Ukulele Fun Group occurs every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. and is open to everyone, regardless of skill level.
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As you all know, Reverend Alice has announced her plans to retire at the end of this church year. Although she will be with us until the end of July, we plan to start celebrating her a little early, to begin the process of saying goodbye to someone who has made such an impact on our church and to allow for participation from members before we all embark on our summer vacations.
Please mark your calendars for a celebration of Reverend Alice's legacy of service and leadership on
April 22nd.
We will have an opportunity during that worship service to look back at the many gifts Reverend Alice has given our church. You will not want to miss it!
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Awareness Thru Movement Class
For a healthy new you, join our
Awareness Through Movement (ATM) class.
These classes focus on gentle movements that can assist us in being more comfortable and pain-free in our everyday activities. Come learn how to use the core of your body to improve movement, balance, and chronic pain.
Everyone is welcome!
Classes, led by Sally Locklear, are drop-in with no experience necessary
. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring a bath or beach towel to use as head support for comfort in side-lying. ATM is held on Friday mornings at
10:00 a.m.
For more information, contact Nancy Finley at
[email protected]. UUCH Adult Religious Education focuses on the whole spiritual person--mentally and physically. Join us!
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President:
Laurel Bollinger
Vice-President:
Denise Runnels
Secretary:
Nancy Finley
Treasurer:
Greg Howard
Trustees:
Susan Coddington
Kathy Heath
Lynsie Lamitie
Ex Officio:
Reverend Alice Syltie
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 phone her at home or send a copy of your request to
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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:
Susan Coddington
Kathy Heath
Newsletter deadlines are each Monday at midnight.
Please send submissions to news collator Willette Battle at [email protected].
Office Hours:
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
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.
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Upcoming Service
Sunday, March 18, 2018
EcoTheology 101: When Expectations and Reality Collide
The Reverend Michael Dowd
Expectations forged during centuries of economic expansion and abundant resources are painful to let go of in times of economic contraction, scarce resources, and escalating global weirding. Grounded in an ecological interpretation of Big History, Rev. Dowd's sermon will highlight the importance of big picture, deep-time legacy consciousness for staying sane, sober, and inspired to act locally in chaotic and challenging times.
We are delighted to welcome back the Reverend Michael Dowd as our guest speaker this Sunday.
Since April 2002, Connie and Michael have lived entirely on the road, delivering talks in some 500 UU congregations, summer camps, and minister retreats, as well as for other religious and secular groups.
Their work was featured as the cover story of our national membership magazine,
UU World, in the spring of 2006. They've also been featured in
The New York Times,
LA Times,
Washington Post, and
Discover Magazine and on television nationally on CNN, ABC News, and FOX News. Michael and Connie were honored as "UU Religious Humanists of the Year" at General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio, in 2016.
Connie is the author of 4 popular science books that bridge evolution and meaning.
Michael is the author of
Thank God for Evolution, which has been endorsed by 6 Nobel laureates and other science luminaries, including noted skeptics, and by religious leaders across the spectrum.
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This Sunday in
Children and
Youth Religious Education (C
YRE)
Children and youth will continue their exploration of Living Our Principles in their regular RE rooms.
Nursery care (ages 0-3) will be offered as usual.
If you haven't already, please register your child/youth for this year's CYRE program. For more information, contact Erin Reid, Director of Religious Education, or Audrey Fox, CYRE Chair.
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A Message from Our Minister
Sunday I shared some stories with you about my trip to Havana, Cuba. By the time I wrote all that I wanted to tell you, it was way too long for a single sermon. I decided I would try to hit the highlights and watch the clock. I knew that I wouldn't remember everything, which would naturally shorten the sermon.
Afterwards, I thought of several things that I wished I'd said. For example, I told you that all of a sudden I started to worry that if I didn't hurry up and make the trip, the impending travel restrictions might be instituted. I forgot to tell you that two days later that's exactly what happened. Had I waited any longer, I might have missed the opportunity. It was a reminder that sometimes it pays to listen to our intuition.
As my time with you gets shorter, I am aware that there will be words left unspoken and questions that remain unanswered. We may occasionally feel that we missed out on some opportunities. Ministry is like this. Ministers come into people's lives for a period of time and when they leave they must make space for a new ministry and a new minister. New conversations and opportunities arise.
As my ministry with you comes to a close, I look to tie up as many loose ends as possible and work with you to see that you are on the very best course imaginable for continued success.
Later, if there is something that you think you might wish you had said or talked with me about, I encourage you to follow your intuition and call, or schedule a time to meet with me. We can do our best to bring closure where possible.
I look forward to hearing from you.
With Love and Hope,
Rev. Alice
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 UUCH 2018 Annual Budget Drive Off to a Great Start!
Last week, the first round of Cottage Meetings was held for the UUCH Annual Budget Drive. As of last Sunday morning, 26 members and friends had made pledges that exceeded $80,000! We are well on the way to "Paving the Path" to an exciting future.
Over the next two weekends, six more Cottage Meetings will be held in member's homes. In addition, over 60 pledge forms will be mailed to those who were not able to attend a Cottage Meeting. We ask that all completed pledge forms be returned to the church office by Sunday, April 1st.
Thanks to those who have already made pledges and to those who will soon make pledges for the church year that will begin on July 1st. As we are "Paving the Path" for growth and transitions, every pledge matters! All pledges, regardless of size, are important and appreciated.
John Schulz, 2018 ABD Chair
David Bollinger, 2018 Finance Chair
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"Why UUCH Is Important To Me"
Lynsie Lamitie delivered a very special, deeply emotional testimonial this last Sunday. It is a story not to be missed! So if you weren't in attendance, please read her story
here.
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Soup's On at
Wonderful Wednesday Supper!
More than 30 UUs enjoyed homemade so
 ups in February. You have another chance to jo
in your old friends and make some new ones. This month's homemade s
oups include Mediterranean stew, lentil,
and cream of asparagus
.
This includes meat, vegan, and
vegetarian options.
Supper will be served 6:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m.
Family friendly pricing:
Adults $5
Children 3-12 $2
Under 3 free
Family maximum is $15.
Adult Religious Education has a film discussion after the Wonderful Wednesday Supper.
--Hosted by your Hospitality Team
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Film Discussion on the
Theme of Balance
You have been hearing a lot about our church theme for March -- Balance. Adult Religious Education will have a film discussion on balance on March 21st at 7:00 p.m. (right after the Wonderful Wednesday Supper) until 8:00 p.m.
After a short film, you will have a chance to join your church friends in a good discussion about balance. Join us. Everyone is welcome and childcare will be provided.
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Spring Workday at UUCH!
It's spring, and that means it's time for an outdoor workday to spruce up our property and do some basic maintenance. We are planning on it for Saturday, March 24th at 9:00 a.m., barring nasty weather. (A rain date has not yet been set.)
We will be in need of strong arms and wheelbarrows to move and spread mulch, help eradicating invasive privet and any poison ivy that may have escaped our previous efforts, trimming shrubs, clearing leaves and pine needles out of gutters, picking up pine cones from the playground, planting flowers to beautify the grounds, and other projects. A particularly large and specialized project will be the removal of a large dead tree from near the street. We hope to have many hands, making easier work for everybody!
A quick planning meeting will be held this Saturday, March 17th, at 9:00 a.m. to prioritize the efforts and to consider what tools we will need to bring. All are welcome to that meeting.
We really need everyone of all ages to pitch in on March 24th. On that day, bring your gardening tools and expect to get some yummy treats from our generous Hospitality Committee.
Want to help to "fuel" the summer spruce-up and maybe lend a hand as well? Sign up here to assist in fueling the work crew.
Thanks in advance to all of you who will be helping! For questions, contact Tim Miller ([email protected]), grounds liaison for 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. On an upcoming Sunday in early April, we will welcome new members as they "sign the book" and officially join our church.
If you are ready to become a member or would like to find out more about the process, please contact Pam Korb by March 25th at
[email protected].
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 to 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
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 Yoga at UUCH!
The purpose of Adult Religious Education at UUCH is to foster community by providing programs that enrich our emotional, spiritual, physical, and intellectual lives.
We are happy to announce that we are offering a beginning Hatha Yoga Class each Tuesday evening at 5:15 pm led by Jessica Schulz. Yoga brings inner quiet and peace of mind, something that could enrich us all.
Each class will last around an hour, so there will be time to get to your important Tuesday evening church meetings afterwards.
Come dressed in comfortable clothes and bring a mat if you have one (we will have some extras). We will meet in the Adult R.E. Room. For further information, contact Nancy Finley at [email protected].
Everyone is welcome!
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Easter Egg Hunt at Alice & Betsy's
Sunday Afternoon, April 1st
You and your family are invited to spend Easter Sunday afternoon with your fellow UUs in a day of relaxation and fun while welcoming the beginning of spring. (Rain or shine!)
 What: Easter Egg Hunt
Who:
Everyone is invited!
When:
Sunday, April 1st,
2:30-5:00 p.m.
Where:
Alice Dilbeck & Betsy Applegate's home, 620 Ford Chapel Road, Harvest.
Suggestions for what to bring:
- Yourself and family
- Eggs for the hunt (plastic filled and "real")
- Baskets for the egg hunt
- Goodies to share for munching
- Lawn chairs and musical instruments.
Fun for everyone. No children? No problem. We'll have badminton, croquet, and activities for all ages, including "sitting-on-the-porch-talking-as-we-watch-others-expend-a-lot-of-energy." What could be more fun?!
Children are advised to wear or bring play clothes to fully enjoy the outdoor activities.
Directions and map to Alice Dilbeck and Betsy Applegate's home are in the Fellowship Hall by the kitchen door. You can also call (256-534-0508) or email Willette at the church office ([email protected]) for a copy.
We are Egg-cited! We'll be HOPPY to see you!
This activity is sponsored by the Children and Youth Religious Education Program as an all-church activity.
All are welcome!
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Social Justice Opportunities
The Social Justice Committee is collecting new or gently used shoes to benefit
Friends of Rescue and
Funds2Orgs supporting micro-enterprises in developing countries. Bring shoes to donate to the UUCH Fellowship Hall. The Social Justice Committee will deliver the shoes to Friends of Rescue.
Volunteers are needed for the Food Line. If you would like to give of your time, please see the poster in Fellowship Hall for more information.
Homeless meal pack items are needed for the March 24th Religious Education workday. Items to consider for donation are fruit cups, Vienna sausages, pudding cups, small cartons of juice, peanut butter cracker packs, energy bars, etc. Please see a complete list in the Fellowship Hall.
Social Justice Committee meetings are the last Sunday of the month at 9:30 a.m.
Our next meeting will be on Sunday, March 25th. Join us!
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Care List
This Sunday, March 11, 2018, at our Circle of Candles:
Rev. Alice lit a candles for the family of Jerome Belcher and for Laurie Keller.
Maria Coble; a candle of sorrow: My father's surgery was, again, unsuccessful. The surgeon will try again. Dad is rather discouraged.
Theresa Miller; a candle of sorrow: My sister, Lois, was back in the hospital for further procedures on her leg injury, so wishing healing for her. Her doctor feels that it was successful. A continued concern for my sister, Janet, who is in rehab after her hip replacement and elbow injury. And continued health to my sister, Romey, so she can stay healthy and independent, She is expecting her first grandchild this Spring.
Amanda Scuber; a candle of joy: Congrats to Willette Battle, our office administrator, for winning a recent fashion show competition.
Suzey and Deb Delacey; a candle of joy: So proud of our 3 kiddos, who are learning to compassionately respond to their bullies and harsh critics! They have really been challenged.
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