The Overlook
Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville 
3921 Broadmor Rd., Huntsville, AL 35810  
January 24, 2019
Vol. 19 Issue 4
In This Issue
Upcoming Events  
   
Thu. 1/24
Faith in Action AL
5:15 - 7:30 p.m.
Church Street CPCA
 
Huntsville Feminist Chorus
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Choir Room

Fri. 1/25
Awareness Through Movement 
10:00 a.m.    
 
Sat. 1/26 
Chili Cookoff
5:00 - 9:00 p.m. 
Fellowship Hall

Sun. 1/27
Social Justice Meeting  
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Sanctuary
 
Sunday Service
10:45 a.m.
Sanctuary
 
Mon. 1/28
Altered Books Workshop
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 
[Service Auction Item]
   
Tue. 1/29
Board Meeting
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 
 
Wed. 1/30
UUCH Choir Practice
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Choir Room
 
 
  Thu. 1/31
Huntsville Feminist Chorus
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Choir Room
 
  Fri. 2/1
Awareness Through Movement 
10:00 a.m.

Sun. 2/3   
New UU Class
9:00 - 10:30 a.m. 
 
Sunday Service
10:45 a.m.
Sanctuary
   
First Sunday  
Potluck Lunch
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
 
Girl Scout  
Troop Meeting   
5:00 - 6:30 p.m. 
Justice Room 
Huntsville Assistance Program 
canned goods
227 food items were recently collected and taken to the Huntsville Assistance Program for distribution. 

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. 

They run low on cereal, canned fruit, mac and cheese, peanut butter, instant mashed potatoes, Hamburger Helper-type meals, and canned veggies -- but not green beans or corn.
   
They are always grateful for our donations. Thank you for your continued generosity! 

Sponsored by the Social Justice 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.
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.
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 .
Awareness Through Movement
 
The Feldenkrais Method of Awareness Through Movement class will start again with lessons that  use small, gentle movement, imagination, and sensing. Mats will be provided, but feel free to bring anything you might need to make yourself comfortable lying on the floor. If you are unable to lie on the floor, please let us know, and we will make an accommodation for you.
 
This Adult RE class, led by Sally Locklear, is drop-in, with no experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. 
 
We meet each Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the Adult Religious Education Room.
 
For further information, contact Adult RE chair Nancy Finley

Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education Committee
 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.

SHARE OUR POSTS!
Quick Links...
Join Our Mailing List
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
[email protected].  

 

Office Hours:

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

 

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 p.m. Children's Religious Education held concurrently. Nursery available for ages 3 years and under.

 

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

 
Upcoming Service
 
Sunday, January 27, 2019 
        
" The Three Questions"
   
Amanda Schuber 
 
Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy, this Sunday we explore questions that we've all had at one time or another: When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?   
This Sunday in Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)

All ages will continue their lessons on INreach/OUTreach, exploring how to create wonderful welcome at church and extend it beyond our walls.  N ursery 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!

Thanks to all who donated to the "Birthday in a Bag" project. Because of you, we were able to make  15 festive birthday kits for kids in the community!
Future Worship Services
February's Theme: Trust

FEBRUARY 3
Spirituality in the Key of Life (Part 1)
Rev. Ed Brock
 
FEBRUARY 10
Spirituality in the Key of Life (Part 2)
Rev. Ed Brock
 
FEBRUARY 17
Visiting UU Minister
 
FEBRUARY 24
Youth-Led Service    

Faith in Action AL Meeting 

Faith in Action AL will meet January 24, from 5:15 - 7:30 p.m., at Church Street CPCA, located at 228 Church Street.

The meeting will focus on key moves FIAA will make in 2019 on local and state issues while working to dismantle systemic racism in Alabama.

Submitted by the Social Justice Committee
Knit Wits

The next Knit Wits meeting will be held on Saturday, January 26, at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall . You can bring your lunch if you would like, just come to chat, or come to knit or crochet.

The Knit Wits are part of the Care Committee, and no skill at knitting is required! The Knit Wits make Care Shawls for church members undergoing health challenges, as well as baby blankets, and also take on a variety of other projects, such as the yarn-bombing on the playground fence. You are welcome to join the group, and if you wish to learn to knit or crochet, there are good and patient teachers who would love to help you learn or chat with you. We hope you can join us for a relaxing afternoon with friends. 

For more information, email Barbara Hitt.  
singing chili
Chili Cookoff
 
The 25th Annual UUCH Chili Cookoff will be THIS SATURDAY, January 26, in the Fellowship Hall. You are encouraged to enter your own personal version of chili -- whether it's red, white, spicy, mild, vegan, vegetarian, or meaty.  Folks bringing chili for the competition must arrive at 4:30 pm. The event will last from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. 
 
In addition to yummy food, there will be jokes and entertainment galore. Please contact Susan Coddington if you would like to be a part of the entertainment. 
 
You can also help with decorating and/or cleanup, as well as by bringing side items such as cheese, cornbread, etc. Sign up on the poster in the Fellowship Hall or by going to our SignUp Genius page
 
All are welcome to attend this event free of charge. Donations will be accepted. You won't want to miss this great fun-raiser!

Sponsored by the Hospitality Committee, with Fran Alexander leading the event
Time to Return
Guest at Your Table Boxes

Now that we are through the holidays, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Guest at Your Table program is wrapping up, and it is time to return your Guest at Your Table boxes!
 
Even if you didn't participate in the Guest at Your Table program, please consider giving to the UUSC in an effort to advance human rights for all.
 
There are three ways you can return your contribution to the UUSC:
  1. Bring your box to church, and place it in the basket in the Fellowship Hall (cash or check; if cash, provide the information on the side of the box)
  2. Send a check directly to UUSC at UUSC, PO Box 808, Newark, NJ 07101-0808
  3. Donate online here.
Thanks for your contributions!
Potluck Lunch
 
Sunday, February 3, is the date for our next potluck lunch. Please bring a dish to share as we gather in the Fellowship Hall following the service. There are tent cards located on the island in the kitchen you can use to describe your dish.
 
Come and join your UUCH friends and family for a delightful lunch. We look forward to dining with you!
 
Hosted by the Hospitality Committee
"New UU" Class Starts February 3
What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? Guided by the Tapestry of Faith Curriculum, we will offer a three-part series that explores important themes in UU congregational life - our worship and theology, history, covenant and polity, faith development, social justice, and membership. This program is particularly focused on introducing newcomers to Unitarian Universalism, but those of us who have been here for a while will also be able to share and connect with others as we explore our own beliefs and how they intersect with the UU tradition. Everyone is welcome!
 
Mark your calendars now for the Sunday mornings of February 3, 10, and 17 for this chance to learn and share. Meet for coffee or tea at 9:00 a.m. in the Adult RE classroom; discussion starts at 9:15. Pam Korb and Nick Wilbourn will facilitate the discussion.
 
Contact Nancy Finley for additional information. Childcare will be provided.
 
Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education and Membership Committees
Multi-generational Pickup Choir 
 
  
Want to be part of a choir but don't have the time? The UUCH Music Program hosts 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 practcie. The UUCH All-Ages Pickup Choir offers a flexible, multi-generational alternative. 

On February 24, the Sunday of the month,  anyone who wants can attend a short rehearsal at 9:30 a.m. in the Music Room. The pick-up choir will run through the song a few times and then enjoy sharing the musical message with the congregation that same day.
 
Music will be accessible and interesting for all ages and skill levels, starting at four years old.

For more information, contact Pam Siegler, Music Director.

What Are 
Soul Matters Groups?


UU "Soul Matters" Groups are a way to feel truly engaged in our church, to deepen connections with others in our spiritual community, and to enhance our personal journeys to wisdom and meaningful lives. We currently have four groups running at UUCH, and we encourage more people to participate in the program. Those who have participated often say it is the most meaningful thing they do at our church!
 
Soul Matters Groups are designed as a companion program to a congregation's worship and religious education ministries. Congregations using Soul Matters have monthly themes, such as "compassion", "forgiveness", or "truth", which are integrated in all aspects of the church. Being a part of a Soul Matters Group allows you to go deeper in the themes that are being discussed in worship or in children's curriculum in an intimate, small group setting.
 
What do you do in a Soul Matters Group?
 
Each month, participants are given packets that contain resources for individual exploration, including questions, exercises, readings, music, and videos on that month's theme, and they can choose how they want to engage with the topic before meeting with the group. Participants then come to the group to discuss the theme. You take it at your own pace; there is not a lot of required reading, but there are plenty of materials to engage you through the month. You spend as much, or as little, time as you wish with the materials before the meeting.
 
Groups typically meet once a month at the same time, and meetings are usually 90 minutes long. The format is designed to make sure that everyone who wishes to speak is heard, and that we listen to one another without debate, judgment, or interruption. Questions provide opportunities for the group to explore the theme together. Trained facilitators guide the group through the format and help to make sure that the environment is a welcoming and moderated space for all to share and learn.
 
How can I join a group?
 
We are currently adding some new Soul Matters Groups. If you are interested in participating or learning more, please contact Nancy Finley.
votives
Care List
 
This Sunday, January 20, 2019,  at our Circle of Candles:
 
Susan Coddington lit a candle of joy: Saturday was my mom's 78th birthday. Although it's been a difficult year, as she has battled lung cancer, we are thankful for each new day. 
 
Rachael Scheib lit a candle of sorrow: Please have good thoughts for my partners in NYC. Mark's liver was very special, and the doctors did not put him back together correctly. The liver is not functioning properly, and a new surgery is scheduled. His wife and I are very worried. But Mark has good spirits, though frustrated.
 
LaDawn Edwards lit a candle of sorrow: My father passed away last Sunday in NM. Thanks for the prayers and good wishes as I try to guide my mother and siblings to a secure and loving new normal. 
 
Erin Reid lit a candle of joy: Joy and gratitude for all participants of all ages in our first ever multi-generational pickup choir. Also immense gratitude for the sacred calling and work of Mary Oliver, a poet beloved of many UUs.