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Unitarian Universalist Village Church
403 Barcelona Road
Hot Springs Village, AR 71909
501-922-1255
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Who Loves You? by Rev. Mark Walz
There comes a time in most lives when we get to decide whether we will take charge of our life. It is the day we realize that we must become our own parent, choose our own path, and allow our personal values to live through our actions.
Not everyone reaches this catalytic moment at the same age. It is said that the females of our species arrive there earlier than the males. Joseph Campbell called it becoming our own hero in The Hero’s Journey. We must become a hero to ourselves before we can become a hero for others.
In a very few days we get to test our values and ourselves. Will we declare our love for all our neighbors? My hope is that we will vote our conscience and accept the outcome, whatever it may be.
Yes, I’ve heard the chatter about moving away from the U.S.A. if things don’t go our way. I’ve heard Portugal mentioned, and Costa Rica, and Canada (if they’ll have us). But here’s my problem.
I love it here. The people I love and the people who love me are here. I’ve found the sweet spot. What I love more than anything is that with you, I am surrounded and held by folks who know how to touch the hearts of others - good people willing to defend human dignity.
Whatever comes will be better if we commit to what we have, and what we are building together. You are my chosen people.
See you in Church.
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Sundays in November
Theme: Healing
November 03, Worship: Rev. Mark Walz, Don't Turn Away
November 10, Insight: 2024 General Assembly, Judy, Debbie, & Salli
November 17, Worship: Rev. Mark Walz, TBA
November 24, Insight: Banned Books, Patty Hector - Thanksgiving Luncheon
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President's Message by Debbie Bostick
We are a Volunteer Committee Congregation!
One of the responsibilities of the Board is to establish committees as deemed necessary to manage the functioning of the congregation. This charge comes from the UUVC bylaws, Article XI, Section 1.
What is a committee, anyway? Something to be avoided? A boring meeting to go to once a month? I say NO! The committees are the lifeblood of the church. Committees are ministries, teams, think tanks. This is where the covenant of the church shows up as boots on the ground. There are 9 Standing Committees that invigorate this congregation. They are meeting the needs of:
1. the business of the church - Building, Finance, Office Administration,
2. the services of the church - Program, Worship,
3. the activities of the of the church - Social Justice, Events,
4. the vision and presence of the congregants - Long Range Planning and Membership.
There are also several Special Committees that aid in caring for the congregation. They keep us safe and functioning. When you offer to volunteer on a committee, you join a family with a mission. Find your small group family and join in the camaraderie of helping make UUVC the church you want it to be. If you are thinking about getting involved, I would love to help you find your place in UU life. Contact me!
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Voting watch party, Tuesday, November 5, starting 7 p.m. until…. If you want to watch with your UU friends, come to church and we’ll watch and support one another. Susan Cockrell | | | |
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Women's Retreat Nov. 16 at Lake Ouachita by Susan Cockrell
A Women's Retreat is planned for Saturday, November 16th, 9:30 - 4:30 at Ouachita State Park Cabins. With a theme of Taking Care of Ourselves, we will have sessions on writing, laughter, depression, drawing a lifeline, artwork, physical aging changes, meditation, drumming, pet care, different religious traditions, singing bowls and more - we're still planning! Different sessions will be available throughout the day for you to choose which interests you the most. We can accommodate up to 30, and will plan our food and snacks once we know who is coming.
Although the retreat ends about 4:30 pm, we have the cabin for the night and as many as want to are welcome to stay and play until church Sunday morning!!! Just bring a sleeping bag or mattress (it's only got 2 queen beds). Also there are other cabins, tent sites available on the campgrounds you can rent on your own. Sign up if you plan to go and you will receive more details as time gets closer. Questions and ideas or if you want to do a session - talk with Susan Cockrell, Deanna Tolliver, Patty Dacus, or Judy Johnson. It is going to be great!
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The Women's Breakfast continues to meet every Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. at Debra's Restaurant on Carmona. We have room for more as we have the big back room now (enter and go straight to door in the middle of back wall). Come join us for fellowship, laughs and getting to know each other better. There is no program, just chatting. You don't need to sign up, just show up. Susan Cockrell, Facilitator | |
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C4K+ by Bob McCleskey
Bob sent this photo of two new volunteers working with the UUVC Computers for Kids Plus program.
Thanks, Bob!
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Helping Hands by Liz Miller, Pastoral Care Ministry
Pastoral Care Ministry is a care-giving group at UUVC. The Membership Committee has organized a new caring group called Helping Hands, replacing the outgrown Neighborhood Network. You may have stayed after church recently when a presentation was made about Helping Hands, as a number of you have already signed up. Helpers offer to take a person to Little Rock, Hot Springs, or in or near the Village for a medical appointment, or to provide a meal. We hope many of you, men and women, would like to be part of this group. If you haven't signed up yet, you can do so at church or by calling Cheryl Klich at 501-385-8777.
Pastoral Care Ministry is looking forward to working with Helping Hands to provide outstanding care to the members and friends of UUVC. If you need a helping hand, or just want more information, contact Cheryl at 501-385-8777 or Liz Miller 501-922-5457.
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Membership by Gail Ashmore
There are two new faces on the Membership Committee: Gail Ashmore, who will serve as Committee Chair, and Cheryl Klich who will serve as Vice Chair. We are both excited about this opportunity to serve UUVC and to work with the wonderful Membership Committee members.
We are proud to announce two new members of the congregation: Paula Nix, who joined in September and Betsy Martens, who joined in October. Please welcome them to our church family.
A New Member Orientation will be held on November 14, from 1:00-2:00. If you are a new member, or wish to become a member, we welcome you to the orientation.
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Thanksgiving Together by Susan Johansson
for the Events Team
THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
November 24 ...
Immediately following our Insight Service
Come join our annual Thanksgiving Lunch!
Turkey, dressing, potatoes, and wine will be provided.
The sign-up sheets to attend and to bring dressing, yams, green beans, breads, cranberry sauce, desserts, or miscellaneous dishes to share are now available in the Community Hall.
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Exploring the Essence of Unitarian Universalism
November 6, 13, 20
From the Southern Region UUA Newsletter
"Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition which evolves to meet our current reality and respond to current human need. In our shared tradition, we practice discernment about our shared Faith in community with one another, listening for the wisdom among us. Please join your Congregational Life Staff for a series of conversations about three critical aspects of Unitarian Universalism: our shared values, our covenants, and our historical context. Each session will include informational background and current context for each subject, making these discussions appropriate for new UUs, Lifelong UUs, and everyone in between."
(The sessions will be by Zoom at 6 p.m. on the first three Wednesdays in November. Click Here for more information and to register. Please join me. Meg Koziar)
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Grounds Report by Serena Gonzalez
Landscaping and outdoor cleanup is now complete. Plants have been pruned, extraneous shrubs have been removed, beds have been weeded, sprayed and mulched, all grass edges along Calella, Barcelona and parking asphalt have been edged. Sidewalks have been pressure washed, along with entryway, stonework, windows, doors. Whew!
Photos by Serena Gonzales
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Memorial Garden
Pam Harrison and Vivian Walz have brightened up the memorial garden with flowers and pumpkins - take a look!
Photo by Kim Townsan
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Wanted: Two Men and a Truck
Paul and Marj Lakey are donating to the UUVC garden a large maple tree in a large pot - if we can move it. A couple of strong people with a truck are needed. Contact Vivian Walz if you and your buddy can handle it.
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Interest Groups
Dinners for Six: To join one of the groups, contact Jim Tripcony at 501-993-3885 or tripcong@iCloud.com. Each group determines its dining schedule and place.
UUVC Pickle Ball: UUVC Pickleball plays at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays AS WEATHER PERMITS at the DeSoto Courts. Contact Dane Nielsen at 501-915-4450.
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Mah Jongg: Mondays at 1:00 in the Community Hall. Contact Dee Offerman at offermanrn@gmail.com
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Sleeping Mat Group: First and Third Wednesdays of the month from 9:30 – 11:30 in the Community Hall. Contact Marilyn Matzek, 501-922-4909
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Stitchers: Second Wednesday from 1:00 - 3:00 in the conference room. Contact Marjorie McCleskey, 501-915-0237
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Women’s Breakfast:: Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. Debra’s Good Eats, 198 Carmona Rd., Contact Susan Cockrell, 817-307-9350
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Men's Group: Thursdays, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at Debra's Good Eats, 198 Carmona Rd. Contact Rev. Walz, 214-755-4315
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Friday Golf: 18-Hole Golf 8:00 - 1:00, AS WEATHER PERMITS. Contact Tom Tirrell, 501-915-2436
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Reiki Circle: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. the 2nd Friday of the month in Room 2. Contact Sunny Loften 916 316-1798
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Meditation Group (Sangha): Saturdays 10:00 - Noon in the Sanctuary. All UUVC members and friends are welcomed. No experience necessary. Contact Toby Hamilton 405-919-6253
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Game Night: Second Saturday at 5:00. Starting November 9, we will be bringing snacks and appetizers. No need to cook - pick up something at the store or just come. Drinks provided. Play board games you know or learn new ones We will start this month with 42 dominoes. There are also enough cards to play Hand & Foot, etc. Contact: Jean Campbell or Susan Cockrell.
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