Friday, March 16, 2012

Weekly Update for Friday March 16, 2012
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Friday, March 9, 2012

Weekly Update March 9, 2012 (cameron.eva.post@blogger.com)

Weekly Update March 9, 2012
Weekly Update March 9, 2012
Weekly Update of the
Unitarian Universalist Society
of Black Hawk County
administrator@uusbhc.org  visit our website at  www.uusbhc.org  319-266-5640
Rev. Eva Cameron 319-610-6605 (cell)  minister@uusbhc.org
Hello!
I’ve heard that many of you are off on adventures this coming week. I hope you have a lot of fun, and wish you safe travels. And for those of you staying behind, or with differing spring break weeks, I am sorry our church schedule is so slim this week. We are a volunteer run organization and its amazing to see just how much get done every week--when we see a week where not many people are around. So let’s all take this as a reminder to be thankful all the many helping hands that make our community life rich and meaningful by the energy they give to it, to us.
This week I continue on with our book on the 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life. I hope that if you are in town, you’ll come join me on Sunday!
I also hope you’ve gotten a chance to get outside and enjoy some of the wonders of nature. The full moon has been stunning, and the migrating birds have brought many bald eagles and other fun water birds to Big Woods Lake. These things are always such a joy for me. May you have many moments of joy this week as well.
See you in church!
~Eva
This Sunday 3/11/12
                
Don’t Forget to set your clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time!
           8:30 am Music Rehearsal
           9:30 am Service: Charter for Compassion, Part 3”
Rev. Eva Cameron; Judy Harrington (Worship Associate)
After having a break, we continue our sermon series on the Twelve Steps to Compassion.
This week we explore the steps of “How Little We Know”, “How Should We Speak to One Another?”
and “Concern for Everybody”
No Children’s Chapel or Children’s RE
         11:15 am Adult Religious Education:  Immigration Stories, Part 3
In keeping with this year's UUA theme of Immigration Reform, this ongoing series is dedicated to immigration issues. Our focal point will be the UUA "common read" book The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories from the Arizona Borderlands. Books are available for purchase - contact Sally Browne for details.
Calendar for this Coming Week
Tuesday
           7:00 pm Religious Services Council
Wednesday      Calendar Deadline
            no Wednesday evening activities
Thursday
           7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday        Newsletter Deadline
All events are open, unless specifically stated. We invite all who are interested to attend any meeting or activity that sounds intriguing to them.
Office Announcements
The April calendar and Newsletter deadlines are this next week during Spring Break (March 14 & 16).  Please get your information to us ASAP (before leaving town?).  
Thanks!     Janet (calendar) & Gerry (newsletter)
The March newsletter is available as follows:
  1. for downloading  UUSBHC March newsletter
  1. paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church.
  1. Also let the office know if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email administrator@uusbhc.org
Stay Informed/Keep Us Informed:
Please send any information for the Weekly Updates to administrator@uusbhc.org or call 266-5640.  
Pastoral Update
We heard from Dick Shane’s niece that his health continues to decline. He still is fairly lucid, and would love visitors. We recommend that you not hesitate to wake him up if he is sleeping when you arrive. He sleeps a lot these days. Also, speak clearly and loudly, since he is very hard of hearing.  John Miller was in to see him today, and Esther and Jansaw him yesterday. He is at Lakeview Landing, room 1010.
Don Wendt and Dottie Forsberg, continue their slow decline. Although they may or may not remember you. It is certain that their spouses (Dotty and Gordon) would appreciate your company as they are both spending many hours tending and watching them. They too are in Lakeview Landing.  Esther saw them as well, and said she was surprised how well they still look.
Glenyce Butschy had a fall last week and now is in Assisted Living across from Willowood apts. for a while.  She is in room 204. Her phone is 266-3766.
∞∞∞∞§§§§§§∞∞∞∞
Sending love and hope to anyone who is hurting. Please reach out and let us know. And please, let me know of any other pastoral updates to include from week to week. People want to know, and send you love, prayers or bring you a pot of soup!  ~Eva
Church Announcements
Attending District Meeting or GA?
Are you planning on attending the Prairie Star District meeting or General Assembly? We need to appoint delegates to vote on any business that comes before these bodies. Please let me know if you are planning on attending.  John Miller
Photo Directories
The photo directories have arrived and will be available at the scrip table. One per family. We also have a half-sized directory for folks that want an additional copy. Also, a PDF version will be available for your computer or portable device. Contact the office and we'll email it to you.
UU Garden
Todd Munnik  has agreed to captain the effort to grow a garden this summer!  If you are interested in helping out, please seem him. Look for more information in the upcoming weeks. It will take a village to grow our garden, but with a bit of leadership--we will all have some fun with it!  Thanks Todd!
Children’s Religious Education Notes
No RE During Spring Break
There will no children’s RE on March 11th and 18th.
There is also no Children’s Chapel during this time. Enjoy your break!
Alternative Activities and Nursery    
 During Spring Break (March11th and 18th) there will be No Alternative Activities during the service due to lack of staff. There will be nursery care available.  
Church Events
UU Mystery Friends in April!
Kids and Adults, would you like to develop a new multi-generational friendship at the UUSBHC?  UU Mystery Friends would be a great place to start!
Participate in this fun and easy program in April where RE students ages 4-18 sign up to become a mystery friend of an adult member of the congregation who has signed up to participate as well.  During each week in April, the mystery friend will provide their child letters and/or trinkets. We will have a reveal party on Sunday, May 6th.  
Sign up starting Sunday and through March. You can go to http://www.uusbhc.org to print off a registration form or pick one up from Moria Brown during coffee hour.
If you have any questions, please contact Angie Stafsholt or Moria Brown.  
Family Movie Night
Mark you calendars for Friday, March 23rd for the first ever Family Movie Night! Doors open at 6:00,  show begins at 6:30.  Popcorn will be  served.
                                                and the movie will be.....BOLT!
The Joy of Giving: 2012- 2013 Stewardship Campaign
Stewardship update
thanks for all of you who have returned your pledge forms for 2013. We have collected pledges for over $70,000, but are looking to make a budget closer to $124,000. A pledge form is at the bottom of the Update to use if you haven't made your pledge yet.  Please consider doing so today. Every pledge enables us to continue the wonderful programs of UUSBHC. You can fill it out electronically and just email it back to me.
Questions, contact Shanlee McNally (319)296-2780 or stewardship@uusbhc.org

In the words of Fia B. Scheyer:

                                
                                Take joy in your giving
                                you not only enrich your soul,
                                you also enrich all of creation.

                                Giving is a simple act
                                that becomes a great occasion
                                for the benefits are incalculable.

It is with these words that we ask you to focus on your life in the UUSBHC. How does this life sustain you; make you better, give you peace, make you happy, challenge you to think, give you a place to worship, surround you with love? Take a moment to realize the importance of UUSBHC in your life.
Your giving during the stewardship campaign enables us to function as a lively religious community, to meet our program goals and our financial obligations. It is an endorsement of our shared future, guaranteeing that we remain a vital liberal religious presence in the community. This presence makes a difference in the world, sets an example for our children, and allows our church to thrive

As you consider your pledge for the coming year, please remember how good it feels to give….your time…..your treasure…..your talents. All the ways you give are important and sustain this rich community we value.


How much should I pledge?

The amount you pledge is completely up to you and your ability to give. We do not require any minimum amount. A “Fair Share” giving guide is printed on the back of your pledge sheet to assist you with determining what you might give. By becoming a Fair Share giver, you enable the UUSBHC to better translate your UU values into the actions of the congregation. This benefits not only you and your family, but the greater UU community as well. Remember, $81 of your pledge goes to meeting our denominational membership dues to the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Prairie Star District.


Your Stewardship questions answered:

When do I pay my pledge? 
The pledge you make is for the July 2012-June 2013 program year. It is not necessary to make any payment until July 2012. If you wish to pay on your pledge early, make sure to indicate it is for the 2012-2011 year when making the payment. This will let us credit the correct pledge year. Monthly payment plans are also available should you chose to spread your payment out throughout the year.

Can I just put cash in the collection plate when I attend services?
Of course we welcome your free will offering, but pledging allows us to budget responsibly. By making a pledge we can easily track the amount given and budget according to what pledges will be.

I volunteer a lot, so do I still need to make a pledge?
Volunteering of your time is an essential and much appreciated gift to our society. However, being a member means contributing both your time and money. Both types of contributions are important to a healthy church community.

Can I change the amount of my pledge? 
We would welcome any increase in your contribution. If, however, your life circumstances have changed and you need to reduce your pledge, simply contact Shanlee McNally to make the necessary adjustment; 319-296-2780 or stewardship@uusbhc.org

Pledge Form is at the bottom of this Weekly Update.

Wider Faith: UU Events and Opportunities
A Frame is Worth a Thousand Words -
A Workshop on Communication for Social Change
Hello!
I want to invite you to a valuable workshop on Saturday, March 31, at First Unitarian Church that all Iowa faith leaders and congregants interested in social justice work should consider attending.  You'll come away understanding how to more effectively “frame” your messages and impact social change.  Whether we're writing a letter to the editor, speaking publicly, or just casually conversing with others on issues we care about, it can be hard to frame our message so others can hear it. Learn ways to bridge the gap of understanding around politically-charged issues and build community and relationships across differences of opinion or belief. The Social Justice Council is underwriting and bringing Rev. Karen Hering and her program to Iowa to help enhance the work of all our social justice programs and projects.  
Doug Aupperle
Social Justice Council Member
First Unitarian Church, Des Moines, IA       (515) 244-8603
Email: Social.Justice.1stUU@gmail.com           Website: www.ucdsm.org
Installation of Quad Cities UU’s New Minister
The UU Congregation of the Quad Cities is pleased to invite you to attend the installation of their new minister, Rev. Jay Wolin on March 18th at 5pm.  Rev. Eva will be participating in this service.
PSD Annual Conference 2012: April 13-15
Lessons from War and Peace
Wars and rumors of wars are so much a part of our lives that we often fail to consider that a truly peaceful world is possible. Prairie Star District takes up this theme, "Lessons from War and Peace; Stories of Hope, Faith and Courage," at its Annual Conference, April 13-15, in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Two challenging speakers will present the theme for the weekend. Reverend Jim Eller, who has spent many years working on issues of reconciliation will present the keynote speech on "The Glory of Courage and the Joy of Reconciliation." The Judy Memorial Lecture by Thomas Weiner is "The Toll War Takes on All Who Are Called to Serve."  
This weekend conference is a time to meet with UUs from our eight-state area to talk and share together our insights, questions and hopes. How can we apply our UU principles to the difficult questions of war and its costs, economic, physical and emotional.

Middle and high school youth will be attending their own Con within the conference -"ConScience," which will explore the way UUs make moral decisions, especially as they relate to war and peace. The conference will have many activities throughout for youth and younger children.

A limited number of scholarships are available. Apply by February 29 at http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2012/Scholarships.
 Don't miss the March 14 deadline for early registration. For more information go to http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2012 
Community Announcements        
The War on Drugs – Is it time to reconsider?
March 26, 2012 at 7:00 PM   University Room, Maucker Union
Speaker:  Major Neill Franklin, Executive Director, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP)
Lecture followed by reaction panel of university and community experts.
The War on Drugs was initiated in the 1970s in response to a perceived national problem of increased drug usage, particularly among the young.  Since then, drug enforcement efforts have cost billions of dollars in federal, state, and local funds.  In addition, the rapid increase in the number of individuals convicted for drug offenses and the length of their incarceration is primarily responsible for the fact that the United States has one of the highest per capita incarceration rates of all the nations of the world.  Moreover this incarceration involves grossly disproportionate numbers of people of color.   Finally, a number of studies seriously question the effectiveness of the War on Drugs in reducing the rates of drug addiction in our country.
Our speaker served in law enforcement for 34 years, in the Maryland State Police and the Baltimore Police Department.   During much of that time he served as a narcotics agent.   His remarks should encourage us to reconsider what our country is doing to address the drug problem and will open a dialog on what new, more appropriate responses should be.
Sponsors:  UNI Public Policy Program, UNI Public Policy Club, UNI Student Government, and the Citizens for Undoing Racism Task Force on the War on Drugs.
Contact:  R. Allen Hays, allen.hays@uni.edu, 319-273-2910
July, 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 Stewardship Pledge Form
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County

3912 Cedar Heights Dr., Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Name:                                                                                                        
Address:                                                                                Zip:                
Phone:                                E-mail Address:                                                
I/we wish to make the following financial commitment to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County for the July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 program year.
Amount of financial commitment:                                         $ _______________________
Prairie Star District Affiliation Dues                                                         $23.00        
Unitarian Universalist Association Affiliation Dues                                        $58.00        
Total financial commitment to Unitarian Universalism                
for the July 2012—June 2013 program year.                        $ _______________________                                
Signature:____________________________________________________Date:        _______________                                                
Thank you for participating in this year’s Stewardship Campaign.  We appreciate your ongoing support for the UUSBHC and our denomination, and in helping to continue a liberal religious presence in our community.  It is understood that financial circumstances may change during the course of the year.  In the event that you need to revise your financial commitment please contact Shanlee McNally, Stewardship Chair stewardship@uusbhc.org or 319-296-2780

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Saturday, March 3, 2012

Weekly Update March 2, 2012 (cameron.eva.post@blogger.com)

Weekly Update March 2, 2012
Weekly Update March 2, 2012
Weekly Update of the
Unitarian Universalist Society
of Black Hawk County
administrator@uusbhc.org  visit our website at  www.uusbhc.org  319-266-5640
Rev. Eva Cameron 319-610-6605 (cell)  minister@uusbhc.org
Hello!
I’m back in Iowa! Yesterday was a travel day, so you get this Update a bit late this week.
It was a very productive trip. I enjoyed learning about Adaptive Leadership, and getting to know some new colleagues. This encouraged us to see leadership not so much as getting the maintenance jobs done that keep the institution going, but rather to look at the questions that emerge so that we can adapt and grow. Hopefully we can put this to good use as we engage in our Identity process.
I also got up to New Hampshire. It was good to see my mother looking so healthy. And I also got to see my sister and her nieces.  Just before I left, we got a lovely snow that blankets the hills and trees. It was so beautiful! I know that most of us are getting ready for winter to be over, but seeing the snow falling on that New Hampshire landscape reminded me of childhood winters visiting my grandparents.  Warm memories.
Meanwhile, I’ve been following the protests and politics at UNI. I feel sad that there is disruption, but proud that so many of you are rising up to try and protect and grow a vision of our community, of Iowa.
See you in church!
~Eva
This Sunday 3/4/12
           8:30 am Music Rehearsal
           9:30 am Service: Stewardship Sunday  “The Joy of Giving”
Join Rev. Eva and Shanlee McNally for this fun conversation about growing up UU  . . . and why its such a joy to have this amazing community. Don’t forget your pledge cards!
         11:00 am Children’s Chapel
         11:15 am Sunday School for Children & Youth (classrooms)
         11:15 am Adult Religious Education
“Defining Our Identity Kick-off Discussion” Facilitator:  Brittany Flokstra
In an effort to encourage growth, create community clarity, and enable a long-range visioning plan, the UUSBHC Board and Committee on Ministry have joined together to begin an in-depth process of defining our society’s identity.  As part of this process, we are going to explore and discuss many topics that will engage the church community in helping to co-create an intentional identity for us as a congregation.  We will kick off these discussions in this session by explaining more about what we want from these discussions and how they will be set up, as well as opening up a Q&A with participants.
           4:00 - 6:00 pm Earth Based Spirituality Small Group meeting
Calendar for this Coming Week
Monday
           7:00 pm Green Living
Wednesday
           5:00 pm Festival Sunday planning meeting
           5:15 pm Children’s Choir
           5:45 pm Dinner: Corned Beef & Cabbage, plus beans, rice, salad & fruit
           6:30 pm Adult Choir
           7:30 pm Theoretical String Band
Thursday
           7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Saturday
           6:30 Card Club
All events are open, unless specifically stated. We invite all who are interested to attend any meeting or activity that sounds intriguing to them.
Office Announcements
The March newsletter is available as follows:
  1. for downloading  UUSBHC March newsletter
  1. paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church.
  1. Also let the office know if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email administrator@uusbhc.org
Stay Informed/Keep Us Informed:
Please send any information for the Weekly Updates to administrator@uusbhc.org or call 266-5640.  
FYI - If you are sending something for the Weekly Update later than 10 am on a Thursday and want the notice in that week’ Update, you should copy Eva so she can add it before sending the Weekly Update out on Fridays.  I leave at 12:30 pm on Thursdays and no one checks my email when I’m gone. Janet
Pastoral Update
A note left in  the Joys and Sorrows notebook by Deblyn.  
2/28 - My family is undergoing more intense health challenges.  My sister-in-law Debbie has been hospitalized in ICU in Dubuque since Monday and my brother-in-law Jeff just found out today he has a large tumor on his brain and will be undergoing immediate surgery, radiation and chemotherapy in Rockford, IL.  I am scheduled to leave on March 8 for 3 weeks to Sylva, NC to finish my training as a Shamanic minister and breathwork facilitator.  Be well... until I return... Deblyn
∞∞∞∞§§§§§§∞∞∞∞
Sending love and hope to anyone who is hurting. Please reach out and let us know. And please, let me know of any other pastoral updates to include from week to week. People want to know, and send you love, prayers or bring you a pot of soup!  ~Eva
Church Announcements
Photo Directories
The photo directories have arrived and will be available at the scrip table. One per family. We also have a half-sized directory for folks that want an additional copy. Also, a PDF version will be available for your computer or portable device. Contact the office and we'll email it to you.
UU Garden
Todd Munnik  has agreed to captain the effort to grow a garden this summer!  If you are interested in helping out, please seem him. Look for more information in the upcoming weeks. It will take a village to grow our garden, but with a bit of leadership--we will all have some fun with it!  Thanks Todd!
Children’s Religious Education Notes
No RE During Spring Break
There will no children’s RE on March 11th and 18th.
There is also no Children’s Chapel during this time. Enjoy your break!
Church Events
UU Mystery Friends in April!
Kids and Adults, would you like to develop a new multi-generational friendship at the UUSBHC?  UU Mystery Friends would be a great place to start!
Participate in this fun and easy program in April where RE students ages 4-18 sign up to become a mystery friend of an adult member of the congregation who has signed up to participate as well.  During each week in April, the mystery friend will provide their child letters and/or trinkets. We will have a reveal party on Sunday, May 6th.  
Sign up starting Sunday and through March. You can go to http://www.uusbhc.org to print off a registration form or pick one up from Moria Brown during coffee hour.
If you have any questions, please contact Angie Stafsholt or Moria Brown.  
Family Movie Night
  Mark you calendars for Friday, March 23rd for the first ever Family Movie Night! Doors open at 6:00,  show begins at 6:30. The movie will be determined this Sunday. Popcorn will be  served.
Wider Faith: UU Events and Opportunities
Installation of Quad Cities UU’s New Minister
The UU Congregation of the Quad Cities is pleased to invite you to attend the installation of their new minister, Rev. Jay Wolin on March 18th at 5pm.  
PSD Annual Conference 2012: April 13-15
Lessons from War and Peace
Wars and rumors of wars are so much a part of our lives that we often fail to consider that a truly peaceful world is possible. Prairie Star District takes up this theme, "Lessons from War and Peace; Stories of Hope, Faith and Courage," at its Annual Conference, April 13-15, in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Two challenging speakers will present the theme for the weekend. Reverend Jim Eller, who has spent many years working on issues of reconciliation will present the keynote speech on "The Glory of Courage and the Joy of Reconciliation." The Judy Memorial Lecture by Thomas Weiner is "The Toll War Takes on All Who Are Called to Serve."  
This weekend conference is a time to meet with UUs from our eight-state area to talk and share together our insights, questions and hopes. How can we apply our UU principles to the difficult questions of war and its costs, economic, physical and emotional.

Middle and high school youth will be attending their own Con within the conference -"ConScience," which will explore the way UUs make moral decisions, especially as they relate to war and peace. The conference will have many activities throughout for youth and younger children.

A limited number of scholarships are available. Apply by February 29 at http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2012/Scholarships.
 Don't miss the March 14 deadline for early registration. For more information go to http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2012 
Community Announcements        
The War on Drugs – Is it time to reconsider?
March 26, 2012 at 7:00 PM   University Room, Maucker Union
Speaker:  Major Neill Franklin, Executive Director, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP)
Lecture followed by reaction panel of university and community experts.
The War on Drugs was initiated in the 1970s in response to a perceived national problem of increased drug usage, particularly among the young.  Since then, drug enforcement efforts have cost billions of dollars in federal, state, and local funds.  In addition, the rapid increase in the number of individuals convicted for drug offenses and the length of their incarceration is primarily responsible for the fact that the United States has one of the highest per capita incarceration rates of all the nations of the world.  Moreover this incarceration involves grossly disproportionate numbers of people of color.   Finally, a number of studies seriously question the effectiveness of the War on Drugs in reducing the rates of drug addiction in our country.
Our speaker served in law enforcement for 34 years, in the Maryland State Police and the Baltimore Police Department.   During much of that time he served as a narcotics agent.   His remarks should encourage us to reconsider what our country is doing to address the drug problem and will open a dialog on what new, more appropriate responses should be.
Sponsors:  UNI Public Policy Program, UNI Public Policy Club, UNI Student Government, and the Citizens for Undoing Racism Task Force on the War on Drugs.
Contact:  R. Allen Hays, allen.hays@uni.edu, 319-273-2910

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