Sunday, November 30, 2008

Snowy Sunday

Yes! On this snowy Sunday, there will be church service.
~Eva

Friday, November 28, 2008

Weekly Update 11/28/08

Weekly Update 11/28/08---Hope you had a meaningful holiday!! It’s so easy to feast your way, or cook and clean your way through this holiday without stopping for moment to be truly thankful for all that we do have. This is one of my favorite holidays, because I think gratitude is such an important spiritual practice. So I hope you got that moment, captured it in your soul, and will have to hold close to you when you get to one of those evitable grumpy moments we, each one of us, has from time to time.
 
I also hope that if you didn’t have family to spend the holiday with, you created a “family” of friends and strangers to make your day fun. I want to say a special thanks to those I got to spend Thanksgiving with, and to those who invited me to spend thanksgiving with them. Even if I didn’t end up at your dinner, I was sure glad for the invitations—since I don’t have any family here in town.
 
Bright Blessings on this bright November day!
~Eva
 

This Sunday:
9:30 am Service “Giving Thanks: Spirituality and Food”
After the Thanksgiving feast, come and reflect on the role that food plays in our spiritual lives. Join Sue Hill with Brittany Flokstra as Worship Associate.
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11 am Children’s Chapel
11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth
11:15 am Adult Classes
7 pm Small Group Ministry
 
This Weekend:
Buddhist Movie Night
is tonight @ 6pm All invited!!
 
Young Adult Chili Dinner @ Eva’s House Saturday @ 6:30pm. RSVP on Facebook, or e-mail . . . so I know how much food to make. Location: 610 Franklin CF 50613
 
This Coming Week:
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir
6:30 pm Workshop “Gift Giving: Alternative and Traditional”
Juanita Williams and Pam Hays will lead us in a discussion of the meaning of gifts, the special challenges of gifts and parenting, and our own feelings about gifts. A list of types of alternative gifts will be provided.
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band
7:30 pm Small Group Facilitators Meeting
 
Thursday@ 7:30 pm Buddhist Path
 
Friday@ 6 pm First Friday Potluck “Hajj”
Join us as we welcome members of the Muslim community to share with us about their faith at this fun and informal family time. The Hajj is the pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah
during the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah. The performance of the Hajj is the fifth of the five pillars of Islam. Bring a traditional Middle Eastern dish or something else you like. This is great event for bringing a guest.
 
Other Items:
Keys to the UUSBHC
Please contact the office if you have a key to the building. You can e-mail administrator@uusbhc.org
or call and leave a message at 266-5640.
 
Poinsettias for the Holidays
The Creative Spiritz are selling poinsettias from Harmony House, again this year.  The cost of each poinsettia is $11. You can choose red, white, pink or speckled.  The poinsettias will be used during the month of December to decorate the front of the sanctuary with the Holiday Spirit. You can buy them in someone's memory or honor.
You can take your poinsettias home after Christmas Eve service.  To order your poinsettias fill in the form using the link below or contact Deblyn Russell, her cell phone is 319-939-2789 or email her at deblynzart@cfu.net  You can also order them at church on Sundays – Nov. 30th, Dec.  7th and/or 14th. Payment is appreciated at time of order. (if you use the on-line order form, you can bring your payment in the next Sunday or send it to UUSBHC, 3912 Cedar Heights Dr. Cedar Falls, IA  50613   attn. Kathy) Here’s the online order-form: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pv7lTd1gi5uQhf5FNwobIJA

 ~Eva
--
Stay informed! Read the World! <www.uuworld.org>
Stay connected! Check out our Facebook Group: uusbhc
Find something out! Look it up on our webpage: <www.uusbhc.org>
Think wider thoughts! Learn about the UU Assn: <www.uua.org>
Think wider still! Learn about International U&SU <www.icuu.net>


Rev. Eva Cameron, minister
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
3912 Cedar Heights Dr.
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
USA

m: 319.610.6605



 
 

Friday, November 21, 2008

Weekly Update 11/21/08

Weekly Update . . . as we near Thanksgiving our weather is turning brisk and sunny. Late autumn has its own charm, and I hope you are finding ways to enjoy it. I love making soups and stews this time of year, which I haven’t eaten all summer long.
Today, while munching on my stew at lunch, I thoughtfully chewed a bite of potato. I had left the skins on when I made it, and this one must have had a small pocket of earth remaining, as I got just a subtle taste of earth as a chewed. It shocked me with its rich, organic mustiness. Immediately, I was thrown into memories of planting gardens, the rich earth smell rising from the freshly tilled soil, or deep forests where each footstep overturns rich, loose soil, sending up a waft of rich, earthy splendor.
It made me realize again, just how easy it is to consume food without truly connecting with the powerful life-force that is a work to create it for us. My earthy-bite gave me a lucky reminder. I was able to pause and reflect on growing these potatoes. And on where the rest of the food came from. On the minor miracle it truly is, when we get to open our mouths, place food inside, and be nourished. It’s an awesome force of love at work in the universe. Our lives are sustained by the energy and resources of so many others, human and non-human.
This Thanksgiving, I hope that something will allow you to pause, with awareness and gratitude, and give thanks for this incredible richness that sustains us. I’m not saying you have to serve each of your Thanksgiving guests a spoonful of earth . . . but, you just might consider it!

Sunday:
8:45 am family choir rehearsal
9:30 am Service “Thanksgiving Festival
with a Hunger Communion” Join us for a “Service For All Ages” as we celebrate the richness of life and all that we have for which to be thankful. In honor of those with gluten-free diets, this year’s communion uses rice cakes. We’ll have a  “Parade of Food” so bring some non-perishable food items to carry up front for you and your kids for the FoodBank. Plus, the “Walkin’ the Talk” collection will be for the FoodBank as well.
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11 am Children’s Chapel
11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth
11:15 am Adult Classes:
“Doc” Shorts “Granny D Goes to Washington” This rousing film tells the amazing story of iron-willed, upbeat, eighty-nine year old Doris Haddock who astonished the nation by walking across the entire continental United States to bring attention to the issue of campaign finance reform.
12:15 pm Outreach Committee Meeting
2 pm Small Group
6 pm Birthday Party & Potluck for Eva Cameron & Susan Janzen
(all invited, see below)
 
This Coming Week:
Monday 6 pm:  
Cedar Prairie Vegetarian Potluck
Tuesday 1 pm:  Committee on Ministry
Wednesday:  No WOW this week.
Friday: Buddhist Movie night! 6:30pm Socializing, 7pm Movie, offered by Ralph Burr.

 
Pastor Pals Plural Birthday Party:
Sunday, November 23 from  6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:    UU SBHC Fellowship Hall
 Everyone, come celebrate with friends old and new! The whole family is invited. What's a party without food ... so bring a potluck dish to share. If you're adventurous, a taste of India or Greece would endear you forever to the hosts! No gifts, please.  But you can bring your instruments, and maybe we can make music!

Eva,  pastor for the UUSBHC (born 11/24), and Kathy, our UUSBHC director of religious education (born 11/20). Susan is pastor of Cedar Falls Mennonite Church. (born 11/24)

Anyone else with birthdays this week? Join in the fun so we can sing for you, too!

Other Items:
Poinsettias
Once again this year, there will be an opportunity to purchase Poinsettias from Harmony House to use to decorate the Sanctuary during the holiday season. Cost will be $11. Its for a good cause, and will be BEAUTIFUL!!  There will be an opportunity to offer them in memory or honor of someone dear to you. Please look for a sign up soon online, and after church in the Fellowship Hall.   Brought to you by the Creative Spiritz.
 
Pageant:
Is coming up Dec 14th, with rehearsal on the 13th. We’ve got roles for people of all ages. Let Eva know if you’d like to play a part, help with costumes, etc. . . . or briefly answer questions about meaning of the season (which is part of this UU version of the Pageant!)  
 
Pastoral Update
Mica Lorenz's stepmother had a heart attack and Mica has been at the hospital most of the week. Her Mom had 3 stints put in and is improving now. I am sure she would like calls/cards/FB messages: 1141 Independence Ave. W’loo, 50703 (610-1276)
 
Let’s continue to hold Bea Tate and her family in our thoughts and prayers on their long road to recovery. And Eleanor Stark as well.
 
Please keep us posted on your news. We want to help!
 
I’ll be at Cup of Joe today from 4:30 to 6pm. Feel free to join me for an informal conversation!
 
See you in church!
Eva
--
Stay informed! Read the World! <www.uuworld.org>
Stay connected! Check out our Facebook Group: uusbhc
Find something out! Look it up on our webpage: <www.uusbhc.org>
Think wider thoughts! Learn about the UU Assn: <www.uua.org>
Think wider still! Learn about International U&SU <www.icuu.net>


Rev. Eva Cameron, minister
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
3912 Cedar Heights Dr.
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
USA

m: 319.610.6605



 

Friday, November 14, 2008

Weekly Update

Hello!  Are you excited as I am to see what the next steps are, for each of us, in bringing change to our country? The whole idea of ‘Community Organizing’ on a nation-wide scale is mind boggling to me. But I plan on having conversations with some of you who’ve lived through major times of change in this country—like the depression, or at the time of the Second World War. I’m wondering what did it feel like, and how did you build up momentum to keep us moving forward? Let’s all work on this together, to be ready, will and able to help shape what is to come. This is a big part of what is means to be a Unitarian Universalist: working to see our vision come alive on this planet.
 
Tomorrow!! Lot’s of exciting things going on:

Photo-directory: Last call!!
Few spots tonight and tomorrow afternoon left. Call Jan @ 240-0962 if you haven’t made it in yet!

Buddhist Retreat is also Saturday!
Join Zen Monk Ted O’Toole from Minneapolis in this mini-retreat. A half a day of calm and quiet before the hecticness of the season. You may come at 7am if you are a meditator, or at 8am if you’d like meditation instructions. A light lunch will be served. Wear comfortable clothes, and feel free to bring your own cushions (although we have some).
 
Strong Backs? Love to Decorate?
As you can tell, we’ve got a lot going on Saturday. In order to make it all happen, we will be re-arranging some furniture and speed-decorating the Fellowship Hall with a jungle theme. If you could help either with Furniture moving (Sat @ 1pm), or decorating (Sat @ 2pm)  . . . please just show up with a smile!!
 
Treats and Talents Auction !!!
6pm social time, 7pm auction begins.
Get out you pith helmet, your khaki clothes, and cobras for your neck . . . we are off on safari. Come for the fun! Come to buy fun gifts and good dinners. Come and meet someone new!  Also it’s not too late to turn an auction item in to Mike Knapp
mikemica@mchsi.com

This Sunday:
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am Service “Daring To Grow Our Church” What does it take to grow our church? Is growth really necessary? How can you help? We will have a New Member Ceremony this week. Join Rev. Eva with Lara Martinsen-Burrell as WA. Taylor Hanson will play violin for us!
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11 am Children’s Chapel
11:15 am Sunday School
for children & youth
11:15 am Adult Classes:
Buddhist Path: Join Rev. Eva and others in exploring Buddhist spiritual practices.
Walking the Talk: We’ll talk about the Food Bank and Christmas Ham Dinner boxes.
Garden Meditation: Meditation is also available each week for those who would like to spend time outdoors.
2 pm Board Meeting
7 pm What’s Up Doc? “Nobelity”
A stunning look at the world’s most pressing problems through the eyes of nine Nobel Laureates, Nobelity follows filmmaker Turk Pipkin’s personal journey to find enlightening answers about the kind of world our children and grandchildren will know. Filmed across the U.S. and in France, England, India, and Africa, Nobelity combines the insights of nine distinguished Nobelists with a first-person view of world problems and the children who are most challenged by them. Featuring Nobel Laureates: Steven Weinberg, Jody Williams, Ahmed Zewail, Rick Smalley, Wangari Maathai, Sir Joseph Rotblat, Dr. Harold Varmus, Desmond Tutu, Amartya Sen.
 
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner *Please RSVP*
6:15 pm Family Choir
6:30 pm Workshop: “Relationships at Holiday Times”
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band
 
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
 
Friday
9:30 am YoUUng Child Play Group
7:30 pm DrUUming Circle
 
Next Sunday: November 23rd
9:30 am Service “Thanksgiving Festival with a Hunger Communion”
Join us for a “Service For All Ages” as we celebrate the richness of life and all that we have for which to be thankful. Guest At Your Table boxes will be passed out this Sunday. Special Note: Please bring non-perishable food for our “Parade of Food” procession during the service.
 
Pastoral Update:
Eleanor Stark:
Esther wrote me saying, “I had a call from Eleanore Stark's daughter Ann.   She said her Mom was
at the doctor today and was told she has cancer of the liver (they do not know the initial site).  She maybe has months to live.  More tests will be done tomorrow regarding some blockage and what to do about it.  She is a fairly new member at UU. Ann said she really appreciated the cards she has received from folks at UU.” Let’s keep up the cards!! 2215 Victory Dr. CF 50613

Dorothy Wendt
 has had a pacemaker installed, and is recovering from that. She and Don had plans to travel this weekend, and we are hoping they get to go.
 
Keri Brecht has hurt her foot, is in a cast, and will need some help getting around for the next little while. She can be reached at 442-7187, her email is: keribear18@gmail.com,
her address is 102 Main St #2 (right above Cup of Joes). She’s a member of the Theoretical String Band and one of our UNI students.
 
Please let me or Esther know if you are in need of care, or have some upcoming medical event!  We all want to help!
 
I plan to be at Cup of Joe this afternoon from 4:30 to 6pm. Drop by if you just want to hang out and visit.

See you in church!
Eva
--
Stay informed! Read the World! <www.uuworld.org>
Stay connected! Check out our Facebook Group: uusbhc
Find something out! Look it up on our webpage: <www.uusbhc.org>
Think wider thoughts! Learn about the UU Assn: <www.uua.org>
Think wider still! Learn about International U&SU <www.icuu.net>


Rev. Eva Cameron, minister
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
3912 Cedar Heights Dr.
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
USA

m: 319.610.6605