Friday, February 29, 2008

Weekly Update

Greetings from Chicago!

Irene and I are on the road after visiting my mother in New Hampshire, and will be returning by Saturday.  We’ve made it as far as Chicago! I hope that you are all surviving the winter storms. Have you had the opportunity to attend a Stewardship Dinner?

This Sunday will be our Annual Stewardship Service . . . Brought to you by the Finance Committee. The Family Choir will be singing for the last time this spring. And the new art installation is up in honor of a long-time former member: John Page. Its all his art. Come,  it will be a good way to reflect on all this community means to you.

I want to remind you to please sign up for a Small Group!  . . . One change in the meeting day of a group, Mica and Brian’s group will be on the LAST Sunday  of the month, instead of the First. (See the full list below!)

Since I’ve been gone all week, I’ve not caught up on everyone to give you the Pastoral Update. But as soon as I hear things, I’ll let you know.

Thank you for all your words of support and encouragement. And thanks to Youth Advisors, Amy & Mike for helping out with tending the house and pet while we were away.

See in you church!
Eva

Join a Small Group!

We’d like to invite you to join a Small Group. This is an excellent way to get to know some people well, and work together on creating community while growing spiritually. We ask you to commit to regular attendance. Please RSVP to a Facilitator.
 
Sunday Afternoon (Last Sun. of month from 2-4pm)
Facilitators: Mica Lorenz and Brian Forster
Mica - 291-6509 or micalea@mchsi.com
Brian Forester 291-8427
Meeting at Mica’s House (has a cat)
1141 Independence, Waterloo
Start-up Meeting on Sunday March 2.

Sunday Evening (1st Sun. of month from 7:00-8:30 p.m.)
Facilitators: Kirby Sherman and Carolyn Hildebrandt
moosetrekker@aol.com & carolyn.hildebrandt@uni.edu
Meeting at church, for now. (Kirby has dogs, so this will be a pet-friendly group.)
Start-up Meeting on Sunday March 2.
 
Wednesday Evening (2nd Wed. of month from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.) Couples’ Enrichment Group (straight or gay, must be committed)
Facilitators: Christine and Del Carpenter
delcarpenter@cfu.net    (266-0194)
Start-up Meeting March 12. (Will close after the April meeting.) Meet in church balcony.
Immediately following the Wed. evening Family Meal that begins at 5:45 p.m.  Childcare will be provided.
 
This will be an educational and fun group; NOT therapy.
The group will read and discuss either "The Five Languages of Love" by Gary Chapman or "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" by John Gottman.
The group will choose a book at the first meeting.
John Gottman writes, "Happily married couples aren't smarter, richer, or more psychologically astute than others. But in their day-to-day lives,  they have hit upon a dynamic that keeps their negative thoughts and feelings about each other (which all couples have) from overwhelming their positive ones. They have what I call an emotionally intelligent marriage . . . Just as parents can teach their children emotional intelligence, this is also a skill that a couple can be taught."
 
Waverly Wednesday Group (3rd Wed. of month, evenings) Facilitator: Chris Rediske
cheemel@excite.com, phone: 319-352-3444
Our Waverly Group will focus on being a book-discussion group. The books will focus on issues of Peace and Social Justice, Environmentalism, Gender Equality, Spirituality etc. Members of the group will have the opportunity to suggest books and take their turn in leading the discussion. Since this is a child-welcome group, no doubt issues concerning parenting will also arise.
Start-up Meeting on April 16th.
 
Weekday Daytime Group
Facilitators: Esther Kieffer and Jim Paproki
emkieffer@cfu.net & jpaprocki@mchsi.com
266-1172 & 296-3737
They are still working on which day will work best, but if you’d like to be part of a group that would meet during the day, let them know!
 

Churning the Cream to find Butter, the sacred Self within each of us.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Weekly Update 2/22/08

Hello!

Isn’t it lovely to see this sun, and feel a bit of warmth thawing our ice!  Everyone I meet is tired of winter, and I am too. Although the falling snow is very pretty still. So I’d suggest we all do what we can to make each  other’s lives have moments of joy and fun, that we smile at strangers, feed other’s parking meters, bake a neighbor some cookies, or just have an old friend over for a cup of tea. We all could use some extra love, and there is no one to give it to us, but ourselves!

This Sunday, we have our guest minister Rev. Susan Janzen preaching. She is the local Mennonite minister in town, and will be talking about “Why I am a Mennonite.” This tradition is related to our Universalist tradition, both coming out of the radical reformation in Europe and they share our strong commitment to Justice and Peace. Please go and give her a warm welcome, while I preach at her church!

Following the service, we have Children’s Chapel at 11am. Then from 11:15 to 12:15 we have classes for children, youth and adults in our Second Hour. The classes for Adults include a Conscious Living presentation on ‘Conscious Cleaning’, and a chance to share more with Susan Janzen in a “Shouting over the Back of the Elephant” experience.

Right after I preach on Sunday, Irene and I will be heading for New Hampshire to attend my grandmother’s funeral. We will be gone all week, returning Friday night late or Saturday morning, depending on the weather!) I will have my cell phone with me, so call if you need me—its a nation-wide plan. And I’ll check e-mail as I can. Our leaders are in place to serve, and you will find they can do a great job in all that needs to be done. Thank you for your many kind notes, cards and messages of compassion.

I hope that you have found a Small Group to join. Please let the leader know if you’d like to join their group so they know how many to expect. There is a limit to how many each group can hold.

Have you thought of an interesting ‘nickname’ for our congregation yet? Make sure you put all thoughts, no matter how silly, up on our clothesline in the Fellowship Hall. I’m counting on all you creative thinkers to come up with something delightful and amazing.

This Sunday at 2 p.m., the Peace & Justice Center of the Cedar Valley is sponsoring a showing of the documentary film, War Made Easy: How Presidents & Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death, at St. Stephen's Catholic Student Center near UNI. After the film, Dr. David Grant, assistant professor of English language & literature at UNI, will lead a discussion.  Everyone is welcome to view this film and be part of the discussion.

Don’t forget that the Buddhist Retreat is coming up NEXT Saturday (March 1st). Ted Tuel, the Zen Monk from Minneapolis returns to guide us in mediation and dharma (Buddhist teachings). I hope you’ll set aside the morning for a special treat for yourself, and join us. AND invite your friends or co-workers. To register for the retreat, or for additional information please contact Maureen at
ethelkoelzer@yahoo.com or call 277-7130.

Pastoral Update (2/22/08)
We have many people who are fragile, mending or sick this week. Please help them as you can—with kind thoughts, prayers, kind words, notes, calls, and even a little help.

In Your Thoughts & Prayers:
Marlin Nissen
, whose mother, Irene, died this past week.
Rita Lynn, who is home from the hospital recovering from surgery on her other shoulder.  Her sister is with her this week.
Mildred Pierce, who recently got a pacemaker.
Donna Wood, who fell and broke her leg, requiring surgery.
Sue Campbell , who writes: “I’d like to share my joys and sorrows. On 2/12 Steve’s eldest daughter made us grandparents, a beautiful baby girl named Alyssa with lots of hair.  On the sorrow side, Steve’s brother has lung cancer (diagnosed 14 months ago) and the family has been called to his bedside. We don’t expect him to last the weekend.  One comes and one goes.”
Jenna Berendenzen, who’s father is dying of brain cancer in Minneapolis.
Dick Shane who fell and broke his leg.
Vivian Shane who is recovering from pneumonia.
Dorothy Wendt who still has a terrible flu.
Don Wendt who had the second eye surgery this week, and is recovering well.
Alma Lynch, who is at the Care Center of Friendship Village, due to falling.
Dottie Forsberg, who’s building at Friendship Village is still under quarantine.
Glenyce Butschy, who is still housebound with her injured shoulder.
Esther’s sister, who is dying of cancer and current suffering from jaundice.
Eva’s mother, Joan, who cared for her mother (my grandmother) for many years. The funeral is next Tuesday.
 
Shut-Ins (people to visit):
Mildred Pierce
1710 Walnut St. CF
Dick and Vivian Shane, who’ve been at the Care Center of Friendship Village.
Alma Lynch, at the Care Center too.
 
Cards (people to send a card to):
Sue Campbell, Marlin Nissen, Donna Wood, Rita Lynn, Dick Shane, Vivian Shane, Dorothy Wendt, Dorothy Forsberg, Alma Lynch.
Eva’s mother: Joan Reeves, 98 Bedford Center Rd. Bedford, NH 03110

Calls:
Mildred Pierce
, 266-9727
Glenyce Butschy, 266-3196 (ask if she wants a visit)

Visit on Facebook:
Jenna

Funerals/Memorial Services:
Marlin’s mother
, Irene: at Nazareth, Saturday 11:00 am service, followed by a luncheon/fellowship. Irene Nissen memorium goes to Nazareth Sunday School.
Eva’s grandmother, Beatrice, on Tuesday Feb 26th at 11am at the Bedford, NH Presbyterian Church.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Please help us live our vision of being a place of caring, let us know of people who should be included in the Pastoral Update—even if its yourself! We want to know. Esther Kieffer and Rev. Eva.

May we all reach out, in spite of earth’s imperfections for what is good and lasting and true in life.

~Eva

--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org












Sunday, February 17, 2008

2/17- Sunday Service

Hello,

A few hardy souls have reached the church, including me . . .  So we will have a service for whoever wants to make it here. Don’t feel obliged to come if the weather is scaring you. But, if you come, there will be someone here to greet you!

Enjoy the snowy day—and let us know if for some reason you need help due to the weather!

Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org




Friday, February 15, 2008

Weekly Update

Hello All,
This has been a difficult and yet beautiful day. My grandmother died yesterday. She was in her mid-90’s and had not been able to communicate for many years. She and I were very close when I was younger. And, if you’ve sipped tea from my grandmother’s tea cups at my house—it would be this same grandmother. So I find I am very relieved she isn’t suffering any more. At long last of not being able to think about her with pain, I am able to remember our many good times together. That feels like a real blessing. Its also a hard time, as I am talking with family members and trying to make funeral arrangements. She lived in New Hampshire. It looks like Irene and I will be going there the last week in February. (But I’ll let you know more when more is settled).

It is a joy to have sunshine on this day. It makes it so much easier to feel the goodness of the universe.

This Sunday, we have a Service for All Ages . . . Were we are celebrating LOVE in word, song and meditation. I think it will be a powerful experience for everyone, young and old. I hope you’ll join us. Family Choir will be singing!

With lots of people attending these days, here are some thoughts about how to help us all squeeze in!
  • Put your coat upstairs, there’s a coat rack at the end of the RE Hall.
  • Sit up front so there is more room at the back for those who arrive late
  • Cozy together, and don’t leave an empty space between you and the next person
  • Remember there is seating in the Balcony, and we do have hymnals up there.
  • Parking is available in the AEA lot, if our lot is full. We have an arrangement with them.

I hope that you’ve signed up for a Stewardship Dinner. Its a great way to get to know people better, and talk about all sorts of things you like about our community.

Below the Pastoral Update are two other things to read about upcoming events in our community: the start-up of Small Group Ministry, and a process to Nickname the UUSBHC begins this Sunday! So read to the end!
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Pastoral Update (2/15/08)
Please help us live our vision of being a place of caring, let us know of people who should be included in the Pastoral Update—even if its yourself! We want to know. Esther Kieffer and Rev. Eva.

I’ve attached three pictures from my visit to Friendship Village Care Center this past week.
In Your Thoughts & Prayers:
Dick Shane
who fell and broke his leg.
Vivian Shane who is recovering from pneumonia.
Dorothy Wendt who has a terrible flu.
Don Wendt who had eye surgery, and is scheduled for the other side in the next few weeks.
Gordon Harrington who was in hospital for a Gall Bladder infection.
Dorothy Fosberg, who’s building at Friendship Village has been quarantined due to flu.
Alma Lynch, who is at the Care Center of Friendship Vilalge, due to falling.
Glenyce Butschy, who is still housebound with her injured shoulder.
Esther’s sister, who is dying of cancer.
Eva’s mother, Joan, who cared for her mother (my grandmother)Beatrice Cameron Shaw, for many years up until her death on Thursday.
 
Shut-Ins (people to visit):
Mildred Pierce
1710 Walnut St. CF
Dick and Vivian Shane, who’ve been at the Care Center of Friendship Village.
Alma Lynch, at the Care Center too.
 
Cards (people to send a card to):
Dick Shane, Vivian Shane, Dorothy Wendt, Dorothy Fosberg, Alma Lynch.
Eva’s mother: Joan Reeves, 98 Bedford Center Rd. Bedford, NH 03110

Calls:
Mildred Pierce, 266-9727

 ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Finding a Nickname for UUSBHC . . .
What are we doing?
We are seeking a good “nickname” for our group. We will keep UUSBHC as a sub-title and legal name.
 
During Coffee Hour from February 17 through April 13, we will:
1) Brainstorm— Feb 17, 24 & Mar 2
 
2) Advocate— Mar 9, 16, 23
Writing: why you like a choice, keeping positive.
 
3) Vote with Dots—Mar 30, Apr 6, 13
 
4) Announce the Top Contenders after Coffee Hour on April 13th
 
5) Congregational Mtg. Apr 27—vote for top choice. Then we will try out the new nickname for one year; a “trial run.”

Why are we doing this?

Mostly because “Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County” or “UUSBHC” is a mouthful! But there are many other reasons . . . ask some people what they think. It’s a good conversation to have.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞


Join a Small Group!

We’d like to invite you to join a Small Group. This is an excellent way to get to know some people well, and work together on creating community while growing spiritually. We ask you to commit to regular attendance. Please RSVP to a Facilitator.
 
Sunday Afternoon (1st Sun. of month from 2-4pm)
Facilitators: Mica Lorenz and Brian Forster
micalea@mchsi.com & bforster2@mchsi.com
Meeting at Mica’s House (has a cat)
1141 Independence, Waterloo
Start-up Meeting on Sunday March 2.
 
Sunday Evening (1st Sun. of month from 7:00-8:30 p.m.)
Facilitators: Kirby Sherman and Carolyn Hildebrandt
moosetrekker@aol.com & carolyn.hildebrandt@uni.edu
Meeting at church, for now. (Kirby has dogs, so this will be a pet-friendly group.)
Start-up Meeting on Sunday March 2.
 

Wednesday Evening (2nd Wed. of month from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.)
Couples’ Enrichment Group (straight or gay, must be committed)
Facilitators: Christine and Del Carpenter
delcarpenter@cfu.net    (266-0194)
Start-up Meeting March 12. (Will close after the April meeting.) Meet in church balcony.
Immediately following the Wed. evening Family Meal that begins at 5:45 p.m.  Childcare will be provided.
 
This will be an educational and fun group; NOT therapy.
The group will read and discuss either "The Five Languages of Love" by Gary Chapman or "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" by John Gottman.
The group will choose a book at the first meeting.
John Gottman writes, "Happily married couples aren't smarter, richer, or more psychologically astute than others. But in their day-to-day lives,  they have hit upon a dynamic that keeps their negative thoughts and feelings about each other (which all couples have) from overwhelming their positive ones. They have what I call an emotionally intelligent marriage . . . Just as parents can teach their children emotional intelligence, this is also a skill that a couple can be taught."
 
Waverly Wednesday Group (3rd Wed. of month, evenings) Facilitator: Chris Rediske
cheemel@excite.com, phone: 319-352-3444
Our Waverly Group will focus on being a book-discussion group. The books will focus on issues of Peace and Social Justice, Environmentalism, Gender Equality, Spirituality etc. Members of the group will have the opportunity to suggest books and take their turn in leading the discussion. Since this is a child-welcome group, no doubt issues concerning parenting will also arise.
Start-up Meeting on April 16th.
 
 
Weekday Daytime Group
Facilitators: Esther Kieffer and Jim Paproki
emkieffer@cfu.net & jpaprocki@mchsi.com
266-1172 & 296-3737
They are still working on which day will work best, but if you’d like to be part of a group that would meet during the day, let them know!
 

Churning the Cream to find Butter, the sacred Self within each of us.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
May we all reach out, in spite of earth’s imperfections for what is good and lasting and true in life.

~Eva

--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org






Friday, February 8, 2008

Weekly Update

Hello!

I am joyfully soaking in this glorious sunny afternoon. I hope that you get an opportunity that makes you glad to be alive this weekend.

This Sunday, our church member Lynn Brandt will be sharing his views in a sermon entitled “ A Naturalist Looks At The Seventh Principle.”  He had a big smile on his face as he was sharing with me about it, so I think you will enjoy his eagerness to share this topic.

In our Second Hour, join Lynn for a chance to “Shout over the Back of the Elephant” and share your thoughts on his message. There will also be a gathering of Circle Way. Classes for Children and Youth begin at 11:15am, after Children’s Chapel at 11am.

And at 12:15 our ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF begins. Come eager to taste a wide variety of homemade chili. A tasty treat for the whole family.

I will be doing something special for our UU cousins in Des Moines. Their minister is on sabbatical for this winter and spring. The ministers in Iowa have an agreement that we will help each other’s churches when we are gone on sabbatical. So I am taking my turn to go and preach in Des Moines.

Today I’ll be at Cup of Joe for our TGIF time from 4:30 to 6pm. Feel free to stop by and enjoy the company.

Pastoral Update (2/8/08)

Shut-Ins:
Mildred Pierce 1710 Walnut St. CF
Dorothy Forsberg (Friendship Village) 312 Southbrooke Dr. Rm 24 Waterloo

Calls:
Mildred Pierce, 266-9727

In Your Thoughts & Prayers:
Glenyce Butschy, who had another bad fall in her house, and injured her shoulder.
 
Esther’s sister, who is dying of cancer.
 
Joys:
“Happy Birthday” was sung to both Leo Gibbons and Carolyn Hildebrandt this week at Family Choir, and to Kendra last Sunday. If you missed out, make sure you wish them lots of happiness in the coming year.
 
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Please help us live our vision of being a place of caring, let us know of people who should be included in the Pastoral Update—even if its yourself! We want to know. Esther Kieffer and Rev. Eva.

May we all reach out, in spite of earth’s imperfections for what is good and lasting and true in life.
 

~Eva

--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org




Friday, February 1, 2008

Weekly Update 2/1/08

Hello!

I’m just back from accompanying our Khasi visitor to the Chicago-area and then on to DC for a visit to Fair fax Unitarian Church. He’s staying on in the DC area, and will be preaching in Mont Vernon UU Church next Sunday. He did a wonderful job last weekend in Chicago, preaching at what he called our “Unitarian Cathedral” . . . If you’ve never been to the First Unitarian Church of Chicago (in Hyde Park), I’d heartily recommend it (and you will fully understand Khlur’s comments about the ‘cathedral’!)  It has been a very special time to share our Khasi friend with some people who don’t know anything about the Khasi Hills, and to spend some time with other UU friends who have dedicated a portion of their lives to helping us forge closer ties with this remote corner of the world. I hope that some of you may someday get the chance to travel there. My friend Dee Idnani is taking a group of UU’s there in October, if you are interested in going right away!

This is the FIRST FRIDAY . . . And so we have our monthly potluck and learning time. This month’s theme is Brazilian Carnival. Come and learn about this holiday! Bring a dish to share, and enjoy eating very delicious food from Brazilian recipes (and more local foods too!) It starts at 6pm.(Because of First Friday, I won’t be at Cup of Joe’s this afternoon.)

This Sunday I will be preaching on the theme “Butter and Cream” from a passage in the Upanishads. I’m be speaking to the power of community in helping us understand our true worth. Also, Family Choir is singing, and I think they are cooking up a surprise for you!

Second Hour there are classes for children and adults at 11:15am , following Children’s Chapel at 11am. The Adult programs are: Stories that Changed My Life with Bill Chene, and a program on Darfur.

Our Leadership Council
meeting will follow immediately after Second Hour, with lunch included. Please contact Judith Harrington to RSVP for lunch. All leaders are encouraged to attend.

Having been away, I don’t have any Pastoral Update for you yet . . . But when I hear the news, I’ll send it along separately (perhaps tomorrow).

See you in church!

~~Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org