Friday, January 29, 2010

Weekly Update

Weekly Update - 1/29/10~~~Sending you love and warmth on this cold, cold evening. The moon tonight is supposed to be the fullest it will be in 2010. Go out and smile up at it tonight. (Or even tomorrow night!)  Many things in nature, including the human realm, are influenced by the full moon. We don't quite know why . . . but I love that there are mysteries that remind us how much a part of this world, the amazing interconnected place we call home, we really are. We like to imagine how independent we are! But sometimes something sneaks back to remind you that we are all connected, scientifically. And for me, I call these magical interconnections God. But call them what you want . . . I invite you to notice as many as you can in the coming weeks. What an amazing, loving universe we live in, that sustains us daily with air and food and water and so many other things. Look for them, and try and feel the love.

See you in church!  ~Eva

This Sunday:

8:30 am Music Rehearsal

9:30 am Service "Youth Sunday"

Our Youth with Lara Martinsen-Burrell as Worship Associate, 

Kevin and Angie Stafsholt as Youth Advisors. 

The UU Youth will be providing a thought-provoking service on

"Standing on the Side of Love" from a youth's point of view. Fun music, plus wit and wisdom. Better be there!

10:45 am Fellowship Time

11:00 am Children's Chapel

11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth

11:15 am Adult Classes

Sixty for Six: "Questioning Beliefs" Mike Knapp will inform us about Atheism.

Town Hall Meeting: The Bylaws Committee will hold a Town Hall meeting to discuss a new, streamlined, easier to follow Bylaws document that the Executive Board will ask the congregation to adopt at our Annual Meeting, May 2, 2010.

12:15 pm Potato Bar luncheon Fund Raiser

UU Board of Trustees will be sponsoring this lunch to help support the work of the church.

2:00 pm "Yoga for all"  with Krystal Hamilton, all welcome!

 

This Coming Week

Tuesday

7:00 pm Committee on Ministry

 

Wednesday

WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays

5:00 pm Children's Choir

5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

6:15 pm Adult Choir

6:30 pm Self Realization Workshop (high school room)

& Artistic Fun Workshop

7:30 pm Small Group Facilitators meeting

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

 

Thursday

7:30 pm Buddhist Path (balcony)--drop-in, all welcome!

 

Other items

*UU's Lobby on the Side of Love!*

Calling all Iowa Unitarian Universalists to stand on the side of love to
protect marriage equality for all Iowans!  Join together at the Iowa Capital
Building in Des Moines on Wednesday, February 10, to talk personally with
your state legislators about why you support equal protection under the law
for all Iowans.  Encourage the legislators to support it, too, by opposing a
state constitutional amendment that would take civil marriage rights away
from lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Iowans.  This effort is
part of One Iowa's Lobbying Day. One Iowa is a state-wide advocacy
organization working for full equality for all LGBT people, including
preserving the right to civil marriage.

The goal is to bring 100 UU's representing every UU congregation in Iowa to
the Capital for this event.  Make sure our congregation is
well-represented!  Can you think of a more worthwhile way to spend a half or
whole day of vacation, adding your voice to this important cause?

Meet at 8 a.m. in front of the Judicial Building (across the street south of
the Capital) for pastries, hot beverages, and a group photo.  Registration
and training are from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at 315 E. 5th St.  Then proceed to the
Capital to start talking with legislators at 10:45.  You can leave whenever
you wish.  If you stay until 2 p.m., there will be a closing reception at
the Capital.  Don't forget to wear your "Standing on the Side of Love"

T-shirt, too, for the group photo!  Contact Allen Hays at allen.hays@uni.edu

319-266-8406, to get more information and sign up. We will be carpooling from church. 

 

This from our Mennonite Friends in the Peace and Justice Center of Cedar Valley:

A PERSONAL invitation for personal action to help HAITIANS

Saturday February 13, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Cedar Falls Mennonite Church (corner of Clay and 9th, Cedar Falls)

We will pack relief kits (20,000 relief kits are needed immediately)

Followed by Haitian beans and rice lunch.

Ways YOU can help:

 

• Bring NEW items for kits to CF Mennonite Church

o 4 large bars bath soap (leave in wrapping)

o 1 plastic bottle shampoo (380-710ml / 13-24oz; place bottle in a re-sealable plastic bag)

o 4 large bars of laundry soap (Some stores carry Fels Naptha, Sunlight or Zote brands)

o 1 squeeze-tube toothpaste (minimum 130ml / 6oz; leave in box)

o 4 adult-size toothbrushes (leave in packaging)

o 4 new bath towels (medium weight, dark or bright colors)

o 2 wide-tooth combs(6 to 8in / 15 to 20cm)

o 1 fingernail clipper

o 1 box adhesive bandages (minimum 40, assorted)

o 1 package sanitary pads (18-24 thin maxi)

• Donate money to CFMC for kit items

• Donate NEW comforters or flat sheets

• Help pack kits on 2/13

 

•Come for beans and rice lunch from 11:30-1 p.m. even if you cannot help with items or kit assembly and make a freewill donation for the kits

CALL CFMC 277-5611 FOR INFORMATION OR EMAIL KATHERYNEAST@CFU.NET

 

I, Eva, will be happy to collect supplies to take to the Mennonite Church over the next two Sundays, if you are unable to take them directly there. Please leave them by my office door.

 

Pastoral Update

Jen Zeck continues to be hospitalized in Iowa City. They are still uncertain what is wrong with her. She has moved since last week, and still welcomes calls, cards (or even visits, if you are in the area!) The new  floor is  2RCW2 (med/surgical). Her room number is 2095,  and  the direct phone number is 319-353-9601. Please hold Jason and they kids Tristan and Elleanor in your hearts and prayers too, as they all go through this difficult time.

 



--
Rev Eva Cameron
minister
Unitarian Univesalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-610-6605
www.uusbhc.org

Friday, January 22, 2010

Weekly Update

Weekly Update - 1/22/10~~~This has been a rough week for many of us, as we watch, listen and read about the continual unfolding of the painful life and death stories in Haiti. The individual images and stories shake us into the reality that is unfolding thousands of times over, in a mind-boggling amount of suffer, with bursts of great joy. I find it hard to take in. And read something this week that a scientist has been studying the human capacity to feel compassion. They are learning that we are less able to feel compassion for groups of people suffering than for one person. They even studied the difference in human reaction and deciding to help, from one person needing help, to just two people. Even with two people, we humans had less of a desire to help. As I pondered what this meant, to me as someone who wants to feel compassion for the world …I realize that I have to pay attention the most to the small stories, the picture of the individual. Allow my heart to open to that one person, and not let the fact that that person is multiplied by 20,000 (or however many) blind my heart to their individual plight. At the same time, we can only feel compassion when we are feeling safe and strong enough to not be consumed with our own survival. So I am doing what I can to notice all that is good and right--in my own life, and in the world around me. I am listening to cheerful music, and sending my friends notes of cheer and thankfulness. An attitude of gratitude sure can make a difference. While I'm at it, have I said lately how thankful I am to be your minister, and to have the gentle presence of your lives as a witness to what it means to be human. 

See you in church!  ~Eva

This Sunday:

8:30 am Music Rehearsal:

    8:30 - TSB rehearsal

    8:50 - Adult choir rehearsal
    9:00 - Children's Choir rehearsal

9:30 am Sunday Service: "Chalice Lighter Sunday" with Rev Eva Cameron. 

Jim Paprocki &Al Hays (Worship Associates)

Join us as we share with you some news about the Chalice Lighter program of our District. 
Our neighboring UU congregations have been using the funds for projects.  
Just what have they been up to? Come learn about this fun UU way to share and help each other.  Be inspired by their visions!

              10:45 am Fellowship Time

              11:00 am Children's Chapel

              11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth

              11:15 am Adult Classes

Sixty for Six: "Anglo-American ChristianityPastor Mark Lukisch of the local 
Seventh Day Adventist Church will present. (balcony)

TRIBE: Team, rhythm, instruments, & body ensemble (sanctuary) with TIm Purdum

 

This Coming Week

Monday

              6:00 pm Cedar Prairie Vegetarian Potluck

Wednesday

              5:00 pm Children's Choir

              5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

              6:15 Adult Choir

              6:30 pm Self Realization Workshop (high school room)

                            Artistic Fun Workshop

              7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

              7:30 pm Buddhist Path (balcony)


Other items

UU's Lobby on the Side of Love!

Calling all Iowa Unitarian Universalists to stand on the side of love to
protect marriage equality for all Iowans!  Join together at the Iowa Capital
Building in Des Moines on Wednesday, February 10, to talk personally with
your state legislators about why you support equal protection under the law
for all Iowans.  Encourage the legislators to support it, too, by opposing a
state constitutional amendment that would take civil marriage rights away
from lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Iowans.  This effort is
part of One Iowa's Lobbying Day. One Iowa is a state-wide advocacy
organization working for full equality for all LGBT people, including
preserving the right to civil marriage.

The goal is to bring 100 UU's representing every UU congregation in Iowa to
the Capital for this event.  Make sure our congregation is
well-represented!  Can you think of a more worthwhile way to spend a half or
whole day of vacation, adding your voice to this important cause?

Meet at 8 a.m. in front of the Judicial Building (across the street south of
the Capital) for pastries, hot beverages, and a group photo.  Registration
and training are from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at 315 E. 5th St.  Then proceed to the
Capital to start talking with legislators at 10:45.  You can leave whenever
you wish.  If you stay until 2 p.m., there will be a closing reception at
the Capital.  Don't forget to wear your "Standing on the Side of Love"
T-shirt, too, for the group photo!  Contact Allen 
Hays at allen.hays@uni.edu

319-266-8406, to get more information and sign up. We will be carpooling from church. 


Pastoral Update

Jen Zeck has been hospitalized in Iowa City for some diagnostic work. She's not feeling well, and they aren't certain what is wrong yet. She would appreciate calls to cheer her up. 319-353-9861) We will keep you posted, as we learn more. 



--
Rev Eva Cameron
minister
Unitarian Univesalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-610-6605
www.uusbhc.org

Friday, January 15, 2010

Weekly Update

Over these past few days, our hearts have wept for the immense pain of the people of Haiti  . . . and the immense arrogance of Pat Robertson and his voice of ugliness and hatred among us. Our minister-friend in Des Moines asked on his Facebook page this week, "If the Haitians made a 'deal with the devil' that has invited their suffering, what 'deal' did Americans make to deserve Pat Robertson?" Although this brings a smile, it also leaves us to wonder . . . just how much hatred are we breeding in our country. It makes Standing on the Side of Love all that more important.

There are many ways to help the Haitian people. Our own UUA, along with the UU Service Committee, have started a fund. You can learn about their work and how to donate here: <http://www.uusc.org/content/major_earthquake_devastates_haiti_uusc_uua_launch_relief_fund>
Over $200,000 has already been donated to this fund!
Their projects tend to focus on helping those overlooked by others. 

This Sunday

8:30 am Band Rehearsal & 8:45 am Choir Rehearsal


9:30 am Service "Standing on the Side of Love: Welcoming Our

Neighbors" Rev. Eva Cameron with Staci Chananie-Hill as

Worship Associate Often our warm feelings of love extend to those we know

best. Part of the challenge offered up by our theme this year "Standing on the

Side of Love" is opening our arms wide to those who don't know we are here.

How can we do that? Who are our neighbors anyway?


10:45 am Fellowship Time

11:00 am Children's Chapel

11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth

11:15 am Adult Classes

Sixty for Six: "Anglo-American Christianity" Pastor Mark Lukisch of the local

Seventh Day Adventist Church will present. (under the balcony)

Walkin' the Talk: January's focus is the Eastside Ministerial Alliance.

Reverend Eva will answer questions about what they do.

(sanctuary)

Buddhist Path: Join Ralph Burr and others in exploring Buddhist spiritual

practices. (balcony)

2:00 pm What's Up Doc?umentaries "God and Buddha: A Dialogue"

4:00 pm Beginning Yoga with Krystal Hamilton



This Week

Tuesday

7:00 pm Board Meeting

Wednesday **CALENDAR DEADLINE**

WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays

5:00 pm Children's Choir

5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

6:15 pm Adult Choir

6:30 pm Self Realization Workshop (high school room)

Artistic Fun Workshop

Continuing the Welcoming Congregation Workshop

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

7:30 pm Buddhist Path (balcony)

Friday **NEWSLETTER DEADLINE**


Other Items:


Chalice Lighter Sunday Is January 24, 2010!

Many UUSBHC members have become Chalice Lighters. A Chalice Lighter pledges

to respond with a contribution of $20.00 or more, when the call comes to "light the

chalice" somewhere in the Prairie Star District. There are three calls each year.

Chalice Lighter funds are used to support growth through Chalice Lighters Grants to

new or existing Unitarian Universalist congregations for a minister, religious education

professional, music, social justice, office staff, building or land and innovative growth

strategies. Chalice Lighters in our 70 congregations in Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri,

Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin have combined their

$20.00 or more in contributions to help more than 34 Congregations grow over the

past 20 years.

For more information, or to enroll as a Chalice Lighter, contact Jim Paprocki at

jpaprocki@mchsi.com or 319 296-3737. A member also may enroll online, by visiting

the Prairie Star District website at www.psduua.org/



--
Rev Eva Cameron
minister
Unitarian Univesalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-610-6605
www.uusbhc.org

Friday, January 8, 2010

Weekly Update

Weekly Update - 1/8/10  I"m just back from ice skating on the lovely outdoor rink in Cedar Falls!  It was a blast to watch the sun set as I glided along on the ice! Its been a couple years since I got out ice skating, and I forgot just how much fun it can be. I remembered it was fun, but remembering and doing are two different 

things!  My challenge to you this week is to do something FUN you haven't done in a while, or maybe something  you've never done but always wanted to . . .  Let me know how it goes! I'm always on the lookout for more fun  things to do. And I love it when you share your life stories with me!  Ready, set, go! 


Early Sunday:

    8:30 am Tea for Teachers: All Children's Sunday School teachers are invited. 

    8:30 am Band Practice

    8:45am Choir Rehearsal

Sunday Service (9:30 to 10:45am)

"Where Does the Temple Begin, Where Does It End?
Rev. Eva Cameron with Maureen Murphy as Worship Associate 
This Mary Oliver poem speaks of the spiritual practice of looking. Our UU Choir will sing. 

              10:45 am Fellowship Time

              11:00 am Children's Chapel

              11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth

              11:15 am Adult Classes

Sixty for Six"Anglo-American Christianity" Bob Robinson will lead a 
discussion of the planning, translation and writing of the Bible.

Circle Way:  We will be 'awakening the divine within' by watching the 
documentary "Entheo: Genesis" by Rod Mann.

2:30 pm Sunday Afternoon small group

 

This Coming Week

Monday

              6:00 pm REAP Council meeting

Tuesday

              7:15 pm Religious Services Council meeting

Wednesday

              5:00 pm Children's Choir

              5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

              6:15 pm Adult Choir

              6:30 pm Self Realization Workshop

              6:30 pm Artistic Fun Workshop

              6:30 pm Integral Life Practice small group

              7:30 pm Theoretical String Band practice

Thursday

              7:30 pm Buddhist Path

 

 

 

Other items

Lend a hand, offer a meal, visit a shut-in, shovel a drive, help a new Mom . . . . 

Lonely and want someone to come visit? going to have surgery? snow just too much?  having a baby?  . . . . 

Please take a moment and fill out this form, so we know how you can help others in our community. AND let us know if you would like some help or comfort. <http://tinyurl.com/caringform>


Chalice Lighter Sunday Is January 24, 2010!

Many UUSBHC members have become Chalice Lighters. Chalice Lighter pledges to respond with a contribution of $20.00 or more, when the call comes to "light the chalice" somewhere in the Prairie Star District. There are three calls each year.

Chalice Lighter funds are used to support growth through Chalice Lighters Grants to new or existing Unitarian Universalist congregations for a minister, religious education professional, music, social justice, office staff, building or land and innovative growth strategies. Chalice Lighters in our 70 congregations in Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin have combined their $20.00 or more in contributions to help more than 34 Congregations grow over the past 20 years.

For more information, or to enroll as a Chalice Lighter, contact Jim Paprocki at jpaprocki@mchsi.com or 319 296-3737. A member also may enroll online, by visiting the Prairie Star District website at www.psduua.org/


Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk Co.

3912 Cedar Heights Dr.

Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

www.uusbhc. org

minister@uusbhc.org

cell ph: 319-610-6605

church ph: 319-266-5640



--
Rev Eva Cameron
minister
Unitarian Univesalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-610-6605
www.uusbhc.org