Friday, January 27, 2012

Weekly Update Jan 27, 2012 (cameron.eva.post@blogger.com)

Weekly Update Jan 27, 2012
Weekly Update Jan 27, 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 had a full day listening to the grief of two families, and enjoying the joy of a young couple on their wedding day. (See the Pastoral Update for the details). But my take-away from today is that life is short, and love is beautiful. Its a privilege to be with you, as you share the rich ways that your life is shaped by love. All I can say, by way of advice in the face of my experiences .  . .  is to do it as richly and deeply as you can muster. Its amazing to hear the stories of how it shapes and transforms people’s lives.
I hope you’ll join me this Sunday, as we begin to learn the 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life. I’m excited to share with you.
See you in church!
~Eva
This Sunday 1/29/12
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am Service: “Charter for Compassion: Part 1”  Rev. Eva Cameron
Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, Karen Armstrong’s new book provides practical advice on compassionate living.  Join us as we spend the next few weeks learning about what she has to teach us.  This week we will learn about compassion, take a look at our own world, and consider compassion for ourselves.
 10:45 am Fellowship Time
 11:00 am Children’s Chapel (balcony)
 11:15 am Sunday School for Children & Youth (classrooms)
 11:15 am Adult Religious Education ~ Vacationing with UU’s
Have you heard the buzz about MUUSA?  Interested in learning more?  Carolyn Hildebrandt & Linnea Sumner will share stories about the Midwestern Unitarian Universalist Summer Assembly, a fabulous week-long summer camp on a beautiful lake in the Ozarks.  They’ll give you an exclusive “sneak peak” at this year’s activities and show you how you can join!  Great fun for singles, couples, and families of all ages!  Then, Del and Christine Carpenter will tell a whale of a tale about UU WhaleCoast Alaska’s tour and will also briefly share their experiences at UU Camps & Conferences they have attended.
Calendar for this Coming Week
Monday
           6:00 pm Cedar Prairie Vegetarian Potluck
           6:45 pm Documentary “Forks over Knives”
Tuesday                
          4:30 – 6:00 pm Community Meal at First Methodist CF
Wednesday
           5:00 pm Festival Sunday planning meeting
           5:15 pm Children’s Choir
           5:45 pm Dinner: Soup!
           6:30 pm Adult Choir
            6:30 pm Guatemalan Family Support Group meeting
           7:30 pm Theoretical String Band
           7:30 pm Small Group Facilitators meeting
Thursday            
          7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday
           6:30 – 8:30 pm Sing-a-long with Deblyn and the Jammerz
Saturday             
          1:00 pm Nature Lovers small group
Pastoral Update
Carolyn Bellfy (son, Ty) and Dennis Harbaugh (wife Juanita)'s mother died rather suddenly on Wednesday.  Please keep this whole  family close to your hearts in the coming days.  Dennis and Juanita’s sons are traveling home to be here. Visitation will be Saturday, January 28, 3-5:30 pm at Locke Funeral Home in Waterloo.  Funeral service will be Sunday, January 29, 3:00 pm at South Waterloo Church of the Brethren on Kimball Ave. in Waterloo, with a light meal following.
Our sweet Esther Thomas suffered a massive stroke this week, and died today. Her family was around her, and we are comforted by the fact that she lives a life full of love and giving. Her Funeral service will be at our church on Thursday, February 2 at 1:00 pm. Reception and then burial in New Hartford will follow. If you can help with  set-up/clean-up prior to the service or the reception, please let Rev. Eva know.
Brittany Duball asks for a few prayers:
Prayers for my landlords: Connie and Daryl Sullivan as Daryl battles
throat cancer.
Prayers for Howard as he continues with his sobriety and being
alcohol-free and continues to work at his job at Ryder! :)
Prayers for me since I have to purchase a new Toyota Camry Hybrid
battery ($500!!) (yikes!). I am hoping there will not be any further
car expenses this winter.
Also, prayers for a safe trip next month to the Dells with Howard and
my siblings, Lexie and Logan.
Prayers for our puppy, "Lady" that we unfortunately had to give back
because of miscommunication between our landlord. I am hoping she
finds a caring, patient, and loving family soon!
Prayers for my 19 year old sister Lexie as she goes through her first
stages of pregnancy (1 month along) and to give her the strength to
tell the rest of our family and continue on with her A.A. at Kirkwood
Community College.
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
Tech Notes
We are making a needed appeal for people who would be interested in running the sound board once a month or so. A simple training is all that is required. Please contact Staci Chananie-Hill for more information if you are interested. (319) 427-0873 or stacich@gmail.com.
Death of Josseline books
The CF Library is receiving interlibrary loan copies of Death of Josseline. So far they have two available and will probably be getting another four. UUs with CF Library cards can check them out at the service desk.  
We also now have a congregational book table account at the UUA and 12 copies of the book have been ordered and have arrived. The book will sell for $15. Contact Sally Browne if you have any questions.
Guatemalan Family
Donations to help the Jimy Gomez family are still being accepted, and may be made payable
to the UUSBHC with "u-visa" in the subject line. For continued updates about Jimy Gomez and family, please visit: http://jimyandfamily.blogspot.com/ 
or contact Heather Flory directly for questions: heather.flory@yahoo.com.
We are in the NEWS!!
Did you see the article in the Courier yesterday? Congratulations to Heather Flory for her efforts in helping the family from Guatemala, and for getting us all involved in reaching out with compassion.
-or-
Church Events
Cedar Prairie Vegetarian Potluck & Film
The Cedar Prairie Vegetarian Society will be presenting the documentary Forks Over Knives on Monday, January 30, at 6:45 p.m. at UUSBHC.  Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods. The major storyline in the film traces the personal journeys of a pair of pioneering researchers, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. Feel free to bring a vegan dish to share and your own table service and join us at 6:00 p.m. for our monthly potluck before the 6:45 p.m. showing. (Please note we had the time of the potluck incorrect in last week’s newsletter . . . it is 6pm not 6:30pm)
Wider Faith Events and Opportunities
Sharing Challenges and Successes
Workshop for congregations and fellowships of the Hawkeye Cluster
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Hey UUSBHC, want to get a carpool together? Let John Miller know!
At this workshop, participants will meet with UU counterparts on similar committees and share ideas. Find out what are other Unitarian Universalist congregations and fellowships are doing in Iowa. What has worked for you? What has not worked? What are your challenges?
Meet and listen to Zach Wahls, member of UUSIC, share his experiences of having the “most popular” You Tube political video in 2011. In 2010 Zach spoke to the Iowa Legislature in support of same sex marriage and about being raised by two moms. He is now part of the “Standing on the Side of Love” campaign.
Committees/groups include: Board/Leadership, Buildings/Grounds, Green Sanctuary, Immigration, Membership, Finance/Stewardship, Marriage Equality, Covenant Groups, Worship, RE, Adult Programming, Youth Programming, Social Justice/Community Service, Leadership Development, and others.
This workshop is open to all. RSVP by Jan 30th by emailing admin@uusic.org. For questions please contact Mike Cervantes (319-834-1136) or mhcervan@hotmail.com. Childcare will be available if requested by January 30th. Lunch will be provided.
Prairie Star District Annual Conference 2012
Prairie Star District (PSD) Conference to Explore War & Peace

Join fellow UUs the weekend of April 13-15, 2012 in Bloomington, Minnesota, for the Prairie Star District Annual Conference which will address the challenging theme, "Lessons From War & Peace: Stories of Faith, Hope and Courage."  

In addition to examining this profoundly moving theme, you can benefit from workshops designed to strengthen your congregation, deepen your social justice work, and enrich you on a personal level. Come and experience some of PSD's top talent, culminating with the joy of shared worship and musical celebration on Sunday morning. For more information about the conference, please visit http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2012.
Unitarian Universalist Association
General Assembly
Some folks still aren't sure what to expect at the upcoming General Assembly.
There will be something for everyone at this GA, no matter where you may be in the spectrum of social justice work.  Whether you're a seasoned activist or a beginner, there will be educational and preparatory programming and other opportunities for you to have meaningful involvement.
There will be community events outside as well as work done indoors. Phoenix will be hot, but you will be able to limit your exposure. GA housing is very close to the Phoenix Convention Center, and there are many food options within the Center. There will be an exhibit hall - the Justice GA Expo - with social justice exhibitors and resources. GA programming will be focused on justice issues, including topics such as the spiritual foundations of justice work, the theology of social justice, as well as a more tactical focus on organizing.
There will be Plenary sessions for governance, as well as programming and worship such as the Ware Lecture and Service of the Living Tradition. A preliminary schedule of events is available.
Much more information about the upcoming Justice General Assembly is available at www.uua.org/ga.
UU Community Schools Campaign
The Unitarian Universalist Community Schools Campaign was founded to design and build five small service-centered residential UU high schools for youth in 11th and 12th grades. These schools will be infused with the values of our faith, creating a learning environment which respects the inherent worth and dignity of each student. If you are interested in learning more about this initiative, please check out www.uucommunityschools.org 
Community Announcements        
One Iowa Legislative Reception
Please join us for One Iowa's 2012 Legislative Reception, featuring Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy!
Hey UUSBHC--who wants to carpool and go together?
When: February 6, 2012
Where: Historic Northwestern Hotel, 321 East Walnut
Time: from 6-8 pm
This special One Iowa event is a chance to meet with our House and Senate leaders at the beginning of the legislative session.  Suggested donation to help support our work: $50.
We are hosting this event because of the generous support of our One Iowa champions of equality. Please consider becoming a sponsor of the 2012 Legislative Reception at a higher level.
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Don't miss out--RSVP today!
For more information, please contact Matt Skuya at matt@oneiowa.org or 515.288.4019 x203.
One Iowa, a 501(c)(4) organization, is the state’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) advocacy organization. One Iowa supports full equality for LGBT individuals living in Iowa through active participation in the civic process, and engaging in state lobbying. For this privilege, contributions to One Iowa are NOT tax deductible.
                        

Stay Informed/Keep Us Informed:
Please send any information for the Weekly Updates to administrator@uusbhc.org or call 266-5640.
The January  newsletter is available as follows:
  1. for downloading  UUSBHC January 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

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Weekly Update Jan 20, 2012 (cameron.eva.post@blogger.com)

Weekly Update Jan 20, 2012
Weekly Update Jan 20, 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!
Last Sunday, as we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, we concluded our sessions on being a creator as we explored how we can take the injustice and pain we experience in life and use it to look up, to feel inspired to build a better world for all. Although we shared these last week, we continue to invite you to bring your stories of being moved by injustice--in words or pictures to place on our Sanctuary wall. We will keep those stories and art up for a while. As we shift our focus from being a creator to being a compassionate being, Dr. Martin Luther King’s journey was a great one to inspire us towards an amazing open compassion for all humankind.
The interesting thing about compassion, is that it is a choice. It is a choice we make day after day, week after week. And like all things practiced, it gets easier with time. Our journey to explore compassion using Karen Armstrong’s Twelve Steps to Compassionate Living, will teach us that compassion is more, a lot more, than just deciding you are going to be. I’m really looking forward to exploring some of these ideas and tools with you  . . . as together we Reconnect with our Creative, Compassionate Center.
Give someone you love a hug. Help somebody you don’t know very well. And if you can possible manage . . . consider making a snow angel. Who knows, you might just find a certain joy that only comes from snow angels!
See you in church!
~Eva
This Sunday 1/22/12
           8:30 am Music Rehearsal
           9:30 am Service: “Charter for Compassion: A Wish for a Better World”
Rev. Eva Cameron, Maureen Murphy - Worship Associate
This begins the next subject in our theme for the year, that of compassion. It is possible for us to act without thinking of self-interest.  This tendency lies within the heart of each of us.  We can stamp out this instinct or cultivate it assiduously.  Karen Armstrong is leading the way in asking all of us to join her in a Charter for Compassion.
         10:45 am Fellowship Time
         11:00 am Children’s Chapel (balcony)
         11:15 am Sunday School for Children & Youth (classrooms)
         11:15 am Adult Religious Education ~ The Four Agreements, Part 1
What agreements are you making every day without even being aware of it?  Would you like to transform your life to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love?
Join Nate Callahan and Heather Flory on the fourth Sunday of each month to discuss
The Four Agreements and other spiritual teaching of don Miguel Ruiz.
Calendar for this Coming Week
Tuesday
           7:00 pm Committee on Ministry meeting
           7:00 – 9:00 pm Movie Screening: abUSed: The Postville Raid
Wednesday
           5:00 pm Festival Sunday planning meeting
           5:15 pm Children’s Choir
           5:45 pm Dinner:  Lasagna, plus beans, rice, salad & fruit
           6:30 pm Adult Choir
           7:30 pm Theoretical String Band
Thursday
           7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Pastoral Update
1/14/2012 - Love to the friends & family of Adam Burton who passed away during heart surgery at the beginning of this month.  For all the joy your smile has brought and the joy it’s memory still brings/ give great thanks!  Lara Martinsen-Burrell
1/14/2012 - Yeah!! I’m finally “edumacated” and graduated with my undergrad degree in Business Administration.  Anyone have a job for me? Ha Ha. Crystal King
Sending love and light to Deblyn’s little friend:  Nakoa MoonHawk, October 5, 2008 - January 10, 2012. With healing thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
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:
Tech Notes
We are making a needed appeal for people who would be interested in running the sound board once a month or so. A simple training is all that is required. Please contact Staci Chananie-Hill for more information if you are interested. (319) 427-0873 or stacich@gmail.com.
Death of Josseline books
The CF Library is receiving interlibrary loan copies of Death of Josseline. So far they have two available and will probably be getting another four. UUs with CF Library cards can check them out at the service desk.  
We also now have a congregational book table account at the UUA and 12 copies of the book have been ordered and have arrived. The book will sell for $15. Contact Sally Browne if you have any questions.
Guatemalan Family
Donations to help the Jimy Gomez family are still being accepted, and may be made payable
to the UUSBHC with "u-visa" in the subject line. For continued updates about Jimy Gomez and family, please visit: http://jimyandfamily.blogspot.com/ 
or contact Heather Flory directly for questions: heather.flory@yahoo.com.
Church Events:
Come  to  the Unhappy Birthday Party ---this Saturday!
Learn  how  unlimited  hidden  campaign  contributions  were sanctioned by Citizens United v FEC  Supreme  Court  Decision. The Unhappy Birthday Party commemorates the 2 year anniversary of the Supreme Court's passage of Citizens United, which some have said is the most disastrous Supreme Court decision ever created.  It essentially gives corporations a free hand to "buy" politicians.  
Free & open to the public    Have fun!           Free Gift Certificates
10:00 – 11:00 A.M.                                   Saturday, January 21, 2012
3912 Cedar Heights Drive          (Unitarian Universalist Society)

Speaker:    Iowa Senator Jeff Danielson
Although this party is not designed for children, kids of any age supervised by their parents are most welcome.  Start their political education early!
Movie Screening:  abUSed: The Postville Raid
Critically acclaimed director Luis Argueta will be in town briefly and host a screening of his immigration film abUSed: The Postville Raid on Tuesday, January 24, at 7pm. Refreshments will be served. Free will donations will benefit the Jimy Gomez family.
Cedar Prairie Vegetarian Potluck 
January 30th - 6:30 pm; followed by the documentary "Forks over Knives" at 6:45 pm.  
For more information contact Christine Carpenter 266-0194
Unitarian Universalist Association
General Assembly
Some folks still aren't sure what to expect at the upcoming General Assembly.
There will be something for everyone at this GA, no matter where you may be in the spectrum of social justice work.  Whether you're a seasoned activist or a beginner, there will be educational and preparatory programming and other opportunities for you to have meaningful involvement.
There will be community events outside as well as work done indoors. Phoenix will be hot, but you will be able to limit your exposure. GA housing is very close to the Phoenix Convention Center, and there are many food options within the Center. There will be an exhibit hall - the Justice GA Expo - with social justice exhibitors and resources. GA programming will be focused on justice issues, including topics such as the spiritual foundations of justice work, the theology of social justice, as well as a more tactical focus on organizing.
There will be Plenary sessions for governance, as well as programming and worship such as the Ware Lecture and Service of the Living Tradition. A preliminary schedule of events is available.
Much more information about the upcoming Justice General Assembly is available at www.uua.org/ga.
Stay Informed/Keep Us Informed:
Please send any information for the Weekly Updates to administrator@uusbhc.org or call 266-5640.
The January  newsletter is available as follows:
  1. for downloading  UUSBHC January 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
Community Announcements
Empowering Parents
The Empowering Parents program is a 6-week  program to give parents the group support they need to reach their parenting goals. It helps families improve their parenting skills using the Nurturing Program Curriculum. The program is taught in a group setting at Family & Children's Council. Issues covered in the curriculum include using effective discipline, understanding age appropriate behaviors, establishing family rules and stress management techniques.
Next Session: Tuesday January 31st at 5:30 - 7:30 pm (Every Tuesday for 6 weeks)
at the Family & Children’s Council Office; 500 E 4th St (KWWL building - 4th floor) Room #409.  
All classes are free to participants and include a free meal!  
**Call 319-234-7600 ext 12 to reserve your spot!!!
Blue Zone Votes Needed:
Have you done this yet?? It takes only a few minutes. Let’s help the Cedar Valley get healthy with this innovative approach!
The Greater Cedar Valley needs thousands of votes right now!
Your Blue Zone pledge improves The Cedar Valley's chance of being selected to become a Blue Zone Community and eligible to share $25 million for health and wellness projects in the Cedar Valley. This is a contest and lots of places in Iowa are competing and gathering pledges. If we don't get enough, we cannot win! We need thousands of people to do this and each person getting this needs to take the pledge for themselves, thenforward to family, friends, club friends and co-workers. We need people to be a part of it! Life will be better! It's an easy way to get resources in the community for real quality of health - the ultimate amenity!

The Cedar Valley's enthusiasm, shown by the number of residents that pledge to participate, will influence our chances for the $25 million!

With your pledge, it can be ours! Please complete the Blue Zone Personal Pledge toward living a longer, healthier and happier life. It only takes a minute and could change The Cedar Valley immeasurably!
What is a Blue Zone Project Community?

There are places in the world where people live healthy, happy lives well into their nineties or even 100s. Dubbed “Blue Zones” by National Geographic researcher Dan Buettner, these longevity hotspots share nine lifestyle habits - Power 9™ - responsible for their remarkable results.

About 75% of how long we live - and our chances of suffering from a heart attack, diabetes and certain cancers - is determined by our behaviors. By adopting Power 9™, we can transform our well-being and increase our longevity.
Blue Zone Project Scoreboard

Click here to see how our community compares to others in the state. We need to improve our score. Let this be a challenge to everyone! Please forward this email to  your family, friends and co-workers!
Contact Information

Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber
Sue Hansen
Admin. Mgr. Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber
319-232-1156

City of Cedar Falls
Mayor Crews
319-268-5119

City of Waterloo
Suzy Schares
Mayor Buck Clark's appointed chair
319-291-4522 #3008

Healthier Cedar Falls Task Force
MaraBeth Soneson, Co-Chair
319.290.7733




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