Message from Eva

Weekly Update Feb 17, 2012 (cameron.eva.post@blogger.com)

2012-02-17T18:50:00.000-08:00

Weekly Update Feb 17, 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!

We are pleased to welcome our visiting minister, Rev. Audette Fulbright, to lead us this Sunday. I hope you enjoy this special treat to hear someone new.

Exciting work has gotten underway with Board and the Committee on Ministry, as they look to lead us in a series of conversations about identity this winter/spring. I’m excited to hear your thoughts about our community and look forward to beginning to these conversations. What is central to who you see us? How do you talk about who we are to others? Would there be a better name for us, that we could use to make us seem welcoming? What brought you here and what keeps you coming back? . . . I looking forward to hearing your stories. So often I hear people talk about how they wish they could explain this place to their friends and family more easily. I think listening to each other talk about these things will help us all be clearer as we bring our faith out into the world, and in our own hearts.

The Stewardship Campaign is underway! Each of us must find some time in the coming weeks to set aside a moment to really think about very unique community that we are, and that we will continue to be for the Cedar Valley. Your gifts of time and money are what make this place live. We have added staff, and continue to bring quality programs and services to the children, adults and elders alike. I hope you will increase your support to reflect our excitement in help you create an amazing progressive spiritual community.

I will be gone Feb 22 through March 2nd. I plan to attend an training on “Adaptive Ministry” at our UUA headquarters in Boston. (I don’t know much about this theory, and so look forward to telling you more when I return.) And while in the area, I’m taking the time visit my mother, who continues with her cancer treatments. She lives just an hour’s drive north of Boston in New Hampshire. I will have my cell phone with me, and should be able to receive calls and emails, as I always do. There will be times during the conference that I will be unavailable, but I will return your calls as soon as possible.

See you in church!

~Eva

PS: Don’t forget! The Buddhist Retreat is tomorrow morning! (more info below) All are welcome. Come try something new!

This Sunday 2/19/12

8:30 am Music Rehearsal

9:30 am Service: “Things Fall Apart” The Rev. Audette Fullbright Fulson

Hailing originally from South Carolina by way of Berkeley, CA; Asheville, NC; and Roanoke, VA; the Rev. Audette Fulbright Fulson is in her twelfth year of Unitarian Universalist ministry. Over the years, she has had the good fortune to be a guest preacher at a number of UU (and other) congregations, and finds it to be a special joy. Alongside being a wife, mother, dancer, reader, fiction-writer, and sometime geek, Rev. Audette also currently spends time working with the Southeast District Anti-Racism Dream Team and with OccupyRoanokeVA.

11:00 am Children’s Chapel

11:15 am Sunday School for Children & Youth (classrooms)

11:15 am Adult Religious Education

Small Group “Round -Up” Join a small group today! Facilitator: Mica Lorenz

What is it? These groups provide an opportunity for community-building and spiritual exploration for their members. The groups serve both newcomers and “old-timers” in our congregation who may not yet have found a way to connect deeply. A typical group has about five to ten members guided by a facilitator, meets at least once a month, and creates and abides by a covenant or set of ground rules. The group meeting format includes a time for centering, an opening reading, a check-in, usually a discussion of a topic agreed on by members, thought-provoking questions, check-out and a closing. The kind of topics that groups explore are far-ranging and are usually tailored to the interests of the participants.

If you have an idea for a special interest small group, bring it to the “Small Group Round-Up” or just come and join one.

2:30 pm Sunday Afternoon Small Group

2:00 – 4:00 pm Cedar Valley Interfaith Open Houses at the Mennonite & First Presbyterian churches (see Community Announcements below)

Calendar for this Coming Week

Tuesday

7:30 pm Board Meeting

Wednesday

5:00 pm Festival Sunday planning meeting

5:15 pm Children’s Choir

5:45 pm Dinner: Burrito Bar, plus beans, rice, salad & fruit

6:30 pm Adult Choir

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

7:30 pm Buddhist Path

Pastoral Update

I’ve heard lots of stories of people home sick with stomach bugs, laryngitis and such. I hope everyone is feeling better soon!

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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.

Guatemalan Family

For continued updates, visit the family website: http://jimyandfamily.blogspot.com/

To help the family with transportation, homework, English, or other needs, contact Heather Flory: heather.flory@yahoo.com

UU Garden Survey

The Green Living committee still welcomes your input on what you think the future of our vegetable garden should be. The Survey Monkey online form stopped functioning so if you haven't yet voted please fill out a paper form that is sitting next to the voting box in our coffee area. This box is along the north wall, near our cartridge recycling box. Those of you who successfully voted; thank you, and we still have those numbers.

Children’s Religious Education Notes

Family Movie Nights!

Please mark you calendars for first Family Movie Night on Friday, March 23rd. We will be showing a family friendly movie in the sanctuary and serving popcorn. This is a whole family event! (Movie name and exact time yet to be determined.)

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. The kids will be receiving a sign up sheet from their RE teacher on Feb. 25th and adults, you will be able to register to be matched up starting the same day. You must register by March 25th so we can match up friends before April 1st.

If you have any questions, please contact Angie Stafsholt or Moria Brown.

Annual Buddhist Path Meditation Retreat

On Saturday, February 18th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Annual Buddhist Path Meditation Retreat will be held at the church. A retreat is a great time to reflect and quiet the mind. This half-day retreat will include periods of meditation, walking meditation and a dharma talk (teaching) from Martin Lahn of the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center in Minneapolis. Refreshments will be provided. The event is open to the public and there is no cost, though a free-will offering is appreciated. Please help us spread the word.

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 athttp://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

Save 20% on

Chaos, Wonder and the Spiritual Adventure of Parenting

Greetings!

With February school vacation week fast approaching here in Massachusetts, we thought we'd take a moment to highlight one of our favorite Skinner House Books from last year.

Chaos, Wonder and the Spiritual Adventure of Parenting is full of poignant and enlightening essays on parenting from several of the biggest names in writing. Barbara Kingsolver, Scott Russell Sanders, Rosemary Bray McNatt, Barry Lopez and others have penned some of the most insightful words on parenting we've encountered - covering all of its joys and all of its frustrations.

If you order by March 1st and use discount code CHAOS12 at checkout, you'll save 20% off of the list price!

Thank you for shopping at the UUA Bookstore. Your purchase supports the work of the Association on behalf of our congregations.

Community Announcements

Cedar Valley Interfaith Council

On Sunday, February 19th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. we will hold our second event of connecting the religious bodies in the Cedar Valley. (The first open house was on November 21st in Waterloo at St. Edwards Catholic Church and Sons of Jacob Synagogue.)

This event will be at two Cedar Falls churches: the Mennonite Church on the corner of Clay and 9th Streets and First Presbyterian Church a block and a half over at 902 Main Street. We invite you to begin at the Mennonite Church at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with an explanation of this church’s beliefs and history. We will visit their Peace and Social Justice Center before moving over to First Presbyterian.

In that sanctuary, descriptions of Presbyterian principles and practices will be shared. Tours of the building will culminate with a question and answer session and refreshments in Fellowship Hall. Rev. Brad Braley of First Pres, Rev. Susan Janzen of the Mennonite Church, Rev. Stanley Rosenbaum of Sons of Jacob, and Father Jerry Kopacek of St. Edwards will facilitate the discussion of commonalities and differences in our religious beliefs.

We encourage you to attend and hope for as lovely weather in February as we had in November.

Cedar Valley Interfaith Council

Expert Panel Convenes for Discussion on Iowa Courts and Merit Selection Process

The Black Hawk – Bremer League of Women Voters is sponsoring a community conversation entitled, “Why Merit Selection of Judges is Good for Iowa” at 6:30 pm Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at AEA 267, 3712 Cedar Heights Drive.

Justice Bruce Zager of the Iowa Supreme Court will start the panel discussion with an introduction to the Iowa Courts: the different levels of courts, the kind of cases each handles and how they operate.

K. O. Myers, Director of Research and Programs with the American Judicature Society, will follow with an explanation of the history and function of the merit selection system in Iowa.

Scott Peters, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Northern Iowa, will discuss the Varnum ruling and the 2010 retention election.

After these presentations, a Q&A session will follow.

The public is invited to join this community conversation exploring Iowa’s court systems as a potential model for other states.

For more information, call Michelle Temeyer at 235-7689 or Jeri Thornsberry at 235-0704. In Bremer County, contact Jackie Juhl at 319-352-5871 in Waverly.

Upcoming Canterbury Forum Program February 26th

On Sunday, February 26th, the Canterbury Forum will host "Torture: Ethics and Pragmatism", presented by Dr. Francis Degnin of UNI's Department of Philosophy and World Religions. Throughout the 20th century, torture was condemned as a barbaric war crime, and those individuals, organizations, and nations who inflicted it were condemned by world opinion and punished. But in the last decade, torture has made a comeback, and now not only is condoned but celebrated in some quarters, by people who pride themselves on their defense of strict moral values. Can torture ever be ethically justified? Can it be pragmatically justified? Where does it come from in the human psyche? There is no one better qualified than Dr. Degnin, an authority on ethics, to lead us in an exploration of these issues.

As always, the program will be presented in Will Hall at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 2410 Melrose Drive in Cedar Falls, and will begin at or shortly after 7:00 PM. The doors will open at 6:30. The program is free and open to the public. I hope to see all of you there.

Bob Dise

www.canterburyforum.net

Worker Justice Conference

The University of Iowa Labor Center will hold a one-day conference on worker justice on Saturday, Feb 18, from 9 am to 3 pm. The keynote presenter is Kim Bobo, author of Wage Theft: Why Millions of Working Americans are Not Getting Paid and What We Can Do About It. It's free and lunch will be provided if you register by Feb 13.

Office Announcements

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

The February newsletter is available as follows:

for downloading UUSBHC February newsletter

paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church.

Also let the office know if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email administrator@uusbhc.org

Google Docs makes it easy to create, store and share online documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

Weekly Update Feb 10, 2012 (cameron.eva.post@blogger.com)

2012-02-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

Weekly Update Feb 10, 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!

The kids will be starting their “RE Fun Days!” this week . . . with wearing red and pink for Valentine’s Day. Join them if you’d like. We will begin the morning together, as we learn about the four kinds of love taught in Buddhism, called the Four Immeasurables. We’ve got skits, stories and songs . . . fun and learning for kids, grow-ups, and those still on the fence! Following that, instead of our normal “fellowship time/coffee hour” we will have brunch. And no, you don’t need to bring anything. Our Stewardship Chair, Shanlee McNally will make sure its all there for you to enjoy with your kids. So grab some food and settle into chairs so she can tell you a little bit about this year’s campaign!

Janet and I have been working with the Weekly Update format. Please let me know how its working for you. We are hoping its easier to read, and find what you are looking for.

See you in church!

~Eva

This Sunday 2/12/12

8:30 am Band Rehearsal

9:00 am Children’s Choir Rehearsal

9:30 am Service: Festival Sunday “LOVE”

In this fun and festive celebration, we will explore some of the different kinds of love.

Stewardship Brunch following the service -

provided by the Stewardship Committee.

11:15 am Sunday School for Children & Youth (classrooms)--wear pink & red!

11:15 am Adult Religious Education ~ Immigration Stories, Part 2”

Facilitators: Sally Browne & Heather Flory

In keeping with this year’s UUA theme of Immigration Reform, the second Sunday of each month will be dedicated to immigration issues. Our focal point will be the UUA “common read” book, The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories from the Arizona Borderlands, plus updates on local immigration stories.

2012-2013 Stewardship Campaign:

The Joy of Giving

It is that time of year when we turn our attention to the Stewardship Campaign—the pledges that sustain our Unitarian Universalist Society. Stewardship is about taking care of something we value and enabling it to grow. When we become stewards, we take responsibility and contribute our time, talent, and treasure. During the next few weeks we have planned several opportunities for you to hear more about the campaign and how important your involvement is to our success. Please join us for the following:

Sunday, February 12th: Stewardship Kick-Off

Immediately following the Festival Sunday, we’ll have brunch in the Fellowship Hall. Eggs, baked goods, fruit, yogurt, and drinks will be provided. There will be no Children’s Chapel this day to enable families to eat together in fellowship. Stewardship materials will be distributed. Adult RE and Sunday School will be held as usual following the kick-off.

Calendar for this Coming Week

Tuesday

7:00 pm Religious Services Council meeting

Wednesday Calendar Deadline

11:00 am Friendship Village UU Ministry chapel service

5:00 pm Festival Sunday planning meeting

5:15 pm Children’s Choir

5:45 pm Dinner: Baked Potato Bar, beans, rice, salad & fruit

6:30 pm Adult Choir

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

7:30 pm Buddhist Path

Friday Newsletter Deadline

7:00 – 9:00 pm Salsa Party

Saturday

8:00 am – 2:00 pm Buddhist Path Retreat

6:30 pm Card Club

Pastoral Update

Happy belated Birthday to Carolyn Hildebrandt!

Happy Birthday today to Liz Hughes!

And happy upcoming birthday to Karen Impola!

(would someone like to be “in charge” of church birthdays . . . and get all the dates organized for us? Not everyone is on Facebook, where birthdays are easy!) But it is nice to get acknowledged.

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Church Announcements

Photo Directories

The photo directories have arrived and will be available at the scrip table. One per family. We will be publishing a half sheet 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.

Death of Josseline discussion

The Cedar Falls Public Library still has 4 copies of The Death of Josseline reserved for UUs. You will need to ask for the book at the reference desk, and the library staff will take a few minutes to process the book so that it can be checked out on your card. Also copies of the book will be on sale during the coffee hour on Sunday. Contact Sally Browne if you have any questions.

Guatemalan Family

For continued updates, visit the family website: http://jimyandfamily.blogspot.com/

To help the family with transportation, homework, English, or other needs, contact Heather Flory: heather.flory@yahoo.com

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.

UU Garden Survey

12 Steps to Compassionate Living Books

We have one copy of this book left for sale--$14.

Music Rehearsals for Sunday

This Sunday is the LOVE service for all ages. We will feature the Children's Choir and the TSB. Rehearsals as follows:

8:30 TSB - "Choose Love", hymns ("Love Will Guide Us", "Come, Come, Whoever You Are")

9:00 Children's Choir - "Magic Penny"

Children’s Religious Education Notes

RE Fun Days!!!

THIS Sunday, February 12th will be the start of our monthly RE Fun Days! Please have your child dress in pink and red on the 12th. They are also encouraged to bring something they love to share with their classmates.

The kids can look forward to P.J Sunday in March and Book/Snack Sunday in April.

Family Movie Nights!

Church Events

Salsa, Chips and Salsa Party

Saturday, February 11, 7-9pm at the UUSBHC. Learn to dance salsa, drink some sangria, hang out with UUs, and support the church! It's not too late to buy this Treats & Talents auction item - donations can be made at the event. Suggested donation: $10 for sangria-drinkers and $5 for non-sangria-drinkers. No dance partner or dancing skills needed, and no need to RSVP. For questions, contact Heather Flory: heather.flory@yahoo.com

Annual Buddhist Path Meditation Retreat

Wider Faith: UU Events and Opportunities

Darwin Week 2012

The 4th annual Darwin Week will take place from February 13th-17th, 2012 at the University of Northern Iowa. Hosted by the UNI Freethinkers and Inquirers, the week-long event will feature a series of presentations by faculty members from UNI as well as other invited speakers. Each day of Darwin Week will feature a theme around which the lectures will be focused, and each day will culminate with a keynote speaker. The themes include Skepticism (Monday), Sexuality (Tuesday), Diversity (Wednesday), and Origins (Thursday).

All events are free and open to the public and will take place in the Maucker Union in the center of the UNI campus in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Keynote Speakers for Darwin Week 2012:

Monday, February 13th - Dr. Joe Nickell, World renowned skeptical investigator of the paranormal

Tuesday, February 14th – Dr. Clint Kelly, Professor of Biology studying behavioural and evolutionary ecology at Iowa State University

Wednesday, February 15th - Jamila Bey, NPR Journalist and secular activist in the diverse atheist movement

Thursday, February 16th – Dr. Lawrence Krauss, Theoretical physicist and professor of physics at Arizona State University

Questions? Email us at contact@darwinweek.com.

Installation of a NEW minister in Iowa City

The Congregation of The Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City requests the honor of your presence at the Installation of Rev. Steven Protzman as settled minister Sunday Feb 12, 2012 at 4 pm. UU Society of Iowa City 10 S Gilbert St.

•Sermon by the Rev Dr. Kendyl Gibbons, Senior Minister, First Unitarian Society Minneapolis, MN

•Reception to follow in Channing Hall at the church

•Rev. Eva will be attending to give a message on the meaning of Installation.

Community Announcements

UNI Center for Energy & Environmental Education hosts:

Filmmaker Graham Meriwether

and a screening of his film American Meat.

7 PM, Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at the Center for Energy & Environmental Education Auditorium on the UNI campus

Followed by conversations with filmmaker and audience members.

Free and open to the public.

Expert Panel Convenes for Discussion on Iowa Courts and Merit Selection Process

K. O. Myers, Director of Research and Programs with the American Judicature Society, will follow with an explanation of the history and function of the merit selection system in Iowa.

Scott Peters, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Northern Iowa, will discuss the Varnum ruling and the 2010 retention election.

After these presentations, a Q&A session will follow.

The public is invited to join this community conversation exploring Iowa’s court systems as a potential model for other states.

For more information, call Michelle Temeyer at 235-7689 or Jeri Thornsberry at 235-0704. In Bremer County, contact Jackie Juhl at 319-352-5871 in Waverly.

Upcoming Canterbury Forum Program February 26th

Bob Dise

www.canterburyforum.net

Office Announcements

Stay Informed/Keep Us Informed:

The Calendar Deadline in Wednesday Feb 15 followed by the newsletter deadline on Friday Feb 17. Please send your calendar items to Janet and your newsletter items to Gerry.

Please send any information for the Weekly Updates to administrator@uusbhc.org or call 266-5640.

The January newsletter is available as follows:

for downloading UUSBHC February newsletter

paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church.

Also let the office know if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email administrator@uusbhc.org

Google Docs makes it easy to create, store and share online documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

Weekly Update Feb 3, 2012 (cameron.eva.post@blogger.com)

2012-02-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

Weekly Update Feb 3, 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!

Have you heard of CouchSurfing? Its an organization that is intentionally creating a global community using the web. Members each have a profile, and can offer to host people who are looking for a place to stay or “couch surf” . . . in other words, even if all you have to offer is a couch to sleep on, you can still offer it up to someone who is traveling through your town. And those traveling can check places they are going for a new friend to stay with, or even someone to give them tips for seeing the town. Like E-Bay, or other online communities, you are encouraged to leave feedback about each person you encounter on CouchSurfing. So anyone who comes to stay at my house can read what others who have stayed here have to say about me, and I can read what others have said about these guests. All of this is done just for fun--its not about money, its about creating a community. I have met some marvelous people this way. And, for me, its just a little spot in my world that works the way that I feel like the world “should” work. This community is like life in a small town--where if you don’t know someone, you know someone who can tell you about that person. Amazingly, there are CouchSurfers all over the world--from small towns in Nepal to big cities in Europe--you can find a bedroom, couch or a cup of coffee waiting you with a smile from a new friend.

Why am I telling you all about this organization?

Well, for me, it is a fascinating approach in creating community out of our new global world in the best ways--people meeting and caring for other people, all for nothing but sense that its good to help other people, and make friends. Several years back, few people sat down and said, “wouldn’t it be nice if the world worked this way . . . . “ And then set about to make it happen. Amazingly, it is wildly successful. As we move into this new century, we all must pause and think about the communities that we belong to . . . how are they working, and how will they continue to work? This is true for church as much as any other group. What would you like an ideal religious community to be like? How should things work? Think about it, and let me know!

Meanwhile, I’m going to be enjoying my 4 couchsurfers, who are here to attend the Overseas Recruiting Fair. They are fun young people to get to know.

See you in church!

~Eva

Sing-a-long with Deblyn and the Jammerz

Join Deblyn and the Jammerz in the sanctuary on Friday, February, 3rd from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. for a Dr. Bronner song-book sing-a-long. A fun and family-friendly event, this will be a time for joy, song, and laughter. Bring a song along with a couple of extra sing-a-long copies, or use Deblyn’s books. No experience necessary so bring your guitar or percussion, and your love to sing. For more information, contact Deblyn, deblynzart@cfu.net or 319-939-2789.

This Sunday 2/5/12

8:30 am Music Rehearsal

9:30 am Service: “Charter for Compassion: Part 2”

Rev. Eva Cameron preaching; Deblyn Russell - Worship Associate

Karen Armstrong's new book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, provides practical advice on compassionate living. Join us as we continue learning about what she has to teach us. This week we will focus on the second 3 steps of empathy, mindfulness, and action.

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 ~

•Unitarian Universalism Information meeting (Eva’s office)

Interesting in learning more about this faith called “UU”? Thinking about becoming a member? Join us for a chance to ask a few questions. The membership book is available for signing at this meeting.

•An Introduction to Environmental Ethics Facilitator: Tom Hesse

What aspects of the natural world have value? Do animals have rights? Should you hug a tree? This informal talk will provide an overview of the field of environmental ethics. We will also look at some prominent environmental organizations and their respective missions.

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: Soup, plus beans, rice, salad & fruit

6:30 pm Adult Choir

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

7:30 pm Buddhist Path

Saturday

7:00 – 9:00 pm Salsa Party

Pastoral Update

From Dennis Harbaugh and Carolyn Bellfy to the congregation regarding the death of their mother, Melba, last week:

"During the past week we've experienced such warmth and comfort from so many of you through your cards, calls, and reassuring presence at our mom's visitation and funeral service. Your support is truly helping us as we deal with this loss and sudden change of life, and is appreciated at a very deep level.

With loving gratitude and thanks,

Dennis, Carolyn and the entire Harbaugh family

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Church Announcements

Photo Directories

Death of Josseline discussion

Guatemalan Family

For continued updates, visit the family website: http://jimyandfamily.blogspot.com/

To help the family with transportation, homework, English, or other needs, contact Heather Flory: heather.flory@yahoo.com

Tech Notes

UU Garden Survey

There is still time to take the UU Garden Survey, to help us decide how best to use our garden this year and later. You will find it on our www.uusbhc.org website or just use this link: <http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TX7VLLW>.

12 Steps to Compassionate Living Books

If you ordered a copy of this book, it is available to be picked up in the Fellowship Hall during Fellowship Time. We have a few extra copies, so if you would like one, but didn’t order one . . . stop by.

Children’s Religious Education Notes

RE Fun Days!!!

Sunday, February 12th will be the start of our monthly RE Fun Days! Please have your child dress in pink and red on the 12th. They are also encouraged to bring something they love to share with their classmates.

The kids can look forward to P.J Sunday in March and Book/Snack Sunday in April.

Family Movie Nights!

Church Events

Salsa, Chips and Salsa Party

Annual Buddhist Path Meditation Retreat

Wider Faith: UU 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.

Installation of a NEW minister in Iowa City

•Sermon by the Rev Dr. Kendyl Gibbons Senior Minister, First Unitarian Society Minneapolis, MN

•Reception to follow in Channing Hall at the church

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!

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.

One Iowa Lobby Day

We've received word that One Iowa's annual Lobby Day will be next Tuesday, February 7.

Last year, UUSBHC Social Action Committee representatives hoped to attend, but the weather made it impossible. This year, let's try again!

Hey UUSBHC--who wants to carpool and go together?

If you are interested in attending, please contact Sally Browne at <sallyb758@gmail.com> or at (319) 342-2753.

Information from One Iowa follows:

Make sure your legislator hears from you at One Iowa’s Lobby Day Feb 7

Anti-equality forces and opposition groups continue their efforts to overturn the Iowa Supreme Court ruling extending the freedom to marry to gay and lesbian couples. The Family Leader is already planning its marriage rally opposing equality for loving, committed gay and lesbian couples. We must come together and show our legislators that we stand for the freedom to marry. Join us Tuesday, February 7, from 11 am-3 pm for One Iowa's annual Lobby Day! We will be meeting at the One Iowa office, 419 SW 8th Street in Des Moines, for a training and lunch at 11, and then we'll be off to the Capitol! Sign up to attend today!

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:

for downloading UUSBHC February newsletter

paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church.

Also let the office know if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email administrator@uusbhc.org

Google Docs makes it easy to create, store and share online documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

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

2012-01-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

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.

Church Announcements

Tech Notes

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.

<http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/group-seeks-support-for-former-agriprocessors-worker-family/article_4a9e579c-5f11-541c-98a5-fd8355170309.html?mode=story>

-or-

<http://wc-ee.wcfcourier.com/eedition/page_1551613b-ccd6-5918-8f54-06a939915835.html>

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!

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.

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:

for downloading UUSBHC January newsletter

paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church.

Also let the office know if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email administrator@uusbhc.org

Google Docs makes it easy to create, store and share online documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

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

2012-01-20T16:32:00.000-08:00

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.

Church Announcements:

Tech Notes

Death of Josseline books

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

RSVP unhappybirthdayparty@gmail.com

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 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:

for downloading UUSBHC January newsletter

paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church.

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

shansen@CedarValleyAlliance.com

319-232-1156

City of Cedar Falls

Mayor Crews

joncrews@cedarfalls.com

319-268-5119

City of Waterloo

Suzy Schares

Mayor Buck Clark's appointed chair

suzy.schares@waterloo-ia.org

319-291-4522 #3008

Healthier Cedar Falls Task Force

MaraBeth Soneson, Co-Chair

msoneson@gmail.com

319.290.7733

Google Docs makes it easy to create, store and share online documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

Weekly Update

2012-01-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

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

January 13, 2012

Hello!

Well, well . . . the snow is finally here. We've been wondering if it would ever come, with some mixture of longing for its beauty and dread of its labor-inducing shoveling, as well as slippery driving. Here is wishing you safety in all your travels that you must take, as well as chances to stay home warm and safe . . . and the wisdom to know when to do which!

We each are given so many chances each day to choose the patterns that shape our lives. As a creative being I urge you to examine your practices and rhythms for ways that maximize your joy and your effectiveness as a being of hope and justice on this mother earth.

Don't forget to bring your stories of being moved by injustice--in words or pictures to place on our Sanctuary wall this Sunday.
See you in church!
~Eva

Mildred Pierce Memorial Service
We invite you to attend Mildred Pierce's Memorial Service on Sunday, Jan 15th at 11:15am. Please come with a story to share, and an open heart to listen to a life made rich with passion for our earth. If you know of anyone outside of the church who knew Mildred, please be sure to invite them.

This Sunday 1/15/12
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am Service: Festival Sunday: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sharing stories, drama and song, we will explore the idea of injustice and how it shapes our lives, and the idea that "only those who know the true meaning of down can truly look up". Children and adults are invited to share their stories of feeling injustice, in pictures and words on paper that we can post on the wall of the Sanctuary.
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11:00 am Children's Chapel (balcony)
11:15 am Sunday School for Children & Youth (classrooms)
11:15 am Memorial Service for Mildred Pierce
2:30 pm Sunday Afternoon small group

Calendar Updates for this Coming Week
Monday
   4:30 – 7:00 pm Rental
Tuesday
   7:30 pm Board Meeting
Wednesday – Calendar Deadline
11:00 am Friendship Village UU Ministry
   5:00 pm Festival Sunday planning meeting
   5:15 pm Children's Choir
   5:45 pm Dinner: Indian main dish, plus beans, rice, salad & fruit

6:30 pm Adult Choir

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday – Newsletter Deadline

Pastoral Update

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

A Note from our President
Several people asked for the recipe for the bread we had for Anniversary Sunday last week. Here tis

6 Cups flour
4 Tblsp sugar
1/2 pound butter
1 pint whole milk

Mix flour and sugar together. Cut the cold butter into the mixture with a pastry cutter.
Add milk and mix until it comes together as a dough
Roll out in sheets approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick
Cut into 1" strips
Prick strips with fork
Bake in 325 degree oven

Group Book Order:
Join us as we spend the some of January and February learning about what Karen Armstrong has to teach us about compassion. Her new book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, provides practical advice on compassionate living. We can place a group order from Amazon and save on shipping. Cost is $14. Please contact Janet in the office, email Eva or sign-up in the Fellowship Hall by January 15th. (Some of you asked . . . yes, its available in Kindle format for only $9.99)

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 should be delivered in one to two weeks. We will be eligible as a congregation for the 40 % discount, but the book will sell for the full amount of $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. We are hoping to raise enough money to buy the family a washing machine!
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.

Stay Informed/Keep Us Informed:

Please send your February Calendar Information to Janet by Wednesday Jan 18th. Also, please send February Newsletter information to Gerry. The newsletter deadline is Friday January 20th.

Please send any information for the Weekly Updates to administrator@uusbhc.org or call 266-5640.

The January newsletter is available as follows:

for downloading UUSBHC January newsletter

paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church.

Also let the office know if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email administrator@uusbhc.org

From our National Organization:

Unitarian Universalist Association

In honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, we highlight a wonderful collection of sixty-eight prayers written by King and published by the UUA's @Beacon Press publishing house. You'll find links to excerpted prayers on Beacon's website, Beacon.org. We hope you'll enjoy this powerful recording of King reciting his prayer, "Thou, Dear God" on Beacons YouTube channel.

"Thou, Dear God" is the first and only collection of sixty-eight prayers by Martin Luther King, Jr. Arranged thematically in six parts--with prayers for spiritual guidance, special occasions, times of adversity, times of trial, uncertain times, and social justice--Baptist minister and King scholar Lewis Baldwin introduces the book and each section with short essays.

"Thou, Dear God" The Prayers of Martin Luther King Jr. (Book Trailer)

www.youtube.com

Find out more here:http://thekinglegacy.org/books/thou-dear-god "Thou, Dear God" is the first and only collection of sixty-eight prayers by Martin Luther Ki...

Community Announcements

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. ~ Living The Dream

Sunday, January 15, 2012 6 pm to 7:30 pm

First Church of the Nazarene 411 13th Avenue, Sterling

Free

Celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr at our community celebration: Living the Dream. The inspirational program includes singers, dancers, readings and speaker Belinda Sain-Cronin who will help us reflect on his life and inspire us to make his dream our reality. We will also honor a community member who exemplifies his message and lives his dream.

Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call the YWCA at 815.625.0333.

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:

*******URGENT*******

The Greater Cedar Valley needs thousands of votes right now!

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

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
shansen@CedarValleyAlliance.com
319-232-1156

City of Cedar Falls
Mayor Crews
joncrews@cedarfalls.com
319-268-5119

City of Waterloo
Suzy Schares
Mayor Buck Clark's appointed chair
suzy.schares@waterloo-ia.org
319-291-4522 #3008

Healthier Cedar Falls Task Force
MaraBeth Soneson, Co-Chair
msoneson@gmail.com
319.290.7733

Rev Eva Cameron
minister
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-610-6605
www.uusbhc.org
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

Weekly Update 1/6/12 (cameron.eva.post@blogger.com)

2012-01-06T15:11:00.001-08:00

Weekly Update 1/6/12

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

January 6, 2012

Hello!

How’s your week been? Some are back into the routine, some are preparing to get back into things. We had a nice return to Wednesday night activities with good food, good practices, and new company. Haven’t tried a Wednesday night yet? Come on out and give it a try. You don’t have to sing for your supper! Thursday night activities were thriving too. We had a meeting for the War on Drugs downstairs while the Buddhist Path met upstairs. And we had several new people at Buddhist Path too. While you are still setting your schedule, I hope you will pencil in some good times with friends in our community.

This week, a lot of my colleagues have been posting blogs and commentary about what they like and don’t like about our faith . . . or perhaps, to say it with more nuance, what they find appealing and what they feel repels people from joining or sticking with the faith. I’d love to hear your thoughts. What keeps you coming? What is the hardest part about being a UU in our community? Haven’t come in a while, but still reading the newsletters . . . I’d love to know what keeps you at home.

This month we continue to explore the power of creation as we continue on our theme of Reconnecting with our Creative, Compassionate Center. I hope you’ll join us!

See you in church!

~Eva

This Sunday 1/8/12

8:30 am Music Rehearsal

9:30 am Service: “The Audacity of It” Rev. Eva Cameron,

Creating a church in January 5, 1875, choosing to start something new,takes bravery, time, and financial commitment: what audacity our forefathers and mothers showed! We only do this if we have the passion to make a difference. Annual Communion using the old Universalist silver is offered.

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 “Immigration Stories, Part 1”

In keeping with this year's UUA theme of Immigration Reform, the second Sunday of each month will be dedicated to immigration issues. Our focal point will be the UUA "common read" book The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories from the Arizona Borderlands, plus updates on local immigration stories. To order the book at the UUA bookstore, visit: http://www.uuabookstore.org/ This month, we will also discuss the UUSBHC's future involvement, if any, to support the Guatemalan family that arrived in Waterloo in December. For more information about this family, visit: http://jimyandfamily.blogspot.com

3:00 – 5:00 pm International Folk Dancing

Religious Education Resumes

Children’s RE starts up in the new year this Sunday, 8th! If you have kids that haven’t attended RE this year or haven’t attended regularly, please have them join us. We’d love to see their smiling faces!

Calendar Updates for this Coming Week

Monday

7:00 pm Green Living

Tuesday

7:00 pm Religious Services Council

Wednesday

5:00 pm Festival Sunday planning meeting

5:15 pm Children’s Choir

5:45 pm Dinner: Lasagna, beans, rice, salad & fruit.

6:30 pm Adult Choir

6:30 pm OWL meeting for parents of 4-6th graders (middle school room)

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

7:30 pm Buddhist Path

Saturday

6:30 pm Card Club

Pastoral Update

Sending love and hope to anyone who is hurting in this season.

Do, 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

Our Whole Lives, 4th, 5th and 6th grades

If you have a child in 4th, 5th or 6th grade, please plan on attending the parent informational meeting for OWL on January 11th at 6:30. The meeting will be held at the church in the Middle School room and will be led by the teachers of OWL for this age group, Mary and Bryce Watson. As described on the UUA website, “Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives not only provides facts about anatomy and human development, but also helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.” You MUST attend the parent meeting for you child to participate. This is a opportunity for you child to attend a fabulous class. Even if they do not attend RE, they can still participate in OWL.

Mildred Pierce Memorial Service

We invite you to attend Mildred Pierce’s Memorial Service on Sunday, Jan 15th at 11:15am. Please come with a story to share, and an open heart to listen to a life made rich with passion for our earth. If you know of anyone outside of the church who knew Mildred, please be sure to invite them.

Guatemalan Family

Heather Flory is still organizing all of the things and help needed for our Guatemalan family that arrived earlier this month. Housing has been located in Waterloo, and moving day is scheduled for Monday, January 2nd. For current information about the family and what help is still needed, please visit the new website and blog which have now been set up for Jimy and family: http://jimyandfamily.blogspot.com/

If you have furniture to donate or would like to help the family move, please contact Heather at heather.flory@yahoo.com

What happens after December? Will the UUSBHC continue to sponsor the family in some way? Although most of the family has now arrived in Waterloo, their journey is just getting started. The family members do not speak English, and most of them will not receive their work permits for several months. The NE Iowa Peace & Justice Center (www.neipjc.org) in Decorah will provide expense money for three months, however, additional support is needed in the local area. Join Sally Browne and Heather Flory on January 8 at 11:15am ET to discuss whether or not the UUSBHC would like to continue being involved with the family as a congregation. If so, in what ways would we like to help, and how might we use this as an opportunity to network with other churches and organizations in the local area? If we decide not to help the family as a congregation, there are still opportunities for those interested to help as individuals.

Group Book Order:

Join us as we spend the some of January and February learning about what Karen Armstrong has to teach us about compassion. Her new book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, provides practical advice on compassionate living. We can place a group order from Amazon and save on shipping. Cost is $14. Please contact Janet in the office, email Eva or sign-up in the Fellowship Hall by January 15th.

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:

for downloading UUSBHC January newsletter

paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church.

Also let the office know if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email administrator@uusbhc.org

Community Announcements

Empowering Parents

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!!!

*******URGENT*******

The Greater Cedar Valley needs thousands of votes right now!

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

What is a Blue Zone Project Community?

Blue Zone Project Scoreboard

Contact Information

Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber

Sue Hansen

Admin. Mgr. Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber

shansen@CedarValleyAlliance.com

319-232-1156

City of Cedar Falls

Mayor Crews

joncrews@cedarfalls.com

319-268-5119

City of Waterloo

Suzy Schares

Mayor Buck Clark's appointed chair

suzy.schares@waterloo-ia.org

319-291-4522 #3008

Healthier Cedar Falls Task Force

MaraBeth Soneson, Co-Chair

msoneson@gmail.com

319.290.7733

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