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Dear Beloved,
Sunday Service (9:30 to 10:45am)
Celebrate Earth Day! Join our worship team for fun time as we celebrate Mother Earth in this Service for All Ages. We have a recycling theme this year. Lara Martinsen-Burrell has joined the team with a amazing meditative exercise, and Julie Fischer will be announcing a fun contest!! Family Folk Ensemble will be providing music. Let’s hope for sunshine, since we plan to end up outside.
Second Hour (11:15 to 12:15pm)
Join our Treasurer, Karen Kitchen and members of the Finance Committee as they share their plan for this year’s budget with us. Its not too late to still turn in your pledge. These pledges help us create our budget plan for the year. But do come and learn about the nuts and bolts. Its important stuff!
Also, Buddhist Path will meet in the balcony.
If you are interested in formally joining the church, please contact me (or Mica) and we will hold another New Member session in my office during Second Hour.
Other items
Nickname Process This Sunday is the final day of voting with dots. If you haven’t taken the time to look over all the amazing choices and voice your thoughts with your 10 dots . . . Now is the time! We will start figuring out the top contenders during Fellowship Time, and they will be included in next week’s weekly update for your consideration prior to the Annual Meeting. During the Annual Meeting there will be a chance to vote for the top contenders.
Walkin’ the Talk Next Sunday we dedicate our offering to the Feinstein Challenge. This is an amazing time to give, since there are matching funds for your gift to the Food Bank. Also, Sheri is accepting nominations for organizations to consider for next year’s Walkin’ the Talk. We’d really love it if you’d share your favorite organization with the rest of us. Would you create the bulletin board for the month, arrange for a Second Hour speaker, and plan a volunteer activity for us to share in? Walkin’ the Talk is a great way for us all to learn about the exciting and useful ways to serve the Cedar Valley.
Julia’s Voice Our sister congregation in Shawnee Mission (suburban) Kansas City is working to create a movement to reclaim Mother’s Day to its original intent. It was started by Julie Ward Howe, who was a Unitarian. Read more about this here: http://www.juliasvoice.org/. And let me know if you are interested in working to create an event like this in the Cedar Valley next month.
Don’t forget it is NEWSLETTER weekend. Send Gerry Chamberlin your submissions today, if at all possible. <sgchamberlin@cfu.net>
Pastoral Update We continue to be healthy and strong as far as Esther and I can tell. Keep up the good work!
Mildred Pierce remains shut-in her home, so I am sure she would enjoy a call or visit from some of you.
John Miller performed a funeral for Elizabeth Diestler, stepping in while I was away in Omaha. Although we didn’t really know her anymore, she had attended many years ago for a short time. The family was very impressed with our hospitality. It is a special thing that we do, opening our arms to those in need of a religious home. Make sure you say a special thanks to John, and to Deblyn and Esther who each helped out too.
Fridays at the Cup . . . Yes its raining, but if you feel like braving the raindrops, come on out for some TGIF warmth and companionship. I’ll be at Cup of Joe from 4:30 to 6pm.
See you in church!
~~Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
Greetings from Omaha,
Yes, I am at our District Annual Meeting. This year its being held in Omaha. Kathy and I traveled here yesterday afternoon, so we can attend a workshop on Community Organizing this afternoon. Facilitator Willie Bennett, the Lead Organizer of Dallas Area Interfaith, will share how interfaith congregation-based community organizations (CBCOs) can leverage power to bring about change. We’ll let you know what we’ve learned. This evening will be a big opening ceremony with a banner parade, and more. Then a Keynote Address by
Charlie Clements, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). The evening will be closed out with a worship service. Tomorrow is another full day, including the Awards Ceremony. It is always good to meet UU’s from other places and learn about what is exciting them.
Sunday Service (9:30 to 10:45am)
“From Conflict to Reconciliation: Overcoming Sectarianism in Northern Ireland”
Join Pam and Al Hays, just back from a sabbatical in Ireland, as they explore some of their learnings from their experience. There will be a reader’s theater presentation. And the Family Folk Ensemble will be playing Celtic Songs!
Second Hour (11:15 am to 12:15pm)
Walking the Talk - Sheri Huber-Otting will give a talk on the Feinstein Challenge and how it relates to the Food Bank. Sheri is one of those people who both talks the talk and walks the walk. Her presentation promises to be both informative and rewarding.
Stories That Changed My Life - This is a new series so join fellow UUs as they relate interesting and informative stories about events that changed their lives. Pam and Al Hays will share their story.
The Nickname Process Continues . . . . (voting with dots!)
If you haven’t had a chance yet, next time you are in church, look over all the names, grab a strip of dots (each person gets ONE strip) and vote for a name or names that speak to you. You can vote all your dots on one name, or vote for several names that appeal to you. As you think about what would be good, imagine talking to your neighbor or co-worker about this community. It should be something that is special to us, and speaks about who we are, what we are about with a sense of pride, love, joy, and all the feelings you have about this place.
Upcoming
Wednesday evenings continue to be a lot of fun. Join us for dinner (RSVP to Carolyn Hildebrandt <carolyn.hildebrandt@uni.edu>). And if you play an instrument, stay on for fun with Family Folk Ensemble.
Thursday evenings continue to be meditative and instructive. Buddhist Path invites anyone to come and join in a reflection on Dharma (teachings) and Meditation each week from 7:30pm to 9pm. We start a new book this week for Dharma Discussion: Happiness Is an Inside Job by Sylvia Boorstein. Read chapter one, and join us!
Worship Team to plan EarthDay will be meeting next week. If you have something you’d like to share, or do, or even see done . . . Get in touch with me. Its a wonderful chance to be part of the team and share!
Pastoral Update
I heard from Cedar Valley Hospice that an friend from a long while back, Elizabeth Diestler just died. I am uncertain of arrangements at this time, but will keep you posted.
Esther Kieffer’s eldest son had very good news after his surgery on his kidney—as the growth they thought was cancerous turned out to be benign. Whew!
Please do let Esther or me know the joys and sorrows of your life, so we can tend you—and let others know (when you desire). We aim to be a community that really cares about each other. Let us care for you!
I am still reachable by cell phone. If in need, please don’t hesitate to call . . . 319-610-6605.
Take good care of your good selves,
Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
Hello!
Well, its going to be an exciting weekend with many things to do. Lots of invitations and e-mail have been flying fast and furious to tell you what’s happening, and I’ll summarize them all in a moment. BUT first, let me invite you to the most important event of our week: our weekly Sunday service. Why is it the most important? Because it is where you and I work together to lift up the most important ideals of our community, and we feel like a community! Make a plan to come, this Sunday, and often!
Sunday Service this Week (9:30am)
Julie Fischer and I will share our learnings and wisdom from reading the book “Silent Thunder.” Its about elephants, and a woman who gave her life to studying their communication and habits. She tells a powerful story, and we hope to share some of inspiration with you. Family Folk Ensemble will be helping us sing!
Second Hour (11:15 to 12:15am)
We have classes for children, youth and adults . . . The children are in their on-going classes. The offerings for adults are:
Conscious Living conversation about . . . Creating a conscious plan for economic development that is environmentally aware with our own Kamyar Enshayan. And, a
Prayer Vigil —joining people around the world who have decided to put their intention toward peace here and in the Middle east, at this exact hour, using tools learned in the movie “The Moses Code”(shown Sat.pm)
Potluck Fundraiser (“Prairie Home Companion-style”)
Help raise funds for our awesome Music Director and Family Choir Director (Carolyn and Mimi) to go to a UU Music Conference. Bring a happy dish, just like Grandma used to make, for the old-fashioned church potluck luncheon—how about some ‘powdered milk biscuits’ or ‘rhubarb pie’? Followed up by a wonderful variety show featuring many amazing acts. Please invite your friends and neighbors! (Right after Second Hour, starting at 12:15pm)
Now, other events this weekend:
Passover Seder tonight
It starts at 6pm. Bring a dish to share. Best would be kosher—don’t mix meat and dairy in one dish. And items made with unleavened bread. BUT, what’s MOST important is that you come and enjoy learning about this holiday, and share a celebration of making to the Promised Land.
Movie: Moses Code on Saturday night
6pm and 7:45pm—Two showings. $5 donation to cover costs. A spiritual documentary being shown simultaneously about the country.
Also . . . I WON”T be at Cup of Joe today . . . I’ll be home preparing for Seder dinner.
Next weekend I’ll be writing to you from Omaha, where a delegation of us are traveling for the Annual District meeting. It will be good to see fellow UU’s from around the area, and learn what exciting things they are doing in their communities. I’ll be leaving Thursday (April 10th) and will be back Sunday night. I’m preaching at 1st Unitarian Church of Omaha next Sunday—on Race, Rev. Wright, and Liberation Theology.
(To Nangroi!) Keep on progressing, our Unitarian friends in the Khasi Hills say. They mean keep on working all that is good and right and true. We each have our own special gifts to bring to this world. This weekend shows all sorts of talents and treasures we can bring to this world and our work on it. To Nangroi!
Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
Hello!
Sunday Service
Given events of the past few weeks, I have decided to change my topic and preach on:
“Race, Rev. Wright, and Liberation Theology.”
Unlike many white people, I had a childhood where I grew up knowing I was white. It has profound impact on my view of the world. And I have been captivated by watching the unfolding of reaction as after the initial impact of Rev. Wrights’ sermon clips hitting the airwaves. Amazingly situated just after Easter and just before our community celebrates Passover . . . I will speak a bit of people’s connection to the old story of wandering in the desert towards the Promised Land. The Family Folk Ensemble will lead us in song. And our Walkin’ the Talk collection for this month will go to the Eastside Ministerial Alliance.
I f you haven’t had a chance to do this yet, I would suggest that you watch these videos that put the brief clips of Rev. Wright’s comments into context: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOdlnzkeoyQ>
It will only take 10 minutes.
Children’s Chapel is at 11am
Second Hour
We have classes for both children and adults at 11:15am. The adult program for this week has been changed too. We will offer a chance to share our personal reflection on Race, Rev. Wright and Liberation Theology in this Shouting over the Back of the Elephant session led by me.
First Friday is coming up!
Next Friday is our community celebration of Passover. Please RSVP by Thursday so the tables can be set, and enough of the ritual elements ready ( Kathy Klink-Zeitz <klinkzeitz@gmail.com>) This is a Family Friendly version of the traditional Sedar. Come and learn, remember, explore, celebrate. And bring a dish to share.
Here’s a fun International Unitarian moment:
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaELn7ydlQw>
This video is a church in the town of Fuzesgyarmatin, Hungary and is from a children's religious program prepared for the Hungarian Unitarian Church and broadcast on Hungarian television. The custom is Transylvanian, where Unitarians originate (now part of Romania). It shows a practice, known as Viragozas, a folk custom in of Transylvania and was documented as far back as the mid 19th century. The practice was a part of Easter observances which included decorating the village with flowers and greenery. The young bachelors of the village would add ornaments such as decorated eggs to a tree in the courtyard of the home of each of the marriageable young women. Its origins are presumably in a pre-christian rite of spring, as with the more widespread custom of Locsolkodas, in which the men and boys visit women of their acquaintance, giving them flowers, dabbing a bit of perfume on their foreheads and reciting a verse for them.
This other video shows the same church, enacting a pageant. The children are all dressed up and sing a lot. I wish I could tell you more about what’s happening. But the songs are fun.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CclvNyk1uik&feature=related>
Notice the embroidered message on the pulpit, which is translated “God is One.”
Pastoral Update:
Again, I have little to report. Several people had the flu, but have recovered. Do let me know of significant moments in your life, that you would like to share with others.
Fridays at the Cup
I’ll be at the Cup of Joe from 4:30 to 6pm for our weekly TGIF gathering.
See you in church,
~Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
Greetings!
We’ve had a pleasantly busy week, this Holy Week . . . with many special events. Its been good to connect with you. And if you’ve been away due to Spring Break, then I’ll look forward to seeing you when you return.
This Sunday
Easter Service for all ages at 9:30am followed by a potluck BrUUnch.
People seem sad it is so cold this Easter, (when we like to wear our fun and festive new Spring clothes). So I’d like to make a brash and fun proposal: let’s wear festive hats to brighten our moods. “Easter Bonnets” for those of you who’ve been to an Easter Parade! Try this link for inspiration: <http://gonyc.about.com/od/photogalleries/ig/Easter-Parade/>
Then if we are wearing wool and snow boots it won’t seem so bad. I’ve got mine ready for Sunday . . . .
We will be dedicating children. Please let Kathy or me know if you’d like to include your child.
The brunch will begin around 10:45 or 11am, so if you can’t make the service, feel free to join us for a celebratory meal. This is a great morning to bring a neighbor or friend who doesn’t have a church home or a family to spend time with. Bring a dish to pass—breakfast, lunch, fruit or dessert—its all FUN!
Second Hour
There will be no classes after the service due to the BrUUnch.
Cup of Joe
I will be at Cup of Joe this afternoon it turns out—I had thought I would be busy. So if you’d like to join me from 4:30 to 6pm, if a fun time just to hang out and relax together.
DrUUm Circle Tonight
Join Deblyn and many others as they drum for peace on this full moon night. The goal is to get 8000 drummers going this evening, across the country.
Nickname Process
We are still in the “advocating” phase of this attempt at community decision making. Please look over the names in the Fellowship Hall and add your thought for what you like, what you think is good or works, with the various names.
Newsletter Deadline
Yep, you guessed it . . . Its today. So please get your information in as quickly as you can to Gerry Chamberlin <sgchamberlin@cfu.net>
Don’t forget your Pledge Card
Yes, I know . . . Its so easy to leave it sitting there on the counter as you dash out the door! But we do need them in. It makes planning the year so much easier, and choosing to give is a great way to expand your heart. If you haven’t received one they are available at church or contact Mike Knapp <mikeknapp@mchsi.com>
See you Sunday!
~Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
Hello,
I hope that you are enjoying this warm weather as much as I am. I know some of you are departing for spring break, but know that many of you will be around this week. With the coming week being ‘Holy Week’ we’ve got lots of things going on.
Our Sunday Service (9:30-10:45am)
This week Tim Purdum and I will be co-preaching. Tim will be speaking about his spiritual journey, including his reclaiming some of the Christian messages and stories with a UU twist. I’ll be sharing what Palm Sunday means for me, and what it might mean for you.
We will share Communion this Sunday in honor of the Last Supper, because it fits with Tim’s story. Hope you’ll join us!
Second Hour (11:15-12:15)
We have classes for children, youth and adults. This weeks offerings for the adults are:
Buddhist Path - Individuals are invited to meet with others who are interested in exploring with me about Buddhist spiritual practices and their lives.
Shouting Over the Back of the Elephant -Tim Purdum will lead a group discussion of this Sunday’s sermon topic.
Holy Week:
On Thursday, we have our annual Maundy Thursday dinner. Bring a dish to share that has a story to share as well! That’s at 6pm, hosted by Russ Campbell.
On Friday, our Good Friday chapel is at Noon. Join us if you have things in your life to mourn, or if you’d like to pause for a moment and remember the pain in your life, before we make a joyous leap into the fullness of spring, rebirth, renewal, and joy. Sometimes its good just to pause for a moment. This service will be brief, so that you can get back to work!
Easter Children’s Dedication Service:
We will be dedicating babies and children on Easter! If you’d like to include your child, please let Kathy Klink-Zeitz or me know. Ask if you want more information about the ceremony.
Easter Lilies: Buy an Easter Lilly this Sunday and they will be used to decorate the church on Easter morning. You can take it home after church.
Reminders:
We will NOT have our Wednesday Dinner and Family Folk Ensemble due to the break.
If you haven’t done so yet, its time to turn in your Pledge Cards in PLEASE! The energy and resources of this church are your energy and resources. Its wealth is what we share with it. Help us build and sustain an amazing home for progressive, thoughtful, passionate people here in the Cedar Valley.
Nickname the church, phase 2:
After weeks of Brainstorming, we now have LOTS of fun and interesting names to consider. Its time to move into Phase 2, which is advocacy. This means making notes about what you like or think is good about a name. Remember, so that this stays fun and light-hearted, and respectful, we are asking that you refrain from making negative comments. If everyone just writes about what they like and what is good, we can all read these messages—and be able to sort from a place of joy, and excitement. Feel free to type up your thoughts and hang them next to your name . . . Or to grab a sticky note and place your comments on that next to the name(s) you find have merit.
Just to help you think about all of this, I have printed out a flyer like might be hung in a coffeeshop and a letterhead with [Insert Name Here] on it, so you can picture the use of this nickname. Also, think about talking about your church to a new neighbor or colleague at work, using these various nicknames. What rings true to who we are, and seems welcoming, understandable, open?
Cyber News: we now have a UUSBHC Facebook Group for Facebook users . . . Please feel free to join us!
Pastoral Update (3/14/08)
It was really fun to be back at Friendship Village this past week for our Chapel Service. We had most everybody in attendance! And with so many out due to accident or illness last month, this was a remarkable, joyous change. Dick Shane walked in, not even using a boot for his foot! We were all so pleased to see each other again.
In Your Thoughts & Prayers:
Our soldiers overseas, since we are about to the 5th Anniversary of the war in Iraq—as well as their families, and the families of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Shut-Ins (people to visit):
Mildred Pierce 1710 Walnut St. CF
Calls:
Mildred Pierce, 266-9727
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Please help us live our vision of being a place of caring, let us know of people who should be included in the Pastoral Update—even if its yourself! We want to know. Esther Kieffer and Rev. Eva.
May we all reach out, in spite of earth’s imperfections for what is good and lasting and true in life.
~Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
Greetings!
It’s the First Friday, which means we are having a party! This month’s event is celebrating Iranian New Year, with our own Kamyar Enshayan, and his daughter Nettie, sharing with us all about how this holiday. Bring a dish to share—if you are feeling adventurous, make something from Iran. If not, just bring what pleases you. We will enjoy it! And you will enjoy being here, 6pm tonight!
Our Sunday Service (9:30-10:45am)
This week Karen Impola will be sharing with you some inspiring stories about UU Women in honor of Women’s History month, and why this is important to her. Come and be moved.
Don’t forget DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME CHANGE!!
Second Hour (11:15-12:15)
We have classes for children, youth and adults. This weeks offerings for the adults are:
Circle Way - The topic for Circle Way will be the Spring Equinox ritual, facilitated by Deblyn Russell and Sue Wilson.
Stories That Changed My Life - New series, join fellow UUs as they relate interesting and informative stories about events that changed their lives. Julie Fischer will share her story.
Children’s Dedication Service:
We will be dedicating babies and children on Easter! If you’d like to include your child, please let Kathy Klink-Zeitz or me know. Ask if you want more information about the ceremony.
Nickname the church, phase 2:
After weeks of Brainstorming, we now have LOTS of fun and interesting names to consider. Its time to move into Phase 2, which is advocacy. This means making notes about what you like or think is good about a name. Remember, so that this stays fun and light-hearted, and respectful, we are asking that you refrain from making negative comments. If everyone just writes about what they like and what is good, we can all read these messages—and be able to sort from a place of joy, and excitement. Feel free to type up your thoughts and hang them next to your name . . . Or to grab a sticky note and place your comments on that next to the name(s) you find have merit.
Just to help you think about all of this, I have printed out a flyer like might be hung in a coffeeshop and a letterhead with [Insert Name Here] on it, so you can picture the use of this nickname. Also, think about talking about your church to a new neighbor or colleague at work, using these various nicknames. What rings true to who we are, and seems welcoming, understandable, open?
Why are we doing the “Nickname the church” project?
In case you missed it, we are doing this project for several reasons. The first one is that our current name is a mouthful, so it seemed like a “nickname” might be helpful in talking about it with others, with referring to it in the community. There has also been some thought that “Black Hawk County” doesn’t accurately describe the make-up of our membership, since Waverly isn’t in BHC. Some have felt that the name “Society,” while once used more regularly for religious institutions has been used more and more exclusively for clubs and professional groups—so it fails to communicate to the larger community our religious nature. Even “UUSBHC” looks a bit daunting for the uninitiated. Anyhow, so we are attempting to find a ‘nickname’ to go in front of our legal name. We want to make the process fun and compassionate and inclusive. There is no set outcome, and if we don’t find one that we agree on, that’s okay. BECAUSE, the other reason to do this, is that it gets us talking about who we are, how we see ourselves, how we want other’s to perceive us, how we talk about ourselves, etc. This is all wonderful conversation to have!
Cyber News: we now have a UUSBHC Facebook Group for Facebook users . . . Please feel free to join us!
Please note, I am not at Cup of Joe this afternoon, due to the First Friday event.
Pastoral Update (3/7/08)
In Your Thoughts & Prayers:
Damon Gross’s father, Everett, died in Crete Nebraska. He had a heart valve that wasn’t working well, then got flu this week.
Margie Miller’s mom Helen died in Ames on Thursday night, after being in hospice for only a brief time.
Dottie Forsberg, who’s building is still under quarantine.
Esther, whose sister died of cancer this past week.
Shut-Ins (people to visit):
Mildred Pierce 1710 Walnut St. CF
Cards (people to send a card to):
Damon, Margie, Esther.
Calls:
Mildred Pierce, 266-9727
Glenyce Butschy, 266-3196 (Ask if she wants a visit. She is getting out a bit now!)
Happy News!
Scott and Beth Fullwiler are pleased to report that their daughter, Adelisa Hilda Maria Fullwiler, who was legally adopted under Guatemalan law in July 2007, was re-adoption under United States law on March 3, 2008!
Funerals/Memorial Services:
For Damon’s father, Everett: service in Crete Nebraska at Grace Methodist Church on Wednesday.
For Margie Miller’s mom Helen: in Ames on Monday.
Esther’s sister’s service was held on last Wednesday.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Please help us live our vision of being a place of caring, let us know of people who should be included in the Pastoral Update—even if its yourself! We want to know. Esther Kieffer and Rev. Eva.
May we all reach out, in spite of earth’s imperfections for what is good and lasting and true in life.
~Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
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