Weekly Update 10/17/08

Greetings! It’s a cool day, but my heart is glowing warm with all the joy I feel in all the many lovely experiences in this past week. From late-night chatting over the computer, to meaningful conversation at Buddhist Path, from some kind notes to sweet messages on my Facebook wall—you have been reaching out and sharing of yourself, of your joy at our community. I feel blessed. Thank you. And remember, how truly lucky we are to have each other. What a blessing!
 
Each of us, so different, and yet so very much the same—such tender hearts, such deep yearnings for love and connection. Be steadfast in your passion to grow this amazing community. It is such an island of inspiration for so many!
 
This Sunday October 19th
Our Service @9:30am is a celebration of the “Iowa Sisterhood” a group of woman who broke all sorts of cultural/social barriers by heeding their call to ministry—and coming to Iowa to build many strong liberal churches across the state. Often unable to attend seminary, these women educated each other, the elders help the youngers, and all acting as amazing pioneers of our movement. Join Karen Impola and me as we share some of the energy and passion we gathered from studying the book called “Prophetic Sisterhood.”
 
Fellowship @10:45am
Children’s Chapel @11am
Sunday School @11:15am –classes for children, youth and adults.
Adult Sunday School
Buddhist Path – Join Rev. Eva and others in exploring Buddhist spiritual practices.
Walking The Talk – Judy Davis returns to speak to us on her work at the Kaimosi Mission Hospital in Kenya, Africa.
Garden Meditation – Join Julie Fischer in the garden for meditating in a meaningful way to you:  sitting quietly, soaking in the beauty of nature, sketching a leaf or flower that inspires you, or actually working the garden.
What’s Up Doc?
The Future of Food – is cancelled, as we were able to get a special guest lecturer, Will Tuttle, Ph.D. author of The World Peace Diet: Being Healthy and Saving the Planet
The lecture-presentation will be at 7:00 pm. This promises to be very special, with a message in words and song!

Wednesday, October 22nd

WOW!   Workshops on Wednesdays  

WOW! Dinner at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday, $7 per person / $10 per family. This is a dinner for everyone. We have a great time socializing. Please RSVP at church on Sunday or online at: <http://snipurl.com/3w0i8> by Tuesday night. This week will be Chinese Food.
Family Choir at 6:15 p.m. every Wednesday
Youth & Adult Program – What do you want to know about Facebook? at 6:30 p.m.
Book Discussion Group – 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
This book discussion group, focused on Tim Wise’s new book, White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son.  The book examines white privilege in America and how race plays an important role in everyday life—in ways that whites are not usually aware.  
Theoretical String Band every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m.
What in the UU World? At 6:30pm
 
Friday, Oct. 24th
Buddhist Movie Night. Social time/popcorn at 6:30 pm. Movie at 7:00 pm. Ralph Burr host.

Saturday Oct 25th
Suffrage March re-enactment in Boone! Join the women of the Des Moines UU Church as they celebrate the efforts of our foremothers to bring the right to vote to women. Jan Gallagher is going, and has room for a couple more people to march.  <hinners@mchsi.com>
 
Sunday, October 26th
What’s Up Doc?
We will change the movie for this night. We have gotten a chance to air the new Michael Moore Documentary – Slacker Uprising.
 
Other Items:
Sign Up!!! Photo-directory time slots are going fast!  
Please visit the church website www.uusbhc.org <http://www.uusbhc.org>  where you can schedule your photo-shoot time. You will get a FREE directory plus a FREE photo for your time. There is also the chance to buy more pictures. Who should participate? Friends, members, regular visitors . . . if we are likely to see your face at church, we’d love it to be in the photo-directory.
 
UPDATE! Change of date for Broadcast:
Jan Garbosky and Bonny Russell, members of the First Unitarian Church of San Diego (California) who were married in that church on October 4th, have been notified that the "ABC World News Tonight" feature on them (in relation to Proposition 8, on the ballot in California) will air on October 31, rather than October 17.  World News Tonight generally airs at 6:30 PM in local time zones; check local listings for further information.
From: Unitarian Universalist Association <uua_l@uua.org>
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:01:51 -0400

Treats and Talents Auction
Is coming up on the evening of Nov 15th . . . plan on attending this Jungle Safari fun. If you have something you can donate, please let Mike Knapp know .mikeknapp@mchsi.com
 
Buddhist Retreat
on Nov 15th 7am to 1pm . . . with visiting monk Ted O’Toole. Set aside a morning for meditation, reflection and peace.
 
Pastoral Update:
Esther writes:  “I just talked to Margie Miller.  She had just arrived home from the hospital. She had knee surgery last Monday. She will be off work for about 3 months, but is doing well.  I am sending a card.  Her husband, Mike and daughter are taking good care of her.”  I’m sure she’d love to get notes and cards while she is recuperating: 3715 Briarwood Dr, Cedar Falls, IA   50613 (277-3581) ia.m.j.miller@cfu.net <mailto:ia.m.j.miller@cfu.net>
 
Please let Esther Kieffer emkieffer@cfu.net <mailto:emkieffer@cfu.net>  or me know of your life transitions, illnesses, etc. Others would like to be able to reach our and spread a little light, love and cheer your way!

I’ll be a Cup of Joe this afternoon from 4:30to 6pm if you want to join me for conversation and relaxation after the end of a busy week.
 
See you in church!
Eva

--
Stay informed! Read the World! <www.uuworld.org>
Stay connected! Check out our Facebook Group: uusbhc
Find something out! Look it up on our webpage: <www.uusbhc.org>
Think wider thoughts! Learn about the UU Assn: <www.uua.org>
Think wider still! Learn about International U&SU <www.icuu.net>


Rev. Eva Cameron, minister
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
3912 Cedar Heights Dr.
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
USA

m: 319.610.6605

Weekly Update 10/10/08

Greetings!   . . . on this glorious sunny fall day.
These warm fall days, where the sky is brilliant blue, the leaves startlingly brilliant in their many colors against the sky. Its as if the world is glowing!  I always try and pause in my thoughts for a moment, and soak it up, drink in the beauty. Its seems so necessary, when the news: politics and economy and war, all seem so heavy and dire. It is important for me to remind myself that there is still so much good in the world. There is good in people, there is good in our flawed, human systems, and there is amazing goodness and love in our home. We receive so much abundance each day—each time we breath in we receive something so important that we need, we can’t live without.
 
Take some moments in these days. Breath in, and say thanks to the loving, abundance with is around and about us. Every time you see something startlingly beautiful, take a deep breath in, and pause in gratitude for all that is good and right and loving.
 
We need to hold on to these thoughts. We need to carry them with us into the day. We need to perpetually seek all that we can find that helps us connect with that abundant love, and help others to see it too. People are trying to breed fear in our hearts to serve their purposes. Things may be changing, but this is not a reason for hyper-alert fear. Let us push back with joy, goodness, love, life, righteousness. The world, our little world here in the Cedar Valley needs this from each and every one of us. Let us be messengers of joy! Small islands of grateful abundance.  Oasis of loving kindness.
 
Just you watch in your own circles—it is catching!!   See if you can spread it around, just like sneezing on someone!
 ~Eva

DON”T FORGET!!!!  Tonight is the Hayride.
5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Farm:  7731 Zaneta Drive, Hudson, IA.  
For a map to the farm, click here <http://snipurl.com/43jz5>
Please: bring warm clothes & a dish to share, there will be a fire for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows (provided). Hot chocolate & cider provided.  Bring your own beer, wine, etc.  Plates, eating utensils, mugs, and napkins will be provided.

Also tonight is the DrUUm Circle at church . . . Harvest Blessing Drum circle @7:30 p.m., to the October Community Drum circle, whose theme is Harvest Blessings.  The drum circles have been happening for 15 years.... the collection of drums and percussion instruments is beautiful.  Bring your own, and/or use any of the ones provided.  It's a family friendly circle... start the children when they are young to appreciate the "drum rhythms of life"!  Drums, as we know, are tools for awakening the healing energies within ourselves.  Each drum circle is unique.  Each one brings their own vibration into the drum circle...come to play, to listen, to sing,  to experience the healing blessing.
For more information, contact Deblyn Russell at: 319-266-1691.
 
This Sunday:
9:30 am Sunday Service “Association Sunday: Grow Our Spirit” Join Del Carpenter, Jeff Heiden, and me on this annual event to celebrate our connections with the larger movement of UU’s around the country. We will take an offering to strengthen the UU organization’s  new Endowment to Grow Our Spirit! Family Choir is singing!
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11 am Children’s Chapel (balcony)
11:15 am Sunday School classes for children, youth & adults
Adult Classes:
Circle Way: A Harvest Circle ritual is in the planning as we continue to honor the bounty of the Mother Earth. Deblyn Russell will facilitate this inspiring Circle Way; bring your gratitude and journals.
Stories that Changed My Life: Ralph Burr, a member of the Buddhist Path Group will share a story. Please join us.
7 pm Documentary Film: “The Power of Forgiveness” The Power of Forgiveness features Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, best selling authors Thomas Moore and Marianne Williamson, as well as an in-depth look at the Amish, Ground Zero, and Northern Ireland. It also presents how physical, mental, and spiritual benefits may be realized from forgiveness.
 
This Coming Week
Tuesday @ 7:15 pm Religious Services Committee
 
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner
6:15 pm Family Choir
6:30 pm “White Like Me” Book Discussion
6:30 pm Youth: “Popcorn Theology” Ten Questions for the Dalai Lama
What if you had one hour to speak with the Dalai Lama; what would you ask? Come see the questions this documentary asks of the 14th Dalai Lama and be part of the discussion to follow.
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band
 
Thursday @ 7:30 pm Buddhist Path
 
Friday @ 9:30-11:30 am YoUUng Child Playgroup

Pastoral Update
Please continue to remember Bea Tate in your thoughts and prayers. She is continuing with rehab after a serious stroke. Also keep her husband Tom and their two kids in your thoughts as well—it is a big change for everybody. Tom’s number is 269-8542, if you want to arrange to drop off a meal for him and the kids, or see what other help he made need as he is single-parenting it for a while.

Because of the Hayride, I will not be at Cup of Joe today.
See you in church!
~Eva

--
Stay informed! Read the World! <www.uuworld.org>
Stay connected! Check out our Facebook Group: uusbhc
Find something out! Look it up on our webpage: <www.uusbhc.org>
Think wider thoughts! Learn about the UU Assn: <www.uua.org>
Think wider still! Learn about International U&SU <www.icuu.net>


Rev. Eva Cameron, minister
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
3912 Cedar Heights Dr.
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
USA

m: 319.610.6605

Weekly Update 10/3/08

Greetings! on this brilliant fall day. As I shared breakfast with a friend this morning, I reflected on how lucky I am to wake up each morning and have enough food to feed myself, and any family or friends who might be around. Not all the world lives like this. Not even all the people in this country. But we are so blessed with abundance, and often don’t even pay attention! It’s so much easier to notice what we don’t have than what we do have. How often do you say to yourself, “Wow, I really AM lucky!”  as you look at some aspect of your life?
 
Last night in Buddhist Path, during our reading for the night, there was a quote that said something like “Our minds are like tofu. By themselves they are bland and rather tasteless. They take on the characteristics of the marinade they are stewing in!”  So my question to you is: what kind of “marinade” do you let your mind stew in? Is it gratitude and joy for abundance and all that you have? Or is it grumpiness for petty differences, grievances, and all that isn’t going right in your day? Take some time and notice this periodically during the week. Try playing with the recipe for your own personal “marinade”  . . .  see if your mind takes on a new flavor!  And see how others around you enjoy this new flavor of you too!
 
TONIGHT
@6pm: First Friday Festival—Sukkot!
Join us for a potluck supper and playful learning about the Jewish festival of Sukkot.  This is a family friendly event—with things for both kids and those “less young” to do! Bring a dish to pass, tell a friend, come with a playful spirit!

 This Sunday
8 – 9 AM Pancake Breakfast
9:30 AM Service “Yom Kippur” Join Judith Harrington, Bill Harwood & I was we share our thoughts about this high holiday of the Jewish tradition. Family Choir is going to sing!  And we will give out the ThankUU Award.
10:45 AM Fellowship Time:  Reception honoring Carolyn Hildebrandt
11 AM Children’s Chapel (balcony)
11:15 AM Sunday School for children, youth & adults
Adult Classes:
Conscious Living: “What’s Cookin’?”
Come and learn how to use the locally-grown produce from our very own church garden to make healthy, delectable meals.
New Members Meeting: If you're new to the UUs then this would be a good time to sit down with Rev. Eva Cameron and Mica Lorenz in a relaxed atmosphere and learn more about being a UU member.
12:15 pm Worship Associate Training
Crop Walk: After church, carpool from the UU to Lincoln Park for a sack lunch then join the walk at First Presbyterian, 505 Franklin St. Waterloo.
7 PM Documentary Film: “For the Bible Tells Me So” Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families, this film offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.
 
This Coming Week
Eva will be out of town from Sunday afternoon until Wednesday afternoon at a ministers’ meeting in Windom MN.
 
Wednesday:
FVUUM (Friendship Village ministry) is rescheduled until next week.
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner (please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir
6:30 pm Couples Small Group Ministry
6:30 pm “White Like Me” Book Discussion
6:30 pm Youth & Adult Program: “Safety on the Web” where we will explore Facebook. If you have a laptop please bring it but it is not required as a computer will be connected to a projector.
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band
 
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
 
Friday
5:30 pm Hayride at Heritage Farm (RSVP required)
7:30 pm Community Drum Circle
 
 
Other Items:
This month Creative Artz theme is Who dared you to grow?
We have put up some of our heroes, family member and friends. Now we ask you to bring a photo of someone who dared you to grow. (framed or not) We would like to put them on the East Wall.
Thank you,  The Creative Artz Team
 
Note, because of the First Friday potluck tonight, I won’t be at Cup of Joe this afternoon.
See you in church!
~Eva

--
Stay informed! Read the World! <www.uuworld.org>
Stay connected! Check out our Facebook Group: uusbhc
Find something out! Look it up on our webpage: <www.uusbhc.org>
Think wider thoughts! Learn about the UU Assn: <www.uua.org>
Think wider still! Learn about International U&SU <www.icuu.net>


Rev. Eva Cameron, minister
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
3912 Cedar Heights Dr.
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
USA

m: 319.610.6605

Weekly Update, 9/26/08

Greetings on this delightful afternoon!
         Have you ever wondered about what is means to belong? As part of our year of Daring to Grow, I’d like to invite you to spend a bit of time here and there thinking about this. It seems to keep popping its head up in my life. I notice it when I hear people who are on opposite ends of the political spectrum shaking their heads at the complete nonsense the other side seems to be conveying. I know life is more layered and complex than this, but our two-party system seems to bring out this need to belong that dwells within us. I notice this sense of belonging, as I read our ancient Hebrew texts to study just why the Jews celebrate Sukkot. And Yom Kippur invites back into belonging, into feeling as if we belong, once a year. Our tribal tendencies, that are deep within us, are a beautiful part of the richness and lovely diversity within us. They can also run amok in our lives, when we don’t recognize them for what they are. When we try to meet someone’s tribal need to belong with a reasoned and rational argument—rather than acts that will help extend our humanness to them—then we only end up more separate. Fear-mongering comes out a desire to keep everyone who “belongs” to a group together. Gandhi understood this.  Take some time this fall, and explore this idea. See where it takes you, and what you observe!
 
This Sunday:
Service @9:30
We will once again come together to remember and honor Mahatma Gandhi, who’s birthday is on October 2nd. The UN declared this day an International day of Non-Violence. And in India, the nation has a holiday “Gandhi Jayanti” which is the Hindi way of saying ‘birthday.’  Gandhi-ji is one of those human beings who’s live path altered each of our lives. And so it is good to honor his memory. I’ve dedicated this service to the memory of Hari Shankar, a member who died this past year—and who used to love to come and share his memories of Gandhi with us. Dr. Shankar’s wife, Rekha will be attending, and may share something with us as well.
 
Children’s Chapel@ 11am
Sunday School @ 11:15am-12:15pm
Classes for children, youth and adults.
Adult classes include:
Doc Shorts “The Bases Are Loaded” (sanctuary) A short political documentary about how we are being promised that our soldiers will be removed from Iraq, while the government is consolidating temporary bases into a handful of permanent “mega-bases”.
Garden Meditation: Join Julie Fischer in the garden for meditating in a meaningful way to you: sitting quietly, soaking in the beauty of mature, sketching a leaf or flower that inspires you, or actually working the garden.

What’s Up Doc?umentary: Sunday at 7;pm
CALL IT DEMOCRACY
This bi-partisan discussion about America’s flawed electoral process urges us to undertake the reform needed to ensure that every vote truly counts.
 
WOW!  (Workshops on Wednesdays)
Dinner: Oct. 1st will be: Pizza, Salad and Soup.
Please RSVP by Tuesday 9pm.
Please RSVP online at: http://snipurl.com/3um00
or email Kathy at klinkzeitz@gmail.com or you can sign up Sunday at Church. Thank you.
White Like Me Book Circle @6:30pm
Theoretical String Band @7:30pm
 
First Friday Festivals for Adults, Youth and Children
On the First Friday of every month from September to May at 6 pm family, friends and the community are invited to celebrate one of the holidays from one of the world’s religions, with a potluck dinner and fun, interactive ways to learn more about the holiday! We often invite guests from the local community to share their memories of this holiday. Bring a dish that goes with the holiday or just your favorite dish – no dish required if this is your first time.
 
October 3rd Sukkot – a Jewish holiday
Sukkot is a Jewish Feast that celebrates the harvest. During this holiday Jewish people erect temporary “huts” where they entertain their guests, and eat their meals outside. They do this in memory of the dwellings they erected during the 40 years of wandering in the dessert. Join us in celebrating this fun holiday!
 
Upcoming Events & Announcements:
Annual Hayride
The Fall Hayride is Friday, October 10th, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Farm
To register online go to:http://snipurl.com/3uly7
or you can sign up Sunday at Church.
Thank you. Kendra
 
Children & Youth Sunday School
We are still looking for some helpers and a couple of substitute teachers. Please call Crystal King at 319 240-7393 or sign up on the board at church near the Religious Education Pink Table.
Thank you. Crystal
 
Don’t forget:
For those who expressed an interest in hearing what I learned in Northern Ireland, I am giving a lecture on this topic on Tuesday, September 30, at 4:30 PM in Seerley Hall, Room 115, at UNI. The experience of Northern Ireland tells us a lot about what role religion should or should not play in society.  Al Hays
 
Mike Knapp is recruiting help for the Treats & Talents auction coming up in Nov. Help him with the auction, bring a dessert, donate fun treats or talents you have . . .  and last of all, make sure you save the date & come: Nov. 15
 
Buddhist Path Movie Night is tonight 6:30pm for popcorn  & socializing. 7pm start time.
 
Also TONIGHT: Young Adult Campfire @ 7pm @ Eva’s House
610 Franklin St. CF

And lastly, I’ll be Cup of Joe . . . join me and others from this community this afternoon from 4:30 to 6pm for a causal conversation.
 
Keep on Daring to Grow!
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

Weekly Update 9/19/08

Greetings! I have a soft-spot for grabbing beautiful moments where I can. Just today, I walked into my bedroom this afternoon. Sunlight dappled playfully on the quilt the wind gently moving the tree outside created patterns that formed and reformed of the warm afternoon light. In a heartbeat my mood shifted, as breathed in that beauty.
 
Monarch butterflies have been everywhere I look in the past few days. They are something beautiful to catch your breath in a heartbeat.  When I look at them, fluttering with seemingly little direction, I think about sometimes it feels like we are fluttering about, with as little direction as a butterfly. But we would be wise to remember that the Monarch somehow, despite being buffeted about by strong winds, knocked asunder by passing cars, pelted by rain and hail, somehow hundreds of thousands? millions? make it to South American each year to over-winter, and then make it back up here come spring. Amazing. They move with the flow of life that buffets them here and there, and yet still end up where they want to be. Now, there is an amazing lesson in give and take! Stop watch a butterfly for a few minutes if you can this week!

This Sunday:
@9:30am Sunday Service: Fall Equinox! Ever think about what fall has to teach us? What about THE FALL, as often talked about in other Christian churches--does this story have relevance for today's UUs?  Join the Service for All Ages planning team as we explore these ideas and more in this multi-faceted, musical, dramatic service!
 
@10:45am Fellowship Join us for coffee, tea, refreshments, announcements, fresh organic produce for sale, and don’t forget to buy your Scrip (gift certificates) so we can make money without spending any extra!
@11am Children’s Chapel
@11:15 Sunday School for Adults, Youth & Children
Walkin’ The Talk: Learn about Community Meals
Buddhist Path - Join Rev. Eva and others in exploring Buddhist spiritual practices.
Garden Meditation - Join Julie Fischer in the garden for meditating in a meaningful way to you:  sitting quietly, soaking in the beauty of nature, sketching a leaf or flower that inspires you, or actually working the garden.
 
@7pm What’s Up Doc? “The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived the Peak Oil” - After the Soviet Union collapsed, Cuba suffered a 'peak oil' crisis. This documentary shows how they survived this crisis.
 
During the Week:
23rd Tues @1pm Committee on Ministry Mtg.
24th WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
Child care is available for WOW!

6:30-8 p.m Book Circle: Donna Davis and Donna Wood will be facilitating a discussion circle focused on Tim Wise's new book, WHITE LIKE ME. This book examines white privilege in America and is both a poignant and revealing set of stories and a systemic examination of how race plays an important role in everyday life in ways that whites don't ordinarily think of, even those most attuned to racism. We are looking forward to a very interesting and enlightening discussion with those of you who would like to join! We will have the book available for purchase at the first meeting. With our discount, the cost is $12.85 including tax.
7:15pm Theoretical String Band Practice
       
25th  Thur.@ 7:30 Buddhist Path
26th Fri. @6:30 Buddhist Movie Night Join Ralph Burr & members of Buddhist Path for popcorn & movie with a Buddhist theme.
                  @6:30 Young Adult Bonfire @ Eva’s house (find the new Young Adult UUSBHC group on Facebook for upcoming events)

Other Items:
Please return Hymnals if they don’t belong to you personally. We’ve been coming up short when setting them out on Sundays, and need them to all come ‘home’ to their church home. If you would like hymnal for your house, they are available for sale at the UUA bookstore online.
 
Wanted  For The Church – A Nice Comfortable Couch! The Couples Small Group has taken on the project to provide some more comfortable seating for groups who are using the Senior High Room in the Religious Education area.  The old orange couch is extremely un-comfortable, so we are on a hunt for a replacement.  We are planning a luncheon in January for everyone to help raise some funds to pay for a "newer" couch.  We would like a couch that is not too low, still in good condition, and will look nice in the room.  If you are aware of a low cost  (or free) couch that we could look at please contact Mica Lorenz at micalea@mchsi.com or 291-6509.
 
Small Group Ministry – What is That?  -
The purpose of Small Group Ministry is to provide an opportunity for friends and members to develop deeper connections and wider service.  Small Groups provide an opportunity for lifting one's horizons up from the mundane considerations of day-to-day life.  Small groups help people get to know and be known by 10 to 12 others committed to attend and participate regularly in their small group.
Several of our Small Groups are opening up this fall.  There are Small Group Ministry brochures with sign up sheets available at the visitor's table in the front entrance.  Please take a brochure and think about joining a small group. If you think you may want to join a small group at a later time, you can sign up to be put on a waiting list. Then you will be notified about new groups when they open up again.  

Currently the Small Groups that are open are:
•A Gathering of Women- 1st Sunday of each month – UU Church 7-8:30 p.m.(On going, has room for a few more )  Carolyn Hildebrand & Kirby Sherman Facilitators
•A New Small Group starting up, last Sunday of Month, Mica Lorenz Facilitator - UU Church - Balcony  2-4 p.m.
•Waverly Small Group – 2nd Friday  6 PM  - Chris Rediske Facilitator   (Contact Chris for more information)
•Chapel at Friendship Village – 2nd Wednesdays – 11:00 a.m.  Eva Cameron , Esther Kiefer & Brian Forester.
 
Pastoral Updates:
•Please continue to keep Bea Tate in your thoughts and prayers as she continues rehab at Covenant. Its been a month since her stroke and brain surgery. Look for a message from Esther soon about how to help her husband Tom.
 •Dottie Forsberg has moved to Lakeview Landing for the time being.
 
 
I’m off to Cup of Joe . . . between 4:30 & 6pm.  Feel free to join me!
 
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

Weekly Update 9/12/08

Hello!

Its hard to imagine. In fact, I find myself not really wanting to imagine it, to bring it to mind: the image is too disturbing. But Sunday morning, July 27th  at about 10:15am a gunman opened fire on members of two UU congregations, The Tennessee Valley UU Church and the Westside UU Church. He did while the two congregations had assembled together to watch their children put on a production of Annie.  The sadly horrifying part was that he chose this place of all places, because he wanted to kill liberals. And also that his ex-wife had attended the church. The amazing part was the love that was extended to the everyone there: by the UU man who stood in front of the gunman protecting others at the cost of his own life, the others there who rushed to hold this man down, the outreach the entire Knoxville Community in the face of this outrage starting that morning, and UU’s from all over the country . This coming Sunday we reflect on what this has meant to us, as we honor those who gave their life that others may live. We want to send our love and compassion to the Knoxville congregations.  While the children are in the service, we will not be graphic, or mention the shooting directly. We will share a story about how it feels when something terrible happens. We think that most kids living here, with the tornado and the flood, have been aware that things are happening beyond our control—so we think this will be an important story for them. During the sermon time, Pam & Al Hays, John Miller, and I have woven together some of the many ways we have responded to this tragedy. We hope you’ll join us.

Here is a link to watch the service that was held on the following Sunday, re-consecrating the building, and rededicating the congregations to their mission as living Unitarian Universalist values in the face of hatred. <http://tinyurl.com/uuknoxville>  It takes about 45 minutes, but its very touching.

Also today, Rev. Chris Buice and his Knoxville congregation, Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church (TVUUC), will be featured on Bill Moyers Journal in a segment examining the relationship between hate speech and violence.  The program is scheduled to air at 9 PM Friday, September 12, 2008 on most PBS affiliates.

---

After the Service . . .
we invite you to join us for refreshments, coffee and announcements in the Fellowship Hall.
10:45 AM Involvement Fair—wander the fair and learn all about the various groups and organizations of our Community. Sign up. Ask questions. Nibble on fun snacks.
11 AM Children’s Chapel in the balcony
11:15 AM Sunday School Classes for children
7 PM Documentary Film: “Ten Questions for the Dalai Lama”

Tuesday
Music Com Mtg. @ 7pm
Wednesday
Theoretical String Band practice @7:30pm
Thursday
Buddhist Path @7:30 to 9pm
Friday
YoUUNng  Child Playgroup @9:30 to 11:30am

Next Sunday: September 21st
8:30 AM Music Rehearsal
9:30 AM Service “Fall Equinox: fall, The Fall, and learning to fall” by Rev. Eva Cameron & the Service for all Ages Team
11 AM Children’s Chapel in the balcony
11:15 AM Sunday School Classes for children and youth
Adults:
    Buddhist Path (balcony)
    Garden Meditation (join Julie in the garden)
    Walking the Talk: Community Meals (sanctuary)
7 PM Documentary Film: “The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil”

Upcoming Events

The Iowa Renewable Energy Association's Energy & Sustainability EXPO will be at the UNI Center for Energy & Environmental Education (CEEE) on Sept. 13-14, 2008. The I-Renew EXPO includes workshops and exhibits on renewable energy (wind, solar, biofuels), energy efficiency, green building, alternative transportation topics, and this year we're adding Sustainable Living to our offerings. The goal this year is to exceed last year's attendance level of nearly 1,500. Here is the link to the CEEE. http://www.uni.edu/ceee/

Two items of interest from our member Al Hays

1.  For those who expressed an interest in hearing what I learned in Northern Ireland, I am giving a lecture on this topic on Tuesday, September 30, at 4:30 PM in Seerley Hall, Room 115, at UNI.  The experience of Northern Ireland tells us a lot about what role religion should or should not play in society.

2.  As PSD Social Action Liaison, I have organized a meeting of social action representatives from all Iowa congregations at our church on Saturday, October 25, from 10AM to 3 PM.  There will be a keynote address at 10:30 AM by Dr. Mark Grey, Professor of Anthropology at UNI. He is a well known expert on immigration issues and headed up the New Iowans Project under former Governor Tom Vilsack.  *All members of our congregation are invited to this keynote.*  The meeting of the social action chairs will occur after lunch.

We are still looking for a Sunday School middle school teacher. We also need helpers for the Early Childhood Education and Intermediate classes. Please contact Crystal King {foods4u@hotmail.com} or call Kathy at 319-404-2589 if interested in teaching or helping. Thank you.

The Youth Group is still looking for their Apples-to-Apples game.  Thank you to whomever returned the Intermediate class's Apples-to-Apples game!

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Pastoral Update
Bea Tate was moved to Covenant in Waterloo earlier this week. She is in room 109 of the Rehab unit.
Its been suggested that the best way to Bea’s room is to park in parking area C and go in through entrance D.
The report is that she is doing well with rehab, and able to stand while added now.
We will be supporting her husband Tom with meals. Please let Esther know if you can provide either a hot/cold meal on the day it is to be eaten, or something that can go in his deep freeze.

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I’m heading off to Cup of Joe in just a few . . . (4:30 to 6pm roughly). Join me and other UU’s for an informal TGIF time.

See you in Church!



--
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

Weekly Update 9/5/08

Greetings!

I’ve been thinking a lot about ‘Life’ this week. Its been hard not to! With Sarah Palin asking each of us to think about our values, as she enters our world by storm—Down’s Syndrome baby in arms, pregnant 17 year old daughter. And then yesterday, it just so happened that the Evangelical Ministers Meeting was held at Alternatives Pregnancy Center, where a local fellow pastor shared his life’s story for this past year: during the ice storms of the winter, both his parents were killed suddenly in  traffic accident. And then on Memorial Day weekend, he huddled over his wife and daughter in a basement storeroom while his house was blown away by the New Hartford tornado. Birth, death, what we value most . .  . All swirl around me with all these things to think about. As I toured the Alternatives Center—expecting gruesome pictures to shock a young expectant mother into choosing to keep her baby, instead I found warm pictures of babies, rooms full of baby clothes—fresh and tended—to be given away each month as a woman who chooses to keep her baby is nurtured in the life skills needed to thrive. Videos from breastfeeding to budgeting burgeoned from a shelf, where it was explained that learning about things earned a woman points for big items, like a crib. A new knit hat and booties for each baby.

In the past two weeks of political rhetoric, I was reminded that being pro-life, pro-choice or both (as I am) is not just something to argue about . . . In comes down to figuring out ways to live your values to the fullest, just as the people at Alternatives seem to be doing. I hope that this year, we will not just talk about life, death, and what we value—but figure out ways to grow our values into real living projects of hope and love.

It was exciting to see ourselves in the Courier, with pictures and stories about our Organic Garden and FoodBank project. This is a lovely example of living and growing our love!

This week, join me on Sunday morning for a service on our Spiritual Theme of the year: Daring to Grow @ 9:30am

This is followed by coffee and refreshments in the Fellowship Hall (10:45 to 11:15am)
11 AM Children’s Chapel in the balcony
11:15 AM Sunday School - Classes for children, youth & adults
Adult classes:
Conscious Living in the balcony
Curious about Membership Meeting in Eva’s office
7 PM Small Group Ministry—the first Sunday group
7 PM Documentary Film: “Clay Pride: Being Clay in America Small Town Gay Bar Out in the Heartland”

Upcoming Events:
Tuesday:
Religious Services Committee meets @ 7:30pm If you are interested in being a Worship Associate, you are invited to join us!

Wednesday:
FVUUM: our monthly chapel service at Friendship Village. All are invited. 11am Contact Brian Forster to RSVP for lunch.
Couples SGM: this ongoing group meets at 6:30pm
Daring to Grow Roots a class on the history of our UU movement both around the world and locally taught by Rev. Eva Cameron.  You must register for this class in advance. Call the office, 266-5640, or e-mail our Office Administrator Janet  at administrator@uusbhc.org

Thursday:
Buddhist Path @7:30 in the Balcony. An ongoing discussion and practice group, exploring the ideas of Buddhism and how they impact our own lives. And a time for chanting and meditation.

Friday:
Meet at the Cup of Joe for an informal hang-out time. (4:30 to 6pm)

Next Sunday is the Involvement Fair!  If you are leading a group or chairing a committee, reserve some space at a table with Mica. If you are wondering what you want to get involved in with our church, here’s a good time to explore possibilities and visit with people who are in charge. Its a GREAT time to bring a friend or neighbor to church. Dare to grow yourself by doing something new. Dare to grow the church by inviting a friend along!

Pastoral Update
Bea Tate, who has been down in Iowa City Medical Center remains there as of this time. This week she had some surgery to repair/open some blood vessels in her neck.  Physical Therapy has started to come in and have her sit on the side of her bed for a few minutes and kick her legs. She’s still got a long way to go, so we will continue to hold her in our thoughts and prayers, as well as her husband Tom and children Liam and Delany. Cards & notes can be sent to: Tates, 1007 W. 9th CF 50613  
Grace Malloy turned 9 years old last week, I heard. Since she also featured prominently in our big Gardening splash in the Courier, make sure you tell her what a great job she is doing helping the church as she is growing up!

Please let Esther and I know about things that are happening in your life, or those church members you know. We are always eager to know, so that we can offer some help!

I’ll be over at Cup of Joe this afternoon (4:30 to 6pm) My apologies to those who showed up last week, and I wasn’t’ there due to the holiday weekend! I’ll know better next year!  We do have a fun time to gather and share our stories of the week. Join us. Bring a friend!

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