Weekly Update 12/19/08

Weekly Update—12/19/08 Greetings on this very snowy day!  The snow has broken my routines, such as they are . . . I awoke to a big work-out, which got my heart pumping. And was pleasantly surprised when a friend dropped by to help me shovel! That moved my heart in another way. Weather offers lots of chances reach out to others—from helping break ice last January, helping clean up after the wild tornados of Memorial Day, and sand-bagging and mopping after the floods of June. It is good to get these chances to give, and let’s try and hold this lesson close to our hearts in this season of “giving” . . . . We want to be giving. But we don’t have to run out and buy lots of little things to give in this season. Make someone smile . . . offer them a bit of help. Drop them a note with your top 5 reasons you like or admire them. Clean of a stranger’s car of snow in a parking lot or bring a neighbor a bowl of soup. Yes, it means a shift in our expectations of ourselves . . . but giving is beautiful. And you will find the beauty in the giving.
 
Many blessings to you in this season!
 
Tonight 4:30 to 630
Holiday Open House at my home:  610 Franklin St. CF
Please drop by for a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of wine. No gifts, unless you want to bring a nibble to share with others.
 
This Sunday:
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am Service “Born and RE-born” Join Rev. Eva and Worship Associate Deblyn Russelll for a Winter Solstice celebration.
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11 am Children’s Chapel
11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth
11:15 am Adult Classes:
Walking the Talk: A talk about Iahunlang, our orphan student in the Khasi Hills. Conference call to India with Patrick Malloy & Rev. Eva Cameron
 
This Coming Week
Wednesday
5:30 pm Christmas Eve Service
(Collection for Orphaned Student Ianhunlang)
Join us for this service of traditional carols, stories and candlelight. Bring your friends and family!
6:30 pm Holiday Party Join us after the service for a little wassail. Bring  a snack to share .

Pastoral Update
Bea Tate has moved from Covenant in Waterloo and is now at On With Life (http://www.on-with-life.org) in Ankeny. On With Life (OWL) is a rehabilitation center that specializes in brain injury recovery. Her new address is: On With Life, Bea Tate, Rm. 46, 715 SW Ankeny Rd., Ankeny, IA 50023 Let’s send some Christmas cards!!  
Ruth Mahon fell and broke her hip.  Cards to: 818 Ellen St. CF 50613
Eleanore Stark is continuing with her chemotherapy, and staying strong. Cards to: 2215 Victory Dr. CF 50613
Dick Shane celebrated his 97th birthday last Wednesday!
Cards to: 3720 Village Place #6111 Waterloo, 50702
 
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 12/12/08

Weekly Update 12/12/08  ~~~Hello!  Hope that you are remembering to breathe in this season that invites us to rush about so much. Even a few minutes of deep breathing will calm you immensely and help so that both you and those around you are more likely to have a “happy” holiday season. I am practicing what I preach! Believe me! Because I preach what I need to practice!  Take of your sweet selves this week. And you will find yourself close to the holiness and happiness of this season . . . .
So many people are stepping up to help out with this Sunday’s Pageant. It’s really fun to see so many people working to create this event for us. And it’s amazing to walk in the Sanctuary and let the stunning beauty of this month’s decorations and poinsettias just catch my breath, filling me with awe. And last Sunday’s Variety Show was the best ever!!! I laughed so hard, and loved the joyful sounds. Plus we raised most all the money towards our goal! Thank you each one of your part in helping with all these things and so many more that make our church community a delight and solace!

Tonight: Holiday Open House @ Eva’s 4:30 to 6:30
610 Franklin St. CF . . . . instead of visiting at Cup of Joe’s, I invite you to come to my house to relax and begin the weekend. I’ll have coffee, tea, wine and a bit of food. No gifts please, you can bring a snack to share if you’d like. I’ll do this again next Friday.
 
Pageant Rehearsal begins at 7pm tonight. It’s not too late for kids to sign up to be an animal! Just show up.

This Sunday
8:30 am Pageant Rehearsal
9:30 am Service UU Christmas Pageant
Join us for pageant that shares the traditional Christmas story, with a UU twist. Fun and thoughts for kids big & small! Songs by the choir, narrator is Gary Kroeger, and a cast of all ages.
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11 am Children’s Chapel
11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth
11:15 am Adult Classes
Circle Way “Winter Solstice Release Ritual” Throughout history people have conducted rituals at this time of year as their part in perpetuating the dance of life, to collectively hold the vision of light returning, of beauty being honored, of knowledge being shared, of love touching all. These difficult times can leave people feeling isolated, betrayed, despondent and yet the suffering and challenges we face as a planet also have the capacity to bring us closer to Spirit and each other!
“Welcoming Conversations:
 A Practical Guide in Making Visitors Feel at Home” Like seeing all the new faces at church on Sunday, but not sure what to say to them? Join the Outreach Committee as they talk about ways to start up welcoming conversations with our visitors that keep them coming back for more. There are lots of kindred spirits out there looking for a liberal religious home, and you can help us reach out to them.
 
7 pm What’s Up Doc?umentaries “Favela Rising”
 
This Coming Week
Wednesday
*Calendar Deadline
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays (on Holiday Break)
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday
*Newsletter Deadline
9:30 am YoUUng Child Play Group
 
Pastoral Update
Tyler Vincent’s wife Angie is back home from her surgery to mend her leg after he fall last week. Esther is collecting simple foods for them to prepare to help Tyler while she is laid up.
 
Continue to keep Eleanore Stark in your thoughts and prayers.
 
Let us know if you need our help, or prayers! We are a caring community who wants to help!
 
~Eva
 
 

Weekly Update 12/05/08

Weekly Update 12/5/08     Wow! Is it cold outside!  And it doesn’t seem at all necessary to sing “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” . . . but our musical folk will be singing and playing all sorts of delightful and amusing stuff this Sunday afternoon. I hope you’ll plan on being there! I may just sing a song or two (details below). . . . Meanwhile, activity is underway for this year’s Christmas Pageant, which is a week away. Our own Gary Kroeger returns to narrate. This is an awesome way to introduce your friends who just aren’t sure what to think about Christmas to the many and varied possibilities that we hold in our midst. So, think of someone you can invite now!
 
Tonight:
First Friday Potluck @6pm Come and learn about the Muslim Hajj (pilgrimage) from our guests. A time for people of all ages. Kids and grandparents welcomed alike.
Because of this, I won’t be at Cup of Joe this afternoon.
 
This Sunday:
8:30 am Music Rehearsals
9:30 am Service “Hurry Up! Slow Down!” A time think about what the “holiday season” really means. Are you hurrying up this time of year? Or slowing down?
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11 am Children’s Chapel
11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth
11:15 am Adult Classes
Conscious Living: A short segment of the documentary “Renewal” will be shown.
New Member Meeting: If you’re new to the UU’s 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.
12:30 – 3 pm Holiday Potluck & Variety Show
We begin with a potluck right after Sunday School. Then come to the sanctuary at 1:00 p.m. for entertainment guaranteed to please—fabulous music performed by talented members and friends, an occasional joke, plus a sing-along. The concert is part of the Music Committee’s fund-raising commitment; your $10 per person suggested donation will help us move toward our Music Director fund-raising goal. Additional amounts are, of course, welcome! Tim Purdum is impresario for the event.
 
7 pm What’s Up Doc?umentaries “To Wong Foo, Thanks forEverything! Julie Newmar” Three New York drag queens embark on a road trip. The film’s title refers to a totemic autographed photo of Julie Newmar that the trio carries with them on their journey.

This Coming Week
Tuesday
7 pm Religious Services Committee
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir
6:30 pm Workshop “Spiritual Meanings of the Season”
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band—play an instrument, or just play it ‘in theory’? That’s just right for this group where all are welcome to come and have fun making music.
7:30 pm Small Group Ministry
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path—all invited to share in a time of learning about Buddhism and meditation.
 
Save the Date:
Christmas Eve service will be at 6:30pm. Its followed by a potluck reception/party. Come and be with us on this special night of new stories and old.
 
Pastoral Update:
Tyler Vincent’s wife Angie fell and broke her leg this past week. She’ll need surgery on Tuesday. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Esther and the Caring Committee are arranging to bring them some meals, contact her if you’d like to help out. (emkieffer@cfu.net)
 
Eleanore Stark is receiving Chemotherapy currently, and could really use some more cards and calls to help keep her spirits up1  Even if you don’t know her, you could send her a card—she’s fairly new.  2215 Victory Dr. CF 50613, ph: 277-5531
 
Something big happening in your life, need a little extra TLC? Please let us know. We care, and would like to offer help and love.

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


 

Snowy Sunday

Yes! On this snowy Sunday, there will be church service.
~Eva

Weekly Update 11/28/08

Weekly Update 11/28/08---Hope you had a meaningful holiday!! It’s so easy to feast your way, or cook and clean your way through this holiday without stopping for moment to be truly thankful for all that we do have. This is one of my favorite holidays, because I think gratitude is such an important spiritual practice. So I hope you got that moment, captured it in your soul, and will have to hold close to you when you get to one of those evitable grumpy moments we, each one of us, has from time to time.
 
I also hope that if you didn’t have family to spend the holiday with, you created a “family” of friends and strangers to make your day fun. I want to say a special thanks to those I got to spend Thanksgiving with, and to those who invited me to spend thanksgiving with them. Even if I didn’t end up at your dinner, I was sure glad for the invitations—since I don’t have any family here in town.
 
Bright Blessings on this bright November day!
~Eva
 

This Sunday:
9:30 am Service “Giving Thanks: Spirituality and Food”
After the Thanksgiving feast, come and reflect on the role that food plays in our spiritual lives. Join Sue Hill with Brittany Flokstra as Worship Associate.
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11 am Children’s Chapel
11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth
11:15 am Adult Classes
7 pm Small Group Ministry
 
This Weekend:
Buddhist Movie Night is tonight @ 6pm All invited!!
 
Young Adult Chili Dinner @ Eva’s House Saturday @ 6:30pm. RSVP on Facebook, or e-mail . . . so I know how much food to make. Location: 610 Franklin CF 50613
 
This Coming Week:
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir
6:30 pm Workshop “Gift Giving: Alternative and Traditional”
Juanita Williams and Pam Hays will lead us in a discussion of the meaning of gifts, the special challenges of gifts and parenting, and our own feelings about gifts. A list of types of alternative gifts will be provided.
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band
7:30 pm Small Group Facilitators Meeting
 
Thursday@ 7:30 pm Buddhist Path
 
Friday@ 6 pm First Friday Potluck “Hajj”
Join us as we welcome members of the Muslim community to share with us about their faith at this fun and informal family time. The Hajj is the pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah during the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah. The performance of the Hajj is the fifth of the five pillars of Islam. Bring a traditional Middle Eastern dish or something else you like. This is great event for bringing a guest.
 
Other Items:
Keys to the UUSBHC
Please contact the office if you have a key to the building. You can e-mail administrator@uusbhc.org
or call and leave a message at 266-5640.
 
Poinsettias for the Holidays
The Creative Spiritz are selling poinsettias from Harmony House, again this year.  The cost of each poinsettia is $11. You can choose red, white, pink or speckled.  The poinsettias will be used during the month of December to decorate the front of the sanctuary with the Holiday Spirit. You can buy them in someone's memory or honor.
You can take your poinsettias home after Christmas Eve service.  To order your poinsettias fill in the form using the link below or contact Deblyn Russell, her cell phone is 319-939-2789 or email her at deblynzart@cfu.net  You can also order them at church on Sundays – Nov. 30th, Dec.  7th and/or 14th. Payment is appreciated at time of order. (if you use the on-line order form, you can bring your payment in the next Sunday or send it to UUSBHC, 3912 Cedar Heights Dr. Cedar Falls, IA  50613   attn. Kathy) Here’s the online order-form: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pv7lTd1gi5uQhf5FNwobIJA

 ~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 11/21/08

Weekly Update . . . as we near Thanksgiving our weather is turning brisk and sunny. Late autumn has its own charm, and I hope you are finding ways to enjoy it. I love making soups and stews this time of year, which I haven’t eaten all summer long.
Today, while munching on my stew at lunch, I thoughtfully chewed a bite of potato. I had left the skins on when I made it, and this one must have had a small pocket of earth remaining, as I got just a subtle taste of earth as a chewed. It shocked me with its rich, organic mustiness. Immediately, I was thrown into memories of planting gardens, the rich earth smell rising from the freshly tilled soil, or deep forests where each footstep overturns rich, loose soil, sending up a waft of rich, earthy splendor.
It made me realize again, just how easy it is to consume food without truly connecting with the powerful life-force that is a work to create it for us. My earthy-bite gave me a lucky reminder. I was able to pause and reflect on growing these potatoes. And on where the rest of the food came from. On the minor miracle it truly is, when we get to open our mouths, place food inside, and be nourished. It’s an awesome force of love at work in the universe. Our lives are sustained by the energy and resources of so many others, human and non-human.
This Thanksgiving, I hope that something will allow you to pause, with awareness and gratitude, and give thanks for this incredible richness that sustains us. I’m not saying you have to serve each of your Thanksgiving guests a spoonful of earth . . . but, you just might consider it!

Sunday:
8:45 am family choir rehearsal
9:30 am Service “Thanksgiving Festival with a Hunger Communion” Join us for a “Service For All Ages” as we celebrate the richness of life and all that we have for which to be thankful. In honor of those with gluten-free diets, this year’s communion uses rice cakes. We’ll have a  “Parade of Food” so bring some non-perishable food items to carry up front for you and your kids for the FoodBank. Plus, the “Walkin’ the Talk” collection will be for the FoodBank as well.
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11 am Children’s Chapel
11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth
11:15 am Adult Classes:
“Doc” Shorts “Granny D Goes to Washington” This rousing film tells the amazing story of iron-willed, upbeat, eighty-nine year old Doris Haddock who astonished the nation by walking across the entire continental United States to bring attention to the issue of campaign finance reform.
12:15 pm Outreach Committee Meeting
2 pm Small Group
6 pm Birthday Party & Potluck for Eva Cameron & Susan Janzen (all invited, see below)
 
This Coming Week:
Monday 6 pm:  Cedar Prairie Vegetarian Potluck
Tuesday 1 pm:  Committee on Ministry
Wednesday:  No WOW this week.
Friday: Buddhist Movie night! 6:30pm Socializing, 7pm Movie, offered by Ralph Burr.

 
Pastor Pals Plural Birthday Party:
Sunday, November 23 from  6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:    UU SBHC Fellowship Hall
 Everyone, come celebrate with friends old and new! The whole family is invited. What's a party without food ... so bring a potluck dish to share. If you're adventurous, a taste of India or Greece would endear you forever to the hosts! No gifts, please.  But you can bring your instruments, and maybe we can make music!

Eva,  pastor for the UUSBHC (born 11/24), and Kathy, our UUSBHC director of religious education (born 11/20). Susan is pastor of Cedar Falls Mennonite Church. (born 11/24)

Anyone else with birthdays this week? Join in the fun so we can sing for you, too!

Other Items:
Poinsettias
Once again this year, there will be an opportunity to purchase Poinsettias from Harmony House to use to decorate the Sanctuary during the holiday season. Cost will be $11. Its for a good cause, and will be BEAUTIFUL!!  There will be an opportunity to offer them in memory or honor of someone dear to you. Please look for a sign up soon online, and after church in the Fellowship Hall.   Brought to you by the Creative Spiritz.
 
Pageant:
Is coming up Dec 14th, with rehearsal on the 13th. We’ve got roles for people of all ages. Let Eva know if you’d like to play a part, help with costumes, etc. . . . or briefly answer questions about meaning of the season (which is part of this UU version of the Pageant!)  
 
Pastoral Update
Mica Lorenz's stepmother had a heart attack and Mica has been at the hospital most of the week. Her Mom had 3 stints put in and is improving now. I am sure she would like calls/cards/FB messages: 1141 Independence Ave. W’loo, 50703 (610-1276)
 
Let’s continue to hold Bea Tate and her family in our thoughts and prayers on their long road to recovery. And Eleanor Stark as well.
 
Please keep us posted on your news. We want to help!
 
I’ll be at Cup of Joe today from 4:30 to 6pm. Feel free to join me for an informal conversation!
 
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

Hello!  Are you excited as I am to see what the next steps are, for each of us, in bringing change to our country? The whole idea of ‘Community Organizing’ on a nation-wide scale is mind boggling to me. But I plan on having conversations with some of you who’ve lived through major times of change in this country—like the depression, or at the time of the Second World War. I’m wondering what did it feel like, and how did you build up momentum to keep us moving forward? Let’s all work on this together, to be ready, will and able to help shape what is to come. This is a big part of what is means to be a Unitarian Universalist: working to see our vision come alive on this planet.
 
Tomorrow!! Lot’s of exciting things going on:

Photo-directory: Last call!!
Few spots tonight and tomorrow afternoon left. Call Jan @ 240-0962 if you haven’t made it in yet!

Buddhist Retreat is also Saturday!
Join Zen Monk Ted O’Toole from Minneapolis in this mini-retreat. A half a day of calm and quiet before the hecticness of the season. You may come at 7am if you are a meditator, or at 8am if you’d like meditation instructions. A light lunch will be served. Wear comfortable clothes, and feel free to bring your own cushions (although we have some).
 
Strong Backs? Love to Decorate?
As you can tell, we’ve got a lot going on Saturday. In order to make it all happen, we will be re-arranging some furniture and speed-decorating the Fellowship Hall with a jungle theme. If you could help either with Furniture moving (Sat @ 1pm), or decorating (Sat @ 2pm)  . . . please just show up with a smile!!
 
Treats and Talents Auction !!!
6pm social time, 7pm auction begins. Get out you pith helmet, your khaki clothes, and cobras for your neck . . . we are off on safari. Come for the fun! Come to buy fun gifts and good dinners. Come and meet someone new!  Also it’s not too late to turn an auction item in to Mike Knapp mikemica@mchsi.com

This Sunday:
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am Service “Daring To Grow Our Church” What does it take to grow our church? Is growth really necessary? How can you help? We will have a New Member Ceremony this week. Join Rev. Eva with Lara Martinsen-Burrell as WA. Taylor Hanson will play violin for us!
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11 am Children’s Chapel
11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth
11:15 am Adult Classes:
Buddhist Path: Join Rev. Eva and others in exploring Buddhist spiritual practices.
Walking the Talk: We’ll talk about the Food Bank and Christmas Ham Dinner boxes.
Garden Meditation: Meditation is also available each week for those who would like to spend time outdoors.
2 pm Board Meeting
7 pm What’s Up Doc? “Nobelity” A stunning look at the world’s most pressing problems through the eyes of nine Nobel Laureates, Nobelity follows filmmaker Turk Pipkin’s personal journey to find enlightening answers about the kind of world our children and grandchildren will know. Filmed across the U.S. and in France, England, India, and Africa, Nobelity combines the insights of nine distinguished Nobelists with a first-person view of world problems and the children who are most challenged by them. Featuring Nobel Laureates: Steven Weinberg, Jody Williams, Ahmed Zewail, Rick Smalley, Wangari Maathai, Sir Joseph Rotblat, Dr. Harold Varmus, Desmond Tutu, Amartya Sen.
 
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner *Please RSVP*
6:15 pm Family Choir
6:30 pm Workshop: “Relationships at Holiday Times”
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band
 
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
 
Friday
9:30 am YoUUng Child Play Group
7:30 pm DrUUming Circle
 
Next Sunday: November 23rd
9:30 am Service “Thanksgiving Festival with a Hunger Communion”
Join us for a “Service For All Ages” as we celebrate the richness of life and all that we have for which to be thankful. Guest At Your Table boxes will be passed out this Sunday. Special Note: Please bring non-perishable food for our “Parade of Food” procession during the service.
 
Pastoral Update:
Eleanor Stark: Esther wrote me saying, “I had a call from Eleanore Stark's daughter Ann.   She said her Mom was
at the doctor today and was told she has cancer of the liver (they do not know the initial site).  She maybe has months to live.  More tests will be done tomorrow regarding some blockage and what to do about it.  She is a fairly new member at UU. Ann said she really appreciated the cards she has received from folks at UU.” Let’s keep up the cards!! 2215 Victory Dr. CF 50613

Dorothy Wendt  has had a pacemaker installed, and is recovering from that. She and Don had plans to travel this weekend, and we are hoping they get to go.
 
Keri Brecht has hurt her foot, is in a cast, and will need some help getting around for the next little while. She can be reached at 442-7187, her email is: keribear18@gmail.com,
her address is 102 Main St #2 (right above Cup of Joes). She’s a member of the Theoretical String Band and one of our UNI students.
 
Please let me or Esther know if you are in need of care, or have some upcoming medical event!  We all want to help!
 
I plan to be at Cup of Joe this afternoon from 4:30 to 6pm. Drop by if you just want to hang out and visit.

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