My daughter Irene has some time off from school this coming week, so we’ll be meeting up in Chicago and heading down to Tulsa (to visit old friends) and Houston (for the International Convocation of Unitarian & Universalist Women). I’m looking forward to seeing Irene, as well as many dear friends in both locations. I’ll be gone starting today until March 3rd.
Take good care of each other up here while I am gone . . . and challenge yourselves to find a little something to do or say to bring a some sunshine into someone’s life. These cold days towards the end of winter are hard for many, so see if you can bring a little light and joy to someone this week!
See you when I return!
~Eva
This Sunday:
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am Sunday Service“Lincoln Bicentennial” Al Hays & Julie Husband will be preaching. Lincoln’s values and causes are central to UU beliefs. Our forefathers and the forefather’s of his day had an active involvement in the abolitionist movement and other progressive causes of that era. Let’s celebrate 200 years of progress.
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 “No Logo: Brands, Globalization and Resistance”
Upcoming Week
Monday
6 pm Cedar Prairie Vegetarian Potluck
Tuesday
7:30 pm Committee on Ministry meeting
Ash Wednesday
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5 pm Children’s Choir
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir Practice
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday
6:30 pm Buddhist Path Movie Night
No “Cup of Joe with Eva”
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Weekly Update 2/13/09
. . . Snow flakes gently fall from darkened skies on ground now bare. February thaw invited us to remember spring, even as these flakes now falling . . . invite us to open ourselves to being here, now, in this moment. The only moment we ever really have. Cherish it! Be blessed by it.
I’ll be at Cup of Joe from 4:30 to 6pm tonight, you are welcome to join me. ~Eva
Sunday:
8:15 am Drama Team Rehearsal
8:45 am Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am Children’s Choir Rehearsal
9:30 am “Love: A Service For All Ages”
Join Rev. Eva and the Service For All Ages Team for this celebration of music, drama and poetry about all the many ways love touches our lives. Children’s Choir and Drama Team debut this week!
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: Program is CANCELLED this month.
This Coming Week
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:00-5:45 pm Children’s Choir
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir Practice
6:15 pm Workshop on “Self-Realization” with Crystal King
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path—All are invited to explore how Buddhist teaches can help you on your path, including meditation.
Friday
9:30 am YoUUng Child Playgroup—Come play with this pres-school group!
Saturday
6:30 pm Stewardship Spaghetti Fest (see below for more info!)
Pastoral Update
Mary Olsen had knee surgery a little over a week ago. Keep on sending her good wishes, cards, and keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Halle –Chris’s Rediske’s granddaughter has been hospital this week.
She is in Mercy Hospital in Mason City Rm# 300, but may go home tonight. She has a kidney infection and E Coli . She was responding nicely, finally, to the IV antibiotics and her fever is down to normal now. Please keep her, and her whole family in your thoughts and prayers.
Staci Channie-Hill will be having some medical tests this coming Tuesday. As a cancer survivor, this is a worrisome time for her, so let’s send her a little energy and light on Tuesday.
Stewardship Spaghetti Fest!!
Please sign up for our Stewardship "Spaghetti Fest" on Saturday, February 21st if haven't already. Simply go to
<http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=ppKEF-QIRCjvFDtwS8PgoFg&hl=en <http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=ppKEF-QIRCjvFDtwS8PgoFg&hl=en>
and enter how many adults and children will be attending.
We will wine and dine adults that night with a special spaghetti dinner in Fellowship Hall as we talk about this year's Stewardship Campaign goals. Both vegetarian and meat options will be offered. It all goes to plan, we'll start with a 6:00 pm social time and end by 8:30. There is no cost for families to attend, we just need your registration to know how many are attending.
Children will be served a separate dinner upstairs where child care and alternative activities will be provided for the evening. Teens attending will be asked to help the child care workers with the alternative activities for the younger children.
The menu and agenda is as follows:
6:00 PM - Social time
6:30 PM - Dinner is served:
Salad
Garlic bread
Pasta choices -- spaghetti, fettucini
Sauce - tomato or alfredo
Meat choices - meatballs, Italian sausage pieces
Vegetable choices - mushrooms, onions, green peppers
Parmesan cheese
Chocolate dessert and fruits
Coffee, tea and wine
7:30 PM - Program
8:15 PM - Wrap Up
Kid's Menu
Milk, Juice
Sub sandwiches -- make their own from cheese, lettuce, tomato, ham or turkey
Fresh fruit
Sun chips
Rice krispie bars
Please sign up today.
Mike Knapp
Stewardship Committee
mikeknapp@mchsi.com
291-6509
Larger Community:
TAJCI IN CONCERT -- Tatianas Mateja, better known as "Tajci," was a pop superstar in Central Europe, before she discovered
the power of her faith, emigrated to the United States, and began composing music which reflects her powerful spiritual
journey. First Assembly of God, I-Hope Ministries and the Catholic parishes in Waterloo will sponsor a Tajci concert on
Sunday, March 8, 6:00-7:30pm, at Celebration Church in Waterloo. Freewill offering. An uplifting Lenten experience for
adults and young adults alike.
--
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
I’ll be at Cup of Joe from 4:30 to 6pm tonight, you are welcome to join me. ~Eva
Sunday:
8:15 am Drama Team Rehearsal
8:45 am Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am Children’s Choir Rehearsal
9:30 am “Love: A Service For All Ages”
Join Rev. Eva and the Service For All Ages Team for this celebration of music, drama and poetry about all the many ways love touches our lives. Children’s Choir and Drama Team debut this week!
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: Program is CANCELLED this month.
This Coming Week
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:00-5:45 pm Children’s Choir
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir Practice
6:15 pm Workshop on “Self-Realization” with Crystal King
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path—All are invited to explore how Buddhist teaches can help you on your path, including meditation.
Friday
9:30 am YoUUng Child Playgroup—Come play with this pres-school group!
Saturday
6:30 pm Stewardship Spaghetti Fest (see below for more info!)
Pastoral Update
Mary Olsen had knee surgery a little over a week ago. Keep on sending her good wishes, cards, and keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Halle –Chris’s Rediske’s granddaughter has been hospital this week.
She is in Mercy Hospital in Mason City Rm# 300, but may go home tonight. She has a kidney infection and E Coli . She was responding nicely, finally, to the IV antibiotics and her fever is down to normal now. Please keep her, and her whole family in your thoughts and prayers.
Staci Channie-Hill will be having some medical tests this coming Tuesday. As a cancer survivor, this is a worrisome time for her, so let’s send her a little energy and light on Tuesday.
Stewardship Spaghetti Fest!!
Please sign up for our Stewardship "Spaghetti Fest" on Saturday, February 21st if haven't already. Simply go to
<http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=ppKEF-QIRCjvFDtwS8PgoFg&hl=en <http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=ppKEF-QIRCjvFDtwS8PgoFg&hl=en>
and enter how many adults and children will be attending.
We will wine and dine adults that night with a special spaghetti dinner in Fellowship Hall as we talk about this year's Stewardship Campaign goals. Both vegetarian and meat options will be offered. It all goes to plan, we'll start with a 6:00 pm social time and end by 8:30. There is no cost for families to attend, we just need your registration to know how many are attending.
Children will be served a separate dinner upstairs where child care and alternative activities will be provided for the evening. Teens attending will be asked to help the child care workers with the alternative activities for the younger children.
The menu and agenda is as follows:
6:00 PM - Social time
6:30 PM - Dinner is served:
Salad
Garlic bread
Pasta choices -- spaghetti, fettucini
Sauce - tomato or alfredo
Meat choices - meatballs, Italian sausage pieces
Vegetable choices - mushrooms, onions, green peppers
Parmesan cheese
Chocolate dessert and fruits
Coffee, tea and wine
7:30 PM - Program
8:15 PM - Wrap Up
Kid's Menu
Milk, Juice
Sub sandwiches -- make their own from cheese, lettuce, tomato, ham or turkey
Fresh fruit
Sun chips
Rice krispie bars
Please sign up today.
Mike Knapp
Stewardship Committee
mikeknapp@mchsi.com
291-6509
Larger Community:
TAJCI IN CONCERT -- Tatianas Mateja, better known as "Tajci," was a pop superstar in Central Europe, before she discovered
the power of her faith, emigrated to the United States, and began composing music which reflects her powerful spiritual
journey. First Assembly of God, I-Hope Ministries and the Catholic parishes in Waterloo will sponsor a Tajci concert on
Sunday, March 8, 6:00-7:30pm, at Celebration Church in Waterloo. Freewill offering. An uplifting Lenten experience for
adults and young adults alike.
--
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
Friday, February 6, 2009
Weekly Update
Weekly Update . . . 2/6/09
There’s been a lot of nervous talk around the church, as everyone wonders if they’ll keep their jobs, and what the future will bring. I’ve had a couple thoughts about this . . .
. . . . one is that the both the Buddha and Jesus had a good message about this. If we seek and notice what is good in the present moment, and not get to worried about what might happen, we are gift to the larger community. We help provide anchoring stability in troubling times. Let’s all try and help our friends and neighbors and children to cultivate this mindset. Its work, but it will be worth it.
. . . . . the other thought I’ve had, is how must all remember the gift of being in community. We can do so much more if we stick together. Let’s open our hearts to be able to help those in need, as we find we may have more sudden need in our community. And at the same time, let’s not forget how to ask for help. Let’s make a plan now, that we can lean on each other. And although things will not be the same, they never truly are ‘the same’ . . . and all we can do, ever, is bring our best, wisest selves to the day.
I’m off to our Brazilian Carnival Party . . . hope you’ll join us!
~Eva
This Sunday:
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am “Darwin Day: A Celebration of Charles Darwin’s 200th Birthday” We have a special love of the relationship of science and religion. For some, Darwin’s evolution has become their religious myth as well as a scientific theory. Let’s celebrate the man, his ideas and how they have rocked our religious world! Join Rev. Eva, Jim Demastes, Lynn Brant, Johanna Foster and Lara Martinsen-Burrell (members of the Darwin Day Team) for this 200-year anniversary celebration.
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 “Imbolc Circle Way Ritual” All the land is wrapped in winter, but our thoughts are turned to spring and warmer weather. Deblyn Russell and Al Hays will be creating a mid-winter ritual celebrating the Celtic Goddess, Brigid. The triple aspects ofBrigid are inspiration, smithcraft and healing.
The Small Group Experience Try a Sample! Have you been wondering what Small Groups are all about? We will do a typical small group meeting during Adult R.E. Here is your opportunity to sample a small group experience and perhaps sign up for one of the open groups forming now.
12:15 pm Chili Cook off
7 pm Charlie’s 200! This will be a continuation of “Darwin Day” with a dialogue of how he inspired religion and science
Calendar Updates for this Coming Week
Tuesday
7 pm Religious Services Committee
Wednesday
**Calendar Deadline**
11 am Friendship Village Service
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir Practice
6:15 pm Workshop on “Self-Realization” with Crystal King
7 pm Small Group Ministry
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band Practice
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday
**Newsletter Deadline**
7 pm “Treats and Talents” Salsa Party
Other Events:
Darwin Week @ UNI!!! Join UU members Drs. Jim Demastes, Theresa Spradling and Laura Jackson as the UNI Freethinkers and Inquirers celebrate Darwin week with a series of lectures and events. Visit http://darwinweek.com for details. All events are free and open to the public and will take place in the Maucker Student Union in the center of the UNI campus in Cedar Falls.
Save the Date: Plan on joining us for the "Stewardship
Spaghetti Fest!" Saturday, February 21st, 6:30 pm
Pastoral Update:
After many months of symptoms (shortness of breath; fainting; evidence of high blood pressure), Judy Harrington had an angiogram on Feb. 3rd. The great news is that there's no evidence of artery blockage. The cardiologist did identify evidence in some heart arteries of long-term high blood pressure, and mild pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs). She is under the care of appropriate specialists and is eagerly looking forward to renewed energy.
Eleanore Stark was hospitalized this week due to complications from her cancer. She really loves getting cards from all of you! They boost her spirits so much! So even if you don’t know her (she’s fairly new) . . . try and drop a card in the mail to her: 2215 Victory Dr. CF 50613, ph: 277-5531
Please let Esther or me know if you have a concern or need our help.
--
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
There’s been a lot of nervous talk around the church, as everyone wonders if they’ll keep their jobs, and what the future will bring. I’ve had a couple thoughts about this . . .
. . . . one is that the both the Buddha and Jesus had a good message about this. If we seek and notice what is good in the present moment, and not get to worried about what might happen, we are gift to the larger community. We help provide anchoring stability in troubling times. Let’s all try and help our friends and neighbors and children to cultivate this mindset. Its work, but it will be worth it.
. . . . . the other thought I’ve had, is how must all remember the gift of being in community. We can do so much more if we stick together. Let’s open our hearts to be able to help those in need, as we find we may have more sudden need in our community. And at the same time, let’s not forget how to ask for help. Let’s make a plan now, that we can lean on each other. And although things will not be the same, they never truly are ‘the same’ . . . and all we can do, ever, is bring our best, wisest selves to the day.
I’m off to our Brazilian Carnival Party . . . hope you’ll join us!
~Eva
This Sunday:
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am “Darwin Day: A Celebration of Charles Darwin’s 200th Birthday” We have a special love of the relationship of science and religion. For some, Darwin’s evolution has become their religious myth as well as a scientific theory. Let’s celebrate the man, his ideas and how they have rocked our religious world! Join Rev. Eva, Jim Demastes, Lynn Brant, Johanna Foster and Lara Martinsen-Burrell (members of the Darwin Day Team) for this 200-year anniversary celebration.
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 “Imbolc Circle Way Ritual” All the land is wrapped in winter, but our thoughts are turned to spring and warmer weather. Deblyn Russell and Al Hays will be creating a mid-winter ritual celebrating the Celtic Goddess, Brigid. The triple aspects ofBrigid are inspiration, smithcraft and healing.
The Small Group Experience Try a Sample! Have you been wondering what Small Groups are all about? We will do a typical small group meeting during Adult R.E. Here is your opportunity to sample a small group experience and perhaps sign up for one of the open groups forming now.
12:15 pm Chili Cook off
7 pm Charlie’s 200! This will be a continuation of “Darwin Day” with a dialogue of how he inspired religion and science
Calendar Updates for this Coming Week
Tuesday
7 pm Religious Services Committee
Wednesday
**Calendar Deadline**
11 am Friendship Village Service
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir Practice
6:15 pm Workshop on “Self-Realization” with Crystal King
7 pm Small Group Ministry
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band Practice
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday
**Newsletter Deadline**
7 pm “Treats and Talents” Salsa Party
Other Events:
Darwin Week @ UNI!!! Join UU members Drs. Jim Demastes, Theresa Spradling and Laura Jackson as the UNI Freethinkers and Inquirers celebrate Darwin week with a series of lectures and events. Visit http://darwinweek.com for details. All events are free and open to the public and will take place in the Maucker Student Union in the center of the UNI campus in Cedar Falls.
Save the Date: Plan on joining us for the "Stewardship
Spaghetti Fest!" Saturday, February 21st, 6:30 pm
Pastoral Update:
After many months of symptoms (shortness of breath; fainting; evidence of high blood pressure), Judy Harrington had an angiogram on Feb. 3rd. The great news is that there's no evidence of artery blockage. The cardiologist did identify evidence in some heart arteries of long-term high blood pressure, and mild pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs). She is under the care of appropriate specialists and is eagerly looking forward to renewed energy.
Eleanore Stark was hospitalized this week due to complications from her cancer. She really loves getting cards from all of you! They boost her spirits so much! So even if you don’t know her (she’s fairly new) . . . try and drop a card in the mail to her: 2215 Victory Dr. CF 50613, ph: 277-5531
Please let Esther or me know if you have a concern or need our help.
--
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
Friday, January 30, 2009
Weekly Update
Weekly Update 1/30/09 . . . .This month in our services we will be exploring the ideas of freedom and transformation, as part of our year of “Daring to Grow.” These are themes that are a deep part of what it means to be Unitarian Universalist. As we are deliberately reaching out to more people to join us, we are choosing to shift and make room in our ways of doing things to include more people.
One of the most dramatic shifts, for people who have been around for a while, is the change to functioning like a Program sized church. This means that our energy is focused on creating programs (and teams) that help us living our values. We have found a powerful strength in having small groups for people to share and work on their own journey with others who care about them. With this model, individuals will find that not every one will know our story, but as long as there is at least one circle of people who do, you will have some connection and support. As an institution we will find we have room for about 350 plus members, before we need to start changing our institutional model again!
With this shift in model of how things are organized, we all must realize that decisions are rarely made as a body of the whole. We have many good people who spend hours and hours discussing decisions in committee meetings. If you feel strongly about something, I would suggest that you not only bring your idea to that committee, but that you sit with them, and not only bring an idea, but listen to their thoughts. Our decisions are made with a lot of ideas being tossed around in the committee, concerns shared, passionate dialogue and deep listening on all sides. After passing through this stage, larger decisions then move up to the next level, or are activated. So think of it as ‘representative democracy.’ This means that you share your voice with those who are most interested in the same things you are in—the right committee. But it also means you won’t always know what is happening all the time. This is part of creating a different structure. The power isn’t top down, hierarchical, but rather a hierarchy of commitment. Those who invest the most time, energy, willingness to listen and share their thoughts and dreams with love, are those who will most influence the choices this church makes.
The church energy is high, and the building is buzzing with life and purpose. Let’s continue to build a community with arms wide enough to hold all who dare to grow with us in spirit. Continue to build a community of love and trust, where each feels safe enough to dare to grow!
See you in church!
Unless you meet me at Cup of Joe in just a few minutes!
Eva
This Sunday
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am “Facing Our Fears” What are we afraid of, and why? In order to "dare to grow," we need to face these questions. The UU Youth will lead us in a service exploring the theme of fear.
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: The Conscious Living Group and Green Sanctuary Committee will sponsor a Draft-Stopper Making Workshop during Second Hour! Bring measurements for those drafty doors and windows and we'll have materials and sewing machines set up in the Fellowship Hall to construct them and take them home that day. Any donations will go toward supporting the work of these 2 groups.
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. There will be an opportunity to sign the membership book.
Upcoming Week
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir Practice
6:15 pm Workshop on “Self-Realization” with Crystal King
7 pm Small Group Facilitators meeting
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band Practice
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday
9:30 am YoUUng Child Playgroup
6 pm First Friday “Brazilian Carnival”
Find a costume! Invite a friend. Bring your kids! It’s going to be FUN!!!! Join Adele Queiroz, a Brazilian member of the church, in this GREAT way bring a little life into mid-winter. Bring a dish to share!
Phoenix Rising: our newest art installation
This month the themes are freedom and transformation. When the Creative Spiritz team heard that, we started our usual discussion as to ‘what it means to each of us’. Nate Callahan came up with the idea of a phoenix. That night Kathy Klink-Zeitz dreamed of a phoenix rising out of a Unitarian Universalist chalice. (She probably saw one at General Assembly!) The next day Kathy searched for a model to show her fellow members what she was thinking of doing for February. Although it was not that clear to all, they let her ‘run with the idea’. After last month’s theme of struggle, this idea of the phoenix rising from the struggle and transforming into a beautiful bird seemed most appealing. The branch in his beak is an olive branch the symbol of peace and freedom. ~The Creative Arts Group
From our UU United Nations Office . . .
To those interested - a teleseminar directly related to our Spring Seminar for anyone to participate in. Please email office@uu-uno.org for phone-in instructions and access code. Thanks!
Building a Culture of Peace:
How Can UUs Lead the Way?
You are warmly invited to join in a series of informal discussions by teleconference featuring noted UU leaders and scholars, on the topic of how UUs can provide leadership in building a culture of peace. This presentation is sponsored by the UU Peacemaking Congregational Study/Action Core Team.
Seminar #2 – “Strategic Options for Building a Culture of Peace” – presentation by Sharon Welch
8 pm Eastern Time, Monday, April 28
Presenter: Sharon Welch, provost of Meadville Lombard Theological Seminar, and author of several books including After Empire: the Art and Ethos of Enduring Peace. Sharon is a leader in the UU Peacemaking Congregational Study/Action Issue Program. Upcoming: Real Peace, Real Security.
Also . . . UU-UNO Spring Seminar:
All in the Name of Faith: Rights, Religion, and Responsibility April 16-18, 2009 (Youth program begins on the 15th.) in New York City
Join us to explore the role religion plays in our global fight for Human Rights. Come to hear excellent speakers. Leave empowered, with tools to create substantive change in your communities. Registration is now open! Email any questions to springseminar@uu-uno.org
One of the most dramatic shifts, for people who have been around for a while, is the change to functioning like a Program sized church. This means that our energy is focused on creating programs (and teams) that help us living our values. We have found a powerful strength in having small groups for people to share and work on their own journey with others who care about them. With this model, individuals will find that not every one will know our story, but as long as there is at least one circle of people who do, you will have some connection and support. As an institution we will find we have room for about 350 plus members, before we need to start changing our institutional model again!
With this shift in model of how things are organized, we all must realize that decisions are rarely made as a body of the whole. We have many good people who spend hours and hours discussing decisions in committee meetings. If you feel strongly about something, I would suggest that you not only bring your idea to that committee, but that you sit with them, and not only bring an idea, but listen to their thoughts. Our decisions are made with a lot of ideas being tossed around in the committee, concerns shared, passionate dialogue and deep listening on all sides. After passing through this stage, larger decisions then move up to the next level, or are activated. So think of it as ‘representative democracy.’ This means that you share your voice with those who are most interested in the same things you are in—the right committee. But it also means you won’t always know what is happening all the time. This is part of creating a different structure. The power isn’t top down, hierarchical, but rather a hierarchy of commitment. Those who invest the most time, energy, willingness to listen and share their thoughts and dreams with love, are those who will most influence the choices this church makes.
The church energy is high, and the building is buzzing with life and purpose. Let’s continue to build a community with arms wide enough to hold all who dare to grow with us in spirit. Continue to build a community of love and trust, where each feels safe enough to dare to grow!
See you in church!
Unless you meet me at Cup of Joe in just a few minutes!
Eva
This Sunday
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am “Facing Our Fears” What are we afraid of, and why? In order to "dare to grow," we need to face these questions. The UU Youth will lead us in a service exploring the theme of fear.
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: The Conscious Living Group and Green Sanctuary Committee will sponsor a Draft-Stopper Making Workshop during Second Hour! Bring measurements for those drafty doors and windows and we'll have materials and sewing machines set up in the Fellowship Hall to construct them and take them home that day. Any donations will go toward supporting the work of these 2 groups.
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. There will be an opportunity to sign the membership book.
Upcoming Week
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir Practice
6:15 pm Workshop on “Self-Realization” with Crystal King
7 pm Small Group Facilitators meeting
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band Practice
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday
9:30 am YoUUng Child Playgroup
6 pm First Friday “Brazilian Carnival”
Find a costume! Invite a friend. Bring your kids! It’s going to be FUN!!!! Join Adele Queiroz, a Brazilian member of the church, in this GREAT way bring a little life into mid-winter. Bring a dish to share!
Phoenix Rising: our newest art installation
This month the themes are freedom and transformation. When the Creative Spiritz team heard that, we started our usual discussion as to ‘what it means to each of us’. Nate Callahan came up with the idea of a phoenix. That night Kathy Klink-Zeitz dreamed of a phoenix rising out of a Unitarian Universalist chalice. (She probably saw one at General Assembly!) The next day Kathy searched for a model to show her fellow members what she was thinking of doing for February. Although it was not that clear to all, they let her ‘run with the idea’. After last month’s theme of struggle, this idea of the phoenix rising from the struggle and transforming into a beautiful bird seemed most appealing. The branch in his beak is an olive branch the symbol of peace and freedom. ~The Creative Arts Group
From our UU United Nations Office . . .
To those interested - a teleseminar directly related to our Spring Seminar for anyone to participate in. Please email office@uu-uno.org for phone-in instructions and access code. Thanks!
Building a Culture of Peace:
How Can UUs Lead the Way?
You are warmly invited to join in a series of informal discussions by teleconference featuring noted UU leaders and scholars, on the topic of how UUs can provide leadership in building a culture of peace. This presentation is sponsored by the UU Peacemaking Congregational Study/Action Core Team.
Seminar #2 – “Strategic Options for Building a Culture of Peace” – presentation by Sharon Welch
8 pm Eastern Time, Monday, April 28
Presenter: Sharon Welch, provost of Meadville Lombard Theological Seminar, and author of several books including After Empire: the Art and Ethos of Enduring Peace. Sharon is a leader in the UU Peacemaking Congregational Study/Action Issue Program. Upcoming: Real Peace, Real Security.
Also . . . UU-UNO Spring Seminar:
All in the Name of Faith: Rights, Religion, and Responsibility April 16-18, 2009 (Youth program begins on the 15th.) in New York City
Join us to explore the role religion plays in our global fight for Human Rights. Come to hear excellent speakers. Leave empowered, with tools to create substantive change in your communities. Registration is now open! Email any questions to springseminar@uu-uno.org
Friday, January 23, 2009
Weekly Update
Weekly Update 1/23/09
It has been a powerful week of memory and hope, as we have looked back to the passionate witness to goodness and righteousness that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr . brought to the world, coupled with the inauguration, where hope did not linger unborn, and die. Instead it lived for many of the nation’s citizens as we realized we ourselves were living history. Already some are impatient . . . wondering what we are going to do next, how soon until all the problems begin getting fixed. President Obama encouraged us towards patience in his address. But more than that, I want to encourage us towards something else: and that is awareness and gratitude. Sometimes it does us good to stop, pause from our marathon race towards goodness and righteousness and peace . . . and simply be, in the amazing moment. Catch our breath. Breathing deeply, we can look back at just how far we have come. And plot our path ahead of us. There are many choices we can make as we navigate this journey of life. Let us look clearly at this goodness, at this moment of justice, so that we know what it looks like. Etch it on our souls, and all the work that brought us to this moment. It will help us, as we discern all that is to follow.
I’m off to Cup of Joe . . .I’ll be there from 4:30 to 6pm, if you care to join me.
~Eva
This Sunday:
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am Service “Light the Flame!” Chalice Lighter Sunday. Come learn about our symbol “The Flaming Chalice” and about an important way we can share our enthusiasm for Unitarian Universalism around the district.
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
This Coming Week
Monday
6 pm Cedar Prairie Vegetarian Potluck
Tuesday
7:30 pm Committee on Ministry
Wednesday
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir Practice
6:15 pm Workshop on “Self-Realization” with Crystal King
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band Practice
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
--
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
It has been a powerful week of memory and hope, as we have looked back to the passionate witness to goodness and righteousness that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr . brought to the world, coupled with the inauguration, where hope did not linger unborn, and die. Instead it lived for many of the nation’s citizens as we realized we ourselves were living history. Already some are impatient . . . wondering what we are going to do next, how soon until all the problems begin getting fixed. President Obama encouraged us towards patience in his address. But more than that, I want to encourage us towards something else: and that is awareness and gratitude. Sometimes it does us good to stop, pause from our marathon race towards goodness and righteousness and peace . . . and simply be, in the amazing moment. Catch our breath. Breathing deeply, we can look back at just how far we have come. And plot our path ahead of us. There are many choices we can make as we navigate this journey of life. Let us look clearly at this goodness, at this moment of justice, so that we know what it looks like. Etch it on our souls, and all the work that brought us to this moment. It will help us, as we discern all that is to follow.
I’m off to Cup of Joe . . .I’ll be there from 4:30 to 6pm, if you care to join me.
~Eva
This Sunday:
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am Service “Light the Flame!” Chalice Lighter Sunday. Come learn about our symbol “The Flaming Chalice” and about an important way we can share our enthusiasm for Unitarian Universalism around the district.
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
This Coming Week
Monday
6 pm Cedar Prairie Vegetarian Potluck
Tuesday
7:30 pm Committee on Ministry
Wednesday
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir Practice
6:15 pm Workshop on “Self-Realization” with Crystal King
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band Practice
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
--
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
Friday, January 16, 2009
Re: [uusbhc] Weekly Update
I compare snow every winter to the 7 feet in a week that fell in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 1967.
When I get a little tired of shoveling, I think of my paralyzed brother and am glad I'm able!
Warm winter wishes,
Ruth
From: Cameron Eva <cameron.eva@gmail.com>
To: Whole Church <uusbhc@yahoogroups.com>; Whole Church <cameron.eva.post@blogger.com>
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 3:14:14 PM
Subject: [uusbhc] Weekly Update
Weekly Update ~~~Are you feeling like I am feeling? All this snow and cold seeming a bit like a burden in your life? The other day as I went out to shovel my drive, I looked at the mountains of snow everywhere, and felt so defeated as I thought, "I've got no place left to put all this snow!" I re-arranged my thinking, and managed to get it all shoveled into, well, hmm its approaching Mt. Everest—as we all seem to be doing. But it made me think that we should be THRIVING and not just SURVIVING. We can thrive if we put some joy and community spirit into this winter. I'd like to start a "Snow Angels" group. If you could possibly help to shovel snow, at the church, at someone's house, would like to be part of a group effort—maybe want to participate in some random acts of kindness. Let me know. If you want to co-captain this effort, let me know!
Part 2: If you are feeling beat up by winter, and need a bit of help, able bodied and just tired of battling winter, or not-so able bodied . . . let me know. I WILL come help! And I just bet some Snow Angels out there will be coming with me. Maybe you could make us some cocoa?
Send me an e-mail, call my cell, leave a note on my Facebook wall . . . . just say yes to being part of a THRIVING community this winter!
I'll be at Cup of Joe for a cup of something warm today from 4:30 to 6pm. Join me if you'd like!
~Eva
This Sunday
8:30 am Music Rehearsal
9:30 am "Teach us Love" Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday
Help us to welcome the "Artistic Youth Ensemble" of Minnesota, which brings special music to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in this Service For All Ages. Join Worship Team members, the choir and band, and the Rev. Eva Cameron for this special day of memory and hope.
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: A talk about "Breast Cancer Edu-Action" with our own Christine
Carpenter.
12:15 pm All Church Luncheon: The Couple's Enrichment Small Group is offering a soup luncheon for all. A variety of meat and vegetarian soups along with bread and dessert will be provided. The suggested donation is $4 per adult and $3 per child or $10 per family. All donations will help fund Child Care services for Small Group Ministry.
2 pm Board Meeting
Upcoming Week
Wednesday
WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays
5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)
6:15 pm Family Choir Practice
6:15 pm Workshop on "Self-Realization" with Crystal King
7:15 pm Theoretical String Band Practice
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday
6:30 pm Buddhist Movie Night
Chalice Lighter Sunday Is Only 1 Week Away!
Many UUSBHC members have been Chalice Lighters since
1989 when the program began. A Chalice Lighter pledges to respond with a contribution of $20.00 or more, when the call comes to "light the chalice" somewhere in the Prairie Star District. There are three calls each year. Chalice Lighter funds are used to support growth in our Unitarian Universalist congregations in Prairie Star District through Chalice Lighters Grants to new or existing congregations for a minister, RE professional, music, social justice, office staff, building or land and innovative growth strategies. To enroll as a Chalice Lighter, complete the registration form and place it in the Chalice Lighters box in Fellowship Hall. For more information or to enroll online, visit the Prairie Star District website at www.psduua.org/ <http://www.psduua. org/>
International Convocation of Unitarian and Universalist Women will be meeting in Houston on Feb 26 through March 1st. This will be the first time! And even Unitarian women from the Khasi Hills of India will be there. I will be attending! More information can be found at:
http://www.icuuw. com/index. htm
Is the flood of '08 still affecting your quality of life? The Black Hawk Co. Long Term Recovery Committee has funds available to assist those with unmet needs. Call them at 272-2465 to request help (share this with those you know).
--
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
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