Weekly Update

3/19/10 Weekly Update

Hello!  There is a historic moment coming up . . . April 3!   Do you know what that date is? Well, its my mother's birthday .. . but I didn't mean that! Guess again! Its the anniversary of the legal decision that allows same-sex couples to marry in Iowa. It has been a momentous, historic time here in Iowa over the last year. And it remains one, as you look at the map of which states are legal, you can see that we stand alone in the mid-west. But STAND we do. Firmly committed to loving justice.  

I think we need a PARTY!!! 

I would like to have fun and raise a bit of money for One Iowa. They are having a gala on April 3rd in Des Moines, and you are welcome to go there . . . but I think many of us, and many in sympathy with the cause would like to party right here in the Cedar Valley. They have promised me that we can live-stream from their party, to watch some of the speeches, and feel like we are there. So, let's plan on our own night of fun and celebration: April 3rd 6:30 to 9:30pm. 

I really need help with this. I can't do it alone. I need some people to help plan. Someone to organize food/drinks, someone to handle invitations and PR, someone to help organize a program of events and fun for us . . . oh, and someone who's good with decorations!!  Its coming up fast--just 2 weeks away. So say 'yes' I'll help!  (e-mail me now!)

 . . . and mark your calendars to be there!!

Meanwhile . . . the Drama Team is planning something special for this Sunday's Spring Festival Sunday! Come on out. (and bring your pledge card if you've been away on vacation, and missed getting it in.)

See you in church!!

~Eva

Sunday 3/7/10

              8:30 am Music Rehearsal

              9:30 am Service "Rite of Spring: A Festival Sunday"
 Join the Festival Team as we celebrate the arrival of Spring with music, drama and poetry.  We will dedicate children on this day. A day of hope re-born. Meaningful fun for the whole family.

              10:45 am Fellowship Time

              11:00 am Children's Chapel

              11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth

              11:15 am Adult Classes

Sixty for Six: Bill Harwood will be leading us with current events based on "Last Sunday's Front Page News" (under the balcony)

Buddhist Path: Join Ralph and others in exploring Buddhist spiritual practices. (balcony)

Walkin' the Talk: meets next week

              2:00 pm What's Up Doc?umentaries "The Life of Buddha"

 

 

Calendar Updates for this Coming Week

Wednesday

WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays

5:00 pm Children's Choir

5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

6:15 pm Adult Choir

6:30 pm Meditation Workshop (high school room)

              Artistic Fun Workshop

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

7:30 pm Buddhist Path (balcony)

Friday

7:30 pm Drum Circle

 

Other items

We are pleased to announce that our own Gordon Harrington has won the Prairie Star District Unsung UU Award. This affirms those UU's whose actions inspire, support, and express Unitarian Universalism, but have not been previously recognized. The award is given to a person or group whose lifetime activities have made a significant contribution to the cause of Unitarian Universalism. Gordon is currently active in the Friendship Village Ministry, where he lives with his wife Dotty. We don't see him much around the church these days, but he was involved for many years. We are proud of Gordon, and look forward to seeing him receive the award at the Annual Meeting. (more details of his nomination will be available in the newsletter, and at church.) This now places him in the standing for the National Award, which is given at General Assembly in June. 

Here's the link to register! The "early bird" deadline has been extended to March 23rd.  <http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2010/AnnualConference2010>

 

Pastoral Update

Carol Fishback has been struggling with pneumonia that lead to a collapsed lung, as her daughter Mickey reported to us last Sunday. She is out of the hospital, and perking up a bit. Please continue to send her lots of warm thoughts and healing light and prayers. 

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

Weekly Update

3/5/10 Weekly Update 

We are asking you consider how some of your favorite memories of your time in the UUSBHC. If you've filled out a card and posted it on the wall downstairs, that's great. If you didn't get a chance to, or have something you want to add, please send your memories (in a phrase or two), to me before Sunday. Mike and I will be weaving these into the service. All of our lives have been woven together by this place we call our religious home. Some of us have been coming for years, some for just a few weeks. Some come every Sunday, some only from time to time . . . but the beauty and strength comes from the thread that each of us adds to the tapestry that makes up our lives. We each add a color, a hue, and special flash of color or a strong, secure cord to the rich abundance that makes up the programs, special moments, brief hugs in the hall, rich conversations, gifts of care and concern.  

As you consider your pledge this year, I want to say that I do understand the stresses of living in these new times of economic uncertainty. Some of us are adjusting our life plans, as its clear that things are going to different in the near future. There are many more stay-cations, and many more creative ways to stretch our dollars. I want you to consider just how lucky we are to have this progressive community here in the Cedar Valley. If if turns out we can run off to far away locations, or buy ourselves as many treats in life--let us give ourselves this, a place that is open and full of life and excitement and people we enjoy right here! We are a community that can reach out and sustain each other. Help each other through the tough times. Remind each other to celebrate life, all the sweet moments that add up to a life well lived, together. 

See you in church!

~Eva

Sunday 3/7/10

              8:30 am Teacher's Tea

              8:30 am Music Rehearsal

              9:30 am Service "La Dolce Vita ~ Abundance Sunday"

Rev. Eva Cameron and Mike Knapp, co-preaching

Al Hays as Worship Associate: Come celebrate the sweetness of life!  Together we create some beautiful moments and memories, as we journey though life together. Join us as we share some of your memories, listen to the choir sing, and enjoy a great message. 

MOST EXCITING . . . bring your pledge form back to church, or have in mind what you want to fill in . . . and in the time it takes to do one service, we will create a remarkable ABUNDANCE and sweetness. At the end of the service, we will announce our total raised. 

(If you can't get there, please let Mike Knapp know your pledge). We all want to feel the energy surge, as we come together to create an AWESOME and incredibly diverse and loving community--right here in the Cedar Valley.

 

              10:45 am Fellowship Time & Youth Bake Sale

              11:00 am Children's Chapel

              11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth

              11:15 am Adult Classes

Sixty for Six Join Karen Kitchen for "The Weft of Religion" (balcony)

Conscious Living Erin Buchanan will focus on Home & Business

energy-efficiency incentives and rebates. (sanctuary)

New Member: People interested in becoming new members are invited to meet

with Rev. Eva & Mica Lorenz in Eva's office.

              2:00 pm "A Gathering of Women" small group

 

 

              This Coming Week

Tuesday

              7:15 pm Religious Services Council

Wednesday

WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays

              5:00 pm Children's Choir

              5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

              6:15 pm Adult Choir

              6:30 pm Self Realization Workshop (high school room)

                            Artistic Fun Workshop

              7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

              7:00 – 9:00 pm Healing Artz Workshop

              7:30 pm Buddhist Path (balcony)

Saturday

              6:30 pm UU Card Club

 

Other items

Class for Families With Individuals With Mental Illnesses
The Black Hawk County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
will offer a free 12-week class for family members of individuals who have mental illnesses 
or mental disabilities such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar, panic, obsessive-compulsive, 
borderline personality, co-occurring brain and addictive disorders.  The class will begin on
Thursday, April 8, and meet on Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm, at First Congregational Church 
in Waterloo.  To register contact Black Hawk County NAMI by April 1 at 319-235-5263 
or email namibh@questoffice.net  NAMI Black Hawk also provides support groups for 
adults with mental illnesses and mental disabilities.

 

Now is the time!

Register for the annual meeting of Prairie Star District

April 23-25 in Davenport IA---fun programing for kids! Meet UU's from our area!

Our congregation will be receiving the Gold Star Award--for our excellence in growth. 

<http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2010/AnnualConference2010>

 

Read about the GA service project for this year in Minneapolis. 

Each year, as we gather for the annual meeting, we also work to leave the place we've visited a bit nicer, spreading a little love. This year we will work with Habitat for Humanity:

<http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/158726.shtml>

 

Learn more and Register for GA (june 23-27)

Its in Minneapolis this year!! It may be a looooong time until it is scheduled back close enough that you can drive to get there. So seize the opportunity and go!

<http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/>

 

Willing to help at GA, (and save on registration fees)? 

Talk with Mike Knapp or Mica Lorenz--they are our local area volunteer coordinators!

Or contact them "Mica Lorez" <micalorenz@gmail.com>, "Mike Knapp" <mikeknapp@mchsi.com>, 

phone: 291-6509

 

 

Pastoral Update

Heather Flory is heading to St. Louis to see her step-dad, and friend of UUSBHC, Dave Perry.  You can follow Dave's story and leave him and his wife Floralyn messages of care and love here: <http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/daveperry>  Heather says, "Everyone send me your healing energy, please, so I can take it with me and pass it on to him!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Update

Weekly Update

I've been hearing lots of people complaining about how tired they are of winter by now. I find, with the special lens I have on life--that of someone who is feeling like really lucky to even be here--I'm having a great time with the winter. After several years of battling winter, after coming up north here from Tulsa. This year I decided on a different plan. I decided to join winter. I'm planning on wearing lots of clothes, woolen clothes, and hats . . . and even snow pants and tall boots for snow hikes. And out I go into the day, with a lot of joy to be out in the day. The sunny days have been particularly beautiful. I'm sending this out a bit late today, because I took a nice walk in the sunshine this afternoon. I'm attaching a couple of pictures. Hope you can enjoy the beauty of this gorgeous winter day--at least from my pictures. 

See you in church!

~Eva

Saturday 2/27/10

7:00 – 9:00 pm Treats & Talents Salsa Party

Sunday 2/28/10

8:30 am Music Rehearsal

              9:30 am Service "Sharing the Good News"
Rev. Eva Cameron & Deblyn Russell as Worship Associate.  
As part of our year-long focus of Standing on the Side of Love, 
we will explore how to talk about same-sex marriage including Biblical Self-Defense! Please BRING YOUR BIBLE to church with you, along with a pen to be able to underline sections. The New Revised Standard (NRS) is a good translation. I want to learn how to talk intellegently to people who's frame of reference and source for truth is the Bible. There are things to think about, translations to understand, and situations to consider in the verses that people often use to beat others up about same-sex marriage. Come learn to speak about the Good News, a loving faith, right from the Bible. 

              10:45 am Fellowship Time

              11:00 am Children's Chapel

              11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth

              11:15 am Adult Classes

Sixty for Six: Del Carpenter speaking about the "Why" of the phenomenon

related to the essay "People of the Unread Book". (balcony)

TRIBE (Team, Rhythm, Instruments, and Body Ensemble)
Join Tim for fun!. (sanctuary)

              4:00 pm "Yoga for All" with Krystal Hamilton

This Coming Week

Monday

              6:00 pm REAP Council meeting

Tuesday

              7:00 pm Committee on Ministry meeting

Wednesday: WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays

              5:00 pm Children's Choir

              5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

              6:15 pm Adult Choir

              6:30 pm Self Realization Workshop (high school room)

                            Artistic Fun Workshop

              7:30 pm Small Group Facilitators meeting

              7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

              7:30 pm Buddhist Path (balcony)

Other items

Now is the time!

Register for the annual meeting of Prairie Star District

April 23-25 in Davenport IA---fun programing for kids! Meet UU's from our area!

Our congregation will be receiving the Gold Star Award--for our excellence in growth. 

<http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2010/AnnualConference2010>

Register for General Assembly

June 23-27 in Minneapolis--THIS IS A SPECIAL CHANCE TO ATTEND WHILE ITS NEARBY!!

Sing with 3000+ other UU's in worship. See the amazing spectrum of diversity that represents our faith. 

Volunteer to get reduced prices. (See Mike Knapp).  Camp for kids. 

<http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/>

--
Rev Eva Cameron
minister
Unitarian Univesalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-610-6605
www.uusbhc.org

Weekly Update

Weekly Update - 2/21/10

Tomorrow night Stewardship Dinner . . . don't forget to come to a delightful spaghetti dinner. I hear there will be as many  choices for your pasta, delicious salad, tasty desserts!  Its not to late to RSVP to Shanlee McNally 296-2780  or <shanlee.mcnally@dybb.com>   Do it tonight!!  

6pm Social 

6:30 Dinner

7:30 Program--Come and learn about our plans for the Stewardship Campaign, including our new-this-year Abundance Sunday! 

This Sunday

8:30 am Music Rehearsal

9:30 am Service "Opening the Hatch" Rev. Kelly Asprooth-Jackson 
with Karen Impola as Worship Associate. 
A service on embracing the possibilities of life, led by the minister of 
Pullman Memorial Universalist Church in Albion, NY.

10:45 am Fellowship Time

11:00 am Children's Chapel

11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth

11:15 am Adult Classes

Sixty for Six: Bob Knox's presentation will be on the famous golden ratio that

is so pleasing to us, and is a common event in Nature. (under the balcony)

Buddhist Path: Join Ralph and others in exploring Buddhist spiritual practices.

Walkin' the Talk: Due to the Stewardship Campaign, there will be no meeting

or "focus" this month, but check out the Social Action Board for updates

on the UUA and UUSC efforts in Haiti.

2:00 pm What's Up Doc?umentary on "The Life of Buddha"

This Coming Week

Monday

              6:00 pm Cedar Prairie Vegetarian Potluck

Wednesday

WOW! Workshops on Wednesdays

              5:00 pm Children's Choir

              5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

              6:15 Adult Choir

              6:30 pm Self Realization Workshop

                            Artistic Fun Workshop

              7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

                            Budget Deadline for Committees & Clusters

              7:30 pm Buddhist Path

Saturday

7:00 – 9:00 pm Treats & Talents Salsa Party (contact Heather Flory for more information)

Pastoral Update

Our sympathy to Paula Stadler, who's brother Brian died this past week at the age of 39. He leaves behind a lovely wife and 6 year old son. Please hold them all in your thoughts and prayers.  Paula is in Minnesota currently for the funeral Monday. 

--
Rev Eva Cameron
minister
Unitarian Univesalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-610-6605
www.uusbhc.org

Weekly Update

Weekly Update - 2/14/10  Well, it was quite a week . . . with all this snow and a trip down to DesMoines for OneIowa's Lobby Day. I was so impressed that we had 7 people attend from our church. Along with the 4 UNI students, it made for an impressive group to gather around a legislator, as we shared our thoughts. I think they were impressed too, for straight couples to take time off from work to go down and speak to this issue was a powerful thing. We must remember that as we hope to see civil rights progress, we must act in the civil arena. And we must plan to be supportive of those whose livelihoods are engaged with this work. There is much to be done, and I continue to be shocked as I speak to my progressive Clergy colleagues, at how careful and slow they are in affirming the good, the path of justice. Meanwhile, the UU's are 'getting it'--we had 5 clergy, and close to 30 people total attending from around the state. Be proud, for we know that we are standing on the right side of history in this issue. Just as decades before others did, we were ordaining women clergy . . . we may be ahead of our time, but that is because we are so good and having our heads talk to our hearts, and our hearts to our heads--which is what Standing on the Side of Love is all about. 

This Sunday:

            8:30 am Music Rehearsal

9:30 am Service:  Festival Sunday: Love!   

Rev. Eva Cameron, and the Festival Team, Children's and Adult Choir, Band .

Join us for this celebration of love and life as we honor the many roles of love in our lives. 

For the Buddhists out there, it will be a living metta meditation: ever expanding realms of compassion. 

              10:45 am Fellowship Time

              11:00 am Children's Chapel

              11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth

              11:15 am Adult Classes

            Sixty for Six: Erika Lindgren, a history professor at Wartburg, will present

                            "Reading Medieval Art". (balcony)

            Circle Way: Candlesmas/Imbolic, Led by Deblyn Russell and Heather Flory

                        Candlemas is a time when the light of rebirth grows stronger it is a time 

                        for retreat and rekindling of the inner fire. All are welcome to join us as we 

                        celebrate this Celtic fire festival with ritual, poetry, meditation and candle light. 

                        (sanctuary)

              12:15 pm "Help Haiti" luncheon by UU Youth and parents

              12:30 pm Traveling UU's small group

              2:00 pm Sunday Afternoon small group

 

This Coming Week

Tuesday

              7:00 pm Board Meeting

Wednesday               Calendar deadline

               Noon: FVUUM-rescheduled from last week. Chapel service at Friendship VIllage, followed by lunch. All Welcome, RSVP for lunch to Brian Forster. 

            WOW-Workshops on Wednesdays

            5:00 pm Children's Choir

              5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

              6:15 Adult Choir

              6:30 pm Self Realization Workshop

                            Artistic Fun Workshop

              7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

              7:30 pm Buddhist Path

Friday                            Newsletter Deadline

Saturday

              6:30 pm Stewardship Kickoff Dinner

Other items

Please plan on attending next week's Stewardship Dinner. We want everyone to know the plans for the upcoming Stewardship Drive. 

--
Rev Eva Cameron
minister
Unitarian Univesalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-610-6605
www.uusbhc.org

Weekly Update

Weekly Update - 2/7/10 

This has been a difficult week for me, as I have thought about how much I miss my colleague in ministry, who died of cancer last week. It cuts close my own heart to loose a friend to cancer. I identify too closely. So I have been taking out my 'kit' of spiritual practices, and hunting around for things that will help me regain my bearings. One thing I have been practicing this week, is really cultivating gratitude--most particularly for the chance I have to be alive. This evening, when I sat down to dinner, I looked at my plate. I had made grilled Portabella caps, sweet potatoes flavored with sorghum molasses and some spices, and a tasty salad of mixed greens, spinach, sheep's milk feta, almonds, grapefruit, avocado dressed with a vinaigrette.  As I looked at this plate of food, I felt so lucky I got a chance to be here, and try these tasty foods. As I nibbled on things, and savored their flavors, it made me very happy to think I was alive and not only that, but lucky enough to have all these delicious foods to eat. There are so many precious moments friends. Savor each one you get! We get so many invitations to really be so happy and alive. Let's send in the RSVP, and show up! 

~Eva

This Sunday:

8:30 am Music Rehearsal

9:30 am Sunday Service "The Sparrow"  Rev. Eva Cameron preaching, Maureen Murphy (Worship Associate)

Purchased by Brittany Flokstra at the Treats & Talents auction, this sermon is based on the book The Sparrow.  Agnostics, true believers and misfits are the first to explore an alien race.  In the process we explore the nature of God, and the nature of the other.

              10:45 am Fellowship Time

              11:00 am Children's Chapel

              11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth

              11:15 am Adult Classes

Sixty for Six: "Alternative Spiritualities" Al Hays will inform us about Agnosticism.

Conscious Living: Donna Wood facilitates a discussion of the realities and meanings of

              Socially Responsible Investing then and now.

New Member Session: People interested in becoming new members are invited to meet with

Rev. Eva and Mica Lorenz in Eva's office.

              2:00 pm "A Gathering of Women" small group

              4:00 pm "Beginning Yoga" with Krystal Hamilton--CANCELED THIS WEEK.

 

This Coming Week

Tuesday

              7:15 pm Religious Services Committee

Wednesday

              5:00 pm Children's Choir

              5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

              6:15 Adult Choir

              6:30 pm Self Realization Workshop

                            Artistic Fun Workshop

                            Integral Live Practice Workshop

              7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

              7:30 pm Buddhist Path

Other items

You're Invited! 2010 UU Stewardship Dinner Come join us for pasta, salad, dessert and fellowship.  Hear why your pledge to UUSBHC is so important! Saturday, February 20, at the UUSBHC 6:00 Social 6:30 Dinner 7:30 Program Childcare provided  RSVP to shanlee.mcnally@dybb.com or 319-296-2780

Exciting news! Krystal Hamilton is now the Chef for Wednesday dinners.  This means she is in charge of the Kitchen. As she learns the ropes please ASK her if she needs any help with the meal or with set-up.  As clean-up is a large job, she could especially use your help with that. We will have posted in the kitchen the different jobs for set-up and clean-up. Please make Krystal welcome. You will still RSVP to Kathy regarding attendance for the dinner.  

Celebrate Brazilian Carnival!! Friday Feb. 12th. Come party with us! It's a family affair. Bring a dish to share. 6pm in the Fellowship Hall. Costumes are encourage! See Adele Santana, Staci Chananie-Hill, or Gretchen Koinzan for more details.

--
Rev Eva Cameron
minister
Unitarian Univesalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-610-6605
www.uusbhc.org