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Hello!
Sunday Service
Given events of the past few weeks, I have decided to change my topic and preach on:
“Race, Rev. Wright, and Liberation Theology.”
Unlike many white people, I had a childhood where I grew up knowing I was white. It has profound impact on my view of the world. And I have been captivated by watching the unfolding of reaction as after the initial impact of Rev. Wrights’ sermon clips hitting the airwaves. Amazingly situated just after Easter and just before our community celebrates Passover . . . I will speak a bit of people’s connection to the old story of wandering in the desert towards the Promised Land. The Family Folk Ensemble will lead us in song. And our Walkin’ the Talk collection for this month will go to the Eastside Ministerial Alliance.
I f you haven’t had a chance to do this yet, I would suggest that you watch these videos that put the brief clips of Rev. Wright’s comments into context: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOdlnzkeoyQ>
It will only take 10 minutes.
Children’s Chapel is at 11am
Second Hour
We have classes for both children and adults at 11:15am. The adult program for this week has been changed too. We will offer a chance to share our personal reflection on Race, Rev. Wright and Liberation Theology in this Shouting over the Back of the Elephant session led by me.
First Friday is coming up!
Next Friday is our community celebration of Passover. Please RSVP by Thursday so the tables can be set, and enough of the ritual elements ready ( Kathy Klink-Zeitz <klinkzeitz@gmail.com>) This is a Family Friendly version of the traditional Sedar. Come and learn, remember, explore, celebrate. And bring a dish to share.
Here’s a fun International Unitarian moment:
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaELn7ydlQw>
This video is a church in the town of Fuzesgyarmatin, Hungary and is from a children's religious program prepared for the Hungarian Unitarian Church and broadcast on Hungarian television. The custom is Transylvanian, where Unitarians originate (now part of Romania). It shows a practice, known as Viragozas, a folk custom in of Transylvania and was documented as far back as the mid 19th century. The practice was a part of Easter observances which included decorating the village with flowers and greenery. The young bachelors of the village would add ornaments such as decorated eggs to a tree in the courtyard of the home of each of the marriageable young women. Its origins are presumably in a pre-christian rite of spring, as with the more widespread custom of Locsolkodas, in which the men and boys visit women of their acquaintance, giving them flowers, dabbing a bit of perfume on their foreheads and reciting a verse for them.
This other video shows the same church, enacting a pageant. The children are all dressed up and sing a lot. I wish I could tell you more about what’s happening. But the songs are fun.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CclvNyk1uik&feature=related>
Notice the embroidered message on the pulpit, which is translated “God is One.”
Pastoral Update:
Again, I have little to report. Several people had the flu, but have recovered. Do let me know of significant moments in your life, that you would like to share with others.
Fridays at the Cup
I’ll be at the Cup of Joe from 4:30 to 6pm for our weekly TGIF gathering.
See you in church,
~Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
Greetings!
We’ve had a pleasantly busy week, this Holy Week . . . with many special events. Its been good to connect with you. And if you’ve been away due to Spring Break, then I’ll look forward to seeing you when you return.
This Sunday
Easter Service for all ages at 9:30am followed by a potluck BrUUnch.
People seem sad it is so cold this Easter, (when we like to wear our fun and festive new Spring clothes). So I’d like to make a brash and fun proposal: let’s wear festive hats to brighten our moods. “Easter Bonnets” for those of you who’ve been to an Easter Parade! Try this link for inspiration: <http://gonyc.about.com/od/photogalleries/ig/Easter-Parade/>
Then if we are wearing wool and snow boots it won’t seem so bad. I’ve got mine ready for Sunday . . . .
We will be dedicating children. Please let Kathy or me know if you’d like to include your child.
The brunch will begin around 10:45 or 11am, so if you can’t make the service, feel free to join us for a celebratory meal. This is a great morning to bring a neighbor or friend who doesn’t have a church home or a family to spend time with. Bring a dish to pass—breakfast, lunch, fruit or dessert—its all FUN!
Second Hour
There will be no classes after the service due to the BrUUnch.
Cup of Joe
I will be at Cup of Joe this afternoon it turns out—I had thought I would be busy. So if you’d like to join me from 4:30 to 6pm, if a fun time just to hang out and relax together.
DrUUm Circle Tonight
Join Deblyn and many others as they drum for peace on this full moon night. The goal is to get 8000 drummers going this evening, across the country.
Nickname Process
We are still in the “advocating” phase of this attempt at community decision making. Please look over the names in the Fellowship Hall and add your thought for what you like, what you think is good or works, with the various names.
Newsletter Deadline
Yep, you guessed it . . . Its today. So please get your information in as quickly as you can to Gerry Chamberlin <sgchamberlin@cfu.net>
Don’t forget your Pledge Card
Yes, I know . . . Its so easy to leave it sitting there on the counter as you dash out the door! But we do need them in. It makes planning the year so much easier, and choosing to give is a great way to expand your heart. If you haven’t received one they are available at church or contact Mike Knapp <mikeknapp@mchsi.com>
See you Sunday!
~Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
Hello,
I hope that you are enjoying this warm weather as much as I am. I know some of you are departing for spring break, but know that many of you will be around this week. With the coming week being ‘Holy Week’ we’ve got lots of things going on.
Our Sunday Service (9:30-10:45am)
This week Tim Purdum and I will be co-preaching. Tim will be speaking about his spiritual journey, including his reclaiming some of the Christian messages and stories with a UU twist. I’ll be sharing what Palm Sunday means for me, and what it might mean for you.
We will share Communion this Sunday in honor of the Last Supper, because it fits with Tim’s story. Hope you’ll join us!
Second Hour (11:15-12:15)
We have classes for children, youth and adults. This weeks offerings for the adults are:
Buddhist Path - Individuals are invited to meet with others who are interested in exploring with me about Buddhist spiritual practices and their lives.
Shouting Over the Back of the Elephant -Tim Purdum will lead a group discussion of this Sunday’s sermon topic.
Holy Week:
On Thursday, we have our annual Maundy Thursday dinner. Bring a dish to share that has a story to share as well! That’s at 6pm, hosted by Russ Campbell.
On Friday, our Good Friday chapel is at Noon. Join us if you have things in your life to mourn, or if you’d like to pause for a moment and remember the pain in your life, before we make a joyous leap into the fullness of spring, rebirth, renewal, and joy. Sometimes its good just to pause for a moment. This service will be brief, so that you can get back to work!
Easter Children’s Dedication Service:
We will be dedicating babies and children on Easter! If you’d like to include your child, please let Kathy Klink-Zeitz or me know. Ask if you want more information about the ceremony.
Easter Lilies: Buy an Easter Lilly this Sunday and they will be used to decorate the church on Easter morning. You can take it home after church.
Reminders:
We will NOT have our Wednesday Dinner and Family Folk Ensemble due to the break.
If you haven’t done so yet, its time to turn in your Pledge Cards in PLEASE! The energy and resources of this church are your energy and resources. Its wealth is what we share with it. Help us build and sustain an amazing home for progressive, thoughtful, passionate people here in the Cedar Valley.
Nickname the church, phase 2:
After weeks of Brainstorming, we now have LOTS of fun and interesting names to consider. Its time to move into Phase 2, which is advocacy. This means making notes about what you like or think is good about a name. Remember, so that this stays fun and light-hearted, and respectful, we are asking that you refrain from making negative comments. If everyone just writes about what they like and what is good, we can all read these messages—and be able to sort from a place of joy, and excitement. Feel free to type up your thoughts and hang them next to your name . . . Or to grab a sticky note and place your comments on that next to the name(s) you find have merit.
Just to help you think about all of this, I have printed out a flyer like might be hung in a coffeeshop and a letterhead with [Insert Name Here] on it, so you can picture the use of this nickname. Also, think about talking about your church to a new neighbor or colleague at work, using these various nicknames. What rings true to who we are, and seems welcoming, understandable, open?
Cyber News: we now have a UUSBHC Facebook Group for Facebook users . . . Please feel free to join us!
Pastoral Update (3/14/08)
It was really fun to be back at Friendship Village this past week for our Chapel Service. We had most everybody in attendance! And with so many out due to accident or illness last month, this was a remarkable, joyous change. Dick Shane walked in, not even using a boot for his foot! We were all so pleased to see each other again.
In Your Thoughts & Prayers:
Our soldiers overseas, since we are about to the 5th Anniversary of the war in Iraq—as well as their families, and the families of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Shut-Ins (people to visit):
Mildred Pierce 1710 Walnut St. CF
Calls:
Mildred Pierce, 266-9727
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Please help us live our vision of being a place of caring, let us know of people who should be included in the Pastoral Update—even if its yourself! We want to know. Esther Kieffer and Rev. Eva.
May we all reach out, in spite of earth’s imperfections for what is good and lasting and true in life.
~Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
Greetings!
It’s the First Friday, which means we are having a party! This month’s event is celebrating Iranian New Year, with our own Kamyar Enshayan, and his daughter Nettie, sharing with us all about how this holiday. Bring a dish to share—if you are feeling adventurous, make something from Iran. If not, just bring what pleases you. We will enjoy it! And you will enjoy being here, 6pm tonight!
Our Sunday Service (9:30-10:45am)
This week Karen Impola will be sharing with you some inspiring stories about UU Women in honor of Women’s History month, and why this is important to her. Come and be moved.
Don’t forget DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME CHANGE!!
Second Hour (11:15-12:15)
We have classes for children, youth and adults. This weeks offerings for the adults are:
Circle Way - The topic for Circle Way will be the Spring Equinox ritual, facilitated by Deblyn Russell and Sue Wilson.
Stories That Changed My Life - New series, join fellow UUs as they relate interesting and informative stories about events that changed their lives. Julie Fischer will share her story.
Children’s Dedication Service:
We will be dedicating babies and children on Easter! If you’d like to include your child, please let Kathy Klink-Zeitz or me know. Ask if you want more information about the ceremony.
Nickname the church, phase 2:
After weeks of Brainstorming, we now have LOTS of fun and interesting names to consider. Its time to move into Phase 2, which is advocacy. This means making notes about what you like or think is good about a name. Remember, so that this stays fun and light-hearted, and respectful, we are asking that you refrain from making negative comments. If everyone just writes about what they like and what is good, we can all read these messages—and be able to sort from a place of joy, and excitement. Feel free to type up your thoughts and hang them next to your name . . . Or to grab a sticky note and place your comments on that next to the name(s) you find have merit.
Just to help you think about all of this, I have printed out a flyer like might be hung in a coffeeshop and a letterhead with [Insert Name Here] on it, so you can picture the use of this nickname. Also, think about talking about your church to a new neighbor or colleague at work, using these various nicknames. What rings true to who we are, and seems welcoming, understandable, open?
Why are we doing the “Nickname the church” project?
In case you missed it, we are doing this project for several reasons. The first one is that our current name is a mouthful, so it seemed like a “nickname” might be helpful in talking about it with others, with referring to it in the community. There has also been some thought that “Black Hawk County” doesn’t accurately describe the make-up of our membership, since Waverly isn’t in BHC. Some have felt that the name “Society,” while once used more regularly for religious institutions has been used more and more exclusively for clubs and professional groups—so it fails to communicate to the larger community our religious nature. Even “UUSBHC” looks a bit daunting for the uninitiated. Anyhow, so we are attempting to find a ‘nickname’ to go in front of our legal name. We want to make the process fun and compassionate and inclusive. There is no set outcome, and if we don’t find one that we agree on, that’s okay. BECAUSE, the other reason to do this, is that it gets us talking about who we are, how we see ourselves, how we want other’s to perceive us, how we talk about ourselves, etc. This is all wonderful conversation to have!
Cyber News: we now have a UUSBHC Facebook Group for Facebook users . . . Please feel free to join us!
Please note, I am not at Cup of Joe this afternoon, due to the First Friday event.
Pastoral Update (3/7/08)
In Your Thoughts & Prayers:
Damon Gross’s father, Everett, died in Crete Nebraska. He had a heart valve that wasn’t working well, then got flu this week.
Margie Miller’s mom Helen died in Ames on Thursday night, after being in hospice for only a brief time.
Dottie Forsberg, who’s building is still under quarantine.
Esther, whose sister died of cancer this past week.
Shut-Ins (people to visit):
Mildred Pierce 1710 Walnut St. CF
Cards (people to send a card to):
Damon, Margie, Esther.
Calls:
Mildred Pierce, 266-9727
Glenyce Butschy, 266-3196 (Ask if she wants a visit. She is getting out a bit now!)
Happy News!
Scott and Beth Fullwiler are pleased to report that their daughter, Adelisa Hilda Maria Fullwiler, who was legally adopted under Guatemalan law in July 2007, was re-adoption under United States law on March 3, 2008!
Funerals/Memorial Services:
For Damon’s father, Everett: service in Crete Nebraska at Grace Methodist Church on Wednesday.
For Margie Miller’s mom Helen: in Ames on Monday.
Esther’s sister’s service was held on last Wednesday.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Please help us live our vision of being a place of caring, let us know of people who should be included in the Pastoral Update—even if its yourself! We want to know. Esther Kieffer and Rev. Eva.
May we all reach out, in spite of earth’s imperfections for what is good and lasting and true in life.
~Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
Greetings from Chicago!
Irene and I are on the road after visiting my mother in New Hampshire, and will be returning by Saturday. We’ve made it as far as Chicago! I hope that you are all surviving the winter storms. Have you had the opportunity to attend a Stewardship Dinner?
This Sunday will be our Annual Stewardship Service . . . Brought to you by the Finance Committee. The Family Choir will be singing for the last time this spring. And the new art installation is up in honor of a long-time former member: John Page. Its all his art. Come, it will be a good way to reflect on all this community means to you.
I want to remind you to please sign up for a Small Group! . . . One change in the meeting day of a group, Mica and Brian’s group will be on the LAST Sunday of the month, instead of the First. (See the full list below!)
Since I’ve been gone all week, I’ve not caught up on everyone to give you the Pastoral Update. But as soon as I hear things, I’ll let you know.
Thank you for all your words of support and encouragement. And thanks to Youth Advisors, Amy & Mike for helping out with tending the house and pet while we were away.
See in you church!
Eva
Join a Small Group!
We’d like to invite you to join a Small Group. This is an excellent way to get to know some people well, and work together on creating community while growing spiritually. We ask you to commit to regular attendance. Please RSVP to a Facilitator.
Sunday Afternoon (Last Sun. of month from 2-4pm)
Facilitators: Mica Lorenz and Brian Forster
Mica - 291-6509 or micalea@mchsi.com
Brian Forester 291-8427
Meeting at Mica’s House (has a cat)
1141 Independence, Waterloo
Start-up Meeting on Sunday March 2.
Sunday Evening (1st Sun. of month from 7:00-8:30 p.m.)
Facilitators: Kirby Sherman and Carolyn Hildebrandt
moosetrekker@aol.com & carolyn.hildebrandt@uni.edu
Meeting at church, for now. (Kirby has dogs, so this will be a pet-friendly group.)
Start-up Meeting on Sunday March 2.
Wednesday Evening (2nd Wed. of month from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.) Couples’ Enrichment Group (straight or gay, must be committed)
Facilitators: Christine and Del Carpenter
delcarpenter@cfu.net (266-0194)
Start-up Meeting March 12. (Will close after the April meeting.) Meet in church balcony.
Immediately following the Wed. evening Family Meal that begins at 5:45 p.m. Childcare will be provided.
This will be an educational and fun group; NOT therapy.
The group will read and discuss either "The Five Languages of Love" by Gary Chapman or "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" by John Gottman.
The group will choose a book at the first meeting.
John Gottman writes, "Happily married couples aren't smarter, richer, or more psychologically astute than others. But in their day-to-day lives, they have hit upon a dynamic that keeps their negative thoughts and feelings about each other (which all couples have) from overwhelming their positive ones. They have what I call an emotionally intelligent marriage . . . Just as parents can teach their children emotional intelligence, this is also a skill that a couple can be taught."
Waverly Wednesday Group (3rd Wed. of month, evenings) Facilitator: Chris Rediske
cheemel@excite.com, phone: 319-352-3444
Our Waverly Group will focus on being a book-discussion group. The books will focus on issues of Peace and Social Justice, Environmentalism, Gender Equality, Spirituality etc. Members of the group will have the opportunity to suggest books and take their turn in leading the discussion. Since this is a child-welcome group, no doubt issues concerning parenting will also arise. Start-up Meeting on April 16th.
Weekday Daytime Group
Facilitators: Esther Kieffer and Jim Paproki
emkieffer@cfu.net & jpaprocki@mchsi.com
266-1172 & 296-3737
They are still working on which day will work best, but if you’d like to be part of a group that would meet during the day, let them know!
Churning the Cream to find Butter, the sacred Self within each of us.
Hello!
Isn’t it lovely to see this sun, and feel a bit of warmth thawing our ice! Everyone I meet is tired of winter, and I am too. Although the falling snow is very pretty still. So I’d suggest we all do what we can to make each other’s lives have moments of joy and fun, that we smile at strangers, feed other’s parking meters, bake a neighbor some cookies, or just have an old friend over for a cup of tea. We all could use some extra love, and there is no one to give it to us, but ourselves!
This Sunday, we have our guest minister Rev. Susan Janzen preaching. She is the local Mennonite minister in town, and will be talking about “Why I am a Mennonite.” This tradition is related to our Universalist tradition, both coming out of the radical reformation in Europe and they share our strong commitment to Justice and Peace. Please go and give her a warm welcome, while I preach at her church!
Following the service, we have Children’s Chapel at 11am. Then from 11:15 to 12:15 we have classes for children, youth and adults in our Second Hour. The classes for Adults include a Conscious Living presentation on ‘Conscious Cleaning’, and a chance to share more with Susan Janzen in a “Shouting over the Back of the Elephant” experience.
Right after I preach on Sunday, Irene and I will be heading for New Hampshire to attend my grandmother’s funeral. We will be gone all week, returning Friday night late or Saturday morning, depending on the weather!) I will have my cell phone with me, so call if you need me—its a nation-wide plan. And I’ll check e-mail as I can. Our leaders are in place to serve, and you will find they can do a great job in all that needs to be done. Thank you for your many kind notes, cards and messages of compassion.
I hope that you have found a Small Group to join. Please let the leader know if you’d like to join their group so they know how many to expect. There is a limit to how many each group can hold.
Have you thought of an interesting ‘nickname’ for our congregation yet? Make sure you put all thoughts, no matter how silly, up on our clothesline in the Fellowship Hall. I’m counting on all you creative thinkers to come up with something delightful and amazing.
This Sunday at 2 p.m., the Peace & Justice Center of the Cedar Valley is sponsoring a showing of the documentary film, War Made Easy: How Presidents & Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death, at St. Stephen's Catholic Student Center near UNI. After the film, Dr. David Grant, assistant professor of English language & literature at UNI, will lead a discussion. Everyone is welcome to view this film and be part of the discussion.
Don’t forget that the Buddhist Retreat is coming up NEXT Saturday (March 1st). Ted Tuel, the Zen Monk from Minneapolis returns to guide us in mediation and dharma (Buddhist teachings). I hope you’ll set aside the morning for a special treat for yourself, and join us. AND invite your friends or co-workers. To register for the retreat, or for additional information please contact Maureen at
ethelkoelzer@yahoo.com or call 277-7130.
Pastoral Update (2/22/08)
We have many people who are fragile, mending or sick this week. Please help them as you can—with kind thoughts, prayers, kind words, notes, calls, and even a little help.
In Your Thoughts & Prayers:
Marlin Nissen, whose mother, Irene, died this past week.
Rita Lynn, who is home from the hospital recovering from surgery on her other shoulder. Her sister is with her this week.
Mildred Pierce, who recently got a pacemaker.
Donna Wood, who fell and broke her leg, requiring surgery.
Sue Campbell , who writes: “I’d like to share my joys and sorrows. On 2/12 Steve’s eldest daughter made us grandparents, a beautiful baby girl named Alyssa with lots of hair. On the sorrow side, Steve’s brother has lung cancer (diagnosed 14 months ago) and the family has been called to his bedside. We don’t expect him to last the weekend. One comes and one goes.”
Jenna Berendenzen, who’s father is dying of brain cancer in Minneapolis.
Dick Shane who fell and broke his leg.
Vivian Shane who is recovering from pneumonia.
Dorothy Wendt who still has a terrible flu.
Don Wendt who had the second eye surgery this week, and is recovering well.
Alma Lynch, who is at the Care Center of Friendship Village, due to falling.
Dottie Forsberg, who’s building at Friendship Village is still under quarantine.
Glenyce Butschy, who is still housebound with her injured shoulder.
Esther’s sister, who is dying of cancer and current suffering from jaundice.
Eva’s mother, Joan, who cared for her mother (my grandmother) for many years. The funeral is next Tuesday.
Shut-Ins (people to visit):
Mildred Pierce 1710 Walnut St. CF
Dick and Vivian Shane, who’ve been at the Care Center of Friendship Village.
Alma Lynch, at the Care Center too.
Cards (people to send a card to):
Sue Campbell, Marlin Nissen, Donna Wood, Rita Lynn, Dick Shane, Vivian Shane, Dorothy Wendt, Dorothy Forsberg, Alma Lynch.
Eva’s mother: Joan Reeves, 98 Bedford Center Rd. Bedford, NH 03110
Calls:
Mildred Pierce, 266-9727
Glenyce Butschy, 266-3196 (ask if she wants a visit)
Visit on Facebook:
Jenna
Funerals/Memorial Services:
Marlin’s mother, Irene: at Nazareth, Saturday 11:00 am service, followed by a luncheon/fellowship. Irene Nissen memorium goes to Nazareth Sunday School.
Eva’s grandmother, Beatrice, on Tuesday Feb 26th at 11am at the Bedford, NH Presbyterian Church.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Please help us live our vision of being a place of caring, let us know of people who should be included in the Pastoral Update—even if its yourself! We want to know. Esther Kieffer and Rev. Eva.
May we all reach out, in spite of earth’s imperfections for what is good and lasting and true in life.
~Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
Hello,
A few hardy souls have reached the church, including me . . . So we will have a service for whoever wants to make it here. Don’t feel obliged to come if the weather is scaring you. But, if you come, there will be someone here to greet you!
Enjoy the snowy day—and let us know if for some reason you need help due to the weather!
Eva
--
Rev. Eva S. Cameron
UU Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA
USA
319-610-6605 mobile
319-266-5640 church
319-266-1111 home
www.uusbhc.org
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