Friday, February 10, 2012

Weekly Update Feb 10, 2012 (cameron.eva.post@blogger.com)

Weekly Update Feb 10, 2012
Weekly Update Feb 10, 2012
Weekly Update of the
Unitarian Universalist Society
of Black Hawk County
administrator@uusbhc.org  visit our website at  www.uusbhc.org  319-266-5640
Rev. Eva Cameron 319-610-6605 (cell)  minister@uusbhc.org
Hello!
The kids will be starting their “RE Fun Days!” this week . . . with wearing red and pink for Valentine’s Day. Join them if you’d like. We will begin the morning together, as we learn about the four kinds of love taught in Buddhism, called the Four Immeasurables. We’ve got skits, stories and songs . . . fun and learning for kids, grow-ups, and those still on the fence! Following that, instead of our normal “fellowship time/coffee hour” we will have brunch. And no, you don’t need to bring anything. Our Stewardship Chair, Shanlee McNally will make sure its all there for you to enjoy with your kids. So grab some food and settle into chairs so she can tell you a little bit about this year’s campaign!
Janet and I have been working with the Weekly Update format. Please let me know how its working for you. We are hoping its easier to read, and find what you are looking for.
See you in church!
~Eva
This Sunday 2/12/12
8:30 am Band Rehearsal
9:00 am Children’s Choir Rehearsal
9:30 am Service: Festival Sunday “LOVE”
In this fun and festive celebration, we will explore some of the different kinds of love.
Stewardship Brunch following the service -
provided by the Stewardship Committee.
11:15 am Sunday School for Children & Youth (classrooms)--wear pink & red!
11:15 am Adult Religious Education ~ Immigration Stories, Part 2”
Facilitators: Sally Browne & Heather Flory
In keeping with this year’s UUA theme of Immigration Reform, the second Sunday of each month will be dedicated to immigration issues.  Our focal point will be the UUA “common read” book, The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories from the Arizona Borderlands, plus updates on local immigration stories.
2012-2013 Stewardship Campaign:
The Joy of Giving
It is that time of year when we turn our attention to the Stewardship Campaign—the pledges that sustain our Unitarian Universalist Society.  Stewardship is about taking care of something we value and enabling it to grow.  When we become stewards, we take responsibility and contribute our time, talent, and treasure.  During the next few weeks we have planned several opportunities for you to hear more about the campaign and how important your involvement is to our success.  Please join us for the following:
 
Sunday, February 12th:  Stewardship Kick-Off
Immediately following the Festival Sunday, we’ll have brunch in the Fellowship Hall.  Eggs, baked goods, fruit, yogurt, and drinks will be provided.  There will be no Children’s Chapel this day to enable families to eat together in fellowship.  Stewardship materials will be distributed.  Adult RE and Sunday School will be held as usual following the kick-off.
Calendar for this Coming Week
Tuesday
        7:00 pm Religious Services Council meeting
Wednesday     Calendar Deadline
  11:00 am Friendship Village UU Ministry chapel service
        5:00 pm Festival Sunday planning meeting
        5:15 pm Children’s Choir
        5:45 pm Dinner:  Baked Potato Bar, beans, rice, salad & fruit
        6:30 pm Adult Choir
        7:30 pm Theoretical String Band
Thursday
        7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday      Newsletter Deadline
        7:00 – 9:00 pm Salsa Party
Saturday
        8:00 am – 2:00 pm Buddhist Path Retreat
        6:30 pm Card Club
Pastoral Update
Happy belated Birthday to Carolyn Hildebrandt!
Happy Birthday today to Liz Hughes!
And happy upcoming birthday to Karen Impola!
(would someone like to be “in charge” of church birthdays . . . and get all the dates organized for us? Not everyone is on Facebook, where birthdays are easy!) But it is nice to get acknowledged.
∞∞∞∞§§§§§§∞∞∞∞
Sending love and hope to anyone who is hurting. Please reach out and let us know. And please, let me know of any other pastoral updates to include from week to week. People want to know, and send you love, prayers or bring you a pot of soup!  ~Eva
Church Announcements
Photo Directories
The photo directories have arrived and will be available at the scrip table. One per family. We will be publishing a half sheet directory for folks that want an additional copy. Also, a PDF version will be available for your computer or portable device. Contact the office and we'll email it to you.
Death of Josseline discussion
The Cedar Falls Public Library still has 4 copies of The Death of Josseline reserved for UUs. You will need to ask for the book at the reference desk, and the library staff will take a few minutes to process the book so that it can be checked out on your card. Also copies of the book will be on sale during the coffee hour on Sunday.  Contact Sally Browne if you have any questions.
Guatemalan Family
For continued updates, visit the family website: http://jimyandfamily.blogspot.com/
To help the family with transportation, homework, English, or other needs, contact Heather Flory: heather.flory@yahoo.com
Tech Notes
We are making a needed appeal for people who would be interested in running the sound board once a month or so. A simple training is all that is required. Please contact Staci Chananie-Hill for more information if you are interested. (319) 427-0873 or stacich@gmail.com.
UU Garden Survey
The Green Living committee still welcomes your input on what you think the future of our vegetable garden should be.  The Survey Monkey online form stopped functioning so if you haven't yet voted please fill out a paper form that is sitting next to the voting box in our coffee area.  This box is along the north wall, near our cartridge recycling box.  Those of you who successfully voted;  thank you, and we still have those numbers.
12  Steps to Compassionate Living Books
We have one copy of this book left for sale--$14.
Music Rehearsals for Sunday
This Sunday is the LOVE service for all ages. We will feature the Children's Choir and the TSB. Rehearsals as follows:
8:30 TSB - "Choose Love", hymns ("Love Will Guide Us", "Come, Come, Whoever You Are")
9:00 Children's Choir - "Magic Penny"
Children’s Religious Education Notes
RE Fun Days!!!
THIS Sunday, February 12th will be the start of our monthly RE Fun Days! Please have your child dress in pink and red on the 12th. They are also encouraged to bring something they love to share with their classmates.
The kids can look forward to P.J Sunday in March and Book/Snack Sunday in April.
Family Movie Nights!
Please mark you calendars for first Family Movie Night on Friday, March 23rd. We will be showing a family friendly movie in the sanctuary and serving popcorn. This is a whole family event! (Movie name and exact time yet to be determined.)
Church Events
Salsa, Chips and Salsa Party
Saturday, February 11, 7-9pm at the UUSBHC.  Learn to dance salsa, drink some sangria, hang out with UUs, and support the church!  It's not too late to buy this Treats & Talents auction item - donations can be made at the event. Suggested donation: $10 for sangria-drinkers and $5 for non-sangria-drinkers.  No dance partner or dancing skills needed, and no need to RSVP.  For questions, contact Heather Flory: heather.flory@yahoo.com
Annual Buddhist Path Meditation Retreat
On Saturday, February 18th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Annual Buddhist Path Meditation Retreat will be held at the church.  A retreat is a great time to reflect and quiet the mind.  This half-day retreat will include periods of meditation, walking meditation and a dharma talk (teaching) from Martin Lahn of the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center in Minneapolis.  Refreshments will be provided.  The event is open to the public and there is no cost, though a free-will offering is appreciated. Please help us spread the word.
Wider Faith: UU Events and Opportunities

Darwin Week 2012                                 

The 4th annual Darwin Week will take place from February 13th-17th, 2012 at the University of Northern Iowa. Hosted by the UNI Freethinkers and Inquirers, the week-long event will feature a series of presentations by faculty members from UNI as well as other invited speakers. Each day of Darwin Week will feature a theme around which the lectures will be focused, and each day will culminate with a keynote speaker. The themes include Skepticism (Monday), Sexuality (Tuesday), Diversity (Wednesday), and Origins (Thursday).
All events are free and open to the public and will take place in the Maucker Union in the center of the UNI campus in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Keynote Speakers for Darwin Week 2012:
Monday, February 13th - Dr. Joe Nickell, World renowned skeptical investigator of the paranormal
Tuesday, February 14th – Dr. Clint Kelly, Professor of Biology studying behavioural and evolutionary ecology at Iowa State University
Wednesday, February 15th - Jamila Bey, NPR Journalist and secular activist in the diverse atheist movement
Thursday, February 16th – Dr. Lawrence Krauss, Theoretical physicist and professor of physics at Arizona State University
Questions? Email us at contact@darwinweek.com.
Installation of a NEW minister in Iowa City
The Congregation of The Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City requests the honor of your presence at the Installation of Rev. Steven Protzman as settled minister Sunday Feb 12, 2012 at 4 pm.  UU Society of Iowa City 10 S Gilbert St.
•Sermon by the Rev Dr. Kendyl Gibbons, Senior Minister, First Unitarian Society Minneapolis, MN
•Reception to follow in Channing Hall at the church
Rev. Eva will be attending to give a message on the meaning of Installation.
Community Announcements        
UNI Center for Energy & Environmental Education hosts:
Filmmaker Graham Meriwether
and a screening of his film American Meat.

7 PM, Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at the Center for Energy & Environmental Education Auditorium on the UNI campus
Followed by conversations with filmmaker and audience members.
Free and open to the public.
Expert Panel Convenes for Discussion on Iowa Courts and Merit Selection Process
The Black Hawk – Bremer League of Women Voters is sponsoring a community conversation entitled, “Why Merit Selection of Judges is Good for Iowa” at 6:30 pm Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at AEA 267, 3712 Cedar Heights Drive.
Justice Bruce Zager of the Iowa Supreme Court will start the panel discussion with an introduction to the Iowa Courts: the different levels of courts, the kind of cases each handles and how they operate.
K. O. Myers, Director of Research and Programs with the American Judicature Society, will follow with an explanation of the history and function of the merit selection system in Iowa.
Scott Peters, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Northern Iowa, will discuss the Varnum ruling and the 2010 retention election.
After these presentations, a Q&A session will follow.
The public is invited to join this community conversation exploring Iowa’s court systems as a potential model for other states.
For more information, call Michelle Temeyer at 235-7689 or Jeri Thornsberry at 235-0704. In Bremer County, contact Jackie Juhl at 319-352-5871 in Waverly.
Upcoming Canterbury Forum Program February 26th
On Sunday, February 26th, the Canterbury Forum will host "Torture:  Ethics and Pragmatism", presented by Dr. Francis Degnin of UNI's Department of Philosophy and World Religions.  Throughout the 20th century, torture was condemned as a barbaric war crime, and those individuals, organizations, and nations who inflicted it were condemned by world opinion and punished.  But in the last decade, torture has made a comeback, and now not only is condoned but celebrated in some quarters, by people who pride themselves on their defense of strict moral values.  Can torture ever be ethically justified?  Can it be pragmatically justified?  Where does it come from in the human psyche?  There is no one better qualified than Dr. Degnin, an authority on ethics, to lead us in an exploration of these issues.
As always, the program will be presented in Will Hall at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 2410 Melrose Drive in Cedar Falls, and will begin at or shortly after 7:00 PM.  The doors will open at 6:30.  The program is free and open to the public.  I hope to see all of you there.
Bob Dise

Office Announcements
Stay Informed/Keep Us Informed:
The Calendar Deadline in Wednesday Feb 15 followed by the newsletter deadline on Friday Feb 17.  Please send your calendar items to Janet  and your newsletter items to Gerry.
Please send any information for the Weekly Updates to administrator@uusbhc.org or call 266-5640.
The January  newsletter is available as follows:
  1. for downloading  UUSBHC February newsletter
  1. paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church.
  1. Also let the office know if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email administrator@uusbhc.org

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Weekly Update Feb 3, 2012 (cameron.eva.post@blogger.com)

Weekly Update Feb 3, 2012
Weekly Update Feb 3, 2012
Weekly Update of the
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County
administrator@uusbhc.org  visit our website at  www.uusbhc.org  319-266-5640
Rev. Eva Cameron 319-610-6605 (cell)  minister@uusbhc.org
Hello!
Have you heard of CouchSurfing? Its an organization that is intentionally creating a global community using the web. Members each have a profile, and can offer to host people who are looking for a place to stay or “couch surf”  . . . in other words, even if all you have to offer is a couch to sleep on, you can still offer it up to someone who is traveling through your town. And those traveling can check places they are going for a new friend to stay with, or even someone to give them tips for seeing the town. Like E-Bay, or other online communities, you are encouraged to leave feedback about each person you encounter on CouchSurfing. So anyone who comes to stay at my house can read what others who have stayed here have to say about me, and I can read what others have said about these guests. All of this is done just for fun--its not about money, its about creating a community. I have met some marvelous people this way. And, for me, its just a little spot in my world that works the way that I feel like the world “should” work. This community is like life in a small town--where if you don’t know someone, you know someone who can tell you about that person. Amazingly, there are CouchSurfers all over the world--from small towns in Nepal to big cities in Europe--you can find a bedroom, couch or a cup of coffee waiting you with a smile from a new friend.
Why am I telling you all about this organization?
Well, for me, it is a fascinating approach in creating community out of our new global world in the best ways--people meeting and caring for other people, all for nothing but sense that its good to help other people, and make friends. Several  years back, few people sat down and said, “wouldn’t it be nice if the world worked this way . . . . “ And then set about to make it happen. Amazingly, it is wildly successful. As we move into this new century, we all must pause and think about the communities that we belong to . . . how are they working, and how will they continue to work? This is true for church as much as any other group. What would you like an ideal religious community to be like? How should things work? Think about it, and let me know!
Meanwhile, I’m going to be enjoying my 4 couchsurfers, who are here to attend the Overseas Recruiting Fair. They are fun young people to get to know.
See you in church!
~Eva
Sing-a-long with Deblyn and the Jammerz
Join Deblyn and the Jammerz in the sanctuary on Friday, February, 3rd from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. for a Dr. Bronner song-book sing-a-long.  A fun and family-friendly event, this will be a time for joy, song, and laughter.  Bring a song along with a couple of extra sing-a-long copies, or use Deblyn’s books.  No experience necessary so bring your guitar or percussion, and your love to sing.  For more information, contact Deblyn, deblynzart@cfu.net or 319-939-2789.
This Sunday 2/5/12
   8:30 am Music Rehearsal
    9:30 am Service: “Charter for Compassion: Part 2”  
Rev. Eva Cameron preaching; Deblyn Russell - Worship Associate
Karen Armstrong's new book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, provides practical advice on compassionate living. Join us as we continue learning about what she has to teach us. This week we will focus on the second 3 steps of empathy, mindfulness, and action.
  10:45 am Fellowship Time
  11:00 am Children’s Chapel (balcony)
  11:15 am Sunday School for Children & Youth (classrooms)
  11:15 am Adult Religious Education ~
                      •Unitarian Universalism Information meeting (Eva’s office)
Interesting in learning more about this faith called “UU”?  Thinking about becoming a member? Join us for a chance to ask a few questions. The membership book is available for signing at this meeting.
                      •An Introduction to Environmental Ethics  Facilitator: Tom Hesse
What aspects of the natural world have value?  Do animals have rights?  Should you hug a tree?  This informal talk will provide an overview of the field of environmental ethics.  We will also look at some prominent environmental organizations and their respective missions.
Calendar for this Coming Week
Monday
           7:00 pm Green Living
Wednesday
           5:00 pm Festival Sunday planning meeting
           5:15 pm Children’s Choir
           5:45 pm Dinner:  Soup, plus beans, rice, salad & fruit
           6:30 pm Adult Choir
           7:30 pm Theoretical String Band
Thursday
           7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Saturday
           7:00 – 9:00 pm Salsa Party
Pastoral Update
From Dennis Harbaugh and Carolyn Bellfy to the congregation regarding the death of their mother, Melba, last week:
"During the past week we've experienced such warmth and comfort from so many of you through your cards, calls, and reassuring presence at our mom's visitation and funeral service.  Your support is truly helping us as we deal with this loss and sudden change of life, and is appreciated at a very deep level.
With loving gratitude and thanks,
Dennis, Carolyn and the entire Harbaugh family
∞∞∞∞§§§§§§∞∞∞∞
Sending love and hope to anyone who is hurting. Please reach out and let us know. And please, let me know of any other pastoral updates to include from week to week. People want to know, and send you love, prayers or bring you a pot of soup!  ~Eva
Church Announcements
Photo Directories
The photo directories have arrived and will be available at the scrip table. One per family. We will be publishing a half sheet directory for folks that want an additional copy. Also, a PDF version will be available for your computer or portable device. Contact the office and we'll email it to you.
Death of Josseline discussion
The Cedar Falls Public Library still has 4 copies of The Death of Josseline reserved for UUs. You will need to ask for the book at the reference desk, and the library staff will take a few minutes to process the book so that it can be checked out on your card. Also copies of the book will be on sale during the coffee hour on Sunday.  Contact Sally Browne if you have any questions.
Guatemalan Family
For continued updates, visit the family website: http://jimyandfamily.blogspot.com/
To help the family with transportation, homework, English, or other needs, contact Heather Flory: heather.flory@yahoo.com
Tech Notes
We are making a needed appeal for people who would be interested in running the sound board once a month or so. A simple training is all that is required. Please contact Staci Chananie-Hill for more information if you are interested. (319) 427-0873 or stacich@gmail.com.
UU Garden Survey
There is still time to take the UU Garden Survey, to help us decide how best to use our garden this year and later.  You will find it on our www.uusbhc.org website or just use this link:  <http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TX7VLLW>.
12  Steps to Compassionate Living Books
If you ordered a copy of this book, it is available to be picked up in the Fellowship Hall during Fellowship Time. We have a few extra copies, so if you would like one, but didn’t order one . . . stop by.
Children’s Religious Education Notes
RE Fun Days!!!
Sunday, February 12th will be the start of our monthly RE Fun Days! Please have your child dress in pink and red on the 12th. They are also encouraged to bring something they love to share with their classmates.
The kids can look forward to P.J Sunday in March and Book/Snack Sunday in April.
Family Movie Nights!
Please mark you calendars for first Family Movie Night on Friday, March 23rd. We will be showing a family friendly movie in the sanctuary and serving popcorn. This is a whole family event! (Movie name and exact time yet to be determined.)
Church Events
Salsa, Chips and Salsa Party
Saturday, February 11, 7-9pm at the UUSBHC.  Learn to dance salsa, drink some sangria, hang out with UUs, and support the church!  It's not too late to buy this Treats & Talents auction item - donations can be made at the event. Suggested donation: $10 for sangria-drinkers and $5 for non-sangria-drinkers.  No dance partner or dancing skills needed, and no need to RSVP.  For questions, contact Heather Flory: heather.flory@yahoo.com
Annual Buddhist Path Meditation Retreat
On Saturday, February 18th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Annual Buddhist Path Meditation Retreat will be held at the church.  A retreat is a great time to reflect and quiet the mind.  This half-day retreat will include periods of meditation, walking meditation and a dharma talk (teaching) from Martin Lahn of the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center in Minneapolis.  Refreshments will be provided.  The event is open to the public and there is no cost, though a free-will offering is appreciated. Please help us spread the word.
Wider Faith: UU Events and Opportunities
Sharing Challenges and Successes
Workshop for congregations and fellowships of the Hawkeye Cluster
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Hey UUSBHC, want to get a carpool together? Let John Miller know!
At this workshop, participants will meet with UU counterparts on similar committees and share ideas. Find out what are other Unitarian Universalist congregations and fellowships are doing in Iowa. What has worked for you? What has not worked? What are your challenges?
Meet and listen to Zach Wahls, member of UUSIC, share his experiences of having the “most popular” You Tube political video in 2011. In 2010 Zach spoke to the Iowa Legislature in support of same sex marriage and about being raised by two moms. He is now part of the “Standing on the Side of Love” campaign.
Committees/groups include: Board/Leadership, Buildings/Grounds, Green Sanctuary, Immigration, Membership, Finance/Stewardship, Marriage Equality, Covenant Groups, Worship, RE, Adult Programming, Youth Programming, Social Justice/Community Service, Leadership Development, and others.
This workshop is open to all. RSVP by Jan 30th by emailing admin@uusic.org. For questions please contact Mike Cervantes (319-834-1136) or mhcervan@hotmail.com. Childcare will be available if requested by January 30th. Lunch will be provided.
Installation of a NEW minister in Iowa City
The Congregation of The Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City requests the honor of your presence at the Installation of Rev. Steven Protzman as settled minister Sunday Feb 12, 2012 at 4 pm.  UU Society of Iowa City 10 S Gilbert St.
•Sermon by the Rev Dr. Kendyl Gibbons Senior Minister, First Unitarian Society Minneapolis, MN
•Reception to follow in Channing Hall at the church
Community Announcements        
One Iowa Legislative Reception
Please join us for One Iowa's 2012 Legislative Reception, featuring Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy!
When: February 6, 2012
Where: Historic Northwestern Hotel, 321 East Walnut
Time: from 6-8 pm
This special One Iowa event is a chance to meet with our House and Senate leaders at the beginning of the legislative session.  Suggested donation to help support our work: $50.
We are hosting this event because of the generous support of our One Iowa champions of equality. Please consider becoming a sponsor of the 2012 Legislative Reception at a higher level.
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Don't miss out--RSVP today!
For more information, please contact Matt Skuya at matt@oneiowa.org or 515.288.4019 x203.
One Iowa, a 501(c)(4) organization, is the state’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) advocacy organization. One Iowa supports full equality for LGBT individuals living in Iowa through active participation in the civic process, and engaging in state lobbying. For this privilege, contributions to One Iowa are NOT tax deductible.
One Iowa Lobby Day
We've received word that One Iowa's annual Lobby Day will be next Tuesday, February 7.
Last year, UUSBHC Social Action Committee representatives hoped to attend, but the weather made it impossible. This year, let's try again!
Hey UUSBHC--who wants to carpool and go together?
If you are interested in attending, please contact Sally Browne at <sallyb758@gmail.com> or at (319) 342-2753.  
Information from One Iowa follows:
Anti-equality forces and opposition groups continue their efforts to overturn the Iowa Supreme Court ruling extending the freedom to marry to gay and lesbian couples. The Family Leader is already planning its marriage rally opposing equality for loving, committed gay and lesbian couples. We must come together and show our legislators that we stand for the freedom to marry. Join us Tuesday, February 7, from 11 am-3 pm for One Iowa's annual Lobby Day! We will be meeting at the One Iowa office, 419 SW 8th Street in Des Moines, for a training and lunch at 11, and then we'll be off to the Capitol! Sign up to attend today! 
                        

Stay Informed/Keep Us Informed:
Please send any information for the Weekly Updates to administrator@uusbhc.org or call 266-5640.
The January  newsletter is available as follows:
  1. for downloading  UUSBHC February newsletter
  1. paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church.
  1. Also let the office know if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email administrator@uusbhc.org

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