Have you ever wondered about what is means to belong? As part of our year of Daring to Grow, I’d like to invite you to spend a bit of time here and there thinking about this. It seems to keep popping its head up in my life. I notice it when I hear people who are on opposite ends of the political spectrum shaking their heads at the complete nonsense the other side seems to be conveying. I know life is more layered and complex than this, but our two-party system seems to bring out this need to belong that dwells within us. I notice this sense of belonging, as I read our ancient Hebrew texts to study just why the Jews celebrate Sukkot. And Yom Kippur invites back into belonging, into feeling as if we belong, once a year. Our tribal tendencies, that are deep within us, are a beautiful part of the richness and lovely diversity within us. They can also run amok in our lives, when we don’t recognize them for what they are. When we try to meet someone’s tribal need to belong with a reasoned and rational argument—rather than acts that will help extend our humanness to them—then we only end up more separate. Fear-mongering comes out a desire to keep everyone who “belongs” to a group together. Gandhi understood this. Take some time this fall, and explore this idea. See where it takes you, and what you observe!
This Sunday:
Service @9:30
We will once again come together to remember and honor Mahatma Gandhi, who’s birthday is on October 2nd. The UN declared this day an International day of Non-Violence. And in India, the nation has a holiday “Gandhi Jayanti” which is the Hindi way of saying ‘birthday.’ Gandhi-ji is one of those human beings who’s live path altered each of our lives. And so it is good to honor his memory. I’ve dedicated this service to the memory of Hari Shankar, a member who died this past year—and who used to love to come and share his memories of Gandhi with us. Dr. Shankar’s wife, Rekha will be attending, and may share something with us as well.
Children’s Chapel@ 11am
Sunday School @ 11:15am-12:15pm
Classes for children, youth and adults.
Adult classes include:
Doc Shorts “The Bases Are Loaded” (sanctuary) A short political documentary about how we are being promised that our soldiers will be removed from Iraq, while the government is consolidating temporary bases into a handful of permanent “mega-bases”.
Garden Meditation: Join Julie Fischer in the garden for meditating in a meaningful way to you: sitting quietly, soaking in the beauty of mature, sketching a leaf or flower that inspires you, or actually working the garden.
What’s Up Doc?umentary: Sunday at 7;pm
CALL IT DEMOCRACY
This bi-partisan discussion about America’s flawed electoral process urges us to undertake the reform needed to ensure that every vote truly counts.
WOW! (Workshops on Wednesdays)
Dinner: Oct. 1st will be: Pizza, Salad and Soup.
Please RSVP by Tuesday 9pm.
Please RSVP online at: http://snipurl.com/3um00
or email Kathy at klinkzeitz@gmail.com or you can sign up Sunday at Church. Thank you.
White Like Me Book Circle @6:30pm
Theoretical String Band @7:30pm
First Friday Festivals for Adults, Youth and Children
On the First Friday of every month from September to May at 6 pm family, friends and the community are invited to celebrate one of the holidays from one of the world’s religions, with a potluck dinner and fun, interactive ways to learn more about the holiday! We often invite guests from the local community to share their memories of this holiday. Bring a dish that goes with the holiday or just your favorite dish – no dish required if this is your first time.
October 3rd Sukkot – a Jewish holiday
Sukkot is a Jewish Feast that celebrates the harvest. During this holiday Jewish people erect temporary “huts” where they entertain their guests, and eat their meals outside. They do this in memory of the dwellings they erected during the 40 years of wandering in the dessert. Join us in celebrating this fun holiday!
Upcoming Events & Announcements:
Annual Hayride
The Fall Hayride is Friday, October 10th, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Farm
To register online go to:http://snipurl.com/3uly7
or you can sign up Sunday at Church.
Thank you. Kendra
Children & Youth Sunday School
We are still looking for some helpers and a couple of substitute teachers. Please call Crystal King at 319 240-7393 or sign up on the board at church near the Religious Education Pink Table.
Thank you. Crystal
Don’t forget:
For those who expressed an interest in hearing what I learned in Northern Ireland, I am giving a lecture on this topic on Tuesday, September 30, at 4:30 PM in Seerley Hall, Room 115, at UNI. The experience of Northern Ireland tells us a lot about what role religion should or should not play in society. Al Hays
Mike Knapp is recruiting help for the Treats & Talents auction coming up in Nov. Help him with the auction, bring a dessert, donate fun treats or talents you have . . . and last of all, make sure you save the date & come: Nov. 15
Buddhist Path Movie Night is tonight 6:30pm for popcorn & socializing. 7pm start time.
Also TONIGHT: Young Adult Campfire @ 7pm @ Eva’s House
610 Franklin St. CF
And lastly, I’ll be Cup of Joe . . . join me and others from this community this afternoon from 4:30 to 6pm for a causal conversation.
Keep on Daring to Grow!
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
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