Weekly Update

4/30/10 Weekly Update

Hello dear ones! I know that sounds a bit over-the-top as a greeting, but I do think of you that way. Each one of you brings a special glow to my heart as I think of you. Each one of you has something unique and special to offer our community. I LOVE this about who we are . . . that we can celebrate our differences with joy, and that we can be together in ONE community. This Sunday we have a special chance to share in that unique UU blend of individuality and community with our Annual Meeting. Its a kind of sacred act, even if the details of sitting there trying to listen to everyone's opinion drive you nuts, its really amazing that we belong to an organization where to do get to choose how we are organized (ie. bylaws) and how we spend our own money (ie. budget). Its a rare thing in religious organizations! So come on out, and share your own special wisdom with us, with your vote. And then help us all to become one, as we set off with the decisions we make as a body.

Please remember to do your homework and read through the proposed bylaws and the amendments that Jim Paprocki sent out so that you are familiar with the choices available to you--particularly surrounding the issue of membership. Let me know if you need a copy. They will not be all printed out for the meeting, its just too much paper. So, if you want to have them in hand, please print them out for yourself. We are trying to arrange for them to be available for us to look at on PowerPoint slides as well. There will be an organized and limited approach to discussion. Discussion will be limited to those amendments that actually get seconded, so remember to choice what you think is really worth discussing--so we have more time in discussion for the things we most care about.

The GOOD NEWS is that the special appeal for more funds last week was very successful! Thank you! Thank you!! We gathered more than $6000 in additional pledges, and this will go a long way in our ability to provide the services you have grown accustomed to, and to keep on being 'the little church that could' in the Cedar Valley. I love your positive spirit and your vision for a better world for all. Together we are making progress. And it is a joy to see.

See you on Sunday!

~Eva

Friday

7:30 pm Drumming Circle--all welcome (family friendly) Bring your drums if you have one.

Saturday

Healing Earth Expo--see info below

This Sunday 5/2/10

8:15 am Music Rehearsal (8:15 Band, 8:30 Adult Choir, 8:55 Children's Choir)

9:30 am Service "Music Sunday" Tim Purdum and Rev. Eva Cameron (John Miller as Worship Associate): Join our Music Director, Tim Purdum, as we present a service in celebration of the delights of sound. Special presentations from the Adult and Children's choirs, as well as the band.

10:45 am Fellowship Time

11:00 am Children's Chapel

11:15 am Sunday School for children & youth

11:15 am Annual Meeting of the UUSBHC--All members please attend it at all possible. We need your vote!

Adult Class: Sixty for Six: We will hold a class for non-members with information on Unitarian Universalism. (balcony)

Calendar Updates for this Coming Week

Monday

6:00 pm REAP Council

Tuesday

7:00 pm Committee on Ministry

Wednesday

5:00 pm Children's Choir--all welcome!

5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)--all welcome!

6:15 pm Adult Choir

6:30 pm Cedar Valley Meditation Group (high school room)--all welcome!

Artistic Fun Workshop--all welcome!

7:00 pm Small Group Facilitator's Meeting

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band--all welcome!

Thursday

7:30 pm Buddhist Path (balcony)--all welcome!

Saturday

9:00 am Nature Lovers small group

Other items

The Outreach Committee is looking for new members to help with greeting visitors on Sunday morning. This is a fun and rewarding way to meet the new people who visit us each week. The Committee meets every other month after church for a short meeting and to sign up for a few Sundays to greet each quarter. Join Mica Lorenz, Donna Kroeger, Stephanie Lawrence, Juanita Williams, Margie Miller, Jeff Heiden and ZuZu Haldzic and help us welcome the visitors and our new members. Contact micalorenz@gmail.com or 291-6509.

Tomorrow is the last day for early Registration for GA! (May 1) Its in Minneapolis. Its fun to be with UU's from all over. Its closer than close this year! Just say 'yes' and sign up. When it was in St. Louis, we had 30 people there when we counted youth and adults. Let's beat our record! If you volunteer you do get a reduced rate. (Contact Mike Knapp for information on how to volunteer. <mikeknapp@mchsi.com>) Here's the link: http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/registration/index.shtml

Help needed at church: I am looking for someone or a pair of people to bring new life and energy to our Caring Committee. Our stalwart to the cause, Esther Kieffer has resigned after many years of loving care. She is still willing to help, as are many other people . . . but I need someone to coordinate our efforts and serve as an intake person. Think about it. If it could be you, let me know. I know we want to be a giving, loving community, and this is a vital component of being able to offer our members our support in an organized fashion. <cameron.eva@gmail.com> 319-610-6605

These events brought to us by Deblyn Russell, Crystal King, Dee Loecher, and Carol Mauer:

Saturday, May 1, is our full day event the Healing Earth Expo. There is a great line-up of presenters for the day, make your choice and add some of this great energy to you life and make a healing lifestyle change or shift....it's possible! There are still spaces available and we've dropped the "at the door" fee, it's just $75 if you'd like to come on Saturday, the Expo runs from 9a.m. - 5 p.m. check out the web site www.healingearthexpo.yolasite.com

Saturday evening, May 1.... a special concert by the River's Voice, Trish and Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan will be entertaining us with their special and charismatic voices and music. The concert is Saturday from 7 til 8:30 p.m. The cost is just $5.... hope you can come and bring the family. If you're interested in the family price let us know!

Pastoral Update

As perhaps you have read, Don and Dorothy Wendt are in the process of relinquishing their apartment at Friendship Village for rooms in the Assisted Living Center there on Campus called Lakeview Lodge. It seems that they are in real need of help in managing this, and their children live out of town. We are still asking that if you have time, talent, or love to share . . . that you contact them at Friendship Village. The general number is 291-8100 ask for Dorothy, and if she doesn't answer, try and ask for the other room to be rung.

If you or a loved one have a care or concern, please let us know so that we can share the information with the community.

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

4/23/10 Weekly Update

Greetings from Davenport, where UUs from across the District are gathering to attend our Annual Meeting.

Our own local Annual meeting is NEXT WEEK! So don't forget to be reading the copy of the bylaws before the Annual meeting so that you are ready to vote on something you are familiar with. They are posted on our website and came in your mail. Also there have been a number of suggested Amendments to these new Bylaws by church members. Please read over their amendments, and choose which ones you like. They overlap in content, and contradict each other, so we can't accept all of them. There are a lot of them, so may I remind you that according to the meeting rules, it will take a 'second' from the floor to allow discussion on an item. They come moved from the person who submitted them. Remember, please plan on attending the Annual Meeting, May 2 right after the service!

Budget Update-special appeal

You should have gotten a note from the Board about this. We will have a very bare-bones budget this year, but ask as you come to church on Sunday, you come prepared to help just a bit more if at all possible.

See you in church! (but not this Sunday)

Sunday 4/25/10

8:30 am Music Rehearsals

9:30 am Service "EARTHDAY!" a Festival Sunday

We are honoring Mother Earth, in this service for all ages. Please bring Stones for Sunday, one for each person. We will use them in the service. Also wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes if its not raining, because we will end outside. Spectacular music from the Children's Choir and Band! Brought to you by the Festival team.

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: We will present the survey results and ask for further discussion about what you all wish to see in adult RE. These suggestions will be very important for the design of next year's adult RE classes. (balcony)

Budget Review Town Hall mtg: Join Mike Knapp and others from the Finance Com and Board in reviewing the annual budget for it is presented for vote next Sunday. (fellowship hall)

TRIBE: Join Tim Purdum for fun with rhythm, song and dance.

2:00 pm Yoga with Krysal: Yoga for all.

Calendar Updates for this Coming Week

Monday

6:00 pm CV Vegetarian Potluck

Wednesday: WOW!

5:00 pm Children's Choir

5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

6:15 pm Adult Choir

6:30 pm Cedar Valley Meditation Group (high school room)

Artistic Fun Workshop

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

7:30 pm Buddhist Path (balcony)-all welcome

Other items

Musical Notes:

Music Sunday is May 2: Are there any special performers who would like to contribute to our day honoring music?

Variety Show is coming up! Are there volunteers for this year's fun?

Please contact Tim Purdum musicman@cfu.net

WOW Dinners is looking for baking pans 9X13 for making lasagnas and other dishes. Has anyone an extra one or more they can bring to the kitchen?

The Healing Earth Expo, organized by our own Deblyn Russell, Crystal King (and Carol Mauer and Dee Loecher) will be at our building on Sat May 1 from 9 to 5pm. It includes "key-note speakers", a concert, and 18 wonderful presenters from a diverse background of healing artz leading the break out sessionz (you'll have 6 choices from 3 sessionz). Check out the website www.healingearthexpo.yolasite.com Deblyn writes: "plan on joining us. You'll be glad you did! If you have an e-list that you would like to pass this on too....feel free!"

Pastoral Update

Dorothy Wendt has moved into Lakeview Lodge building of Friendship Village. This is the building Don has been living in for the past several months. They will need to be organizing themselves for moving out of their apartment. So if anyone is feeling up to helping, please let Donna Kroeger know. She has agreed to help coordinate that move. donnakro@cfu.net

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

4/16/10 Weekly Update

Greetings on this sunny Friday! A week ago I was out hiking in Kentucky. I had a glorious trip, and have posted all the pictures of spring, cliffs, streams, vistas, sunsets, woodland flowers, smiling people (and dogs!) on Facebook. If you aren't on Facebook, these links should get you to those photo albums:

Kentucky 2010-Spring Resurrection

<Kentucky 2010--Spring Resurrection, p.2

I hope you enjoy! Its beautiful here too . . . and I am truly wowed by all the Virginia Bluebells out and about today! What a joyful song they sing, in their merry blue coats.

I've been having a lot of fun working with our own Devin Jane as she prepares for her first sermon. Please come out a support someone as she does something very brave. Just think how much our world needs bright young souls to carry our dreams forward . . . her energy is infectious!

See you in church!

~Eva

Sunday 4/18/10

8:30 am Music Rehearsal

9:30 am Service "The Wisdom of Dr. Seuss" Rev. Eva Cameron & Devin Jane King preaching
(Stephen Orsborn as Worship Associate)
One day Devin told Rev. Eva that she thought it looked really fun to preach.
So Eva asked her what she would preach about if she had the chance. Devin said she thought that Dr. Seuss had some important messages for UU's
to remember. So we promise you that this will be a service you will never forget, as our congregation hears the powerful voice of a young fourth-grade girl who is just daring enough to realize she has something to share. We recognize that more children may want to stay through the service than usual. We recommend that those enrolled in Chalice Children still plan on attending their class, as their teachers have a lesson planned. All others should enjoy themselves!

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: Open discussion about Adult RE; small survey. (sanctuary)

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

Walkin' the Talk: no class this month.

12:15 pm Travelling UU's

Calendar Updates for this Coming Week

Tuesday

7:00 pm Board Meeting

Wednesday

11:00 am Friendship Village UU Ministry

5:00 pm Children's Choir

5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

6:15 pm Adult Choir

6:30 pm Cedar Valley Meditation Group (high school room)

Artistic Fun Workshop

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

7:30 pm Buddhist Path (balcony)

Friday through Sunday: Prairie Star District conference in Davenport.

Other items

The Healing Earth Expo, organized by our own Deblyn Russell, Crystal King (with Carol Mauer and Dee Loecher) will be at our building on Sat May 1 from 9 to 5pm. It includes key-note speakers, a concert, and 18 wonderful presenters from a diverse background of healing artz leading the break out sessions (you'll have 6 choices from 3 sessions). Check out the website www.healingearthexpo.yolasite.com Deblyn writes: "plan on joining us. You'll be glad you did! If you have an e-list that you would like to pass this on too....feel free!"

Don't forget to be reading the copy of the bylaws before the Annual meeting so that you are ready to vote on something you are familiar with! They are posted on our website. And please plan on attending the Annual Meeting, May 2 right after the service!

Wanted: childcare worker for Wed. evenings 6:15 to 8:45p and Sunday morning childcare substitutes $8 per hour. Working with children 3 to 10 years old on art and craft projects, leading games – large group and board games. Contact Kathy Klink-Zeitz (319-404-2589 or dre@uusbhc.org) if interested.

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

3/26/10 Weekly Update

We are now in the middle of a deep, dark storm . . . which somehow seems appropriate on Good Friday. I have been thinking all day about the things in my life that have caused me to despair, to lose hope, to feel the evilness and darkness of the world in my belly. This is the day to get in touch with that side of what it means to be human. Its hard stuff, so we like to run from it (far and fast!), but it is the nature of what it means to be human. And it really helps if we remember this. Then the pain, the fear, the shame--all the things which make us feel so alone, and separate--really are a part of what makes us human, what makes us the same as everyone else. This is the day to remember that. And to dedicate ourselves again to walk towards the togetherness that comes from allowing ourselves to trust the human community   (whether you call it the body of Christ, the Sangha, resting in Mother Goddess arms, or just plain human company). It is with the reaching out in the darkest moments, that we find our deepest strength, we return again to love, to god, to not feeling so alone. 

Let's be here in this dark storm for this time, rest and acknowledge its pain. A pain that feels so uniquely our own, and is so truly universal.  And I look forward to seeing you in your Easter finest on Sunday--ready to celebrate LIFE and LOVE and HOPE that is reborn. 

~Eva

Saturday

6:30 – 9:30 pm Marriage Equality One Year Anniversary Celebration!

This is something that gives me great hope at this time. Its been amazing to be alive in the making of history, to participate in its making, as I do weddings for couples who's rights were denied for years. Sooo . . . we are having a party, going to try and raise some funds for the cause, and have a good time too. Refreshments and Drinks will be served. Bring some GLBT music from your collection to play (surprise us!) We'll share our stories of living, loving and growing in this issue of Marriage Equality. Not just same-sex couples, but each one of us has a story about how this issue has asked us to grow in our love and thirst for justice . . . donation of $20 is asked ($10 students). 

Sunday 3/28/10

              8:30 am Music Rehearsal (8:30 Band, 8:45 Adult Choir, 9am Children's Choir)

              9:30 am Service "Easter: Celebrate!" Rev. Eva Cameron and Lara Martinsen-Burrell as Worship Associate. This is the day to remember and celebrate the high moments; the moments of your life that lifted you, inspired you, filled you with hope, joy; awakened you to god/dess, love, & life!

              10:45 am Easter Potluck Brunch & Easter Egg Hunt

 

Calendar Updates for this Coming Week

Eva will be on Vacation all week. 

Monday

6:00 pm REAP Council

Tuesday

5:45 pm Yoga

7:00 pm Committee on Ministry

Wednesday

5:00 pm Children's Choir

5:30 pm Dinner (Please RSVP)

6:15 pm Adult Choir

6:30 pm Cedar Valley Meditation Group (high school room)

              Artistic Fun Workshop

7:30 pm Theoretical String Band

Thursday

5:45 pm Yoga

7:30 pm Buddhist Path (balcony)

Saturday

6:30 pm UU Card Club

Next Sunday

Deblyn Russell, commissioned lay-minster, preaching. 

 

Other items

The Creative Spirits would like to invite you to bring items from nature over the next month to decorate our Earth Altar up in the front of the Sanctuary. 

 

3rd Annual World Fair

A Celebration of Cultural Diversity!

Saturday, April 10th 12:00-5:00pm

Pepsi Pavilion at Waterloo Cattle Congress

Admission: $3 Adults, $1 Children (Under 12)

All proceeds help vulnerable populations around the world!

Highlights:

· International Entertainment

· Children's Cultural Carnival & Face Painting

· Free Blood Pressure Screenings

· World Market with jewelry and artifacts from around the world!

· Culture & Organizational Displays

· Raffle with over 50 prizes from area businesses!

For more information or to get involved contact us at worldfair@gmail.com

Over the Rainbow is a Cedar Falls-based 501(c)(3) organization committed to making health services and educational opportunities accessible and effective for impoverished women and children around the world. www.over-therainbow.org

Pastoral Update

Alma  Lynch passed away on Wednesday. Although we haven't seen her or her husband Louis is some years, many of you who've been around for a while will remember Alma's sweet smile and Louis' cheerful saxophone and piano playing. An Open House will be held in leau of a service this Saturday from 2-4pm at Friendship Village Dining Hall.  I'm sure Louis would appreciate cards, notes and visits as he goes through this difficult time:  600 Park Lane, Waterloo 50702. 291-8114. 

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.