Friday, November 11, 2011

Weekly Update


Weekly Update of the
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County
319-266-5640  administrator@uusbhc.org  visit our website at  www.uusbhc.org
Rev. Eva Cameron 319-610-6605 (cell)  minister@uusbhc.org
November 11, 2011

Hello!
This week has brought us heavy hearts with the child rape scandal in Penn State. Its brought us the first taste of winter. And its brought us an election, with good news about many elections. Along with all the many things that come and go in our own days and weeks. Let us stay strong in those practices that help us stay stable and loving no matter what "the weather" . . . For some this is prayer, for some meditation, for some a walk in the woods, or a visit to a special place. Do it!  Mark it on your calendars, set reminders into your phone, set up a support group . . . . Do what it takes for you to be a gift to the world, a rock in storm that is life.
See you in church!
~Eva

This Sunday: November 13th
   8:30 am Music Rehearsal
   9:30 am Service: "Creating Pain" by Rev Eva Cameron
There is something about the nature of being human that attracts us to our sufferings and sorrow.  We are moved by finding others who have experienced life's sorrows that are similar to ours.  We often secretly thrill in telling others just how difficult our childhood was, or how our work place wrongs us.  One
of the powers of being human is the power of creation.  Do we always use it for our own good?
10:45 am Fellowship Time
11:00 am Children's Chapel
11:15 am Sunday School for Children & Youth (classrooms)
11:15 am Adult Religious Education - Unitarianism in Transylvania: Communities of Faith
Al & Pam Hays will discuss their fascinating and rewarding trip to Unitarian Partner Churches in the Transylvania region of Romania (and no, none of this has anything to do with Dracula!).
   3:00 – 5:00 pm UU International Folk Dancing (see info below)

Calendar Updates for this Coming Week
Tuesday
7:30 pm Board Meeting
Wednesday    Calendar Deadline
    *WOW!* - Workshops on Wednesdays
5:00 pm Festival Sunday planning meeting
5:15 pm Children's Choir
5:45 pm Dinner: American -Cincinnati Chili, beans, rice, salad & fruit
6:30 pm Workshop: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
6:30 pm Adult Choir
7:30 pm Theoretical String Band
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Friday Newsletter Deadline
Saturday ~ Treats & Talents Auction
6:00 pm Social
7:00 – 9:00 pm Auction

Pastoral Update
Mica Lorenz' mother broke her leg last week, and needed all sorts of screws and such to hold it back together. Mica has been dividing her time between here and Madison to help her out. So send them both some love and energy to endure!
John Miller and Karen Kitchen are both on the mend. As is my mother, Joan Reeves. I haven't heard of any other news. Do, 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:

Alternative Activities is starting up again--please spread the word. After hearing from parents about how difficult it is to attend to a sermon and their wiggly child(ren)---we have made arrangements for there to be a room for children up to 9 years of age to leave to go to alternative activities after the Blessing Song. Pre-K children will still go the the nursery. We have hired a couple of childcare workers to supervise them and come up with fun activities for them to do. So, if you haven't been coming because its just been to hard--or you've wanted to bring a famiy to join you, but thought that having kids there through the service would be too hard, then please give us a try now. Cindy Hahn is our Childcare Coordinator, so please talk with her if you have questions, comments, or suggestions.

UU International Folk Dance Nov 13
Did you miss your chance to polka in October? Do you like to dance but don't have the opportunity? Would you like to learn a few new moves? Join us the second Sunday in November at the UUSBHC for international folk dancing. Jo Foster and Heather Flory will lead you in a medley of dances, including polka, waltz, salsa, merengue, and many other international dances. No partner needed! The dance takes place November 13 from 3-5pm, and is free and open to all. After the dance, those interested are also invited to join the group for dinner at a local restaurant at your own expense.

UU Drama Team . . .
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Drama Team is gearing up for a Hunger Communion Festival Sunday story.  We want to extend the  invitation each year for people to join the team.   The dramas are all quite simple, scripts may be carried, rehearsal time is once before a Sunday, and parts can be found for whole groups if you would like to participate with specific people, say as a family event, or as a Sunday School Class.  If you are interested in participating in dramas as an actor, script contributor, costume designer or set/prop creator please let me know!  

Also, please let me know if you are specifically interested in the upcoming "One Grain of Rice"!  A witty production with 2 main parts and at least 3 supporting roles. We will do this Nov 20th, for the Thanksgiving Festival Sunday.

Come one! Come all!  You'll have the time of you life!
Cheers,
Lara


Are you an NPR fan who pledges every year? Or, like many, do you intend to pledge but just don't get around to it? Well, here's your chance to support public radio and, at the same time, raise awareness of our UU congregation.

In the coming weeks, we'll be collecting pledges to buy underwriting messages on Iowa Public Radio.  We'll pool your funds with those of UU's around the state to get the most out of our investment.

Sue Munnik will be near the scrip table after church on Sunday, ready to collect your pledges.  If you can't make it this week, feel free to mail your check to church with "NPR fund drive" written in the memo line.   If you have any questions, feel free to email Sue at susanmunnik@yahoo.com.

Treats and Talents Auction
Treats and Talents Auction will be held on Saturday, November 19th--Next Weekend!
Social hour begins at 6:00 pm. Auction is from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Child care is provided and refreshments served
I'm looking for some bakers willing to make and donate a cake, pie, or dessert or hors  d' oeuvres of some type that can be served at the Treats and Talents Auction on Saturday, November 19th.

If you're willing to help out by making a treat for the auction, please contact me.  

This will be the last year for the Renaissance Faire theme, so start working on your costume (not required but encouraged for the fun event). Contact me for more information.
Sir Michael of Knapp - 291-6509

Save the date for the Annual Winter Holiday Potluck & Talent show December 4th after church. Each year the Music Committee brings us a fun afternoon of songs and laughter. Please let Tim know if you have an act you'd like to share.

On Sunday, November 20th, please bring non-perishable food items to church.
During our Hunger Communion and Thanksgiving Festival Service, the children will parade the food to the front of the sanctuary. This will be donated to the North East Iowa Food Bank.

Stay Informed/Keep Us Informed:
Please send any information for the Weekly Updates to administrator@uusbhc.org or call 266-5640.

**November newsletter is available:
  • paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church on Sunday.
Community Announcements:

Occupy Movement
The Occupy Cedar Valley, located in Overman Park, is also happy to receive dinner or other meals. Please stop by and say 'hi' to them. Ask why they are protesting, if you don't understand this whole movement. To me, a lot of it is about 'waking up' and learning more about the state of our world.
Dinner is at 6pm, Soap Box is at 7pm each evening.
General Assembly is Sunday 5pm at the Wesley Foundation.



Rev Eva Cameron
minister
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-610-6605
www.uusbhc.org
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
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Friday, November 4, 2011

Weekly Update


Weekly Update of the
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County
319-266-5640  administrator@uusbhc.org  visit our website at  www.uusbhc.org
Rev. Eva Cameron 319-610-6605 (cell)  minister@uusbhc.org
November 4, 2011

Hello!
Isn't this a most beautiful day? Truly, every day that we wake up and are able to be present to the happenings and life around us is a beautiful day. But some days just ask you to sit up and take notice! When that happens to me, I use it as an invitation to notice what else is beautiful around me. What can you see today? A parent loving a child. Sunshine puddles on the table filling a space with warmth and joy. People doing their jobs well--my postman just delivered my mail to my box. Having nutritious food to eat. Having a rich community to engage with. These are just a few of mine. What are yours for today?

Alternative Activities is starting up again--please spread the word. After hearing from parents about how difficult it is to attend to a sermon and their wiggly child(ren)---we have made arrangements for there to be a room for children up to 9 years of age to leave to go to alternative activities after the Blessing Song. Pre-K children will still go the the nursery. We have hired a couple of childcare workers to supervise them and come up with fun activities for them to do. So, if you haven't been coming because its just been to hard--or you've wanted to bring a famiy to join you, but thought that having kids there through the service would be too hard, then please give us a try now. Cindy Hahn is our Childcare Coordinator, so please talk with her if you have questions, comments, or suggestions.

This year we are exploring the theme of Reconnecting to our Creative, Compassionate Center. For the past couple months we have been looking at themes of reconnection. This month we move on to explore the realms of creation, creating, and creator. I hope you'll enjoy exploring some of these ideas with me!  

See you in church!
~Eva

*Don't forget
    Daylight Savings Time
Changes this Sunday!

This Sunday: November 6th
   8:30 am Music Rehearsal
   9:30 am Service: "The Power of Creation" by Rev Eva Cameron
The first in our series on the creative, creation, creator concept, we explore the creative act as one
of the facets of what it means to be human. What do you create? What have you created?
How do you relate to the power you have to create?

10:45 am Fellowship Time
11:00 am Children's Chapel (balcony)
11:15 am Sunday School for Children & Youth (classrooms)

11:15 am UU Informational meeting for Visitors and potential new members (Eva's office)
Curious to learn more about Unitarian Universalism? Thinking about becoming a member, but not sure what its all about? Join us for a chance to explore your questions, and sign the membership book if you are ready.
11:15 am Adult Religious Education (sanctuary)
This Sunday's Second Hour Adult RE will feature "Strut Your Stuff" - A look at how we express our religious or social issue values through what we wear (t-shirts, ball caps, buttons, bumper stickers, etc.). Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite their favorite t-shirt, cap, buttons, etc. to church this coming Sunday and liven up Fellowship Hall during coffee hour and Adult RE by wearing and sharing their statements and beliefs.

Calendar Updates for this Coming Week
Monday      
7:00 pm Green Living meeting
Tuesday     
7:00 pm Religious Services Council
Wednesday *WOW!* - Workshops on Wednesdays
      5:00 pm Festival Sunday planning meeting
      5:15 pm Children's Choir
      5:45 pm Dinner:  Spanish - Paella, beans, rice, salad & fruit.
      6:30 pm Workshop: Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
      6:30 pm Adult Choir
      7:30 pm Theoretical String Band
      7:30 pm Small Group Facilitators meeting
Thursday
7:30 pm Buddhist Path
Saturday
   Buddhist Path Retreat
   6:30 pm Card Club

Pastoral Update

John Miller had his gall bladder removed today up at Mayo. Some of you may be aware that he has been trying to track down what was causing him to have episodes of pain. We hope that they doctors have figured it all out, and that he'll be back to his chipper self again soon. Karen and John should be home from Rochester later today. When I just spoke to him, he seemed to have come through the procedure well.

Let me know of any other pastoral updates to include from week to week. ~Eva

Church Announcements:
Please send any information for the Weekly Updates to administrator@uusbhc.org
or call 266-5640.

**November newsletter is available:
  • paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church on Sunday.



Are you an NPR fan who pledges every year? Or, like many, do you intend to pledge but just don't get around to it? Well, here's your chance to support public radio and, at the same time, raise awareness of our UU congregation.

In the coming weeks, we'll be collecting pledges to buy underwriting messages on Iowa Public Radio.  We'll pool your funds with those of UU's around the state to get the most out of our investment.

Sue Munnik will be near the scrip table after church on Sunday, ready to collect your pledges.  If you can't make it this week, feel free to mail your check to church with "NPR fund drive" written in the memo line.   If you have any questions, feel free to email Sue at susanmunnik@yahoo.com.


Treats and Talents Auction is coming up!
Just a reminder that this year's Treats and Talents Auction will be held on Saturday, November 19th. Social hour begins at 6:00 pm. Auction is from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Child care is provided and refreshments served.
We'd like to challenge every person to offer an auction item!  If you're new to the event or stumped on what your could contribute, talk with us. Let your imagination go.
This will be the last year for the Renaissance Faire theme, so start working on your costume (not required but encouraged for the fun event). Contact me for more information.
Sir Michael of Knapp - 291-6509

Save the date for the Annual Holiday Potluck & Talent show December 4th after church. Each year the Music Committee brings us a fun afternoon of songs and laughter. Please let Tim know if you have an act you'd like to share.



Community Announcements:

Occupy Movement
The Occupy Cedar Valley, located in Overman Park, is also happy to receive dinner or other meals. Please stop by and say 'hi' to them. Ask why they are protesting, if you don't understand this whole movement. To me, a lot of it is about 'waking up' and learning more about the state of our world.
Dinner is at 6pm, Soap Box is at 7pm each evening.
General Assembly is Sunday 5pm at the Wesley Foundation.


PROGRESSIVE VOICES CONCERTS PRESENTS: PETER MAYER
Saturday, November 5, 2011, 7:30 P.M.
First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, 1800 Bell Avenue
Tickets available in advance for $15 at www.brownpapertickets.com , or $20 at the door.
More information at www.ucdsm.org/concerts.

CEDAR VALLEY INTERFAITH COUNCIL – OPEN HOUSES
The Cedar Valley Interfaith Council consists of leaders of many of our local places of worship and exists in order to build relationships and promote understanding among the wide variety of faith communities and religious traditions.  The Council is planning a series of events to help us learn about our neighbors whose religious beliefs and practices differ from our own.  The first such event will be a series of Open Houses at various worship sites in the Cedar Valley where host faith communities will offer visitors an overview of their history, beliefs and practices.

The first event will take place this Sunday, November 6, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Sons of Jacob Synagogue (411 East Mitchell Ave.) and St. Edward Catholic Church (1423 Kimball Ave.—corner of Kimball and Mitchell), both in Waterloo.  Members of those congregations will be present to welcome you to their respective houses of worship.  You will have the opportunity to visit both worship sites to learn about them during those two hours.  There is no cost and everyone is invited to attend.



Rev Eva Cameron
minister
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk Co.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-610-6605
www.uusbhc.org
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
Posted by at No comments:
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