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:

• for downloading from the UUSBHC website:  http://www.uusbhc.org/newsletters/1110newsletter.pdf

• paper copies are available in the fellowship hall at church on Sunday.

• Also let the office know if you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email administrator@uusbhc.org

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.