 | Weekly Update Feb 3, 2012 |
Weekly Update of the
Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County
Rev. Eva Cameron 319-610-6605 (cell) minister@uusbhc.org
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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.
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This Sunday 2/5/12
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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.
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Calendar for this Coming Week
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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
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Pastoral Update
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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
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Church Announcements
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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.
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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.
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Guatemalan Family
To help the family with transportation, homework, English, or other needs, contact Heather Flory: heather.flory@yahoo.com
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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.
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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>.
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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.
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Children’s Religious Education Notes
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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.
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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.)
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Church Events
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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
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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.
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Wider Faith: UU Events and Opportunities
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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.
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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
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Community Announcements
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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.
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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!
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Stay Informed/Keep Us Informed:
The January newsletter is available as follows:
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