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January 2015
8208 Brownleigh Drive Raleigh, NC 27617
www.upucc.org
Happy New Year!
Of course, it’s the middle of the Christmas season when I’m writing this and, like you, I have more going on than I can keep up with. There’s church, and family, and end of year celebrations to boot. Whose idea was it to throw all these things into the same time of the year!?! That’s not a simple question to answer. Truth be told, it’s just the way our culture and calendar evolved. Christmas Day was not established as December 25th until several centuries after Jesus lived …. And, New Years? Well, that’s an even more convoluted struggle between the Julian and
Gregorian calendars wasn’t resolved as we celebrate it now until the last 200 years or so. (New Year’s was pretty much April 1st prior to that.) Throw in the end of the fiscal year, football, parades, feasting, exam taking, gift giving and all manner of revelry and the two weeks that end one year and begin the next are insanely full. Not only am I writing this piece during the week prior to Christmas but Peg Arcari, our church office administrator, is compiling and crafting it at the same time. Since we want to give her a fighting chance to end her year celebrating with her family rather than slaving over artificially imposed deadlines, this newsletter is coming to you in a slightly abbreviated form. (I’m not sure why we haven’t thought of this before!) In that same spirit, what’s the chance in this new year we all could take a hard look at what’s required and what we are doing needlessly out of tradition or habit? It’s an old story and maybe you’ve heard a version of it:
"The new bride is making her first big dinner for her husband and tries her hand at making her mother's brisket, cutting off the ends of the roast the way her mother always did." "Hubby thinks the meat is delicious, but says, 'why do you cut off the ends - that's the best part!' She answers, “That's the way my mother always made it." The next week, they go to her mother’s house for dinner, and she prepares her beloved brisket recipe and continues to cut the ends off. After hubby's earlier inquiry, curiously the new bride asked, "Why do you cut the ends off the roast?" Her mother says, "That's the only way it will fit in my pan!”
What if we stepped back and asked some simple questions about why we do what we do and if it would be more palatable to visitors and welcoming to others if we came clean from outworn traditions? What if we really rethought why we do things that way we do and began to think a little more out of the all too common box of “Well, that’s the way we’ve always done it before”? What if…? In this New Year, 2015, let’s raise a toast to new ways of thinking, and doing, and caring, and loving. Let’s affirm what works but let go of what drags at our spirits and slows our momentum. And let’s renew our efforts to:
- Welcome fully persons of every race, religious background, age, ability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and economic condition… - Establish a safe haven, free from the fear of judgment, where wounds are healed, differences are celebrated and inclusivity is intentional; - Invite all to participate in the choices which shape us, sharing decisions equally and responsibly, and, in so doing, reclaim the constructive use of power; - Embrace our common life, overflowing with compassion and liberal in love; - Call forth and nurture our individual and collective creative gifts; - Delight in humor and, through joyous celebration, savor the goodness of life. - Share freely of our wealth and resources; - Recognize our identity as global citizens, intimately tied to and partnered with all of God's children in every land; - Demonstrate our concern for neighbor through service and prophetic voice; - Claim our inescapable connection with the sacred earth and all of creation; - Live justice as the social expression of love, and peace as the present manifestation of the world to come. That should keep us busy! Amen.
Year-end contributions postmarked by December 31, 2014, are eligible as 2014 income tax deductions.
Sustaining Partners. If you indicated on your 2014 pledge that you plan on becoming (or continuing as) a Sustaining Partner, look for your new cards in your hanging folder on Sunday, January 5. Many Sustaining Partners use some form of auto draft and use these cards as a way of participating in the offertory. If you are a Sustaining Partner and don’t see a card, please email [email protected] and we can generate one for you.
Pledges encouraged! It is not too late! If you still wish to pledge for 2015, please email [email protected]
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The Ides of March!
The Ides of March may seem a long way off, but the youth are already making
big plans for Sunday, March 15! What big plans you ask?
How about a youth-led worship service? How about a chili cook-off? How
about a dessert bake-off? And what about a talent auction to top it all off?
Crazy? Maybe, but the youth (and Youth Committee) are up for the
challenge.
It has been many years since we have done a talent
auction, so y’all may not be up to speed on what this is. It
is a fund raiser to help pay for the youth mission trip
New York City this summer. We look for members of
the congregation to provide a talent to be auctioned off
to the highest bidder.
What type of talent? All kinds! Some things may be
simple, like raking a yard. Or maybe you are a nature
expert and can offer a guided hike.
Do you like to cook for others? How about a multi-
course meal and wine pairing? Or home improvements-I
have a purple painted living room courtesy of a past
UPUCC talent auction!
So start thinking of your talents if you would be willing to
help the youth. Please send talent offerings to Mark
Stevens at [email protected].
Thanks!
Youth Schedule
Sunday, January 4 5:30 to 8 p.m.
High School Movie Night!
Sunday, January 11 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Middle & High School Youth Ice Cream Social (and games!)
Sunday, January 17
No Youth due to MLK Holiday
Sunday, January 25 Youth-TBD
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Forums Forums are opportunities for contemplation and discussion held on Sunday morning in the UPUCC Library.
January 4: 9:30 a.m. New Year’s
Discussion/Sharing.
Consider the question… “was there
something you experienced in 2014 that will
make you see life differently or do things
differently?” Gail Holden hosts.
January 11: Following worship. Talk-Back Session
After worship, join us in the library for a conversation about the day’s sermon “Would You Baptize and Extraterrestrial?”
with Doug Long.
January 18: UPUCC Visioning Committee.
Greg Howes will share from the work of the Visioning Committee. He will also bring us up to date on the UPUCC Social
Justice Task Force being formed to respond to the racial climate. (First meeting of UPUCC Social Justice Task Force is
scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at 6:30 p.m.)
January 25: No Forum. UPUCC Congregational Meeting, following worship. Potluck, too!
Community Involvement As a follow-up to Greg Howes’ request for ideas of community involvement (see January 18 above), some similar ideas... There is a class, The South in Black and White, led by Tim Tyson and Mary D Williams at Duke's Center for Documentary Studies, introduced via video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJRg75KszTs. The registration is here: http://register.asapconnected.com/CourseDetail.aspx?CourseId=3035 - it begins January 13 (6:30 to 9 p.m.) and runs for 15 weeks, and includes Duke students and continuing education students. I do not know if there is a timeline for registering, but was available as of mid December. I first took this class in 2007 and learned a ton while being introduced to Pauli Murray, Mike Wiley, the Wilmington Coup d'Etat of 1898, call and much much more. After two years of Moral Mondays, and the current horrible incongruent combination of #BlackLivesMatter and #CrimingWhileWhite, I've decided to re-enroll. I would love to have other UPUCCers join me - we could do some interesting follow-up while co-learning together. I may have some of the books already. Here is the course description: Through the lens of documentary traditions in the American South, this course will engage in a call and response between black and white cultures in a region where democracy has been envisioned and embattled with global consequences. The course will cover history and culture as documented in spirituals, gospel, blues, and rock and roll; civil rights photography; southern literature; and historical and autobiographical writing. Readings will include work by historians such as W.E.B. Du Bois, C. Vann Woodward, John Hope Franklin, as well as the literary achievements of Richard Wright, Zora Neal Hurston, and Ernest Gaines along with white counterparts William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Lillian Smith, among others. Classes will include lectures, music, poetry, film clips, discussion, and visitors.
Submitted by Mary Nations [email protected]
Day of Service
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 19, 2015, the Faith in Action Committee will be organizing volunteer opportunities for interested members of the congregation. The Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Kings’ life and teachings into community service that helps empower and strengthen local communities. United Way of the Greater Triangle will be offering multiple volunteer opportunities (including many family-friendly service projects), and we
will also be trying to find some additional options. We will provide updates regarding the available opportunities throughout the month. Let’s make this a day “on” and not a day “off.”
Thanks, Anthony Neff, Chairperson Faith in Action Committee
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Meals Group Event!
Join us for dinner at Tribeca Tavern at 6004 Falls of Neuse Rd. in Raleigh. Check out their menu at http://tribecatavernnc.com/locations/raleigh/. The date is yet to be determined, but it will be either Saturday, January 10 or 17. Please respond to Roberta Ouellette at [email protected] if you plan on attending. Note that we need a firm headcount three days in advance. Watch the weekly email for the exact date, or contact Roberta.
All-Church Potluck!
Fellowship Committee will host an all-church potluck following worship on Sunday, January 25 in conjunction with the UPUCC Congregational Meeting. Everyone is welcome to bring an entrée or side dish to share. Fellowship will provide drinks, cups, silverware, plates and napkins. Youth Group will provide dessert as a mini-fundraiser for their summer work trip.
Movie Group
Next scheduled meeting of the Movie Group is Saturday, January 31 at 6:30 p.m. Contact Gina Kentopp [email protected] for details.
Ongoing Need The winter months and post holiday season are an especially slow time for food donations at Urban Ministries Food Pantry. Please help us continue to support our neighbors in need by a donation of food or money this month. Urban Ministries is strongly advocating healthier food options to fill their shelves. Beans (canned or dried) of any kind are always greatly needed. Also, peanut butter (low sugar) canned meats such as tuna, chicken and salmon along with canned fruit (no sugar added) and soups (low sodium). Containers for food and monetary donations are always available at the back of the worship space. Thank you for all your support of this worthy ministry.
Stewardship & Finance: is responsible for the supervision of the finances of the church. As part of this, the committee plans and implements the annual pledge campaign and works with other committees in the Church to formulate a proposed annual budget. Those recommendations are then presented to the Coordinating Council and Congregation. We also manage many other financial-related tasks including: insurance programs, weekly contribution deposits, financial reports, and analyzing contribution data. Music & Worship: is in charge of the music program of the church including supporting the choir director and pianist, selection, acquisition and maintenance of musical instruments and materials. We coordinate with Doug and Kate planning worship services. Youth: works with Kate to provide teenagers the opportunity to establish and nurture a relationship with God, themselves and with their community. Special ministries throughout the year are designed to be fun and promote spiritual growth in grades 6 through 12. Retreats, summer camp outs, lock-ins, local service projects, mission trips, special fellowships, fund raisers and worship are all part of the mix. Youth Committee also assists with selection of curricula, Coordinating programs, identifying program leaders and leader training. Personnel: responsible for personnel policies, including salary recommendations and benefits. This committee maintains written job descriptions for all paid positions. It also provides both accountability and support to paid staff by working with staff to create goals for the year. The committee screens applicants for employment with the church. Nominating Committee (Year Round): to be in charge of preparing a slate of candidates for all expiring officers and committee chairs, as well as populating committees throughout the year.
At UPUCC... Most of our volunteer efforts are channeled through our committees. The UPUCC Nominating Committee invites you to consider serving on one of the following committees:
Adult Education: coordinates Sunday forums, book studies, evening discussion groups, and other activities that enhance educational opportunities for our adult members. In conjunction with the Fellowship Committee and other groups, we sponsor film outings and retreats. We also publicize opportunities offered in the wider community.
Building & Grounds: plans for maintenance and use of our building, grounds and furnishings. Upcoming projects include a playground, garden, outdoor signage and gathering space considerations.
Children’s Committee: organizes educational and social opportunities for infants through fifth graders. Working closely with Kate, this committee plans the Children’s Church program, teacher training and scheduling of teachers and nursery volunteers. Special events for children also fall under this committee.
Faith in Action: encourages members to be actively involved in social justice issues. Through the leadership of this committee, we support national and international organizations like Bread for the World, Hearts with Haiti and Full Circles Foundation. We also commit our support to local initiatives such as the Neuse River Cleanup, Urban Ministries and the Magnificent Mile.
Fellowship: provides opportunities for UPUCC’ers to know each other better through special events such as our annual barbecue luncheon, Fat Tuesday and Christmas Caroling, (just to name a few!) Besides coordinating Sunday morning coffee and goodies, this committee also plans “All Welcome Dinners” on a regular basis.
Membership & Publicity: publicizes the UPUCC community through print and internet advertising, website, promotional items, brochures and other media. We provide welcome packets and help members—especially new Covenant Partners—make connections with each other. We’re responsible for the Sunday morning welcome table setup, name badges and recruiting greeters and ushers.
Pastoral Care: offers congregational care and spiritual support by focusing on individual needs and caring for personal relationships. We prepare the weekly e-prayer list, send birthday cards and notes of encouragement to members and friends, coordinate meals for those with special circumstances, coordinate the church’s Care Teams and provide assistance and compassion in a variety of ways.
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Officers and committees are elected at our Spring Congregational Meeting at the end of April, and terms begin in May. Most committees meet the second Sunday of each month. For further information, please contact Greg Howes, Moderator of UPUCC Coordinating Council at [email protected]
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January 4 Altar Prep: Eleanor Smith Communion Prep: Elizabeth Altman Coffee Set-Up: Judi & Doug Culver Greeters: Judi & Doug Culver Ushers: Daire & Tara Roebuck Sound System: Frank McKay Auditor: Martha Eller Assistant Treasurer: Tim Champion Clean-Team: Mike & Leslie Heavey, Bill & Doris Frazier, Edward McFarland, Daire Roebuck January 11 Altar Prep: Rita DeMario Coffee Set-Up: Lori Del Negro & Roger Sommer Greeters: Ashley and Vanessa Montague Ushers: Rebecca van Dorsten, Gail Ramee Sound System: Kristen Larsen Auditor: Hope Kiser Assistant Treasurer: Gwen Vass Clean-Team: Mark & Rita DeMario, Dawn McCarthy, Chris Wilms, Amy Lewis January 18 Altar Prep: Eleanor Smith Coffee Set-Up: Roberta Ouellette Greeters: Maria Mauriello, Kelly Foglia Ushers: Amily McCool, Julie Carlsness Sound System: Mark DeMario Auditor: Julie Carlsness Assistant Treasurer: Tim Champion Clean-Team: Tim Champion & Dan Harrell, Ada & Colin McKerrell, Chris Ousley
January 25 (Congregational Meeting) Altar Prep: Michael Lester Coffee Set-Up: Joelle DeJoseph Greeters: Jeri & Bill Radke Ushers: Keith Hiatt, Paul Buschkemper Sound System: Nevin Fouts Auditor: Frank McKay Assistant Treasurer: Gwen Vass Clean-Team: Ted Frazer, Eric Jensen, Nevin & Carol Fouts, Deborah Dunn
(clockwise starting at left)
Nevin Fouts prepares coffee time on Sunday morning.
Adult Ed Committee plans for 2015.
Gwen Vass prepares communion for the first Sunday of the month.
Nick Kentopp sets up the greeters’ table.
Liz & Courtney Prochaska serve as ushers.
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Thurs. Jan. 1 New Year’s Day
Sat. Jan. 3 9:30 a.m. Yoga in the worship space.
Sun. Jan. 4 9:30 a.m. Forum: New Year’s Discussion. See page three.
10:30 a.m. Worship & Communion: Kate Forer preaching.
5:30 -8:00 p.m. Youth: High School Movie Night
Tues. Jan. 6 7:00 p.m. UPUCC Coordinating Council meets.
Wed. Jan. 7 7:30 p.m. UPUCC Choir rehearsal in the worship space.
Sat. Jan. 10 9:30 a.m. Yoga with Sally Bean in the worship space.
Sun. Jan. 11 9:00 a.m. Adult Ed and Stewardship & Finance Committees meet
9:30 a.m. Committee Meeting Time. Childcare provided. Children’s, Faith in Action, Fellowship, Personnel, Worship & Music, Youth Committees meet.
10:30 a.m. Worship: “Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial?” Doug Long preaching.
Following worship Forum: Talk Back Session on today’s sermon. See page three.
5:30-8:00 p.m. Youth: High and Middle School Ice Cream Social (and games!)
Wed. Jan. 14 6:30 p.m. UPUCC Social Justice Task Force meets.
7:30 p.m. UPUCC Choir rehearsal in the worship space.
Sat. Jan. 17 9:30 a.m. Yoga with Ellen Beidler in the worship space.
Sun. Jan. 18 9:30 a.m. Forum: Discussion regarding UPUCC Visioning Committee. See page three.
10:30 a.m. Worship: Kate Forer preaching
Youth- no meeting due to holiday weekend.
Mon. Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Wed. Jan. 21 7:30 p.m. UPUCC Choir rehearsal in the worship space.
Sat. Jan. 24 9:30 a.m. Yoga in the worship space.
Sun. Jan. 25 No Forum today.
10:30 a.m. Worship: “Participating in the Choices which Shape Us,” Doug Long preaching.
Following worship UPUCC Congregational Meeting & All-Church Potluck!
TBD Youth
Mon. Jan. 26 7:00 p.m. UPUCC Men’s Group. Contact [email protected] for details.
Wed. Jan. 28 7:30 p.m. UPUCC Choir rehearsal in the worship space.
Sat. Jan. 31 9:30 a.m. Yoga in the worship space.
