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THE NUUSLETTER
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF CHATTANOOGA 3224 NAVAJO DRIVE CHATTANOOGA, TN 37411 423-624-2985 FAX 423-624-0519
FEBRUARY, 2014 A LIBERAL RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY WWW.UUCC.ORG
Board President Frank Caperton
Minister Rev. Pamela
Rumancik
Religious Education Director
Kay McCurdy Church Administrator
Chris Tregaskis
the nUUsletter Editors
Wendy Sapp Melissa Reese
Inside this Edition:
Services ~ 2 Green Sanctuary ~ 3
Religious Education ~ 4 Small Group Ministry~ 4
Social Justice ~ 5 Pagan ~ 6
Join Us ~ 7 Resources ~ 8-9
Share The Plate ~ 10 Volunteer Schedule ~ 12
Second Hour ~ 14 Thandeka ~ 15 Calendar ~ 16
I love thee – I love thee,
'Tis all that I can say It is my vision in the night,
My dreaming in the day.
~Thomas Hood
DWELL IN POSSIBILITY: PAST AND FUTURE CHURCH by Rev Pam Rumancik
“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to save the world and a desire to savor the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” ~ EB White
We struggle with this paradox of living all the time; with the choice between doing the hard work of growing into our very best selves, or relaxing into a quiet appreciation of what is. But, in truth, it’s not an ‘either/or.’ It’s a complex and challenging ‘both/and.’ While we love this life-giving community, staying the same is stasis; and in any living system, stasis is death. It may be a kind of living death, but not growing, while comfortable, leads to atrophy and loss of the ability to move at all. I know of a little UCC church up in Chicago which has made the intentional decision not to change. They have a large endowment so they can. At last count, they had dwindled down to about 20 octogenarians. On a good day about 7 people show up to the Worship Service. The church is dying and they are OK with that. They’d rather maintain the comfort of familiar people and routines than have to change anything at all. They’re deciding where the remaining funds will go when no one is left. I find that incredibly sad. They have allowed what was once a flourishing church to completely fade away because they refused to make room for new ideas or people. Can you really even call that a church? UUCC doesn’t want to go that route so it is changing and growing and experimenting with new and vital ways to be church in the 21st century. Beginning March 2nd, the church will begin a four month experiment called ‘Second Hour.’ Worship will begin at 10:00am with everyone, young and old alike, gathered together in celebration of life. And afterward there will be a host of faith development opportunities for all ages. Kids will head off to classes – hopefully fully staffed since potential teachers have already been nourished in the sanctuary. The Forum will continue to meet weekly. A host of different offerings for adults will be added which rotate through the month: a Pagan group meeting, a small group, a book discussion, a Ted Talk discussion – each week a different opportunity. Members of the Lay Pastoral Care team will be available in the minister’s office to offer a listening ear and the gift of presence. The Social Justice folks will organize outings to improve and encourage. The entire schedule for the four month trial will be posted ahead of time and at the end, the congregation will vote at the annual meeting on June 8th if they want to continue. The aim is to provide opportunities to meet and interact with different groups of people; to share wisdom between the generations; to deepen understanding of Unitarian Universalism. The goal is to expand and explore different ways of being a vital and life giving church. The hope is to choose growth and renewal – to choose life in abundance. Blessed be.
THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014 SERVICE TITLES & DESCRIPTIONS
FEBRUARY, 2014 Connections meets every Sunday at 10:45 in the sanctuary. Connections is a time of personal sharing for members, friends, and visitors. The worship service begins at 11:00 am. February 2: 8 the Play and Creating a Just World: Looking forward to our congregation’s production of “8” the play. We will explore the different ways we can work for a more just world. Excerpts from the play will whet your appetite. The work of justice wears many faces. ~ Rev Pam Rumancik February 9: Curiosity: Albert Einstein said he wasn’t anything special, he was just passionately curious. Curiosity may have killed the cat – but it’s also powered intense growth and evolution. How can we retain our childlike curiosity for life? ~ Rev Pam Rumancik. February 16: Connections – Where does Real Love come from: Vignettes from UUCC couples – how they met – what brought them together – what life has been like ever since. We will hear from married folks, friends, and companions through life. Come learn about fellow church members and, maybe, a little about the connections we make though life. Intergenerational Service ~ Rev Pam Rumancik. February 23: Activism as a Spiritual Practice and Why Corporate Personhood Matters: Government of the People by the People and for the People, is it possible? Does something stand in the way of our evolution toward a more democratic state? Is there an underlying problem that past Presidents warned us of? And, if we know what the problem is, do our Unitarian Universalist values call us to take action? To become Spiritual Activists? Let's explore these questions together as we look at the rise of Corporate Power in the United States. Judith Pedersen-Benn speaking.
FORUM
The forum meets each Sunday at 9:30 downstairs in the last room on the left.
February 2 - Dr. Renee McLaughlin, of CIGNA, will discuss her life as a transsexual.
February 9 - Dr. Clif Cleaveland makes what has become an annual Forum appearance.
February 16 - Francis and Matt Nevels discuss PFLAG, joined by Marcus Ellsworth on activism at UTC.
February 23 - Blake Moore. Discussion of recent book: "The Anatomy of Violence." Is there a "criminal brain?"
UUCC Board of Trustees, 2013-2014
President, Frank Caperton
President-Elect, Leslie Brock
VP, Resources Ministry, Buck O’Rear
VP, Congregational Life Ministry, Nicky Ozbek VP, Outreach Ministry, Elaine Watkins
VP, Religious Growth Ministry, Open
Secretary, Jim Welborn Treasurer, Daidee Springer
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014 GREEN SANCTUARY INITIATIVE
by Sandy Kurtz SUNNY NEWS Since our stewardship campaign that resulted in successful funding for future solar panels, you have been most patient in waiting for panel installation on our portico roof. Despite the diligent efforts of our Solar Committee, the original recommended installer, Sustainable Futures, did not perform and is no longer doing any installations. Since TVA has discontinued much of its support for solar, many smaller businesses such as Sustainable Futures have ceased their work. That seems to be the case here. At any rate, that original contract has been dissolved and we are now working with Lightwave Solar, a highly reputable firm in Nashville. During a recent site visit, the measurements were taken, the roof inspected, and the best array direction for solar gain was computed. The final design plan for installation is underway and the proper arrangements are being made with EPB and the City of Chattanooga. We don’t yet know the dates for installation, but you will be among the first to know. Shine on! ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL DATE SET Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 13. It will be an intergenerational day devoted to environmental themes with inspiration, music, and films in honor of and for our Earth. We will begin during the usual service and continue through the day concluding with an evening movie. Join the planning committee by contacting Sandy Kurtz. MUSHROOMS AREN’T JUST TO EAT? Chuck Mehan suggests reading a book by Paul Stamets titled Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World. The author pictures mycelium as nature’s neurological Internet. In the book’s first paragraph he states
There are more species of fungi, bacteria, and protozoa in a single scoop of soil than there are species of plants and vertebrate animals in all of North America. And, of these, fungi are the grand recyclers of our planet, the mycomagicians disassembling large organic molecules into simpler forms, which in turn nourish other members of the ecological community. Fungi are the interface organisms between life and death.
Tony Martin, Lightwave Solar Project Manager, and Bill Kurtz inspect roof for solar panel installation
UU 101 - New Members Class – February 12th, 19th, and 26th. Join us on Wednesday evenings to learn more about the history of Unitarian Universalism, the particular and interesting history of UUCC, and explore the rights and responsibilities of membership. Call the office 423-624–2985 or Rev Pam to sign up. Childcare must be requested in advance.
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS by Kay McCurdy, Director of Religious Education
Absorb what is useful. Discard what is not.
Add what is uniquely your own. ~Bruce Lee
This month, my eldest daughter, Isabelle, shares her thoughts about The Mountain: our Unitarian Universalist retreat center in Highlands, North Carolina. Our congregation generously sponsors our UUCC kid’s yearly trips to Youth Conferences at The Mountain, as well as my attendance at Religious Education Week for professional development each summer. It is a magical place.
For the past five years, I’ve been going with our youth group, the most excellent people ever, to programs at The Mountain—the most peaceful and awesome place on earth. No matter how young or old you are, or what your motive is for being there, The Mountain will transform you into the best version of yourself. I have seen so many people change their perspective about the world (and I’m including myself, too!) and really open their minds and their hearts. No matter what you bring with you, whether it’s worry or stress or whatever, you feel better as soon as you see the sign and turn into the twisty crazy drive that leads to the Tree House, the main building. When you’re at The Mountain, you feel like you understand what it means to belong to something big, which is hard when you’re UU and you live in the South. Instead of being the freaky person who goes to that weird church, you’re with UU kids from all over the country. They understand who you are without a million questions like “You aren’t saved?” or “Why don’t you live by the ten commandments?” It feels good to not have to explain who you are or defend your faith. I guess the right word would also be safe, because it’s safe to be yourself at The Mountain. Gay, straight, introvert, extrovert, it all gets mashed up together and it just works."
~ Isabelle McCurdy
SMALL GROUP MINISTRY by Paige Maskarinec, SGM Co-coordinator
In searching for the truth be ready for the unexpected,
change alone is unchanging. The same road goes both up and down. The beginning of a circle is also its end.
Not I, but the world says it: all is one. And yet everything comes in season.
- Singing the Living Tradition
Change is one of the few universal things we can count on in life. Our church community is on the brink of many changes, and that can be both exciting and nerve wracking. But in truth we are always evolving. What changes have occurred in the church since you first attended? How were you a part of that change? Small Group Ministries are here to provide a sounding board for our community as we grow. We encourage our members to delve deeply into these sometimes sticky issues of church life in an environment that builds connection. Our hope is to enhance our community’s ability to work with change and build lasting, ever evolving relationships with one another. These relationships can serve as a catalyst for growth, both in individuals as well as our larger church. As these times are changing, consider joining us in SGM! We welcome the change you provide.
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014 SOCIAL JUSTICE ~ THINKING BIG
by Frances Starkis and Melissa Reese, Co-Chairs The Social Justice Committee Members were challenged at our first meeting of 2014; Think big! Our committee grew in the last quarter of 2013 and is still growing and learning more about how we can impact our community in new and bigger ways. Currently, we have 18 people eager to work together on projects for 2014. How can we make a bigger impact in the lives of those in need in our area? What can we do differently that will be of bigger and better service to those we touch? The Committee is currently developing our monthly projects and planning events around social justice topics. In April, we will have an environmental Sunday that will include films for young and young at heart and activities planned as well. Sandy Kurtz mentions this on page three of this newsletter. Our May theme will be centered around Cinco de Mayo and International Workers Day. If you have an idea of an area or charity we should consider, please let one of our committee members know. We are also excited about a new outreach committee of our Social Justice Committee with Move To Amend. The Move To Amend members will be having meetings at UUCC and helping us with our movie nights. February’s Share The Plate will be with the Minister’s Benevolence Fund. We continue to thank everyone for giving so generously. On Monday, January 20, many of us participated in the MLK March from the Tivoli to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. This was the largest group representing UUCC since our SJ Committee formed. A few pictures are included here of this energetic group.
The Social Justice Committee meets the second Thursday of each month at 7pm. Our next meeting is February 13, 2014. Everyone is welcome.
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014
UUCC Pagan Discussion Group
February 2 - Imbolc February 14 - Full Moon February 25 - New Moon
Our next discussion will be on February 2, Groundhog Day. We will be planning our yearly activities at this meeting, so don’t miss it. Imbolc on February 2 and the preceding eve are associated with fertility; celebrated as a fire festival - midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. Celts use the full moon nearest midpoint. By this time most of us are tired of the cold, snowy season. Imbolc reminds us that spring is coming soon, and that we only have a few more weeks of winter to go. The sun gets a little brighter, the earth gets a little warmer, and we know that life is quickening within the soil. February was considered the final month of the Roman year, and on the 15th, citizens celebrated the festival of Lupercalia. Originally, this week-long party honored the god Faunus, who watched over shepherds in the hills. The festival also marked the coming of spring. Later on, it became a holiday honoring Romulus and Remus, the twins who founded Rome after being raised by a she-wolf in a cave. Eventually, Lupercalia became a multi-purpose event: it celebrated the fertility of not only the livestock but people as well. To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat's hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city's bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.
BOARD MINUTES To help the board communicate the events of the board meetings in a timely manner, the minutes will be posted on the church website. Minutes from the current and previous board meetings can be found at http://www.uucc.org/about-the-uuc/board-meeting-minutes/
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014
8 the PLAY….UUCC…..Fri, Feb 7th, 2014
7:00pm-8:30pm
8 is an American play that portrays the closing arguments of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, a federal trial that led to the overturn of Proposition 8—an amendment eliminating rights of same-sex couples to marry in California”
CONGREGATIONAL BOOK READ/DISCUSSION – FEBRUARY WWW.UUA.ORG/DOCUMENTS/LFD/COMMONREAD/CROS_DISCUSSION.PDF
As a part of our Wednesday evening activities, our next book review group begins February 5 at 6:30pm; following our potluck meal. We will be reading together The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander, which was selected as the 2012-2013 Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Common Read. Alexander, an attorney who is a civil rights advocate, a litigator, and a professor at Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, asserts that crime-fighting policies and systems in the United States, such as the “war on drugs” and the incarceration system, disproportionately and
intentionally affect people of color. She describes multifaceted, lifelong discrimination and disenfranchisement that affect people who are branded ‘felon.” Michelle Alexander’s stated goal is to begin a long-overdue conversation about a racialized caste system in the United States that has manipulated fear and taken advantage of indifference. Readers are invited to share their reactions and reflections in a safe and trusting community. UUA has provided a guide to aid in the discussion of this book. With current events in our area, we feel this is a timely topic to read and discuss. The book review is open to everyone. Adult RE is purchasing books. If you would like a book, please contact tom kunesh – [email protected].
Love is...
...a friendship caught on fire.
...like ghosts, which everybody talks about and few have seen.
...like playing the piano. First you must learn to play by the rules, then you must forget the rules and play from your heart. ...the master key that opens the gates of happiness. ...a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination. ...like a fine wine, the older the better. ...when you can be your true self with someone, and you only want to be your true self because of them. ...above all, the gift of oneself.
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014
GRIEF WORKSHOP TUESDAY, MARCH 18TH
The next Grief Workshop is being planned for March 18th. Save the date and contact
the office if you are interested.
PAYING THE PIPER (AKA UUCC) by Daidee Springer, Treasurer
How do you pay your pledge? Do you put it in the collection basket? Do you mail a check? Do you have it automatically deducted from your bank account? Do you go into the office and hand it to Chris? Do you contribute to special appeals: Forum Room Electronics, Solar Panels, WUTC underwriting, etc? How do you do that? As you might infer from the above, there are a number of ways to “pay the piper” in support of our community. If you're not familiar with them all, I encourage you to check (no pun intended) with Chris or me about ways you might expand your options. Talking about options, we'll soon be offering using your credit card as yet another option. In the near future, you'll be able to click on the website and with just another click or two complete your giving. The only caveat here is that part of your payment will be a transaction charge that won't come to the church. Paying this way may or may not be your cup of tea. But it will be an option. Stay tuned to find out how and when this option will become available. However you choose to give, your generosity is what keeps our church alive.
STITCHES IN TIME
WEDNESDAY, FEB 12 6:30-9:30
Bringing your yarn and join us for an evening of knitting or crocheting
Contact Lynne Higgins for more information [email protected]
706-891-6868
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS @ UUCC 5.30 Meditation - all invited for 30 minutes of quiet mindfulness (leaders rotate) 6.00 Potluck (menu rotates) 6.30: Group options Reading Group: The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander - newjimcrow.com - 3 sessions: 5, 12 & 19 February. - Need a book? Let us know @ [email protected] UU 101 Class meets February 12, 19 and 26. More info on page 3. Stitches in Time (knitting, crocheting) meets February 12.
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014
CHURCH STEWARDSHIP by Buck O’Rear, VP Resources
We participate in the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the South East District UUA (SED). These organizations are associations of like-minded churches/fellowships across the country. We receive many benefits by participations in these associations, however we enjoy self governance and have total responsibility for the care and nurture of our church. Our minister and staff along with many dedicated, skilled church members attend to the daily needs of the church. Our treasurer, a member and elected officer, oversees the daily financial requirements of our community. A finance committee cooperating with a board vice president provides oversight of finance and budgets. Of our membership we ask for equal generosity of time and money, within your ability. Our church needs both. Commitment from our members and friends allows us to offer an opportunity for small groups of similar interest to meet, discuss, and grow. We can come together on Sunday mornings with professional leadership, celebrate our diversity while we continue our personal quests. Through our group synergy we are able to nourish ourselves and make a difference in the Tennessee Valley as our history has shown. In meeting the expectations of the membership, in the spring we conduct an all member/friend stewardship campaign. At this time we hope to meet with all. A dedicated church member with knowledge of the whys and why not and church programs will be available to you. They will discuss the “good, bad and ugly” and, if you wish, assist in determining how you may participate to maximize your association with us. History of our church is rooted in the free church tradition. Churches in this mode are free of all traditions, practices and theologies of other churches. We are free to practice our religion and to see to our own affairs without interference from any one or any organization. We have the ultimate authority and the ultimate responsibility for the actions and survival of our church. We stand on the shoulders of those before us and we have the obligation to be there for those seeking us. Please be generous with your time, skills, and money.
GIFTS TO THE CONGREGATION
The following gifts were given to the church between Dec 15 and Jan 15, 2013-2014
Nancy Anderson for WUTC Underwriting Steve Hollingsworth & Daidee Springer for WUTC Underwriting John Beck for Forum Room Equipment Richard Ralston for Forum Room Equipment Jim & Sue Welborn for Forum Room Equipment
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014 SHARE THE PLATE ~ MINISTER’S BENEVOLENCE FUND ~ FEBRUARY
Our Share The Plate offering for February is the UUCC Minister's Benevolence Fund. While named for the minister, it is actually an emergency relief fund established by the generosity of this community. In the past year we were able to help a number of folks who found themselves in challenging places. People often return and donate to the fund once they get back on their feet. We had many needs this past year and the fund is running low. We are very grateful for your generosity to one another and to supporting the worth and dignity of every person.
Art on the Walls for January and February features the photographic art of Janice S. Smith and Kathryn S Sproull
Cuba Sí! .... Art on the Walls. A photographic memory of spending two weeks among the people of Cuba: where they live, work, laugh, love, and struggle to survive...and where they dance! Cuba is a land of much physical and cultural diversity, and it is unforgettable. Images are from a photographic expedition taken in February 2012.
Month Share the Plate with Amount Donated
February Minister’s Benevolence Fund January UUSC Guest at Your Table $552.09
December Christmas Project for Rescue Mission $277.00 November Food Not Bombs $460.00 October Breast Cancer Support Services $258.71
September NAIA-TN $318.35 August Family Promise – Children’s Uniforms $745.83
July Fan Fund 2013 $323.00 June North Side Neighborhood House $308.00 May AIM Center $341.95 April Chattanooga Arboretum & Nature Center $258.00
March Chattanooga Cares/Strides of March $354.98
WHERE THERE IS LOVE, THERE IS LIFE.
~ MAHATMA GANDHI
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014
Did you hear our name on WUTC? After months of soliciting funds, figuring out the timing for an auspicious start, we are live with underwriting spots! Our first promotion is to drum up interest in “8” the play that we'll present to the public on February 7th. As I mentioned last month when talking about what we get for our money, the most important reason, in research from the UUA, is it's a morale boost to members whenever they hear it. John Hurley, at the UUA commented, “The typical response that we heard was that it’s just so great to hear Unitarian Universalism being advertised.” The continuation of these announcements will require your ongoing support, however. At a recent meeting at the church a lot of hands went up when we asked who gives to WUTC. Very few though are funneling it through UUCC. As you see elsewhere in the nUUsletter we're working to make more options possible for your support, regular deductions from your bank account, even credit card payments. We'll make it easy for you to hear those announcements with pride in your own participation. For more information, email Steve Hollingsworth at [email protected] or text or call (423) 240-3619.
January 13, 2014 – At daybreak, a double rainbow was seen in Chattanooga and captured in many different photos. This photo, taken by tom kunesh, captured the rainbows over the old Universalist Church on Main Street.
A Keurig Coffee Brewer has been donated to our church. It will be convenient for those wishing for a single cup of coffee during meetings and gatherings – particularly on Wednesday evening services which are becoming more attended. UUCC will not be providing the K-cups for this brewer. If you do wish to use it, please bring your own K-cup along with you to church. Happy Brewing!
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014
Judith Pedersen-Benn, MS, CADC, CHT, works with individuals, groups and organizations as they explore how to make positive changes, overcome self-defeating patterns, and integrate practices that encourage balance and wellness. For the past twenty years she has worked as a counselor, teacher, and organizational consultant. She incorporates her understanding of the reciprocal and relational nature of life into her professional practice and her work for peace and justice. She is a senior faculty member at the Center for Mind-Body Medicine and an adjunct faculty member for Saybrook University. Judith is also an activist. She has worked for many environmental and social/economic
justice groups over the years. She has been on the Board of Unitarians for a Just Economic Community for 5 years and is a longtime member of the Women’s League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). She facilitated study groups on Challenging Corporate Power for three years before becoming involved in Move to Amend (MTA). She works for MTA because she believes none of the problems we face today: environmental degradation, economic injustice, declining social welfare, and political corruption; have a chance of being resolved until we deal with the issue of Corporate Personhood.
SERVICE AND VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
DATE 2/2 2/9 2/16 2/23
TOPIC
8 the Play & Creating a Just
World Curiosity
Connections – Where does Real Love Come From
Activism as a Spiritual Practice-Why Corporate
Personhood Matters
SPEAKER Rev Pam Rumancik Rev Pam Rumancik
Rev Pam Rumancik
Judith Pedersen-
Benn
FORUMS Dr. Renee McLaughlin Dr. Clif Cleaveland
Francis & Matt Nevels and
Marcus Ellsworth Blake Moore
GREETERS AND USHERS
Jim Welborn Sue Welborn Linda Helton
Sue Knight Becca Fowlkes
Yvonne Derrickson
Becca Fowlkes Harriet Cotter Chuck Mehan
Elaine Watkins Maurine Olin Kelly Garren
SOUND PRODUCTION
Roger Davis Catherine Long tom kunesh Karl Hunt
BOARD REP Nicky Ozbek Jim Welborn Buck O’Rear Frank Caperton
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014 CHATTANOOGA INSTITUTE OF NOETIC SCIENCE
February 8, 2014 Meeting
10:30 A.M-noon
Understanding Your Archetypes Janet Watts
Carolyn Myss is a medical intuitive steeped in knowledge of the mystics, mysticism, Jungian archetypes and the universal laws of nature. Janet will share with us what she has learned about Archetypes from her studies with Myss, as well as the importance of understanding them and the 4 survival archetypes.
Janet Watts has studied with Carolyn Myss for 13 years and has traveled to Spain, Peru, India and Canada to attend her lectures and see the countryside through Myss’ eyes. Janet's formal education is in Zoology, Chemistry, and Business Administration. She has lived in Chattanooga, working at TVA for 20 years, and her pastimes in addition to being a student of Myss involve therapeutic yoga, scuba diving, hiking and travel. We hope to see you there. Like all our meetings, this one is open to visitors and is free of charge. Also visit our website at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chions/
Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation – Sandy Springs, GA – is bringing one of the world’s preeminent Abraham Lincoln actors, playwrights and scholars to Sandy Springs for a special President’s Day Celebration appearance on Sunday, February 9th at 7:00 pm. Internationally known Lincoln scholar and actor, Dr. Gene Griessman, will appear in costume as the 16th President delivering the presentation. “The Wit and Wisdom of Abe Lincoln”. It will be like having the real Abraham Lincoln in person,” said Beryl Grall, the organizer of this event. Location: Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1025 Mt. Vernon Hwy NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30327 Time/Date: February 9th, 2014; VIP Receiption 6:00 pm; Performance 7:00 pm. Tickets: http://bit.ly/NWUUC-ABE or contact: [email protected].
HELLO AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE MOUNTAIN!
Hello and Happy New Year from the Mountain! We are entering 2014 season and it is an exciting time on our mountain. Mountain lovers will remember that 35 years ago The Mountain was born out of SUUSI. Today the dream continues. We are so excited to start the season and see you here. After a banner 2013 we have planned some exciting programs for you and your family. Be sure to check out our website www.mountaincenters.org and sign up. Our youth programs include Spring & Fall Youth Cons, Mountain Camp (one week and two week sessions for most ages). Our family programs include work weekend 4/18-20, Mountain Homecoming 5/23-26, Family Camp 7/26-8/1, and Thanksgiving 11/26-30. Our programs for adults are Appalachian Spring at The Mountain 5/19-23, Mountain Health and Wellness week 6/15-19, SUUFI 10/6-9. If you love The Mountain and want to be a volunteer, please contact [email protected]. We are looking for people to host groups and help with daily tasks.
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014 The goal is a more energized and engaged community; getting to know one another in deeper and more nuanced levels and creatively engaging our UU Faith with new tools. We envision social justice projects for the whole family; new adult formation opportunities; more time to catch up with old friends; more time to learn about our amazing and saving faith. New ways of connecting and sharing will contribute to creating our own Beloved Community right here in Chattanooga. Why do this now? Interim Ministry is the time to try things. For more years than you can count the RE Dept. has been asking for more teachers – but as committed as
they are – folks don’t want to miss worship. And really – why should they? A majority of UU kids graduate college and never return to a UU Church. They had wonderful engaging
classes while they were growing up, but never got acclimated to regular worship services. It doesn’t feel familiar or welcoming.
These two developments have spurred many UU churches to turn to the concept of Second Hour; holding intergenerational services each week and then creating time for the entire community to engage in different faith development activities afterwards - together. UUCC is going to try this model for a limited time – from March 2 through June 8 – and then ask the community decide if it’s working and they want to keep it, if they want to adjust in some way, or go back to the original structure. A vote will be held at our Annual Meeting. We invite you to set aside your reservations (if you have them) and bring your own enthusiasm for this wonderful church community. Be a blessing – share the joy ~Rev Pam
FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
Find us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Unitarian-Universalist-Church-of-Chattanooga/301318569903599 Or search Unitarian Universalist of Chattanooga
Follow us on Twitter.
Second Hour Experiment Beginning March 2 ~ Worship moves to 10:00 am Taking an old idea - Kids in service – and making it new again.
What will you do with your extra hour? Join a ‘TED Talk’ discussion? Teach a class? Attend Forum? Take a class? Help with a Social Justice Project?
Form a small group? What would you like to do?
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014 Practicing the Heart of Our Liberal Faith:
Love Beyond Belief
A UU Church of Chattanooga Faith Development Workshop Thandeka
April 25- 26, 2014
Part One: Friday (6:30PM to 9:45PM) Part Two: Saturday (9:30AM to 4:30PM)
Thandeka calls the heart of our liberal faith “love beyond belief.” Let’s find out if she’s right. Friday: Part One of this workshop explores personal and collective practices that open our hearts and our minds to insights beyond traditional religious beliefs. Should we call these experiences “love beyond belief”? Drawing upon our own personal experiences, we will answer this question. Saturday: Part Two of this workshop tests the insights and conclusions gained from Part One by putting them into practice. Through a series of faith development exercises, we will explore new ways of expanding and assessing our Unitarian Universalist faith as an ongoing personal and community way of life at UUCC. From beginning to end, this two-part workshop is designed to make sure we have fun as we gain new insights and create stronger bonds. Background The 2005 Commission on Appraisal Report, Engaging Our Theological Diversity, found that “almost universally among UUs, personal experience is considered the most important source of religious conviction.” Theists, for example, cite personal experience to affirm the sanctity of God. Humanists, on the other hand, use personal experience to affirm the sanctity of human life. Others among us use personal experiences to affirm their Pagan, Buddhist, agnostic, Christian, or Judaic claims about the fundamental nature, value, and meaning of their lives. And still others use personal experience to define themselves simply as Unitarian Universalist. What do these experiences have in common? The COA Report did not answer this question. Participants in Thandeka’s workshop will answer this question. Goal Participants will have a deeper sense of who they are as Unitarian Universalists and an expanded sense of what they together can do. The Rev. Dr. Thandeka Thandeka is a theologian, journalist, Emmy award-winning television producer, and congregational consultant and organizer. Creator of the “We Love Beyond Belief” project for congregations (revthandeka.org), she was given the !Xhosa name Thandeka, which means “beloved,” by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 1984.
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THE NUUSLETTER FEBRUARY, 2014 FEBRUARY 2014
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 26
27
28
29
31 February 1 12:30 - 5:30 pm UCG 6 - 10 pm India Association
2 9:15 - 10:15 am Choir Rehearsal 9:30 - 10:30 am Forum 9:30 - 10:30 am Pagan Group 10:45 - 11 am Connections 11 am - 12 pm Worship Service 11:15 - 12:15 RE 4 - 6 pm Dress Rehearsal - 8 the Play 6 - 8 pm Potluck Dinner 'Seed&Fee'
3 4 12 - 3:30 pm DRE Office
5 1 - 5 pm Minister Office 5:30 Meditation 6:00 Potluck 6:30 - 8:30 pm SGM 7 - 8 pm Holy Man Trilogy
6 7 7 - 10 pm '8' The Play
8 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Chions 12:30 - 5:30 pm UCG 6 - 9 pm Bridge Group
9 9:15 - 10:15 am Choir Rehearsal 9:30 - 10:30 am Forum 10:45 - 11 am Connections 11 am - 12 pm Worship Service 11:15 - 12:15 RE 12:30 - 2 pm RE Committee 3 - 7 pm Chatt Humanist Assembly
10 11 12 - 3:30 pm DRE Office
12 12 - 2 pm SGM 1 - 5 pm Minister Office 5:30 Meditation 6:00 Potluck 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm UU 101 Class 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Stitches-In-Time 7 pm - 8 pm Holy Man Trilogy
13 6:30 - 8:30 pm Finance Committee 7 - 9 pm Social Justice Meeting
14 6 - 10 pm Father/ Daughter Valentine's Dance (RE)
15 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm UCG
16 9:15 - 10:15 am Choir Rehearsal 9:30 - 10:30 am Forum 10:45 - 11 am Connections 11 am - 12 pm Worship Service 5 - 9 pm McCurdy (Rental)
17 18 12 - 3:30 pm DRE Office
19 5:30 Meditation 6:00 Potluck 6:30 - 8:30 pm SGM 6:30 - 8:30 pm UU 101 Class 7 - 8 pm Holy Man Trilogy
20 9 - 11 am Lay Pastoral Care
21 22 12:30 pm - 8:30 pm UCG
23 9:15 - 10:15 am Choir Rehearsal 9:30 - 10:30 am Forum 10:45 - 11 am Connections 11 am - 12 pm Worship Service
24 6:30 - 8:30 pm SGM Fac Mtg
25 12 - 3:30 pm DRE Office
26 1 - 5 pm Minister Office 5:30 Meditation 6:00 Potluck 6:30 - 8:30 pm UU 101 Class 7 - 8 pm Holy Man Trilogy
27 7 - 9 pm Board Meeting
28 1
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