November 2019 Newsletter

There are simply so many things calling out to us for our attention.  Some of those things are necessities like work or maintaining a household, taking care of a family.  And then there are so many things that we want to do - like enjoying friendships, exploring interests, engaging in social actions, being a part of this faith community. 

 

How do we make time for everything without losing our center of balance?  In the end we have to make choices.  I remember the words that were offered to my cohort at the beginning of seminary.  We were reminded that we were embarking on a path that called to us and that was going to ask us to make a big commitment.  If we wanted to reap the benefits of this experience we would have to choose to commit to the process.

 

Life is always a process of discernment.  Once we recognize what feeds our spirts, we then need to commit to finding ways to prioritize life so that we can reap the benefits of those things we value. 

 

I have heard and seen from so many of you how very important this community is to your spirits.  I know that your spirits are fed here.  Ironically, because this place is so important, it may be easy to assume that it, and all the things you value about it, will always be here when you need it.  It may be easy to imagine that no one will miss what you have to offer and that someone else will surely take care of keeping things going. 

 

This community exists because of and for you – because it is yours.   Your commitment to this community ensures that this place will be here when you need it and it will be here to welcome those who have yet to discover what you already have. 

 

Please remember that you are the most precious ingredient that brings the building and all of the valued programs to life.  Your time, talent and treasures really do matter.  You matter and your commitment makes a difference.  It takes each one of you to bring to life this beloved community.

 

The board ends each meeting by joining hands with one another and speaking aloud, “I put my hand in yours, so that we may do together what I cannot do alone.”  This is their way of reminding themselves of their commitment to act on behalf of the congregation.  What if we viewed our “We join hands because we need each other more than we know” ritual at the end of worship as a similar reminder to the entirety of this community?  These words are more than mere platitudes – they are in fact, a call to action for each of us to recognize what a difference each one of us makes.

 

For all the many ways you care for this place, for your continued commitment, we give thanks.

 

With deep gratitude,

 

Cindy 

The issues Georgians faced included polling place closures, voter purges, missing absentee ballots, extreme wait times and a host of voter ID issues – all of which disproportionately prevented many students and people of color from casting their ballots.  The film runs 35 minutes and will be followed by a short discussion period.

 

VOLUNTEER at the Farm Stand

 Help is needed at Project SHARE’S Farm Stand on Thursday morning, November 7^th from 9:30 to 11:00. 

 
The Farm Stand is located at 12 Lincoln Street, Carlisle, PA.

 

Please sign up at Social Justice table.

 

 

 

Change For The World – 

 

November CFTW - Shippensburg University Women’s Consortium Emergency Fund for Students

 The Women’s Consortium at Shippensburg University is a community, within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Women’s Consortium, who envisions change and acts in the interests of women.

 

The Student Emergency Fund was established by the Women’s Consortium in 2006. This fund provides for small amounts of money for students who are experiencing serious difficulties that may prevent them from meeting their basic daily needs.

 

https://www.ship.edu/womensconsortium/

November's Featured Events

Cumberland Honey Concert - Saturday, November 9  6:00 PM - ALL are welcome to join us in the Sanctuary for an evening of Folk Music.  Suggested Donation: $10  A portion of the proceeds will go to support our OWL (Our Whole Lives) a comprehensive sex-education program.  https://uucv.org/religious-education/owl/

Children's Auction - Saturday, November 16 6:00 PM - While the adults bid upstairs, kids have games and toys downstairs.

Pizza Movie Night - The RE Committee will be hosting a screening of Frozen on Friday, November 22nd at 6pm.  Pizza and snacks will be provided.  Please join your UU family for a fun filled evening.  Feel free to bring blankets and pillows to get cozy during the movie.  Singing is encouraged, but not mandatory and costumes are appreciated.  Doors will open around 5:45.  All are welcome!

The RE Committee would like to present the UUCV Family Event Calendar for 2019-2020!  Mark your calendars now for a year of fun events, or pick up a hard copy in the Social Hall.  Stay tuned for more details on individual events as they get closer, or feel free to reach out with questions. 

All of these events are open to all ages, not only for families with young children.  These events are also a great opportunity to invite new friends who may want to learn more about us but feel shy about coming to church on a Sunday - is there someone in your life you would like to invite?

Fall Adult RE Schedule - 2019

These classes will be held on Sunday morning’s beginning at 9:00 am in the Board Room.  Everyone is welcome to join.

 

November 10: Journaling As A Spiritual Practice

 “Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time.” Mina Murray

 Keeping a journal or a diary is the practice of writing things down on a regular basis. It offers a way to hold a deliberate, thoughtful conversation with yourself. It helps you understand what you’re thinking, what you want, what you don’t want, what could make you stronger.  We will discuss how one starts and keeps a journal or diary.

But this is not just for beginners. If you are a journal keeper, please come and share what it means to you, how it fits into your life and into your own spirituality.  Discussion leader: Joe Osborne.

 

November 24: Mental Health Recovery Services and Supports at the County Level

 Last session we looked at the larger picture of the Mental Health system-- mostly from the view of financial distribution. This session we will be discussing our County Joinder-Cumberland and Perry and the plethora of services available supported by your tax dollars. Most of the supports are not addressed as part of private health insurance. Most significantly noting housing, coupled with important supports that give a consumer (MH's often used term instead of client or patient) a base to start to build a life that is recovery focused.  Discussion leader: Chris Bilger.

 

December 15: Mega Churches

 A church is considered Mega if it has over 2,000 regular congregants. There are more than 1,300 of these in the US. What is it like to attend one of these? Why do they exist? What do they provide their members that a smaller church cannot?  Are there or could there be any UU megachurches?  Discussion leader: Joe Osborne.

 

December 29: Christology Wisdom

Wisdom Christology is that branch of Christian theology that looks at the ways in which the Jewish Wisdom literature was used to help craft the Jesus story.  In the gospels, Jesus himself is often portrayed as Wisdom personified.  Wisdom also becomes the “kingdom of God” within us that can be found by seeking.  These revelations, among others, have caused some scholars to have serious doubts about the historical evidence of Jesus.  Discussion leader: Don Hoffman.

Ever wonder what’s involved in serving as a Member of the Board? Check the P & P Manual! That information is in there along with descriptions of how various committees currently operate and so much more.

Director of Lifespan Faith Development, Emily Crutcher, will bring us up to date on the many and diverse RE initiatives ongoing. The Capital Campaign folks will tell us what to expect now that our wonderful roof is in place.  Childcare will be provided.

“Today will be a joyful day; enter, rejoice, and come in!” See you there!

Need to talk with our Intern Minister Cindy Terlazzo?

Cindy will have UUCV office hours on Wednesdays from noon until early evening.  If you would like to meet with her, please get in touch with her cindy@uucv.net to set up a time.  She's also available on Sundays following worship.  You can also contact the church office 717/249-8944 or pam@uucv.net to leave a message for Cindy to get back to you. 

New Membership Classes

Interested in becoming a member of UUCV or just learning more about the history of Unitarian Universalism?  Rev. Aija Simpson will be holding classes February 9, 16 and 23 from 12:30 until 2:30 in the Yuuth Room.  

Sign up now by contacting Pam in the office at pam@uucv.net or calling 717/249-8944.

If you’ve ever considered joining the choir, but have difficulty committing to mid-week rehearsals, this is your chance!

If your schedule makes it difficult to commit to multiple weeks of rehearsal in preparation for a choir performance, this is your chance!

If you’ve read the research that suggests it’s healthier to wake at the same time every day, and needed something to get you out of bed earlier on Sundays, this is your chance!  (Okay, this one seems somewhat less likely.…)

Starting this Sunday, September 29, the UUCV Choir has a new attendance policy: simply join us in the Sanctuary a few minutes before 8:45 AM on the Sunday morning we sing.  That’s it!  We’ll learn and polish all of the music for that morning’s service during that 8:45 rehearsal, and you’ll have a break from 9:45 to 10:30 to caffeinate, practice self-care, and prepare for worship.  We ask that choir singers wear all black, or black with a “splash” of a particular color theme.  (The schedule of upcoming choir Sundays, including the color theme for the day, if applicable, is included on the choir page of the UUCV website.)

Singers need not have any prior experience in choral singing, music-reading, or voice training, and no auditions are required.  So come join us!

Questions?  Ask a current choir member, or contact David.  We’ll look forward to singing with you!

UUCV Office Closings for November

TIME TO DIG OUT YOUR BELLBOTTOMS, BANDANAS AND BIRKENSTOCKS AND LET YOUR INNER FLOWER CHILD SHINE.

 

CATCH THE MAGIC BUS AND PLAN TO:

 

ATTEND! Be there or be square!  Advance registration continues  Sunday November 3 and 10 in the Social Hall during Coffee Hour. Suggested Admission donation is $10 and you can bring one non UUCV for Free. Admission includes a bidding number as well as appetizers, dessert and coffee/tea. You can also Register the night of the Auction but Advanced Registration is really helpful.

The Auction isn’t only for adults! While the adults play upstairs Children will have their own Auction activities downstairs. Nursery care is available for ages 4 and under and older children will enjoy an evening of snacks, movies, activities  and the opportunity to bid and buy with their “Auction Bucks”. For more information please see the hand out on the Auction Table or speak with Emily Crutcher.

 

CAN’T BE THERE? We’ll miss you but you can still join in all the great events by getting a Bidding Buddy. More detailed info is available on the Auction Table in the Social Hall.

 

TAKE A CHANCE! Raffle Tickets will be available for purchase Nov 3 and 10 in the Social Hall during Coffee Hour and also the night of the Auction.

 

LEND A HAND! Donations of non nut munchies and beer, wine and soda are always needed and appreciated. Extra helpers the night of the Auction are wanted and welcomed to run papers to the Check Out Team or staff the food table for a half hour shift or help with the Children’s Auction for a half hour shift or help with help with the flow of the Sign Ups. No special skills required and on the job training will be provided as needed. 

 

AUCTION BOOKLET! The Booklet is being printed and should be available for pick up after church Nov 3 and 10. It will also be available for pick up in the church office during regular office hours  beginning the week of Nov 4. A digital Booklet will be posted to the UUCV website and details will be provided ASAP.

 

 

CAN YOU DIG IT, (WO)MAN?

COME HANG LOOSE WITH UU FRIENDS AS WE PARTY HEARTY!

 

For more information stop by the Auction Table

 or visit www.uucv.org and click on Events

             

Mozambique Bursary Project 2019-20 Kickoff

 

The Mozambique Committee will launch their campaign on Sunday, November 10^th by taking part in the regular UUCV 10:30 – 11:30 church service.  Then, from 11:45 – 1:00 we’ll provide a Mozambiquan style luncheon and an information session to celebrate the launch of our 2019 Bursary Campaign. ALL Bursary supporters – within and outside UUCV – plus anyone interested in learning about the program — are invited to UUCV on November 10th.

 

Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."  UUCV members and friends act upon Mandela’s words by supporting the Mozambique Bursary project. A small donation makes a huge impact on the quality of rural, Mozambiquan girls' lives.  The girls, in turn, use their education to give back to others when they become adults. Their educations provide a lifelong gift that improves their lives and the lives of their families.  Educated Mozambiquan women also make a positive impact on their communities and nations. $350 supports a girl in secondary school for one year.

 

Susan Rimby on behalf of the Mozambique Bursary Committee

 

The OWL Program is a comprehensive sexuality education curriculum for ages kindergarten-adult.

It covers important topics such as: consent, sex, LGBTQ+, sexual health, the internet, sexual abuse, reproduction, puberty, pregnancy, STDs, body image, gender roles in the media, body positivity, tolerance and so much more.

UUCV’s mission as an enduring liberal religious community in the Unitarian Universalist tradition is to transform lives and care for the world.

Join us on Saturday, November 9 from 6 - 9 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2 Forge Road, Boiling Springs.

Suggested donation $10

Grocery Cards – Easy fundraiser for UUCV

Don’t forget to stop by the Grocery Card table after service on Sundays to buy a Giant, Karns or Weis card to purchase all your picnic groceries.  This is a great fundraiser for UUCV – we receive 10% of the face value of every Giant Card sold and 5% for each Karns and Weis card sold.  Cards can also be purchased during the week in the church office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm and on Wednesdays from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.  And you can use your Giant card for gas, Carlisle Borough Trash Bags, prescriptions, and beer for those over 21!

Shop at Amazon and Make Money for UUCV

https://smile.amazon.com/ and make money for UUCV

When you do your amazon online shopping, use https://smile.amazon.com/  and choose Unitarian Universalists of Cumberland Valley as the charity you would like to support.  You only need to enter our name in once, and it will remain the charity until you change it.  UUCV receives quarterly checks based on the amount spent on this site.  There is no extra cost to you.

Ever wonder how UUCV has been able to afford a grand piano, a hand-crafted chalice and other significant furnishings? The contents of our church building is filled with items designed, built and/or purchased by dozens of early members, most of whom are no longer with us.

To recognize these many significant contributions of the past, UUCV’s new Endowment Committee (consisting of charter members John Bloom, Tom DeWall, Kit Franklin, Max Lara and chair Carole DeWall) has begun its work with this goal in mind. We aim to honor these individuals for their vision and generosity during those important early years of our congregation. A special recognition service will be held early next year to tell you more about these donors and their contributions.       

With eyes to the future, the main task of the Committee is to promote the growth of the Endowment Fund, now that UUCV’s bylaws have been officially amended (in 2017) to establish one. As of the end of the 2018-19 fiscal year, we only had $100 in it, but in response to the Committee’s request, the Board approved that all future memorial contributions will be automatically directed to this fund unless the donor indicates otherwise.

The establishment of a Legacy Society roster is the Committee’s additional goal to note those who have included UUCV in their wills (or at least a count, for those who request anonymity). If you are one of those generous people who has already endowed money to UUCV, please advise a committee member so you can be listed. (No dollar amounts are needed, but just your name and the financial vehicle so that it can be recorded in the church office.) Such future contributors will also be recognized at the January or February service unless they prefer to remain anonymous to the general public.

We look forward to sharing with you the legacy of so many individuals from the past as we pave the way for future generations at UUCV.                             

www.uucv.net
717/249-8944

Worship: Sundays 10:30 am
2 Forge Road
Boiling Springs, PA  17007