Weekly e-nUUs – September 4, 2013

enUUs_newlogo 12.2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worship & Music

 

Sunday services are offered at 9:45 and 11:30 AM.

 

 

September 8      Returning to Right Relationship

Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Elaine Bowen

The Jewish observances of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and the Ten Days of Repentance in between are steeped in tradition and infused with the wisdom of generations.  Drawing on that wisdom, we will consider again what is required of us if we would return to right relationship with the people in our own lives and with source of life itself.

 

Lay-Led Programs Solicited:

The Sunday program committee wants to hear from YOU for your ideas and/or proposals for Sunday services.  If you have an idea, please consider talking to someone on the committee (Lois Weir, Christie Anderson, Liz Bright, Joe Kuemerle, Lori McGee, Andrew Rome, and Kristofer Sperry), and/or submitting a proposal (find more information and the form at //kentuu.org/ministry/sunday-program/).  Contact Lois Weir with your questions or to submit a proposal.  The Sunday Program Committee meets next on September 11th.

 

 

U.U.’ve Got Talent!

“We know you’ve got it, it’s time to let it out!”

On Saturday, September 28, the UU Church of Kent music committee is hosting a musical fundraiser. WE ARE IN SEARCH OF TALENT. This is your opportunity to perform solo or to invite other members of the congregation and friends to create a small ensemble. This is your chance to release that creative spark within you. Before Sunday, September 15, please contact Hal Walker with your idea. We are looking for a diverse range of 3 to 5 minute musical selections that express your unique talent. Only a limited number of spots are available, so start getting ready now!   All ages welcome!

 

 

SAVE THE DATE!

U.U.’ve Got Talent!  “An Evening of Musical Variety”

Please SAVE THE DATE!  On Saturday September 28th, the UU church of Kent Music Committee is hosting a musical fundraiser. We are hoping to raise $800 to pay for the services of an accompanist for our beloved choir.  Join us at 7:30 that evening as we transform the Kent sanctuary into a venue for highlighting the remarkable talents of local UU’s and Friends!  $10 is the suggested donation, but please give what you can – hope to see you there!

 

 

It takes all of us to create a welcoming environment on Sunday mornings.  All the members and friends of this church are needed to extend hospitality to our visitors.  On any given Sunday, some people volunteer to be a part of our hospitality efforts in particular ways.  We have a large team of people who volunteer to help greet and usher on Sunday mornings, to prepare an inviting coffee hour and to donate flowers to add a focal point of beauty to our services.  In order to make it easier to participate, we are using a new tool that will allow you to see what Sunday morning hospitality positions are available and to decide when and how frequently you might be able to help.

If you are a member or an active friend of this congregation, we hope you will consider finding at least one time this fall and early winter when you might be able to volunteer in one of this very easy but extremely important roles.  Of course, there is no limit to the number of times you can volunteer!  Also, we want you to know that children and youth are welcome to participate in any of these roles.  Thank you for considering how you might be part of helping us practice the fragile art of hospitality every Sunday.

Sign up at:  www.SignUpGenius.com/go/904054FA9A62BA57-sunday

 

 

Lifespan Learning

 

Small Group Ministry:  Food for Thought Groups and Chalice Groups

Attached to today’s e-nUUs is this year’s Small Group Ministry brochure and sign-up form.  Deadline to register is September 22.  Please complete the sign-up form and drop it in the offering plate or mail it to the Church office.  Thank you.

 

 

Our Religious Education is back to its regular schedule. The RE committee is very excited about the curriculum.  And we are even more excited about the amazing group of teachers who are graciously giving their talents to the awesome kids of our church!  It’s going to be a great year!

Please see the website for detailed information:  //kentuu.org/education/childrens-religious-education/

During the 9:45 service we will offer:

  • Nursery
  • Preschool for ages 3 + 4
  • Early Elementary for grades K-2
  • Upper Elementary for grades 3-5

During the 11:30 service we will offer:

  • Nursery/playtime for babies through preschool
  • Multi-age class for school-aged children
  • Middle School Youth Group for grades 6-8
  • High School Youth Group for grades 9-12

With the new RE year comes fall registration so that our information is current. Please stop by the registration table during coffee hour on 8/25 and register the children in your family. For more information on registering your family please contact RE Assistant Colleen Thoele.

 

 

Have you ever wanted to volunteer at church but cannot make a continued or lengthy time commitment? Do you enjoy spending time with infants and toddlers? If yes, then volunteering in the nursery is right up your alley! Every Sunday we ask that 2 adults or older teens (1 for each service) assist Michelle in the nursery. We are scheduling for nursery helpers now and we NEED you! To volunteer to be placed in the potential pool of nursery helpers, please email  Colleen Thoele.

 

 

Super Brain: Unleashing the Explosive Power of Your Mind to Maximize Health, Happiness, and Spiritual Well-Being by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and Rudolph E. Tanzi, Ph.D.; Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Professor of Neurology, Havard medical School.

The group will meet today, Sunday, Sept. 8 from 6:00 to 7:30 at the Eldredge Annex .  There will be a general overview of the book as well as examination of what we each believe about our brains.  The authors present us with five myths about our brains we can work to dispel as well as three brain Super Heros.

 

 

Spiritual Cinema: Contact

This year the middle school youth group will be studying “Popcorn Theology” and we are going to use our monthly Spiritual Cinema as an opportunity to watch some of the movies in their entirety. Our movie nights have always been open to people of all ages but we strongly encourage youth to attend with their parents.

For our next Spiritual Cinema on Friday, September 13 at 7:00 PM, we will watch the motion picture, “Contact” (1997) which was written by the late Dr. Carl Sagan. The movie is 150 minutes and will be followed by a short discussion of some of the topics raised by the movie. Previously Dan Flippo has shown this movie in his home but we will be showing the film at the church to allow more people to attend. Please RSVP to Dan..

Comments by Dan:

One of the key themes in “Contact” is the conflict between science and religion. In the movie, a message discovered by radio telescope immediately causes conflict between scientists who would learn more about the message and others who find their beliefs threatened.  At the conclusion I believe the protagonist realizes that even science might require an element of faith.

 

 

Community Within

 

In a recent Chalice Flame newsletter article, I wrote that Evin and I are not in need of any gifts for our baby, but that if someone wants to give a gift perhaps they might consider donating some new toys or clothes (for children of any age) to Summit County Children Services for children in foster care.  Someone recently asked me how exactly to go about making such a donation.  Items must be dropped off in person at the main SCCS building at 264 S. Arlington Street, Akron, Ohio, 44306.  Donations are accepted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week and donation receipts are available.  Just be sure to let the person at the desk know the items are for the holiday gift program.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

~ Melissa

 

 

Several people asked this past Sunday for the title of the UUA Common Read book I referenced during my sermon as well as information about how to access the Restaurant Opportunities Center Dining Guide.  The book is called Behind the Kitchen Door by Saru Jayaraman and is available from the UUA Bookstore.  I also understand our church library is hoping to acquire a copy as well.  The Dining Guide is an online resource which also has an app you can use if you have a smartphone.  You can find a link to the guide as well as the app at http://rocunited.org/dinersguide/

~ Melissa

 

 

The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, September 10 at 7 pm in the home of Trish Johnson-Kwartler.  This month we are offering a choice of two older novels: Main Street by Sinclair Lewis or Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser.  Main Street tells the tale of a big-city girl who marries a physician and settles in a small town in the Midwest, only to fall victim to the narrow-mindedness and unimaginative natures of the town’s residents. Sister Carrie is a novel about a young country girl who moves to the big city where she starts realizing her own American Dream, first as a mistress to men that she perceives as superior, and later becoming a famous actress. In October we will be reading The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.  If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper.  All are welcome.

 

 

From the Library:  One week from tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 11th, the first Library Symposium will be held in the Library at 7:30 P.M. We look forward to a lively discussion and refreshments after viewing the Bill Moyer’s examination of 2 faith journeys one by author Mary Gordon, and the other by philosopher Colin McGinn. Harry Noden will be Moderator.  We hope you can join us for this special evening, and we look forward to seeing you.

 

 

Ministries Fair:  September 15

Please join us on Sunday, Sept. 15 when we highlight the many programs and ministries here at the Church.  Following each of the services, representatives from each team and committee will be available to help you explore varied opportunities to get involved.  We hope you’ll find something that both interests you and helps build your faith and sense of community here at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent.

 

 

Locavore Dinner Tickets Available:

On Saturday, September 21 at 6:30 pm, Jennifer May and Lois Weir will host the 4th annual Locavore Dinner, which will be all vegetarian this year.  A multi-course meal will be served that features the best produce that northeast Ohio has to offer.  Lois & Jennifer source almost everything locally (including the wine, beer, and cocktails) for this unique event.  Some vegan dishes will be included, and most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.  Children and adults are welcome.  This was a 2012 Thanks4Giving Auction offering which did not sell out; therefore, there are 3 tickets available for purchase at $80 each.  Contact Lois Weir to reserve your seat(s).

 

 

The planning task force for the church’s 150th anniversary celebration will be meeting on Sunday, September 29 at 12:45 in the Annex. 

 

 

Outreach and Social Justice

 

The Human Rights Social Justice Committee will meet on Thursday, September 12th at 6:30 pm in the Annex.  All are welcome.

 

 

Income Generation

 

WHAT ARE THOSE GROCERY CARDS ABOUT ANYHOW?

Every week we sell gift cards for ACME and Giant Eagle stores during coffee hour.  This program raises a few thousand dollars for the church every year!  There is nothing special you have to do – when you buy your grocery cards from the Church, the Church receives 5% of the card’s value.  You get to spend the full value of the card; use them like a debit card at either ACME or Giant Eagle. Cards can be used for anything bought at the store: Prescriptions, other name-brand gift cards sold at the stores, and of course groceries. And there is an added bonus…you still receive the fuel rewards!  For those who don’t bring cash or checks to church, you may use your credit or debit card to purchase your Acme or Giant Eagle cards, Fair Trade Coffee and the cost of fund raising events such as the pancake breakfasts. We do pay a fee per credit card transaction, so if you have cash or a check, that would be better, but if not, we’re happy to process the payment through your credit or debit card. Stop by and visit Carol Gould or Bob Erdman or one of the many who help in this effort.

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