Amphibians are declining globally and their disappearance is likely to have significant impacts on ecosystems. Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to environmental change and contaminants. FrogWatch is a citizen science program of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums that invites individuals and families to learn about the wetlands in their communities and help conserve amphibians by reporting the calls of local frogs and toads. Join us on Tuesday, April 29th, from 6:30-8:30pm for a FrogWatch USA introductory education session led by Cara Constance, PhD and Jennifer Clark, PhD of Hiram College. The session will be held in the sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent.
Month: April 2014
Sowing Seeds of Justice and Growing Community – April 27, 2014
Led by Matthew McHale, Intern Minister, West Shore UU Churchand Worship Associate Justin Czekaj – This spring, as signs of new life and new possibilities emerge all around us, we consider our relationship to one another and to the environment which sustains all life on this planet. Can planting a garden be a radical act? How can the way we grow and eat food help create communities that align with our liberal religious values—promoting justice and honoring the interconnected web of existence?
Podcast: Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
BUILDING EXPANSION SURVEY
The Building Expansion Team is currently defining the requirements for our new fellowship hall and renovations to our church and grounds. This is your church, and your opinions are vital to the process. Please click on the link below and take our online survey to make your needs and wishes known.
TAKE THE SURVEY!
The survey will require approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Paper copies will be available in Fessenden Hall on the BET bulletin board. Survey responses are due by May 11.
Weekly e-nUUs – April 23, 2014
UU Church of Kent’s advertisement with Kent Area Chamber of Commerce that will be e-blasted Friday, April 25.
Worship & Music
Sunday services are offered at 9:45 and 11:30 AM.
April 27 – Sowing Seeds of Justice and Growing Community
Led by Matthew McHale, Intern Minister, West Shore UU Church and Worship Associate Justin Czekaj – This spring, as signs of new life and new possibilities emerge all around us, we consider our relationship to one another and to the environment which sustains all life on this planet. Can planting a garden be a radical act? How can the way we grow and eat food help create communities that align with our liberal religious values—promoting justice and honoring the interconnected web of existence?
From the Library
Rev. Melissa’s references for her Easter Sunday homilies were taken from two different sources.
For those who want to learn more about Malala, an excellent article may be found at http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24379018
Dr. Cornel West has stated, “never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.” One source that provides a good introduction to what that means to him in practical terms is an interview he and two other theologians gave on the Bill Moyers show called “Faith and Justice”: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07032009/transcript1.html
Lifespan Learning
The Youth Sunday worship service will happen at both services on Sunday, May 4th. The high school youth have chosen “Letting Go” as their theme. They have created a worship experience filled with story, music, readings and homilies that is sure to inspire and enlighten.
Community Within
Attention All Leaders and Committee Chairs
All Annual Reports to be included in the Annual Meeting packet are due May 1, 2014. Please submit or email reports to MaryBeth at [email protected]. Annual Meeting packets will be available to the congregation on May 14. The Annual Congregational Information Meeting is scheduled for May 28 @ 7 PM and the Voting Meeting will be held on June 1 @ 12:30 PM.
Congregational Meeting Postponed to April 27
The Building Expansion Team postponed the meeting between services to from April 20 to April 27. The purpose of the meeting is to invite you to engage with an expansion project survey that will help guide the members of the Building Expansion Team in discussion with the architects.
Surprise Friends
Don’t forget your Surprise Friend this week! Bring your surprise (a note, a piece of artwork, etc.) and leave it on the Surprise Friends table in Fessenden Hall.
The Food for Thought group would like to thank all those who contributed to our wonderful Easter Sunday coffee hour. After Rev. Melissa’s inspiring homilies and Hal’s wonderful celebratory music, the “groaning table” and the sustained fellowship we enjoyed together in Fessenden Hall made the morning especially memorable. We are fortunate, indeed to be a part of this generous congregation. Anyone interested in joining this group may contact Claudia Miller.
New UU Classes in May!
Curious? Interested in learning more? Ready to take the next step?
Our New UU classes cover everything you wanted to know about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent in particular and Unitarian Universalism in general, but didn’t know where to go or whom to ask. Well, maybe not everything, but we try to give you an overview, a starting point. Some history of both, some organizational details. Come join the conversation. And, if you’re curious about membership, this is the place to be.
Part 1 will be on Sunday, May 4th, from 9-11 am. Part 2 will be on Sunday, May 18th, from 9-11 am. You may attend one or both, although attendance at both is encouraged. Different topics will be covered in each. We will gather at the Annex, the yellow house next to the church.
If you have any questions, contact Claudia Miller or Marion Yeagler.
The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 pm in the home of Trish Kwartler. This month we are reading Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. Let the Great World Spin is the critically acclaimed author’s most ambitious novel yet: a dazzlingly rich vision of the pain, loveliness, mystery, and promise of New York City in the 1970s. Elegantly weaving together seemingly disparate lives, McCann’s powerful allegory comes alive in the unforgettable voices of the city’s people, unexpectedly drawn together by hope, beauty, and the “artistic crime of the century.” A sweeping and radical social novel, it captures the spirit of America in a time of transition, extraordinary promise, and, in hindsight, heartbreaking innocence. In June we will be reading Cloud Cover by Margo Milcetich. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper. All are welcome.
Due to a lapse in security, the doors codes have been changed. All previous codes were purged and deactivated. If you are in need of a code for the Church and/or Annex, please contact the office with your request.
Outreach and Social Justice
Dinner for the Earth
Friday, April 25th, 6pm in Fessenden Hall
Join us for a Potluck Dinner to eat delicious food and learn from each other. Everyone should bring a dish and share the story of their food, as sharing a meal and our stories helps us care for the living Earth with reverence and gratitude. Our goal is to share and respect each other’s food decisions, if that is good home cookin’ like my Mama’s, or nutritionally exact FDA certified food, or organic/local/seasonal/artisanal fare. Whether plant-based or paleo, home grown or store bought – all are welcome.
Contact Andrew Rome for additional details!
Amphibians are declining globally and their disappearance is likely to have significant impacts on ecosystems. Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to environmental change and contaminants. FrogWatch is a citizen science program of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums that invites individuals and families to learn about the wetlands in their communities and help conserve amphibians by reporting the calls of local frogs and toads. Join us on Tuesday, April 29th, from 6:30-8:30pm for a FrogWatch USA introductory education session led by Cara Constance, PhD and Jennifer Clark, PhD of Hiram College. The session will be held in the sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent.
RiverDay Garlic Mustard Pull on Saturday, May 17th, 10am-12pm
Meet at the parking lot at 143 Gougler Ave. across from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent to protect our riverside park from invasive weeds. Contact Andrew Rome for more information.
Green Sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent presents a free showing of the movie:
Forks Over Knives
“A film that can save your life” Roger Ebert Chicago-Sun Times
“Great Movie” Mark Bittman, New York Times columnist
Date: May 23, 2014
Time: 7 pm
Place: The Sanctuary
Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent
Followed by discussion and healthy snacks
Contact person: Trish McLoughlin
Income Generation
Last Call for FY2015 Pledges
The Finance Committee will meet tomorrow morning, April 24 to set the budget for our next fiscal year beginning July 1. Below is an announcement that was sent last week detailing the results of the current stewardship campaign. If you would like to make a pledge or consider an increase in pledge, please send an email to the Church Office, [email protected] or complete the online pledge card found on our website: //kentuu.org/membership/stewardship/ Thank you.
Stewardship Campaign Update: Good News and Other News
The good news is that many people responded to our annual stewardship campaign. With thanks to all of the leaders and all of you who chose to make a pledge, we have nearly $220,000 in commitments for our next fiscal year. We are very grateful for your ongoing support!
The other news is that the total pledge commitments for our next fiscal year are the same as our pledge commitments for the current fiscal year. This means that our budget is flat. Without additional pledges, we will be unable to implement the new ministry goals we set for next year. Because of increased costs we cannot control, the same pledge income we received for this fiscal year will not go quite as far next fiscal year. This means that we will need to make some modest cuts to our budget for next year.
The Finance Committee will be meeting to finalize the budget for the Board of Trustees this coming week. If you haven’t yet made a pledge or would like to consider an increase to your pledge, please let the church office or one of our stewardship campaign leaders know before Thursday morning.
Thank you for your generosity and commitment to support our beloved church.
Sandy Eaglen, Treasurer
Marion Yeagler, Kathie Slater and Meg Milko – Stewardship Committee
Congregational Meeting postponed to April 27
The Wonder of it All – April 20, 2014
Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer, Director of Religious Education Karen Lapidus, and Worship Associate Elaine Bowen – Where are we going? And how shall we live the journey? Wonderful music and uplifting worship await you this morning as we celebrate Easter together. Our first service will be multigenerational and designed to be especially welcoming for families with younger children to attend together. Our second service will be prepared with older youth and adults in mind. Our annual Easter egg hunt will be held after the first service.
Image Attribute: http://www.landscapehdwalls.com/path-in-a-flowery-field-303/
Podcast: Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Big Questions – April 13, 2014
Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Ted Voneida – What are we? What does it mean to be human? Perhaps the biblical stories of Jesus’ final days can give us some insight into the nature of our own being.
Podcast: Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Annual Reports Due May 1, 2014
Attention All Leaders and Committee Chairs
All Annual Reports to be included in the Annual Meeting packet are due May 1, 2014. Please submit or email reports to MaryBeth at [email protected]. Annual Meeting packets will be available to the congregation on May 14. The Annual Congregational Information Meeting is scheduled for May 28 @ 7 PM and the Voting Meeting will be held on June 1 @ 12:30 PM.
Dinner for the Earth – April 25, 2014
Friday, April 25th, 6pm in Fessenden Hall
Join us for a Potluck Dinner to eat delicious food and learn from each other. Everyone should bring a dish and share the story of their food, as sharing a meal and our stories helps us care for the living Earth with reverence and gratitude. Our goal is to share and respect each other’s food decisions, if that is good home cookin’ like my Mama’s, or nutritionally exact FDA certified food, or organic/local/seasonal/artisanal fare. Whether plant-based or paleo, home grown or store bought – all are welcome.
Contact Andrew Rome for additional details!
Weekly e-nUUs – April 9, 2014
Worship & Music
Sunday services are offered at 9:45 and 11:30 AM.
April 13 – Big Questions
Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Ted Voneida
What are we? What does it mean to be human? Perhaps the biblical stories of Jesus’ final days can give us some insight into the nature of our own being.
From the Library…
Rev. Melissa’s sermon last Sunday, “Moving in with Mystery” referenced the book, The Dancing Universe: From Creation Myths to the Big Bang, by Marcelo Gleiser. If you are interested in his ideas but don’t want to read a whole book, you might enjoy this article by him called, “Cosmic Birth”, in the Harvard Divinity Bulletin. Cosmic Birth
The UUCK and the Cuyahoga River Concert Series present: Magpie
April 12 8:00 pm
$10 donation at the door
call 810-265-4007 to reserve tickets.
Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner began to play music together in Kent, Ohio in September of 1973. In the years since then, they have traveled and toured extensively, performed in concerts, at folk clubs and festivals around the world, and recorded many times. Magpie has always embraced a musical rainbow, and with impressive proficiency in each different genre. From traditional, classic country, swing, and blues of the nineteen twenties and thirties, to contemporary songs written by themselves and others, Terry and Greg cover a
lot of musical ground.
Pete Seeger wrote: “Greg and Terry can show us all what a wonderful thing it can be for two voices to harmonize together. How lucky I am to have lived to see and hear more links in the chain.”
Sing Out magazine writes; “This recording (Give Light) absolutely radiates light, glowing with great songs in radiant performances… Their music is their religion, and Give Light comes very close to the divine.”
Lifespan Learning
What We Choose: Ethics for Unitarian Universalist adult education class final session will meet tomorrow, April 10 at 7:00 PM in Fessenden Hall.
Beth and Joe K. and their children will be moving to eastern Pennsylvania soon. Please join the RE Committee in thanking the family for their many years of volunteer service to the children and youth of our church community. Both Beth and Joe have taught RE or served as Youth Group Advisor for many years. Joe is the current Headmaster of KentHogwarts and Beth is a faithful member of the RE Committee. There will be a special social hour this Sunday, April 13th.
Many thanks to everyone who supported the upper elementary RE class’ collection of pet toys for donation to the Humane Society of Greater Akron. The students in this class decided to help the Humane Society because they believe all animals should be cared for. The class will be visiting the Humane Society on April 19th to drop off the donations.
Community Within
Due to a lapse in security, the doors codes will be changed on Monday, April 14. ALL CURRENT CODES WILL BE PURGED AND DEACTIVATED. If you are in need of a code for the Church and/or Annex, please contact the office to request one.
On Sunday April 20th, 2014 the Building Expansion Team (BET) will hold a short informational meeting during the break between the two services. At this meeting the BET will give information on how all church members can fill out a survey to help prioritize construction items for the fellowship hall, sanctuary, and Religious Education space.
Retiree’s Lunch
Tuesday, April 16 at noon in Fessenden Hall
We’ll meet for an hour to an hour and a half depending on the number of people who attend so everyone has an opportunity to check in with the group. All retirees are welcome to join us. Bring your own lunch; beverages will be provided.
Surprise Friends
You’ve been matched! There is an envelope on the Surprise Friends table in Fessenden Hall with your Surprise Friend name on it. If you don’t remember your Surprise Friend name, please check with one of the RE Committee Members below. Inside the envelope, you will find a note with information about your Surprise Friend, including his or her favorite hobbies, books, colors, and more! Be sure to pick up your envelope today to get started.
Please remember, you have made a commitment to leave a surprise the following Sundays: April 20,27 and May 4,11. Surprises are as diverse as the Surprise Friends who exchange them. You’ll find some suggestions in your envelope. Gifts are discouraged until the Revealing Ceremony during coffee hour on May 18 when small tokens of friendship (not to exceed $5 in cost) may be exchanged.
Don’t forget to bring your first note or piece of artwork next week and leave it on the Surprise Friends table. But remember, be careful you aren’t discovered!
~ From the RE Committee: Kat Holtz, Michelle Bores , Mary Leeson, Beth Kuemerle, and Tayna Kahl
The Library committee has added another category to the collection: UUCK Authors. So far we have works from Caroline Arnold and Margot Milcetich. Additional works by congregational writers would be appreciated. Do speak to any Library committee member if you have suggestions.
Food for Thought Group Sponsors Coffee Hour throughout April
Haven’t tried Small Group Ministries? UUCK supports two ongoing SGMs: Chalice Group and Food for Thought. Both ministries strive to bring partakers together in common pursuit of deeper understanding on theme topics ranging from “holiness” to “money.” For the next few Sundays during Coffee Hour, join with members of this year’s Food for Thought Group in the enjoyment of goodies (it’s one way we distinguish ourselves!) and conversation about our experiences in FFT and why it’s worthwhile to us. We hope that by our sharing, you will consider participating in a Food for Thought group next time around (October, 2014). Sign interest sheet at our Food for Thought table during April.
Deb & Claudia, co-facilitators
Meg, Ann, John, Alice, Rachel, Bonny, Bonnie, and Connie
We are looking for the individual who may have picked up a sewing machine from the Mills’ house? We have some parts and the instruction manual to the sewing machine that you may be interested in. Please contact the Church Office if you would like the parts and manual.
Outreach and Social Justice
Dinner for the Earth
Friday, April 25th, 6pm in Fessenden Hall
Join us for a Potluck Dinner in which we will eat delicious food and teach each other about environmentally conscious eating. Everyone should bring a dish and share the story of their food –
where their food came from, the decisions made in bringing it, and/or how this food helps care for our
living Earth with reverence and gratitude. Deliciously interesting!
Contact Andrew Rome for additional details (or to let me know that you’re coming).
Kent Social Services – Food & Grocery Card Donations
March is rapidly coming to a close and with it, National Nutrition Month and Harvest for Hunger. Sadly, the food baskets have remained nearly empty all month. Won’t you please consider donating non-perishable food items this weekend? The Super-Six remain much in need – PB (and jelly, of course), canned veggies, soup, beef stew, tuna and cereal – as well as other staples such as pasta, spaghetti sauce, rice, beans, canned fruit, crackers, meal-in-a-box & meal-in-a-can & macaroni n’ cheese mix. Children often enjoy pudding cups, fruit snacks, granola bars, raisins, and other wrapped snack items.
No fancy style at this welcome table . . . just quality, basic food for meals and snacks; please, no open packages, outdated boxes or rusty cans. Won’t you please consider donating? Baskets are available on the lower level inside the closet next to the elevator and on the upper level outside the sanctuary. [If you are in need of groceries or any other help, please contact Reverend Melissa for confidential assistance.]
If you are not grocery shopping this week, donations of $10 Acme grocery cards are most appreciated so KSS clients can purchase fresh foods or non-edibles that food stamp benefits do not allow.
Thank you in advance for your generosity,
Elaine Bowen.
UU and Interfaith Connections
Spring Art Show
The UU Church of Akron invites us to The UUWA’s Inaugural Spring Art Show exhibit will run April 10 through April 27 with an opening reception on Thursday April 10 at 7 pm. Meet the artists, enjoy some yummy
hors d’oeuvers. There will be a silent auction of items donated from the participating artists. The Show will run April 10 through April 27 at The UU Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Rd., Akron (across from Summit Mall). Visit during church office hours Tuesday through Friday 9 am – 2 pm or Sundays 9:30 am -1 pm. For more info contact Carol Dobbins 330-836-2206, [email protected]
First Congregational Church of Ravenna is hosting a mission project jewelry sale on April 10 and April 12. The paper bead jewelry is made by ladies in Uganda and sold through the non-profit business “Bead for Life.” All profits from the jewelry sales will go towards helping Ugandan ladies work their way out of poverty.
Hospice of Western Reserve Warehouse Sale: Donation are needed for our next sale, Friday, May 9, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and Saturday, May 10, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at Hospice of the Western Reserve Headquarters, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110. Proceeds support patients and families of Hospice of the Western Reserve throughout northern Ohio. They are accepting gently used indoor and outdoor furniture, other household items, collectibles, framed artwork, and holiday items. To donate items, please contact the Warehouse Sale Team at 800.707.8922, ext. 6881. Pick up can be arranged for larger items.
Income Generation
It’s not too late to make a pledge!
Have you made your pledge of your financial commitment for the upcoming fiscal year? Our Finance Committee relies on our pledges to set the budget for next fiscal year. Every pledge is important so we may continue our programs and ministries. If you haven’t had a chance to make your pledge yet, you can do so in many ways:
- In the Offertory on Sunday – Pledge cards are in the pews
- Online Pledge card on the website kentuu.org
- Email your pledge to the church office [email protected]
- Call in your pledge to the church office 330.673.4247
Thanks to everyone who has helped make this a successful campaign!
The Stewardship Committee,
Sandy Eaglen – Co-Chair
Kathie Slater – Co-Chair
Meg Milko – Co-Chair
Moving in with Mystery – April 6, 2014
Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Lori McGee – Where do we come from? What was there before the beginning? This morning we draw upon the ancient history of religion and the modern insights of science to reflect upon the mystery.
Image Credit: NASA/Goddard/ISS
Podcast: Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Information Meeting – April 20
On Sunday April 20th, 2014 the Building Expansion Team (BET) will hold a short informational meeting during the break between the two services. At this meeting the BET will give information on how all church members can fill out a survey to help prioritize construction items for the fellowship hall, sanctuary, and Religious Education space.
Weekly e-nUUs – April 2, 2014
Worship & Music
Sunday services are offered at 9:45 and 11:30 AM.
April 6, 2014 Moving in with Mystery
Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Lori McGee
Where do we come from? What was there before the beginning? This morning we draw upon the ancient history of religion and the modern insights of science to reflect upon the mystery.
From the Library
Rev. Elaine Strawn has kindly shared some sources she used to prepare her sermon, “Generosity of Spirit”, given on Sunday, March 30th.
Teo Drake’s full comments can be found on standingonthesideoflove.org He wrote the comments for day 24 of the 30 Days of Love. He also blogs on blueboat.blogs.uua.org
The spirit of the sermon came from John Buehren’s The Unitarians and the Universalists, published by Beacon Press. He corrects many misunderstandings about our history, bringing “our saints” much closer to earth.
A correction: the Marge Piercy poem she quoted is The Low Road, not We.
Hal-elujah! Hal Walker CDs Now Available
I have compiled Hal’s best performances during Sunday morning services at church over the last 6 years into one critically acclaimed* CD, now available at church on Sunday mornings. They are $10 each, with all proceeds going to the music program at church. Revel in Hal’s original masterpieces! Wonder at his ability to play two instruments at once! Be amazed at John Marfy’s jaw harp prowess! Hear Hallie transition from a girl into a young lady!
Get your collectible “Hal-elujah” CD during coffee hour on Sunday, or anytime from Brad Bolton.
*Christie likes it.
The UUCK and the Cuyahoga River Concert Series present.
Magpie
April 12 8:00 pm
$10 donation at the door
call 810-265-4007 to reserve tickets.
Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner began to play music together in Kent, Ohio in September of 1973. In the years since then, they have traveled and toured extensively, performed in concerts, at folk clubs and festivals around the world, and recorded many times. Magpie has always embraced a musical rainbow, and with impressive proficiency in each different genre. From traditional, classic country, swing, and blues of the nineteen twenties and thirties, to contemporary songs written by themselves and others, Terry and Greg cover a
lot of musical ground.
Pete Seeger wrote: “Greg and Terry can show us all what a wonderful thing it can be for two voices to harmonize together. How lucky I am to have lived to see and hear more links in the chain.”
Sing Out magazine writes; “This recording (Give Light) absolutely radiates light, glowing with great songs in radiant performances… Their music is their religion, and Give Light comes very close to the divine.”
Lifespan Learning
What We Choose: Ethics for Unitarian Universalist adult education class will meet tomorrow, April 3 at 7:00 PM in Fessenden Hall.
The upper elementary RE class is collecting new or gently used pet toys for donation to the Humane Society of Greater Akron – and the last day to donate is this coming Sunday April 6th! Boxes for donations are in the church. The students in this class decided to help the Humane Society because they believe all animals should be cared for. The class will be visiting the Humane Society on April 19th to drop off the donations.
Community Within
Tickets Available for Saturday’s Mandala Workshop.
We have two tickets donated by Jen May and Lois Weir for Saturday’s workshop on making Mandalas, which was offered at the auction. This is a spiritual practice of drawing circular designs and coloring them making beautiful designs. Each one is a work of art and unique. If you’d like to come and make your own mandalas we have two tickets available for Saturday’s Class which is being held in Fessenden hall from 1 o’clock until 3 o’clock. First come first serve please contact Meg Milko if you’d like one or both tickets.
Surprise Friends
It’s that time of year again! Want to make a new friend in the church? Looking for a fun way to celebrate spring? Here is your chance! You are all invited to participate in this intergenerational activity of friendship and caring. Become a Surprise Friend! Complete a sign-up form and place it in the Surprise Friends Box in Fessenden Hall no later than April 6. Participating adults will be matched with children in the congregation on April 13. (High school youth are invited to participate as an adult Surprise Friend; middle school youth may choose to participate as an adult Surprise Friend OR as a child Surprise Friend.) By signing up to be a Surprise Friend, you make a commitment to attend church each week, April 20,27 and May 4,11 and to share a note or some artwork with your Surprise Friend. Adults and children alike should leave their surprises at the Surprise Friends table in Fessenden Hall, but be careful you aren’t discovered! Adults will remain anonymous until the “big reveal” on May 18. Don’t you just love surprises?
Tai Chi Program Canceled – Many thank to Sally Burnell for leading the Tai Chi classes these last few years. For a variety of reasons, Sally needs to step away from this program. At this time, Tai Chi will no longer be offered on Monday evenings at the Church.
We are looking for the individual who may have picked up a sewing machine from the Mills’ house? We have some parts and the instruction manual to the sewing machine that you may be interested in. Please contact the Church Office if you would like the parts and manual.
The Patricia Pownall UU Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 pm in the home of Kathie Slater. This month we are reading The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: A Novel by Rachel Joyce. Fry is convinced that he must deliver a letter to an old love in order to save her, meeting various characters along the way and reminiscing about the events of his past and people he has known, as he tries to find peace and acceptance. In May we will be reading Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. If you have any questions you may contact Bonnie Harper. All are welcome.
We Need You to Help us Become a Green Sanctuary!
The Green Sanctuary Steering Committee, Mary Lou Holly, Andrew Rome and Patty Miller, warmly invite you to come out for an evening to explore how you might become involved in helping us become a Green Sanctuary. To accomplish this goal, we need participation from every area of congregational life – from worship and religious education to the library and buildings and grounds and more. Whatever your area of interest in congregational life, there is a way you can support this process. Please consider joining us in Fessenden Hall on Tuesday, April 1 from 7:00 to 8:30 to learn more and to share your ideas.
Coffee Hour Connection
Did you know that our coffee hour is provided by volunteers? Every week Deb Biggins, Shirley and Jonathan Kiernan come to church early to set up for coffee hour so that there is hot coffee, tea and treats available for folks at church to enjoy. It is a wonderful labor of love. If you haven’t recently, would you please thank them for their contributions.
Deb and Shirley have received several requests to provide particular condiments for coffee hour that are not in our budget to provide. However, if you want to bring your favorite tea or a particular type of milk or sweetener to be available at coffee hour, please feel free to bring it in to share. And if you have ideas about how you’d like to see coffee hour go, please approach Deb and Shirley and let them know that you would be glad to volunteer. They’d be happy to have your help!
Outreach and Social Justice
Thanks to all who support last Sunday’s special collection in support of CoCoDA (Companion Community Development Alternatives), $ 373.67 was donated in support this outreach program to develop education for youth with limited economic resources from rural El Salvadoran communities.
The upper elementary RE class is collecting new or gently used pet toys for donation to the Humane Society of Greater Akron – and the last day to donate is this coming Sunday April 6th! Boxes for donations are in the church. The students in this class decided to help the Humane Society because they believe all animals should be cared for. The class will be visiting the Humane Society on April 19th to drop off the donations.
Kent Social Services – Food & Grocery Card Donations
March is rapidly coming to a close and with it, National Nutrition Month and Harvest for Hunger. Sadly, the food baskets have remained nearly empty all month. Won’t you please consider donating non-perishable food items this weekend? The Super-Six remain much in need – PB (and jelly, of course), canned veggies, soup, beef stew, tuna and cereal – as well as other staples such as pasta, spaghetti sauce, rice, beans, canned fruit, crackers, meal-in-a-box & meal-in-a-can & macaroni n’ cheese mix. Children often enjoy pudding cups, fruit snacks, granola bars, raisins, and other wrapped snack items.
No fancy style at this welcome table . . . just quality, basic food for meals and snacks; please, no open packages, outdated boxes or rusty cans. Won’t you please consider donating? Baskets are available on the lower level inside the closet next to the elevator and on the upper level outside the sanctuary. [If you are in need of groceries or any other help, please contact Reverend Melissa for confidential assistance.]
If you are not grocery shopping this week, donations of $10 Acme grocery cards are most appreciated so KSS clients can purchase fresh foods or non-edibles that food stamp benefits do not allow.
Thank you in advance for your generosity,
Elaine Bowen.
UU and Interfaith Connections
Spring Art Show
The UU Church of Akron invites us to The UUWA’s Inaugural Spring Art Show exhibit will run April 10 through April 27 with an opening reception on Thursday April 10 at 7 pm. Meet the artists, enjoy some yummy
Hors d’oeuvers. There will be a silent auction of items donated from the participating artists. The Show will run April 10 through April 27 at The UU Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Rd., Akron (across from Summit Mall). Visit during church office hours Tuesday through Friday 9 am – 2 pm or Sundays 9:30 am -1 pm. For more info contact Carol Dobbins 330-836-2206, [email protected]
First Congregational Church of Ravenna is hosting a mission project jewelry sale on April 10 and April 12. The paper bead jewelry is made by ladies in Uganda and sold through the non-profit business “Bead for Life.” All profits from the jewelry sales will go towards helping Ugandan ladies work their way out of poverty.
Hospice of Western Reserve Warehouse Sale: Donation are needed for our next sale, Friday, May 9, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and Saturday, May 10, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at Hospice of the Western Reserve Headquarters, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110. Proceeds support patients and families of Hospice of the Western Reserve throughout northern Ohio. They are accepting gently used indoor and outdoor furniture, other household items, collectibles, framed artwork, and holiday items. To donate items, please contact the Warehouse Sale Team at 800.707.8922, ext. 6881. Pick up can be arranged for larger items.
Drone Teach-In
Drone technology has recently come to the public’s attention. What are its capabilities and consequences? Please join The Imagine Peace Task Force, part of the Justice Council at West Shore UU Church, in a Drone Teach- In, Saturday, April 5th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at the Westshore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, OH 44116. Lunch is included. The event is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken.
WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER- MEDEA BENJAMIN, author and co-founder of the Nationally renowned grassroots social justice movement CodePink. Joining her will be the ACLU, the American Friends Service Committee, Chapter 39 of Veterans for Peace, the Cleveland Non-Violence Network, Cleveland Peace Action and others.
Income Generation
Have you made your pledge of your financial commitment for the upcoming fiscal year? Our Finance Committee relies on our pledges to set the budget for next fiscal year. Every pledge is important so we may continue our programs and ministries. If you haven’t had a chance to make your pledge yet, you can do so in many ways:
- In Person on Sunday March 30th at the Stewardship Table
- In the Offertory on Sunday – Pledge cards are in the pews
- Online Pledge card on the website kentuu.org
- Email your pledge to the church office [email protected]
- Call in your pledge to the church office 330.673.4247
Thanks to everyone who has helped make this a successful campaign!
The Stewardship Committee
Sandy Eaglen – Co-Chair
Kathie Slater – Co-Chair
Meg Milko – Co-Chair
April 2014 Chalice Flame Newsletter
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