MINISTRY MUSINGS Blessings of the Season

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1 CRABAPPLE RD, ROSWELL, GA December 2013 IN THIS ISSUE MINISTRY MUSINGS... 1 SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMIITTEE... 2 HEARTS DESIRE... 3 UUMAN CONNECTIONS... 4 LIFE CELEBRATIONS... 4 MEMBERSHIP CORNER... 5 NEWS FROM THE MOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN YOUTH CONFERENCE... 5 FROM THE GARDEN... 6 A MONTH OF SUNDAYS... 7 MORE DECEMBER EVENTS... 7 MCY NEWS... 8 MINISTRY MUSINGS Blessings of the Season Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (love). Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (love). Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:1-20) Those of us who work for peace have no better example than the man named Jesus who dedicated his life to bring peace, hope, and universal love to the world. Our challenge this season is to walk in his shoes, to truly love each other, and extend an open hand to those who have no place at the inn. Our faith welcomes those who have no shelter, no cheer, those who grieve this time of year, and celebrate the bounty of love this holiday represents. The Christmas story is about a new beginning, a rebirth of hope, joy and glad tidings. I want to share some quotes that reflect that hope, that bring lightness in the night time of our souls. I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~ Charles Dickens Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves. ~Eric Sevareid Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. ~ Washington Irving In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!' ~ Dave Barry, "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide" This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone. ~ Taylor Caldwell I do like Christmas on the whole... In its clumsy way, it does approach Peace and Goodwill. But it is clumsier every year. ~ E.M. Forster May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, the gladness of Christmas give you hope, the warmth of Christmas grant you love. ~ Author unknown Whatever your faith, religion, and belief system, this is the time to rejoice the miracle of the unexpected light of Hanukkah, the Joy of the Indian festival Dwali, the holy nature of Christmas centered on the birth of hope and peace, and with our pagan friends that bring a primal appreciation of nature. Let us bring these quotes and their spirit with us into the New Year. May this season be blessed with all that is good in life and may the pain in life common to us be healed. Bless you all and wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! With an abiding heart of love, Rev. Paul UUMANTimes December

2 FROM THE SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE Sharing the Plate: Sundays At UUMAN, we ve celebrated the roles animals play in our lives. For many of us, it s hard to imagine ourselves without our friendly companions. Celebrate your pet and the value of animals in our lives by contributing to the December 50/50, Heifer International, to give a goat to a needy family. The congregation collected $ for the November recipient: Fiesta de Libros. Toothbrush Campaign Update The toothbrush campaign for North Fulton Community Charities was a huge success. The October toothbrush campaign netted 448 toothbrushes, plus toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss. As a result of your efforts, Maeve H. exceeded her goal of 300 toothbrushes and was happy to report that My Girls on the Run team said that I could do anything and achieve it, and we did! Thanks to both early and last-minute contributors who put us past the mark. - Sarah Reese Moms Demand Action No More Silence You are invited to join with the Georgia chapter of Moms Demand Action as we commemorate the first anniversary of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut with: No More Silence: A Call for Remembrance and Resolve As mothers and citizens, we believe that there has been too much silence in this country about gun violence. On December 14, we will honor the 26 lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary AND the lives of fellow Georgians lost to gun violence this year, with a moment of No More Silence. We will gather for a short program culminating in a bell -ringing to remember the victims and show our resolve to continue speaking out until meaningful action is taken to make our country safer. TIME: 9:35 am DATE: Saturday, December 14, 2013 LOCATION: Unitarian Universalist Metro Atlanta North, Crabapple Rd, Roswell, GA We encourage you to bring a bell from home so that you can participate in the bell-ringing. Please note that this is a simple and solemn event, not a political rally. Please refrain from bringing signs, buttons or other items of a partisan or political nature. Additional details to follow. - Photo by Dan Ben-David 2 December 2013 UUMANTimes

3 Who: THE 5 WS OF THE HEARTS DESIRE AUCTION UUMAN puts on an annual Heart s Desire Auction each year. This year Kirk Bogue and Carolyn Lee are Co-Chairs. Laurie Wheeler is the Hospitality Chair in charge of the refreshments/libations. They are backed up by a host of capable volunteers that will help transform this event into a night to remember. Randy Blasch has been our emcee/auctioneer for years. He has been known to use his magic and charm his audiences into starting hilarious bidding wars! Patron Saints of the Hearts are people who make this event memorable and successful. Join this dedicated and generous group of people in one or more of the following ways: Sign up to help plan or produce this event Donate an item to be placed up for auction or sign-up Express a desire for a good or service you desire to buy What: The Heart s Desire Auction is UUMAN s largest fundraiser of the year. Guests of the event are served hors d oeuvres and drinks while they peruse the Just Sign Up and Silent Auction bid sheets prior to the Live Auction. Just Sign Up sheets are just that- there is no biddingyou can sign up to participate in a dinner or other event for a set price. Enjoy the fun of trying to outbid other guests on the Silent Auction sheets throughout the evening. Then, attend the Live Auction and bid on your Heart s Desire- dream vacations, theme dinners, lessons, babysitting, wine tasting, theatre tickets etc. There is an intermission where you can partake in dessert, more drinks, and an opportunity to peruse the Silent Auction sheets one more time! Tickets are $10 each and will go on sale every Sunday in January in Fellowship Hall after service. UUMAN members get one guest ticket for non-member friends, for each ticket purchased. Members are encouraged to bring friends and family members to attend. Donation cards will be put in the seat pockets in the sanctuary and will also be available at the upcoming Heart s Desire auction table in Fellowship Hall. Where: The Heart s Desire Auction is held at UUMAN. After checking in, you will start out in Fellowship Hall, where the refreshments and Just Sign Up and Silent Auction portions of the event are held. The Live Auction takes place in the sanctuary. You will receive printouts of your purchases in the foyer/narthex and then proceed to the purchase pickup and payment stations by the back door in Fellowship Hall. When: Save the date! Saturday, February 8 th, :30 pm- 10:30 pm. Why: UUMAN includes income from fundraisers in its budgeting each year. This event has had proceeds ranging from $13,000-$18,000 in past years. We have exceeded budget expectations in past years due to the hard work and creativity of our talented committee members and our bidders! It is truly the event of the year and shouldn t be missed! UUMAN also puts on this event each year for community outreach. Members are encouraged to invite friends and visitors are given complimentary tickets so that they can get to know UUMAN and have fun at the same time. We also extend invitations to the community at large. More information will be made available in the coming weeks and months in the Order of Worship, UUMAN Announcements s, in the January newsletter, and the upcoming Heart s Desire auction table that will be in Fellowship Hall in January. If you would like to be a Patron Saint of the Hearts and help out, donate or suggest an offering you are interested in bidding on, please contact: Kirk Bogue or Carolyn Lee UUMANTimes December

4 UUMAN Connections A program to connect each person in our church with a place of service Life Celebrations CHRISTMAS ELVES NEEDED TO DECORATE UUMAN FOR CHRISTMAS We want to commemorate the happy occasions in the lives of our UUMAN members and other friends of UUMAN. We are looking for Naming Ceremonies, Graduations, Marriages, Anniversaries, Retirements, and Birthdays. Please submit the information about your special day, in the month prior to the event, to Claire Sullivan at Needed: Elves to Make UUMAN Festive and Bright Date Celebration One Holiday Decorating Coordinator to manage decorating elves. Three elves to retrieve the large Christmas tree and decorations from the shed and assemble. These elves will take down the tree and store after Christmas. Six or more elves to decorate the tree and then remove decorations after Christmas. It would be appreciated if these elves would work with the assembly elves in storing the tree. Other elves to hang wreaths and decorate the Fellowship Hall. (This is a great Christmas gift to our church.) For more information, contact Rosie Popp at Or Gary Uitvlugt at 12/9 Presley C. of the MCY program is celebrating a birthday 12/11 Helen T. of the MCY program is celebrating a birthday 12/12 Ryan Vidal is entering a new decade of his life 12/13 Dominic Read is celebrating a birthday 12/15 Carole Herman is celebrating a birthday Maggie M. of the MCY program is celebrating a birthday Duco vdb. of the MCY program is celebrating a birthday 12/16 Lucy K. of the MCY program is celebrating a birthday 12/17 Joaquin F. of the MCY program is celebrating a birthday Bruce Langston is celebrating a birthday 12/18 Karen S. of the MCY program is celebrating a birthday 12/23 McPatti Langston is celebrating a birthday 12/27 Nathan S. of the MCY program is celebrating a birthday 12/28 Lachlan K. of the MCY program is celebrating a birthday 4 December 2013 UUMANTimes

5 MEMBERSHIP CORNER The November Mountain Youth Conference Name Change!! Path to Membership Class is being renamed as UU 101/Path to Membership. Why? Glad you asked! Although the class is required to become a UUMAN member, that is not its only purpose. Even if you are already a member and want a refresher course, or just curious but not interested in becoming a member you are invited. The class is rich in the history of the Unitarian Universalist faith as well as UUMAN specifically. Our UU covenants and faith are discussed and individual theologies shared. You will meet leaders of our church and hear more about our organization and governance. Child care and a light lunch are provided. Everyone is welcome! Our next class is scheduled for Saturday, February 1, Simply add your name to the signup sheets at the Membership Table in Fellowship Hall or at the Greeter s Station in the foyer. You may also contact Jan Wilson at or call News From During the upcoming season of generosity, how about considering a gift that keeps on giving? A donation to The MountainCamp Scholarship fund in honor of a friend or loved one is a gift that can change the life of a child forever. The Mountain will send a card to whomever you designate, telling them of your generous donation in their honor. You may do this on line at or call (828) Other Mountain gift ideas might include a hat, coffee mug, or 35th Anniversary Tee Shirt! Call today and we will be glad to ship, along with a gift card, as long as quantities last. MountainCamp is looking for staff for the 2014 season. Contact Youth Program Coordinator Kerry Keys at (828) , ext 253. Camp dates are on The Mountain website, and registrations begin in January. For more information or to register for programs, visit The Mountain website at Photos by Amy Scovill UUMANTimes December

6 FROM THE GARDEN Just a note to the UUMAN Gardening Group that there will not be an official garden work day until sometime in March, Unofficially, if you see that something needs to be done, please either let me know or feel free to take care of it yourself. Thanks so much to all who participated this year: Kelly Callan Lois Curry Lawton Etheridge Linda Etheridge Rich Foley Jamie Hagood Jason Hagood Sue Hagood Rick Irwin Rosie Popp Jesse Read Doug Stump Shirley Titus Sue Tromblee Jan Wilson Susan Wilson I hope I remembered everyone. Please let me know if I missed your name. I think that the garden looked and still looks pretty great! And, of course, next year will be better! Claire Sullivan The Garden takes a final bow before its Winter rest Applause! Photos by Claire Sullivan. 6 December 2013 UUMANTimes

7 A Month of Sundays Date Topic Speaker 12/1/13 To Everything There Is A Rev. Paul Daniel Season. 12/8/13 We Built This (with a little help)! : Darya Aberback and Dave Hudson reflect on UUMAN as authentic religious community present and future. 12/15/13 To be announced. Guest Speaker Dave Hudson About the UUMAN Times The UUMANTimes is the newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Metro Atlanta North (UUMAN), located at Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA We welcome nearly all imaginable newsletter submissions, and publish as many as possible. We go live with each issue by the first Sunday of the month; deadline for submissions is typically close of business on the 20th of the month proceeding the issue date, although we have been known to accept submissions within a reasonable time before publishing. Please your news articles and artwork to Becky at 12/22/13 To be announced. Guest Speaker Todd Callen 12/29/13 Responding to the Call. Guest Speaker Carolyn Bommarito The Communications Committee wishes everyone safe and happy holidays! Peace On Earth Wednesday Evening Vespers Service is held every Wednesday, 7:00 PM until 7:30 PM. in Discovery Hall. More December Events Date Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Wednesdays from 7:00-9:30 p.m. Every Friday at 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Event Daytimers The Daytimers group discusses contemporary, thought-provoking topics such as current political issues or social trends that may affect everyone at some level. All are invited to attend. For information, contact Dan Ben-David at UUMAN s Painting Group Come paint with us in a relaxed atmosphere with a glass of wine. All are welcome. There is a fee but half is donated to UUMAN. Bridge Group Join us for Bridge! New players of any level of Bridge knowledge are welcome to join us. A 30- minute lesson by an expert Bridge player is offered for $5 for those who want to play but don t know how or want to refresh their knowledge. For more information, contact Ginny Rogers at Wednesday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. Social Justice Committee The December Social Justice Committee meeting will take place at Romano s Macaroni Grill, 5045 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta (770) Visitors are welcome! - Photo by Becky Norris UUMANTimes December

8 8 December 2013 UUMANTimes Ministry with Children & Youth PARENTS MORNING OUT! SATURDAY DEC 7 (10.00am-2.00pm) PARENTS NIGHT OUT! SATURDAY DEC 14 ( pm) During this busy time of the year why not take some time for yourself while the young ones are safe & having fun with friends at UUMAN. Our Youth will take care of & play with their younger friends (infants and children, 6 months - 10 years). Have your young ones join us for Holiday (Hanukkah, Solstice, Christmas & Kwanzaa) Crafts, Stories, Games, Movies, Dancing & More! Meals & healthy snacks provided! MCY CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS DECEMBER 2013 Dec 1 MCY Council Meeting Dec 7 Parents Morning Out Dec 8 Winter Holiday Party! Dec 14 Parents Night Out Dec 22 Pageant Dress Rehearsal Dec 24 Christmas Eve Family Service Dec 31 New Year s Eve Party CONTACT TONIANN Office Hours Tuesday 9.30am-3.30pm Wednesday 9.30am-3.30pm Friday 9.30am-3.30pm Sunday 9.30am-2.30pm Office Telephone: (770) dmcy@uuman.org Holiday Bake Sale! Sunday December 8th Stock Up on Yummy Holiday Goodies Donations Welcome! Please contact Anna Hamblen - annastamps@gmail.com

9 UUMANTimes December Ministry with Children & Youth Holiday Faith In Action This year, our youth are inviting us all to contribute to the Fiesta De Libros. Our goal is to collect 100 new (or gently used) books and chess sets for this amazing project that was started by a member of the UU Congregation of Atlanta (UUCA). Fiesta De Libros is located in the Fiesta Mall on Buford Highway. Each week volunteers create a library-type setting where children gather. They offer four different services; (1) Read on site, (2) Storytime, (3) Take a book home (for free), (4) Book exchange. The majority of children that participate in the program are aged between 5-7 years, and are bilingual, so they accept donated books that are written in English, Spanish, or both languages. A few suggestions here - You can learn more about the Fiesta De Libros at this link Here are the dates for the different elements of the project; Sunday Dec 8 Collecting donations at the UUMAN Winter Holiday Party (11.30 am-1.00 pm). Sunday Jan 5 Final day for bringing donations to UUMAN. Saturday Jan 25 A group will deliver our donation & volunteer at Fiesta De Libros For more information about Mystery Friends contact; Toniann Read dmcy@uuman.org Calling all Mystery Friends... Mystery Friends is a fun, multi-generational event at UUMAN. This program matches younger members with adults for the purpose of building community among people of all ages. YOU are invited to join FUN! This is how it works...in December, adults, children & youth will sign up to participate in the Mystery Friends program. Each participant is then matched up, given an alias (say, a famous UU like Christopher Reeve) and the fun begins! After 4 weeks of mysteriously exchanging notes, there will be a Mystery Friends Celebration Party. That is when everyone s mystery friend will finally be revealed. Look for the display in Fellowship Hall & sign up to be a part of the fun!

10 10 December 2013 UUMANTimes Would You Like to Hold The Baby? Holiday Pageant 2013 It s not too late to join the fun... We want YOU to participate! ALL UUMAN s (adults, children & youth) are invited & encouraged to join in the festive fun. Pageant Groups meet on Sunday December 22nd ( am) Dress Rehearsal Sunday Dec 22nd (1.00 pm) And be sure to join us for the Christmas Eve Family Service Tuesday December 24th Deck The Halls Join your UUMAN friends and family for our annual Winter Holiday Party Sunday December 8th Bring a snack to share, a camera, and a book for Santa! Thanks to everyone who helped make the IRC Thanksgiving Dinner a huge success. New Year s Eve Party! We are hosting a New Year's Eve gathering at UUMAN! If you are looking for a family-centered event to see in the New Year, we'd love you and your family to join us. The evening will be filled with food, fun, games, music and movies, as we anticipate the start of This is a multigenerational event and everyone is welcome. Join us for all or part of the evening. Our Interfaith Youth Group Rocks! Please contact Kara Sweeney or Toniann Read if you have questions or suggestions