U N I T E D C H U R C H N E W S I have often wondered what that phrase means. Most often, the speaker and listener are clear about the "not" portion of the statement. The speaker typically intends to communicate that they are not part of a religious community, don't feel the need to observe traditional sabbaths or worship or engage in the practices of any religious faith (and don't want to be invited). J U L Y - A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 "I am spiritual, but not religious." It's the "I am" portion of the announcement that is more nebulous. The word "spiritual" has come to have many nuances of meaning. There is the traditional one first used in Christianity to refer to orienting oneself to the image and presence of God as the center of life. Now it might also refer to a rejection of physical things and earthly treasures, a concern with the human spirit and/or mental health, connecting with a divine being through means other than religious practice or being part of a faith community, or engaging in practices like meditation or prayer through whatever means or methods, religious or cultural traditions, often with a cafeteria approach a little from here and a little from there. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being non-traditional and embracing other or additional means of orienting ourselves toward a holy and life-giving center. It would be extremely helpful if we could be as clear and concrete about what we are as what we are not. It seems to be a contemporary cultural affliction that we are WAY BETTER at identifying the "nots" than the "I am." It would also be helpful for us as a congregation reflect on and understand better the "We are" of our existence, especially as it reflects our spiritual lives. (continued)
P A G E 2 Our heritage is that of the ancient traditions of Christianity which have been adapted over the years, but our central identity remains one of being a Christian community. What is that heritage? Does that heritage automatically make us a "spiritual community"? Is there a difference or overlap between being Christian and being spiritual? Is there a difference between an individual's spirituality and a community's? How can/ does a spiritual community support and nurture the spiritual growth of its members? How does a community grow spiritually? Are there practices which enhance or detract from that sustenance and growth of spirituality? In the coming months, I'll use this space to reflect on those questions and others, with the hope that those thoughts generate other conversations in groups around the church. As we enter into the months of re-creation, may we take time to seek the center of our lives, to be positive and affirming about our experience of God through the people in our lives and through this congregation, so that we might continue to grow together in faith and hope. In faith,
From the Music Director P A G E 3 It s not too late to sign up to share your musical gifts with the church this summer! The process is pretty simple and easy: either let me know in person after church or send me an email. If you would like to play a solo or sing as a soloist or in a small group, I would be delighted to provide your accompaniment. Unless the music is particularly complex, a week or two notice would be sufficient. This is open to all members as well as friends and family who might be interested to share a musical offering. The goal is to give everyone an opportunity to share their talents among our community as a ministry, but the repertoire needn t necessarily be liturgical or sacred music. The schedule is still mostly open, and I ll take a few Sundays to share with you some piano pieces that I feel offer something beautiful. We re always looking for new additions to our choir ministries at UCF. New members are always warmly received as new additions to the Joyful Sign Choir, the Handbell Choir, or the UCF Adult Choir. There are no auditions and even those with busy schedules (which is pretty much everyone) are able to fit in rehearsals. For those in the choir - don t forget that if everyone in the choir came back with one new member (everyone has a friend who sings!), we d double the size of our choir over the summer. The work of the choir has truly begun to mature and there are excellent opportunities for anyone to join a choir that sings a lot of variety, learns music efficiently, and really listens, sings, and makes music together as a group. It is deeply rewarding to be a part of such a group, and there is an opportunity for anyone to join us. -Jared Shepard Director of Music Ministries
P A G E 4 News from the Board The Board: elected Al A. to be the next moderator of the Board and extends great thanks to Cindy B., who in various positions has been on the Board for ten years, and to Dave D. who has led the Board through some very important discussions and decisions in the last three years. heard updates from all its pod coordinators about planning for the next programming year. Committees are already very active. called a special meeting of the congregation for Sunday, July 1 to be held at the beginning of worship for the purpose of electing individuals to fill vacant positions. extended thanks to Marti V. for scheduling the "refresh" desserts for fall, as well as to all the host households; and talked about facilitating those conversations. voted to donate old choir robes to the Joan Hillsman Music program. heard a presentation from Al A. on the results of people's response to the question, "Why I like UCF." approved Staff Support Committee s search for a nursery worker to be assisted by a church volunteer to provide nursery care on Sunday mornings for 1.5 hours (from 15 minutes before worship until 15 minutes after worship concludes.) If you know of a non-member who might be interested in this position have them send their resume to the office, attention: Janet P.
P A G E 5 Announcements THANKS Thank you for the cards and prayers after my recent hospitalization. -Mary Jane Many thanks for our Pen Pals to UCF College Students! During the 2017-2018 academic year UCF members: Gail and Dave S, Lynn S., Lisa G., Barb D., Cindy R., Betsy N., Kim C., Sue B., Lois S., Tracy W., Deb D., Martha K., Stephanie W., Alice B. and Beth K. have corresponded with sixteen of our students studying in college. Letters, care packages and social media connections have been shared and prayers raised on behalf of these collegiates: Jenna B., Matt C., Kaitlyn D., Haley E., Zach J., Hannah K., James and Thomas M., Anna and Noella M., Rachel O., Edie & Maggie O., Stephanie O., Sarah and Susie S. We are proud of all our students and their accomplishments and thankful to our Pen Pals who extend UCF s care in a personal way! A Request of 2018-2019 collegiates and parents: As soon as you know a college snail-mail address for the new academic year, please email that to Gloria so a new listing can be created. If your child will have the same address, please let Gloria know that as well. Thank you! Best wishes for your summer adventures and do come back and visit! We miss you! U N I T E D C H U R C H N E W S
P A G E 6 UPDATES Social Media News! Updates to Website: Recent revisions to www.theucf.org include a section under Resources so that if you scroll to Photo Galleries, it now has picture albums included by years. Winter and spring 2018 UCF activities are there for your perusal. See new members, Outreach, the long-term member recognition, Gospel Music Sunday, the IFW celebration and our intergenerational service Sunday! One additional page about the Haiti Educational Mission Partnership (HEMP) was added so visitors can learn more about this international outreach partnership. Go to: Ministries on the homepage and scroll down to Mission/Outreach. As you read and look at that section, you will come to a photo of the preschool children giving thanks for workbooks and underneath it says: Click here to see more about Haiti Educational Mission Partnership(HEMP) <http:// www.theucf.org/ministries/outreach-mission/haiti-education-partnership/>> You can even click on the map and photos to make them larger! Facebook: We ve noticed that more of you who use Facebook are typing in United Church of Fayetteville and liking us. Do include a message every once and a while so we can expand our visibility. Special thanks go to our recent website & Facebook helpers: photographers, writers, web designers and editors! -Gloria M, Communications
P A G E 7 May 2018 Mobile Medical Clinic Report from Haiti We received this report from Haitian Dr. Clonel on June 18 from Paulette, Haiti, about our Haiti Educational Mission Partnership (HEMP)-sponsored three-day yearly medical clinic where patients are checked, blood tests are taken and medicine prescribed as needed: 321 people were treated-291 children and 30 elderly. Children are not as malnourished as last year; there are fewer intestinal worms and fewer skin lesions. There are zero cases of typhoid--only three who had minor symptoms. Dr. Clonel s recommendations to the FEED Team and its partners (HEMP & Vibrant Village): Please continue to educate parents and children to not walk barefoot. Continue with the daily warm meal with protein. Create a play space so children can blossom physically, mentally and psychologically and have fun. Continue to find a way to give them purified water. Continue the yearly medical clinic. See what else this partnership has accomplished over the years by going to: <http://www.theucf.org/ ministries/outreach-mission/haiti-education-partnership/> or like us on FaceBook under Haiti Educational Mission Partnership- HEMP. Thank you, UCF, for your support! Please continue to pray for our Haitian friends! OPPORTUNITIES FELLOWSHIP IN OUR LOVELY MEMORIAL GARDEN is always a treat in the summertime! And an easy effort- just lemonade to be made- waiting in the freezer. It is so good to gather and catch up with each other following worship these delightful morningsplease sign up to make it happen! As always, you may choose to serve in Fellowship Hall. IS FELLOWSHIP AT UCF IMPORTANT TO YOU? It is one of the aspects of our life together most positively commented upon by regulars and visitors. Fellowship is about relationship. One of the ways we maintain our relationships is through the gathering time following worship. It has been a UCF tradition to provide beverages and light snacks during that time through the work of UCFers who sign up for a week that fits their schedules. We are currently looking for a co-chair of Fellowship to work with Janet P. Janet s key function is overseeing our large meal events -- the Fall Brunch, Christmas Social and Church Picnic. We are looking for someone to primarily oversee the weekly sign-up calendar. The tasks can be divided differently depending on who wants to join Janet. Interest, questions, -- contact Janet. U N I T E D C H U R C H N E W S
P A G E 8 GATHERINGS Saturday, July 14, 2 pm -??? Annual summer celebration of life! The party will feature live music, food and beverages. Please feel free to bring a dish to pass. And bring your swim attire as the pool and hot tub will be open. SAVE-THE-DATE: GARDEN PARTY/OPEN HOUSE AT LINDA'S ON SATURDAY JULY 21 FROM 2-5PM Spend some time socializing with other UCFer's and take the opportunity to offer good wishes to some people who have been an important part of our ministry and are moving for family or business reasons.. REMINDERS WHERE S WALDO (Or whomever you may be!)? Your Membership Committee is busy compiling pictures. names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, shoe size (Just kidding) for the new directory. We certainly EXPECT that we have a photo of each and every one of you by now. NO???? You may send one that you have to the office in a JPG/PEG format. Please also advise the office of any email address changes, etc. so we have your most current information. PLEASE do not delay, send it in TODAY! FINANCIAL NEED GOES ON As we travel throughout the summer, it is easy to forget to keep up with our pledges, tithes and offerings. Remember that the church's expenses continue throughout the summer and you can help smooth our cash flow by keeping up with your regular contributions to the church's ministry. SUMMER OFFICE HOURS Summer office hours will be: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30am-1:00pm. U N I T E D C H U R C H N E W S
P A G E 9 Sunday, July 1 13 th Sunday in Ordinary Time The Lord s Supper 10:30 am Fellowship Wednesday, July 4 OFFICE CLOSED Sunday, July 8 14 th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30 am Fellowship Sunday, July 15 15 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Tuesday, July 17 7pm Board Meeting Saturday, July 21 Open House at Linda s 2pm-5pm Sunday, August 5 18 th Sunday in Ordinary Time The Lord s Supper Sunday, August 12 19 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday, August 19 20 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Tuesday, August 21 September NL Deadline 7pm Board Meeting Sunday, August 26 21 st Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday, July 22 16 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday, July 29 17 th Sunday in Ordinary Time U N I T E D C H U R C H N E W S