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the_week@horizonuu v05.05.13 page 1 of 16

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the_week@horizonuu a publication of horizon unitarian universalist church V

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.05

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horizon unitarian universalist church • 1641 w. hebron pkwy. • carrollton, tx • 75010 6334

t: 972 492 4940 • f: 972 394 05 • email: [email protected]



Contemplations * Rev. Dennis Hamilton * [email protected]

Planning for the Next Phase

Horizon has experienced many phases in its 26-year history. It began as a family size fellowship renting Sunday space in FunEd. That’s where I came in as an “extension minister.” My job was to grow a church and prepare it for its next phase; its next called and settled minister. ( I just never left.) I was trained in church empowerment, that is, growing it from the inside out, training leaders in wise leadership, inviting members into leadership roles, establishing healthy practices and preaching a progressive gospel of social justice and compassion. The truth is, I often had no idea what I was doing. I made many mistakes and fortunately Horizon was forgiving and I learned many lessons. The next phase was our pastoral size phase where the church’s programs and governance are mixed. The Board is involved with all the committees and most of the daily decisions. The minister is central in this phase, a pastor/shepherd role, although in our faith, we ministers don’t do much shepherding. You know the joke about herding cats. It is true. But the task is not to be a shepherd. It is to train members to become leaders and to find their “ministry,” how they will serve the church. Part of that task is to understand how the church works, who has responsibility for what aspect and giving adequate authority and autonomy to do the job. The next phase is the one most of you are familiar with, the mid-size church. We envision our church as a village, with a church, city hall, school, rec center and a social services center. In this phase the Board is moving away from micromanaging and toward a role doing vision casting, goal setting and care of the church. The staff has defined roles in each of those village entities. The minister is in charge of the church, the DLRE the school, etc. In this phase the Board has hands on for finances, and building and grounds and other daily tasks. The responsibility for much of this is shouldered by the president and treasurer. We are about to enter another phase, one that will give more responsibility to the staff and free the Board to do goal setting, oversight, long range planning, leadership training and fund raising. Of course they can have the staff involved in much of this. The big difference is that the staff is organized as an executive team (or X Team) and has autonomy within carefully defined boundaries which are defined by the Board and Executive team leader, usually the Senior Minister. The big advantage is that the president and Board are relieved of many daily tasks, the membership can do less meeting and more doing, and decisions can be made in a timely fashion rather than waiting for a month to make decisions at Board meetings. At this time we are working on a five year strategic plan which will help us make this happen. There will be town hall meetings this fall for input into the Strategic Plan and presentations on this alternate governance model before you vote to adopt it next year. The important thing now is to prepare for the next phase, plan for the transition in ministerial leadership, and work out the bylaws changes needed for implementation. It is wise to have this in place before you call a new minister so s/he will be a good match for your needs. This will be my last contribution to the organization of your church. I believe it is the right way to go and it will put Horizon in a better place to grow and prosper in the coming decades. It is exciting work, even though it can be tedious at times. Stay tuned. There is a roller coaster coming up. Enjoy the ride. Faithfully, Dennis

mailto:[email protected]



Horizon Welcomes Our New

Director of Lifespan Religious Education!

As a result of the diligent work and well-run search since last August by our Director of Lifespan Religious Education Search Committee whose members were Beth Bargar, Peter Hendee, Lisa Lundgren, Lynn Schluns, Charlie Fruge and Rev. Dennis Hamilton, the Board of Trustees has offered the position to Lauren Daniell who has accepted and will begin her work at Horizon on June 1st as our Director of Lifespan Religious Education. Lauren has already begun the work of transition with our Acting DRE, Peggy Gill, and is on the agenda to speak with the Horizon congregation at the May 19th Congregational Meeting. Lauren is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and earned her teaching degree and Master’s in secondary education at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She has been an active Unitarian Universalist for nearly 20 years and has coordinated the Religious Education programs at two different UU churches, first in Montgomery, Alabama, and later in North Texas at Pathways Church in Southlake and during their move to Euless. Lauren has also served in many different capacities at those churches including multiple stints as Chair of their RE committees.

She has a connection to Horizon that is close to our hearts in that she received a Marty Robinson Award for Volunteers in 2012 for her work with the Pathways RE program. A foreign language teacher by trade, Lauren has taught all levels, from PreK through university level courses, in her almost quarter century in the classroom. Lauren’s husband of 22 years, Steve, is Dean of Arts and Letters at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. They have one daughter, Madeleine, who is 15 and a sophomore at Trinity High School in Euless. In her spare time Lauren says she enjoys gardening, reading and home renovation projects (but in actuality, she says, her spare time is taken up by driving her daughter around to practices, tournaments and to the mall!) Lauren already sounds like one of us! When you see Lauren in the hallways at Horizon, please introduce yourselves and join us in welcoming her to Horizon! Photo credit: NTAUUS



SPECIAL NOTICE: TO ALL MEMBERS, FRIENDS and VISITORS:

Save the Date for Our Annual Congregational Meeting!

May 19, 2013

Sanders Hall

12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Lunch will be provided by the Coming of Age students and parents for a donation to their Boston Pilgrimage fund

Child care will be provided

You will hear:

The latest reports on our membership and pledge campaign from the co-chairs of our Membership

Committee and our Finance and Stewardship Committee

A recap and any new information about our transition timeline through the next 4 years

The latest news about our financial picture from our

Board Treasurer

Exciting news about welcoming Horizon’s new Director of Lifespan Religious Education

Presentations from our Senior Minister, Acting Director of Religious Education, Coordinator of Lay Ministry,

Committee on Ministry, and President of the Board of Trustees!

Come take part in the business of Horizon!

Voting members will elect our next Board of Trustees and Nominating Committee members

Voting members will be called on to approve the 2013-2014

fiscal budget proposed by the Board of Trustees

Save the Date to hear about all of the happenings at Horizon!

Watch for the May Congregational Meeting packet containing the agenda, the sample ballot, a letter from your President, the proposed budget and other information you need to know.



SURVEY: A Once in 3 Years' Opportunity!

Would you like to confidentially reveal what you like and dislike about Horizon? You can!

Here is the second invitation to participate in the Horizon 2013 All Church Survey if you have not

already responded. If you have completed the survey, thank you! Your participation is appreciated.

If you have not already participated, click on this link:

http://www.horizonuu.org/index.php/component/surveys/

then click on “1 Horizon 2013 All Church Survey” and away you go. Thank you for making Horizon a

better community. Your Horizon Committee on Ministry

http://cts.vresp.com/c/?HorizonUnitarianUniv/4e7f2df785/c3495f550b/f2cdc93a37

http://cts.vresp.com/c/?HorizonUnitarianUniv/4e7f2df785/c3495f550b/5b3d36ed3c



FUTURE SUNDAYS

A wise man once wrote:

“Small miracles occur at church every Sunday, and do not depend on the sermon.”

Horizon encourages you to attend weekly worship here within your community,

on Sundays at 10:30AM.

*******************************************************************

May 5 “Who is Welcome Here?” - Lyssa Jenkens

Solidarity with immigrants is part of the Unitarian Universalist DNA. We passed a statement supporting immigrant rights at the first General Assembly of the newly merged association in 1961. By the 1980s, we were deeply engaged in the sanctuary movement to protect refugees fleeing war in Central America. Today, we “stand on the side of love” as our country wrestles with the presence of more than 11 million undocumented residents. On May 5, Cinco de Mayo, we will explore our willingness to welcome the stranger as an essential spiritual practice in our faith, one that may challenge us in ways we might not expect. *******************************************************************



What’s Going On At Horizon?

Sunday May 5

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM UU Christian Fellowship / Study - E3 - Library 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Young Adult Couples Chalice Circle - P2 - Couch 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM Library Ministry - Open for Browsing - E3 - Library 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Main Worship - SH - Sanc. 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Reproductive Justice 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Social Justice - AD - Admin. Office 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM COM Meeting - S5 - Class 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM After Church Lunch Bunch -- All Are Welcome! - Other - Offsite 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM HORIZON PLAYERS Planning Meeting - E3 – Library

Monday May 6

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Wings Chalice Circle - E3 - Library, KI - Kitch, S1 - Nursery 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Yoga - P1 - Lg 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM SMART Recovery - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Pastoral Caregivers Meeting - MO - Minister's Office

Tuesday May 7

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Buddhist Sangha - P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Tuesday Wisdom Circle - E3 – Library

Wednesday May 8 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Library Ministry - E3 - Library 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Chalice Circle Council - E3 – Library

Thursday May 9 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM Restorative Yoga - P1 - Lg 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM Worship Arts Committee Meeting - MO - Minister's Office 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Choir Rehearsal - FH - Fellowship Hall

Friday May 10

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Candlelighters - FH - Fellowship Hall, KI - Kitch 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Women's Bunco - FH - Fellowship Hall

Saturday May 11 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Rental - Isha Institute - FH - Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Volunteer at Metrocrest Social Services Food Pantry - Other - Offsite 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Choir rehearsal - preparation for spring concert - SH - Sanc. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Pastoral Caregivers Training - P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Earth-Centered Spirituality Chalice Circle - KI - Kitch, S6 - Class 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Women Alive 55+ Group - E3 - Library 6:00 PM - 11:30 PM UDV - Church Rental



NEXT WEEK

Sunday May 12

Mother's Day 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM Sunday Morning Journey Group - P2 - Couch 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Adult Religious Explorations - E3 - Library 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CAYRE - Child Care - S1 - Nursery 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM Library Ministry - Open for Browsing - E3 - Library 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Main Worship - SH - Sanc. 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM Meeting with Treasurer about Budget Proposal - S6 - Class 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 2nd Sunday Potluck EVERYONE WELCOME!! - FH - Fellowship Hall, KI - Kitch 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM COA Fundraising Meeting - P1 – Lg

Monday May 13 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Yoga - P1 - Lg 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM SMART Recovery - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Neighborhood Calling Circle - S2 - Class 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Board of Trustees - E3 - Library, KI – Kitch

Tuesday May 14

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Potluck (Seniors) Group - E3 - Library, KI - Kitch 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Buddhist Sangha - P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Tuesday Wisdom Circle - E3 – Library

Wednesday May 15 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Library Ministry - E3 - Library 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM WFIG (Women's Friendship in Growth) Chalice Circle - E3 – Library

Thursday May 16 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM Restorative Yoga - P1 - Lg 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM Worship Arts Committee Meeting - MO - Minister's Office 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Wellspring 2012/2013 - P2 - Couch 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Choir Rehearsal - FH - Fellowship Hall

Friday May 17

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Candlelighters - FH - Fellowship Hall, KI - Kitch 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Games Night at Horizon!!! - FH - Fellowship Hall

Saturday May 18

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Choir rehearsal - preparation for spring concert - SH - Sanc. 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Horizon Dinners - Other - Offsite 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM UDV



Share the Plate for Sunday May 19, 2013

Horizon has a collection for non-profit organizations once a month during our worship service. This month's collection plate is for Senior Adult Services.

Senior Adult Services is a non-profit organization committed to caring for seniors as they face either short or long term changes in abilities caused by illness or age. Supportive services such as home delivered meals, home modifications and transportation help seniors live independently. Caregivers of seniors receive information, education, consultations and support to enhance their ability to meet the needs of aging loved ones. Our organization is small in staff, but big in volunteerism. Each year over 400 volunteers are involved in the provision of services. The cities of Addison, Carrollton, Coppell and Farmers Branch contract with Senior Adult Services to ensure that senior residents have the assistance they need. Additional support comes from United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and contributions from individuals, businesses, clubs and churches in the community.

· Our Mission

Our mission is to improve the lives of seniors and caregivers when they face the challenges of aging. We believe that we can have the greatest impact by giving seniors more choices and enhancing their independence, by supporting family caregivers and by involving the community in the delivery of services.

· Our Values

We Value Choices - Because each senior has unique needs, when they need assistance, they should be able to evaluate and choose from a variety of options.

We Value Dignity - Older people can and should use the wisdom of a lifetime to make their own decisions. Their independence should be encouraged and their preferences respected.

We Value Family - Because seniors rely on family caregivers when they need help, caregivers and older family members both benefit from care giving information and education. We Value Community - When government, business, civic organizations and individuals all work together, we can improve the lives of our senior neighbours.

1) All undesignated cash (not in envelope with instructions) will go to Share the Plate.

2) Checks MUST be designated Share-The-Plate or STP to be counted toward the donations for that day.

3) Undesignated checks without instructions are assumed to be donations to the church or to fulfill pledges.

4) This is our Horizon's primary source of funds for outreach into the world.



Special Groups

If you are considering attending one of these groups for the first time, it is a good idea to contact them via email for more information and to get an orientation of what to expect in your first visit!

Thanks!

NEW BEGINNINGS A Chalice Circle Exploring the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism For newcomers and longer-term attendees who are making any kind of new start in their lives WHEN: Sundays 12:15 – 1:45 pm * DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

WHERE: Portable – couch room * You’re invited to bring a sack lunch. *Join us any Sunday.

Facilitated by Marianna Seaton, Director of Lay Ministry. For more information e-mail [email protected]. .

CURIOUS ABOUT SCHEDULE? You can check the calendar at http://calendar.horizonuu.org/

Horizon Book Group: 4th Tuesdays 12p. ([email protected] ) The Horizon Book Group meets at 12 Noon on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the church Library. Every June and November the group decides on the books for the following six months. Bring a brown bag lunch and join in this fun group that is open to women and men. You’ll be able to share in an invigorating conversation on the session’s book. Current selections are found in the Library information niche in the lobby/narthex. For more info, you may contact [email protected] .

Buddhist Sangha: Tuesdays 7 PM -9:00 PM. ([email protected] ) Buddhist Sangha ("Sangha" is equivalent to a covenant group) is a weekly gathering that studies the Dharma (the teachings of Buddhism.) This is an ongoing exploration of the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path, the essential teachings of Buddhism. It is participatory and although consistency is encouraged, sessions can be attended on a drop in basis. We welcome anyone interested in a meditation practice. If you wish to come for an orientation, please arrive by 6:30. If you wish to view materials, e-mail Dennis Hamilton at [email protected] or call 972-529-8187. You may also contact [email protected] .

The UU Christian Chalice Circle ([email protected] ) The UU Christian Chalice Circle provides a forum for enriching our spiritual lives through personal discovery of the heart, meaning, and tradition of Christianity. We gather monthly on the 1st Sunday at 9AM in the library for discussion, fellowship, and exploration. All those seeking to connect (or re-connect) to the beauty and wisdom of Christianity are welcome to attend. Email [email protected]

The CineMat Group ([email protected] ) The CineMat group will be meeting on the 4th Saturday every month. And it’s now a Chalice Circle!.

This Chalice Circle gets together to see a movie and then goes to a coffee shop or restaurant to discuss and comment on it in a friendly circle over a cup of coffee or drink. People should call Meg Reed or

Marga Gordon for more info, or email [email protected].

Craft & Chat Chalice Circle ([email protected] )



The Craft and Chat Chalice Circle is an opportunity to share your favorite crafting skills or learn a new one from somebody else, in a warm circle of fellowship! Contact Marga Gordon or Dale Gaskill at [email protected] . The C & C Chalice Circle meets 2nd and 4th Sundays from 1:30p

Earth Centered Spirituality Chalice Circle ([email protected] ) The Earth-Centered Spirituality Chalice Circle is a social/support group for people who are interested in, or already know they are following, an Earth-centered spiritual path. They meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month, at 2:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church. We love visitors, so please, come check us out! They also co-host the monthly Free Movie Night on the last Friday of each month. For questions or more information, e-mail [email protected].

GAMERS: 3rd FRIDAY FUN AT HORIZON! ([email protected] ) Come join us for adult level games on the 3rd Friday of every month. We meet in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m. Bring a snack or drink to share.!

Healthy Women Chalice Circle ([email protected] ) A woman’s support group to help achieve their goals of health and fitness. Sharing of ideas and experiences in nutrition, weight loss, exercise and stress management.

Men’s Saturday Support Group ([email protected] ) A men’s support group that includes a check-in and informal discussion of men’s issues regarding family, health, workplace, and relationships. Starts at 8AM

The 2nd Tuesday Potluck Chalice Circle ([email protected] ) This group meets for food, fellowship, and deepening friendships. They meet in the library 2nd Tuesday of most months at 12 noon. Occasionally we take a field trip instead of having a potluck lunch.

Tuesday Wisdom Circle ([email protected] ) A chalice circle that offers a check-in and discussion of a weekly life issue topic selected by a group member.

Parents – Forget Red Bull, WE’LL give you Wings! (every other Mon, 9a) ([email protected] ) WINGS Chalice Circle is a fun and friendly group whose purpose is to support the person within each parent by creating friendships and nurturing our intellect and creativity. Each meeting begins with a check-in, and while we listen to each other's stories, we eat breakfast. Then we move on to our topic or event. Popular past topics include Parenting UU Style, Book Swaps and Movie Days.. Child care is provided. For more information, email [email protected] or call Sandy Morris at 214-952-2243.

Women Alive 55+ ([email protected] ) The Women Alive 55+ Group meets on the second and fourth Saturday of each month in the Horizon Library.

WFIG WELCOMES WOMEN! ([email protected]) The WFIG (Women's Friendship in Growth) Chalice Circle is a covenant group dedicated to deepening friendships among and providing support for women of all ages. We meet on the first & third Wed. of each month at 7:30 p.m. Whether you are a new visitor to our group, a returning member, or someone who has been thinking about joining us for some time, we would love to have you. Just email us or call Nancy Foreman at 972-965-0940 or Sarah Roye at 214-228-3397.



Adult Religious Explorations For more information contact [email protected] Sundays 9 - 10 am Horizon Library

May 5, 2013

Kent Darwin will facilitate the class on the "Two Wolves" that live within each of us -a good wolf and a bad wolf. This is based on a Native Indian legend that could be anywhere or anytime in our world. Come make this a howling good discussion. There will also be time to discuss the Christian Chalice Circle educational focus for the months ahead.

Buddhist Sanga Tuesday evenings - weekly 7:00-9:00 pm Portable, Rm 8

Buddhist Sangha. Facilitated by Senior Minister, the Rev. Dennis Hamilton. This is an ongoing exploration of the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path, the essential teaching of Buddhism. Rev. Hamilton’s email contact: [email protected] , in case of changes.

And… Always check the weekly newsletter for short profiles on classes and late-breaking announcements. If you email [email protected] you will get a quick response from one of the committee chairs – Kay Darwin, Kent Darwin, or Charles Frugé.



SHOP TO SUPPORT THE CHURCH

Reloadable Kroger Fundraiser Cards

• Cards are assigned to customers by Horizon UU Church and purchased for just $1 each. Supporters can reload their card and pay for the reloads with cash, check, debit, or credit cards at any time, at any Kroger store, for any amount up to $500 at Customer Service or $100 by cashiers. • Reloads have to be a separate transaction from use. Cards with $0 balance are deleted from the system after 90 days and cannot be reactivated. A new card will have to be assigned and purchased from Horizon for $1. • Card is accepted in all Kroger stores and its affiliates throughout the US. It can be sent to family and friends out-of-state and still benefits Horizon, as long as the card is reloaded and used. Keep track of your card balance: At the bottom of your last receipt, call 866-822-6252 or on-line using the PIN on the back of the card. • Reload and use often! Horizon earns a 5% rebate on your purchases! BONUS: Now used ones don’t go in the trash.

_____________________________________________________________________

Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church

1641 W. Hebron Parkway • Carrollton, TX • 75010-6334

tel: (972) 492-4940 • fax: (972) 394-0570

http://www.horizonuu.org • facebook: Horizon UU • twitter: horizonuu • im: horizonuu submissions by 12 Noon each Wednesday. to: [email protected]

http://www.horizonuu.org/

mailto:[email protected]

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