UUVC Newsletter May 2020 Theme: Generosity Page 1 of 4

May 2020 THEME: Generosity

Jerry Offerman ‘16

Unitarian Universalist Village Church

403 Barcelona Road Hot Springs Village, AR 71909

501-922-1255 President: Janet Holt (mjholt@hotmail.com)

Minister: Rev. Mark Walz (minister@uuvc.org ) Editor: Cindy Perez (pcindyp55@gmail.com)

Best Friends This period of isolating at home has

brought a recognition of how much we rely on others for our happiness. Cut off from

physical connections to friends, and unable to feel their kinship in a hug, or even a handshake, life can take a turn toward

loneliness. Our spirits long for the touch of another cherished and loving being.

Those of us who have pets have a re-source of kinship available. Dogs, cats,

birds, or other sweet creatures. Having a pet to care for, another animate being to talk to, can be a life saver. And like service

animals, they have a way of centering us, and reassuring us and comforting us by

their warmth and friendship. Having to say goodbye to such a

‘friend’ in these difficult times can be an even greater tragedy. Several members of our congregation have had to endure this in

these last few weeks. I’ve been imagining the possibility of

a Bereavement Garden on our church grounds. A sacred place where we could

inter their ashes or perhaps a memorial marker where their names would be added. Perhaps some seating? It is just an idea for

now, but would you be interested in form-ing a team tasked to study the feasibility of

it? Text me @ 214-755-4315.

See you in church. Soon, I pray.

Spiritually Fearless Rev. Mark Walz

Today Many of us may be experiencing a

deep sense of anxiety about the virus that has taken over our world, our newsfeeds,

and our daily lives. As the reality sinks in that there will be no return to “normal,” we may be grieving the loss of the world that

we knew as well as the loss of a sense of predictable future. The plans we’ve had to

cancel left us disappointed and sometimes feeling guilty as the life changes we’ve had

to make seem frivolous in comparison to what so many of our fellow humans are experiencing. We’ve lost connection

through touch as we have to relate to each other in a new way. I especially miss hugs.

So many negatives and so much that is out of our control.

Today, let’s focus on what we can control, starting with guilt. Your experience of loss is real and does not have to be

ranked against the experience of others to determine whether it’s OK to feel sadness.

It’s not only OK, it’s normal and appropriate. Here are some other

suggestions:

Laughter is highly recommended. Focusing on

nothing but the negative is harmful mentally

and physically. Watch some comedies, share

From the President Janet Holt

“continued on Page 2”

Look for the “flame” symbol throughout the newsletters. These denote hyperlinks that have

been added which will send you to the web page for additional information.

UUVC Newsletter May 2020 Theme: Generosity Page 2 of 4

Finance Committee Kim Harrison

Service Auction Chair The Service Auction will be Friday, April 24.

UUVC needs a Chair for the service auction com-mittee! This is primarily a job of planning oversight and assigning tasks to be done by our many volun-teers. Much of the work has already been complet-ed with information from past auctions. There are past chairs that are willing to assist you with advice and information if needed. If you are good at organ-ization we really could use your help. Please con-tact: Kim Harrison

jokes with friends, read a favorite funny

book.

Give yourself a break from the 24/7 news cycle.

Learn something new or consider revisiting a

hobby you once enjoyed.

Reach out to friends and family by phone, video

chat or even write old-fashioned letters.

Just breathe. Focus on the positive changes this

enforced isolation has created in your life. I

grew up in a belief system where work always came before play and productivity

was highly valued. I’ve spent my life being

perpetually busy. Now I find myself able to

enjoy watching the birds and wildlife as they

go about their daily routines. Or taking time

to just sit and think. Turns out you can teach

an old dog new tricks. It just took a pandemic

to do it. Stay safe, everyone.

Grateful

Grateful … that our Congregation’s

operations are based on a supporting pledge base. Pledge payments are continu-

ing to stream in. Thank you everyone. So how has UUVC been affected by the situa-tion we find ourselves in? Our operations

budget is in very good shape. Many who have pledged are completing their pledge

payments early. Our physical shut down does save money in some areas … program

speakers, lower electrical use and Coffee! But the bulk of our expenses are more “fixed” and continue. Through March, in-

come has exceeded expenses by $33,983. I anticipate that net income gap will narrow

during May and June given the acceleration in pledge payments we are experiencing.

Just know that our financials are good.

The most significant impact on UUVC has been the losses in our Building Fund

investments. We experienced a decline of $20,000 in our UU Common Endowment

Fund (UUCEF) investment account for the February/March time period. Fortunately,

the decision in October by the Finance Committee to fund our siding project by way of the sale of UUCEF investments in

enabled us to maintain a strong cash posi-tion. As of March 31, UUVC had cash on

hand of $91,000 at Regions Bank (checking and money market) along with $126,000 in

our UUCEF account. The Finance Commit-tee has scheduled a meeting during which we will review our Building Plan. The most

significant item in our building expense plan is mortgage, with annual principal

payments of $20,000. We are secure in

our ability to meet our commitments.

This next month is busy … approving the budget and then our Pledge Drive. So appreciate everyone’s support … “see” you

on Zoom!

“continued from Page 1” Treasurer’s Report

Kim Townsan

Soon we will be voting on the budget

for next year – July 1, 2020 to June 30,

2021. Please, make sure you vote! Shortly

after that, we will be kicking off the Pledge

Drive to meet that budget. We aren’t sure

what the Pledge Drive will look like right

now but stay tuned! Start thinking about

your pledge for this coming year and keep

in mind what the video services have meant

to you, along with the mid-week messages

from Mark.

We really are a community of love. I

know I really miss being with all of you.

My life is much richer because of this com-

munity and everyone in it. Please send in

your pledges when it is time.

Thank you with love – The Finance Com-

mittee

UUVC Newsletter May 2020 Theme: Generosity Page 3 of 4

Seasons of Change

A few short months ago your Green Team was busily preparing for an Earth

Day celebration, had built a composting center, and had nearly completed the Green Sanctuary application. Coronavirus was no-

where on our radar. How quickly things changed!

When we lived in Houston I kept a “go box” filled with important items packed

and ready to go when we had to evacuate for hurricanes. My neighbor always laugh-ingly chided me for this saying, “There’s

more in the store.” Now, facing shortages of common goods, we see how much we’ve

taken our abundance for granted. I’ve be-come more mindful of wasting food and

finding green alternatives to paper prod-ucts. I understand now why my mother kept folded pieces of reusable aluminum

foil. I hope we also recognize how we’ve

taken our planet for granted as we observe current changes. As human activity has

slowed, air pollution levels have dropped enough to be visible from space. With less human noise, birdsong has increased.

Wildlife is showing up in places normally filled with people and waters are clearing. Is

it possible we can make something good come out of this terrible time? Let’s work to

make it so.

“There is no exercise better for the

heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

John Holmes

MUSIC NOTES

John Leisenring

May is full of promise - Just not in person

services, sad to say. But our crack music/audio/visual team will continue to provide

music for the virtual services so many have been enjoying. There is a nice Mother’s Day anthem already recorded, and Clyde

and Jack and John will continue to add their talents to the services. And there

may be a couple of surprises in store as well. Stay tuned.

“One good thing about music -

when it hits you, you feel no pain.” Bob Marley

Green Team Janet Holt

The Events Committee is looking for-ward to when we can meet and plan again.

As of now, we have a Kentucky Derby Party scheduled in September, provided that the

church doors have reopened. We are hoping that everyone is stay-ing safe and well and finding interesting

ways to keep occupied. Until we meet again, we are sending

out virtual hugs.

Events Committee Dee Offerman and Stephanie Hubbard

Membership Snippets Veronica Zuege

Dennis Abraham has been a member of UUVC for 10 years. What a contribution

he has made! Thank you, Dennis. Being good to our membership

means taking good care of yourself and keeping your distance. Hard as it is, keep-ing the distance is a real kindness. Hang in

there, Friends. We will definitely plan an event for you when we are all safely able to

do that. Membership Committee is still look-

ing for a Vice Chair. It’s a good gig, really.

UUVC Newsletter May 2020 Theme: Generosity Page 4 of 4

Social Justice Sue Loberg

The Social Justice Committee has moved some of the Share the Plate charities

around to meet the current pressing needs. May will be Jackson House. The current so-

cial distancing and not being able to open their thrift stores has increased their need for funds. Many of their clients are high

risk candidates for the virus. Please con-sider them when you send your donation

into UUVC and put SHARE on the memo line. We thank you for your generosity.

“Generosity is giving more than you

can, and pride is taking less than you need.”

Khalil Gibran

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it

will be too late.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The greatest gift you ever give is your

honest self.” Fred Rogers

Birthdays

The Dispute Mediation Committee stands ready to assist members and friends in re-

solving conflicts which affect their life in the church. For more information click

HERE. Contact Steve Rittenmeyer at 915-0575 or email SD-

Rittenmeyer@wiu.edu.

Dispute Mediation Steve Rittenmeyer

5/3 Liz Miller

5/4 Susan Berkley

5/4 Don Martin

5/5 Martha Graham

5/6 Georgia Pound

5/6 Linda Rider

5/7 Ted Allen

5/7 Jan Kincheloe

5/8 Tony Nikodem

5/8 Glen Rider

5/8 Rus Wright

5/9 Stephanie

Hubbard

5/12 Mike Holt

5/17 Malina Zarate

5/18 Nola Abraham

5/19 Dee Offerman

5/21 Peggy McCoy

5/23 Glenn Calloway

5/30 Barbara

Mueller

5/31 Pat Reimann

5/31 Vivian Walz

Anniversaries

5/20 Catherine Daryl Wedwick

5/27 Katherine & Gerald Wheeler

5/31 Janet & Mike Holt

May Apple

Picture by Cindy Perez