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Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Blacksburg, VA March 2017
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION
1301 Gladewood Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24060
Website: www.uucnrv.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (540) 552-9716
NEWSLETTER March 2017
Year 52, Issue 3
Goldie Muse, my biological, maternal grandmother would've been 95 on St.
Patrick's Day. Scots-Irish and Appalachian to the core, the world into which
she was born was still recovering from the War to End All Wars – the ghastly,
near-global conflict that took an estimated 38 million military and civilian lives.
My grandma could scarce have known that even as she was coming of age, a
young, recently discharged German Army lance corporal was already laying
plans for a military conquest and genocide program that would kill roughly 3%
of the world’s population.
Goldie was a kind, bright, but not worldly soul. The degree of hate fueling the
Third Reich was beyond her imagination: all she knew about World War II was
that her male relatives and friends were being sent across vast oceans to kill people who wanted to kill
them.
We can thank all that is holy that, unlike Goldie, most of us alive today were not raised with the real-time
specter of Nazi jackboots and salutes. This is said, not to minimize the multiple crimes against humanity
since 1945, but to give that war its grizzly due in the pantheon of human cruelties.
I mention the perils of my grandmother's era because, within and without UU circles, some of the new
administration's policies and actions are being compared to those of 1930’s Germany. It's not my place
to make or debunk that observation. I'm a preacher, not a pundit. But there is one statistic that should
trouble us no matter our opinions on the nascent Trump presidency: hate crimes in America are up and
still rising. (Numbers vary across studies, ranging between 6-10% over the past year. Hate-crime cases
against Muslims have driven the increase.)
These acts are a direct affront to our long religious tradition. In a world of theological gang wars, we
have (however imperfectly) called out the powers that enslave bodies, minds and spirits. To be in fidelity
with that heritage is always demanding, all the more so when whole groups of citizens are in the cross-
hairs of hatred.
But what to do? It was the brilliant African American thinker and activist, W.E.B. DuBois, who counseled
us to be patient prophets in such times: “The prayer of our souls is a petition for persistence; not for the
one good deed, or single thought, but deed on deed, and thought on thought, until day calling unto day
shall make a life worth living.”
Deeds: 1. The UUC board voted to recommit to the social justice model we discussed at the beginning of
the interim year. After some fits and starts, that process is back on track. The entire congregation will be
engaged in choosing an area of focus for 2017-18. An outline will soon be posted to the congregation's
website; 2. Go local. Seek out and attend groups/gatherings whose mission it is to build solidarity for and
with targeted groups in the NRV. And don't dismiss opportunities to do good just because somebody
believes differently. (See page 6 for Denise Mathews' excellent piece on the Lenten supper and service
we're hosting on March 15. Join us.); 3. Be a squeaky wheel. Find out who's representing you in
Richmond and D.C. Be in regular contact, especially when anti-hate crime legislation is in play; 4. If
you're blessed to have some spare money, do a search on groups/agencies engaged in anti-hate crime
efforts. Check their ratings (try Charity Watch, Give Well, etc.) and donate. (continued on page 2)
In the Interim….
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Blacksburg, VA 2 March 2017
Interim Minister:
Rev. Don Rollins
540-552-9716
President:
Carol Kern
540-357-1918
Director of Lifespan Faith Development:
Karen Hager
540-577-8043
Administrator/ Newsletter/Website:
Lisa Evanylo
540-257-3612
Pianist:
Jared Gibbs
Choir Director:
Ella Kromin
Lay Pastoral Care Ministry:
UUC Website: uucnrv.org
UUC Office Phone:
540-552-9716
Minister Emerita:
Rev. Christine Brownlie
Contact
Information
Staff Office Hours:
Interim Minister:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays, 9-1. Contact
for appointment.
Administrator:
Mondays 9-12,
Fridays 1-4
DLFD:
Contact for appointment.
Message from Our President Carol Kern
The Pastoral to Program shift…
Congratulations UUC, we are now at an all time high in
membership with 216 members! Whether this is due
to you as a healthy and vibrant congregation, the
current unease with a divided country, or a dynamic interim minister, we
don’t know. One thing we do know, though, is that we are definitely in the
Pastoral to Program Congregation shift (200-250 members) as defined by
Dan Hotchkiss in his book, Governance and Ministry.
It has been a year of discovery and learning for the Board as we wrestle with
what these changes mean to the congregation, and how we can all function
better within this new model. In a nutshell, in larger congregations there is
less one-on-one relationship with the minister but more small group ministry
relationships. We as congregants empower our minister and staff to follow
our direction of which ministries and social justice projects we want to engage
in. We continue to take care of each other in our small groups formed on
common interests and support. We rely on our Board to spend its time on
visioning and policymaking rather than the day-to-day tasks of running the
congregation. Our committees and task teams are given authority to manage
their piece of the pie within the confines of our budget parameters. Two
Board members are actively streamlining and updating our Policy &
Procedures Manual to be posted in easy to search topics on the website to
help us better understand these important documents.
One change already implemented in our Sunday services is how we do Joys &
Concerns. There has been much productive feedback on this change, both
positive and negative. This is one example of our needing to adapt and shift
while continuing to honor our cherished traditions and how we care for each
other. For me personally, the new format is good as sometimes I want to
share a sad event but don’t like speaking in public, especially when it is an
emotional topic, so now I can write down my concern (or joy) and have it
lifted up to the congregation without my having to speak. The new cards also
give us a chance to ask for lay pastoral help without picking up the phone or
sending an email which sometimes is more than we can do when life really
overwhelms us. I also love our responses of holding folks in our hearts or
sharing their joy. For me this comes close to the pastoral prayers of more
traditional religions. Finally we light a candle together acknowledging the
many things that go unsaid. I admit I was skeptical about the new tradition
at first but have come to find this new way both moving and powerful. It has
opened my eyes yet again to ways in which living and loving in a larger
congregation can still be meaningful and touching.
(In the Interim….continued from page 1)
We are a creative people. You likely have other ideas for how to eliminate
the twin stains of bigotry and hatred. And there will be opportunities to
share them as we gather your input for the justice model.
In the end, let it be said of us that we were neither complicit nor
complacent. That, deed by deed and thought by thought, we did not
concede the final word to hate.
Stay strong, Don
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Blacksburg, VA 3 March 2017
2017-18 Stewardship Campaign
Inspire. Create. Transform
What do you like most about what we have here at UUC? Is it the simple act of coming together
each Sunday and sharing in worship and spirituality? Or the many and varied youth and adult
programs? Our social action/social justice work? Maybe it’s Lay Pastoral Care, our Mental Health
Justice Ministry, or our Caring Network? Or our beautiful building and grounds? And let’s don’t
forget the terrific music. Whatever it is that keeps you coming, it shares at least one feature with
all the many experiences that keep us excited and involved: all of these cost money.
Each year the Stewardship Committee asks congregants to renew their commitment to help sustain and
grow our “church” - all those programs or ministries, staff, and infrastructure needs are necessary for us to
support our congregation. Toward that end, preparation for our annual Stewardship Campaign is gaining
momentum. This year, we will use cottage meetings as the format for gathering and discussing the many
and varied programs at UUC and how to fund them. Volunteers will host meetings of 8-10 people in their
homes where trained stewards will facilitate discussion of our programs, functions, and the new budget.
Cottage meetings provide a relaxed atmosphere for sharing perspectives, asking questions, and discussing
the financial aspects of UUC.
Many cottage meetings will be held over a 3-week period at various locations in the NRV beginning March
27, and the committee requests that everyone sign up (link to be provided shortly) to attend one. Be sure
to pick up your Stewardship Packet (brochure, FAQ sheet, budget information, pledge card, and more) at
the service on March 26, or it will be mailed to you. Stewards will have extra copies at the cottage
meetings, and all will also be available on our website.
Congregants who do not attend a cottage meeting will be contacted for a one-on-one visit with a steward.
For our many newcomers, this can be a lovely way to get to know a long-time member. We, the committee,
would love to meet you and hear your suggestions and ideas from a new perspective while introducing you
to the very important pledge process that sustains and grows our good works.
My participation as a steward last year was my first detailed introduction to the financial underpinnings of
the congregation, and I found serving as a steward to be revealing with regard to the effort and funding
that keeps UUC vibrant and active. It is all too easy to forget, or simply fail to recognize, that our wonderful
programs, beautiful building and grounds, and functioning infrastructure cost money and must be supported
by the congregation in order to exist and grow.
The Board has set our financial goal for the coming year at $370,000. This is an increase of 11.5% over
the 2016-17 budget of $331,976.The three broad goals of this stewardship campaign are to support our
staff, to provide financial sustainability for the congregation, and to increase our ministries both within and
outside of our congregation. As you plan your own finances this coming year, please consider increasing
your pledge (or making your first pledge) so we may continue our good works and wonderful programs.
Without your pledges, our congregation would cease to exist. Remember, we are the church.
Andy Roberts, Stewardship Chair
Important dates and events to remember:
March 26: Campaign kick-off with a special sermon by Rev. Don
March 27–April 15: Cottage meetings
April 3–April 22: One-on-one meetings as needed or desired
April 23: Campaign ends with a delicious Sunday Sundae Ice Cream
Social following the service
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Blacksburg, VA 4 March 2017
Second-Sunday Potluck Everyone is invited to enjoy lunch together following the service on March 12. It’s a wonderful opportunity to
meet new people while sharing a delicious meal. This month, if your last name begins with Mor-Ph, bring a
beverage; A-Lam bring a main dish; Lan-Mop and Pi-Z bring a side dish or dessert. Don’t
forget your list of the ingredients in your dish to assist those with food allergies. Please be sure
to bring a LARGE DISH as there are many mouths to feed and to be considerate of those at the end of the line that are also hungry. As always, bring your non-perishable food donations
(canned meats, fruits, vegetables, macaroni and cheese, rice, beans, cereal, peanut butter,
jelly, coffee, sugar, etc.) for the Interfaith Food Pantry. The donation basket is in the lobby
just outside the Sanctuary.
Upcoming Events Creative Growth Series:
Church in the 21st Century
This once-a-month series of four programs,
sponsored by the Leadership Development
Committee, continues on Tuesday, March 14,
7-8:30 PM. Combining practical information about
the structure of our congregation with an
exploration of the nature of leadership, the series
provides a unique opportunity to look at how we
support our “servant-leaders”, what leadership
work entails (leadership versus management for
example), and even our personal aversion to
failing. Have you ever given yourself permission
to mess up? What are three things we know we
ought to be “good” at, and how do we know when
we have achieved them?
Each monthly offering stand alone and is open to
anyone in the congregation who wishes to attend,
so attendance at the previous meeting is not
required. For the purpose of setting up the library
ahead of time, contact Marilyn DuPont if you were
not an attendee at the first meeting.
Jim Scott Concert/Pete Seeger Songfest
Sunday, March 5 from 7-9 PM in our sanctuary.
For more than three decades, Jim Scott has been
creating and performing music that celebrates the
Earth. His songs and poetry have inspired and
educated audiences around the world. His songs
sensitize his listeners to the beauty of the Earth,
teaching principles of ecology in memorable
verses. Jim also helped to create the “Green
Sanctuary Program” of which UUC is a part. For
this concert, Jim will
entertain with a Pete
Seeger Songfest.
Donations accepted at
the door.
Search Committee Update: Candidating Week
Following visits by the 3 ministerial candidates,
the Search Committee will select the candidate
that is the best fit for UUC. Contingent on the
candidate’s acceptance of UUC, that candidate will then return to UUC for Candidating Week,
April 30-May 7. During this time, congregants
will have the opportunity to meet with the
candidate who will also be in the pulpit on both
April 30 and May 7. Following the service on
May 7, there will be a special Congregation
Meeting for all members to vote on calling the
candidate. Please mark your calendars for this
very important vote. Watch for more information
in the coming weeks.
Contemporary Classical
Music Concert
All are welcome on Friday, March
31 at 7:30 PM as UUC hosts
our third annual contemporary
classical music concert. This
year’s concert features all
women composers including
works by Jennifer Higdon,
Margaret Bonds, Alyssa Morris,
Marion Bauer, and Rachel Grimes. And we're
again blessed to have a large group of UUC
members and friends performing at the concert:
Willie Caldwell, voice; Jared Gibbs, piano;
Cassandra Hanson, clarinet; Ella Kromin, voice;
Lisa Liske-Doorandish, cello; Meredith McCree,
oboe; and Nicole Paglialonga, violin. We hope
you'll be able to join us for this exciting event.
Free admission, but donations accepted.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Blacksburg, VA 5 March 2017
Two Mental Health Support Groups at UUC
On Monday, March 20 at 6 PM, our two
community mental health support groups will
meet at UUC. One group is designed for those
with a mental health illness themselves, and the
other group is for family and friends of those with
a mental illness. Both are facilitated by
professionals from Community Services. All are
welcome. Contact Margo Walter for more info.
EarthSpirit Sisters (ESS) Equinox Celebration
All women are invited to celebrate the
Spring Equinox on Monday, March 20
at 6:30 PM in room 3 on the lower
level.
ESS is open to all who seek sisterhood
and desire a deeper understanding and spiritual
awareness of ancient Earth-centered traditions.
NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program
Mondays, March 13-
May 29 from 6:30-9 PM.
This is a free, 12-week
course for family
caregivers of individuals
with severe mental illness. It’s designed for
families experiencing the effects of severe brain
disorders, and focuses on three major psychiatric
illnesses: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic
depression), and major depression. The training
covers treatment strategies and coping skills,
such as improved communication and problem
solving. Many also find the emotional support that
is essential during times of illness and stress. Sign
up by March 5 by emailing Margo Walter. Tell
your friends.
Women’s Lunch Bunch
Our long-running, twice-monthly (1st & 3rd
Fridays) informal women's lunch welcomes all
UUC women to join the fun. Conversation is
informal, and no reservations are required. On
March 3 we gather at Lucie Monroe's in
Christiansburg. On March 17 we’ll try Pub Grub
in the NRV Mall although you are free to select
your meal from any other food vendor in the food
court. We meet at noon.
Adopt-A-Highway Litter Pickup
Volunteers are needed to
help pick up trash on our
assigned road on
Saturday, March 4 at
9 AM. Meet in the Lowes
parking lot, enjoy some
energy food, and help
make our sections of the
road look marvelous. Contact Bob Stimson to help
or for more info.
UUWomenspirit Spring Retreat
UUWomenspirit is a non-profit,
volunteer-run organization that has
hosted all-women retreats since
1987 emphasizing and celebrating
the Divine Feminine in her many
forms. The next retreat, Ancient
Whispers: A Pilgrimage to Women’s
Mysteries is May 17-21 at The
Mountain Retreat and Learning
Center in Highlands, NC. It will be a
journey through time and place to remember our
sacred heritage and revive the rich mysteries of
our inner being. The brochure with detailed
information about the workshops and other
offerings will be available shortly at
www.uuwomenspirit.org, and registration begins
in March.
Artwork by Kathy Kemerait
Workshop for Community Organizers
The Center for Peace Studies & Violence
Prevention and the Program in Women’s and
Gender Studies at VT are o co-hosting a full day
of training and instruction by two leading
members of the International Center on
Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC) on Sunday, March 19
from 9 AM-5 PM. This prestigious organization has
published ground-breaking texts and films on the
topic of nonviolent civil resistance and how it can
be engaged to create concrete change.
The day will consist of intensive workshops on
topics relevant to community organizers:
effectively promoting a message, creative
methods, building solidarity and capacity, and
more. The workshop is open to all in the
community. You must register online via this link.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Blacksburg, VA 6 March 2017
Showing Up: A Racial Justice Conference
for Youth & Adults A Super-Cluster Event sponsored by Blue Ridge and Tidewater clusters, and
facilitated by the Deep Abiding Love Project team and the UUA. Financial
assistance available.
For adults (cost: $65), this conference will take you to the next level in your racial justice work via hands
-on and role play learning skills such as: 1) Increase your capacity to read the power dynamics of a
situation, 2) Identify your position within that situation, and 3) Intervene in productive and accountable
ways (de-escalation, bystander intervention, active listening, etc.).
For youth (cost $95), this conference will include: 1) Peer Chaplaincy Support Training (condensed), 2)
Harness personal power of storytelling for racial justice, and 3) Direct action campaigns – what are they
and how to build them.
Location: Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church UU (TJMC), Charlottesville
When: Adults: Friday, March 10 7-9 PM and Saturday, March 11 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Youth: Friday, March 10 7 PM to Sunday, March 12 7:30 AM
Meals included: Adults (Sat. breakfast/lunch), Youth (Fri. heavy snack, Sat. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner,
Sun. grab & go breakfast). Childcare Provided: Free
Lodging: Youth and chaperones stay onsite. Lodging available for adults through TJMC B&B program.
To register: Use this link.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/424386831230904/
Contact: [email protected]. Contact Lisa Evanylo for actual conference schedule.
Lenten Interfaith Dinner & Worship Service
On Wednesday, March 15, 5:30-7 PM, UUC is
hosting this event as part of the ecumenical
Lenten Supper Series with co-host Northside
Presbyterian. We are expecting about 120 people
and will be serving a potato bar, salad, and
dessert meal before the service. Much help is
needed. Contact Jane Mahone if you can help with
room set-up (4 PM), dinner preparations (2-5:30
PM), and/or clean-up (7-8 PM). Jane will also be
at a table in Elarth Hall after Sunday services with
sign-up sheets.
All are welcome to attend. The worship service,
with a message from Rev. Joe Carson, begins at
6:15 PM.
The meaning of Lent and what it can mean
for us – by Denise Mathews
The religious tradition of “Lent” has been around
since at least the 4th century A. D. Christians
(Protestants and especially Catholics) view this as
a time to give up something, the way Jesus fasted
in the desert for 40 days and nights before he
began his famous ministry. Christians tried to
mimic his hardship by fasting on Fridays (only one
full meal that day) and also giving up meat on
those Fridays during the 40 days of Lent in
preparation for Jesus’ death and resurrection.
What can this mean for those not used to these
Christian traditions? Lent (this year beginning
March 1) can be a time, as winter ends and
springs approaches, for self renewal and
improvement. Giving up something, whether it’s
chocolate or electronic media, forgiving a long
time hurt, or helping others can be personally
beneficial. In some Catholic churches, people
donate the money they would have spent on meat
to the Rice Bowl Project. Rev. Penny Ford of
Trinity UMC (Tuscaloosa, AL) suggests you can
volunteer for an activity you don’t usually do,
such as working at a soup kitchen or as a literacy
volunteer, or giving yourself daily quiet time to
reflect on your life and how to help your
community. As we prepare for the coming spring,
we look at self improvement as a goal and
remember, as the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
says, that it is in giving that we truly receive.
Community Service Team (CST)
All are invited to attend and participate in the next UUC CST meeting on Sunday, March 5 following the
service in our library. The focus of CST is to be involved in local service projects. Suggestions for new
projects will be considered.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Blacksburg, VA 7 March 2017
Lifespan Faith Development
March 2017
MSYG Friday, March 17, time TBA
Middle School Youth Group meets offsite at
Christiansburg Aquatic Center. Youth in
grades 6-8 are invited to come join the fun.
Parents, watch your email for more details.
MSYG meets the 3rd Friday of the month,
with meetings at UUC and offsite locations.
For more information, contact
Register online.
YRUU
Sundays, 6-8 PM
Our high school youth group, YRUU, meets
on Sunday evenings, with some meetings
held offsite. Teens participate in fundraisers,
fun activities, social action, and conferences,
while forming bonds with other teens.
YRUU is open to youth in grades 9-12.
Friends are welcome at meetings. Contact
[email protected] to learn more.
Register online.
YRUU Coffeehouse Friday, March 10, 7 PM
Join YRUU for their annual fundraiser as they host a fun and
casual evening of coffee and open mic performances. This UUC
must-attend event is for all congregants and their friends!
Bring your own talents—whether your specialty is music, poetry,
dance, comedy or something else altogether! All ages and
talents are welcome to join in the fun!
Sign up that evening to perform, or just come to enjoy the
entertainment provided by others while you sip a hot beverage
and munch on a goodie or two.
You’ll be amazed at how talented
our kids, congregants and their friends are!
Childcare will be provided in the Nursery for those too young to
attend, but this is a family friendly event. Perhaps your child has a
talent to share, too!
All proceeds and donations go towards the YRUU Boston trip in June.
This LFD-sponsored trip is planned to provide our youth with a greater
understanding of UU History and to support the formation of their
personal UU identities. Come out in support of our high school UUs and enjoy a fun Friday night of
entertainment!
K-1 & 4-5 OWL continues this month
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Blacksburg, VA 8 March 2017
On-Going Classes
Sunday Circle Meets the first and third Sunday 8:30-9:30 AM
March 5: Sam Pincus discusses “Patriotism, Penmanship, and American Values: Schoolbooks and the
Establishment of Our National Character”. We often refer to “our American values”, especially politicians who
claim to stand for them. But when and where did those values originate? What role did early schoolbooks play
in their creation and spreading? We may laugh at Parson Weems’ tale of George Washington and the cherry
tree, but there was a serious theme behind it.
March 19: Karen Hager discusses “Setting a Personal Sabbath”. Sabbath is an ancient religious concept, long
abandoned by religious liberals. Today, some folks are re-imagining it and finding benefit in adding personal
Sabbath time to their lives. Come learn how to incorporate a Sabbath into your own life.
Meditation Group Meets Tuesdays 7-8 PM
Our meditation group meets weekly for those interested in starting or deepening their
meditation practice. Our format is drop-in, so you need not attend all sessions. Open with
centering words and basic instruction, followed by sitting practice. Meditators from all
traditions and all levels of experience are welcome.
Conversations on Our Faith Meets Wednesdays 12-1 PM
Bring a brown bag lunch and join our conversation as we read the book, God Revised, by Galen
Guengerich. All are welcome, even if you have not read the chapters of the book under discussion. Group
members share their insights and personal experiences, and all thoughts and opinions are welcome. To
learn more, contact Tim Pickering.
Jeopardy Fundraiser—April 7 Have fun while raising $$$ for the YRUU trip to Boston!
Dumbledore’s Army (DA) begins the fight against the Animal Cruelty Horcrux this month and will work to
raise item donations and money for the Humane Society of Montgomery County (HSMC).
DA will be running a donation drive for items for cats and dogs which will be used in next month’s annual
Easter Egg Hunt for HSMC. Please look for the collection boxes upstairs and downstairs and support this
drive generously!
And, our popular Pennies for Puppies / Koins for Kitties voting fundraiser will be back this month allowing
you to vote with your change (or bills!) for your favorite animal.
Will the cats or dogs win this year?
All families can also fight this horcrux by pledging to help stop
puppy mills and other forms of animal cruelty. Do not buy pets
from pet stores or internet sites and avoid purchasing supplies
from pet stores or websites that also sell puppies. If your family
is thinking of adding a pet, always consider adoption first from
HSMC, another shelter, or a rescue group!
Dumbledore’s Army
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Blacksburg, VA 9 March 2017
Feb. Board Meeting Highlights
The Board discussed various video options for
the Sanctuary including a projection system.
The donation of the monitor and stand already
being used was accepted.
The Board discussed different options for a
Social Justice model.
The Board authorized the expenditure of
$2300 from facilities contingency fund to
repair a rotted column and beam outside the
nursery and to repair the sprinkler system.
The Board discussed suggestions from Space
Cadets III for improvements to the anteroom
(outside restrooms), the library, and the room
adjacent to the nursery. A line item will be
added to the 2017-18 budget for the work.
The Board voted to sign a pledge that UUC is
an Immigrant Sanctuary Congregation.
The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday,
March 9 at 7 PM. All are welcome. The agenda
can be accessed through our web calendar prior to
the meeting, and the minutes and reports are
available for the current meeting and the past two
calendar years. Contact administrator for login info.
Questions, Ideas , Complaints for the Board: Simply send an email to [email protected].
UUC Community News
Update on ½-Plate Donations
Thanks to your generosity, UUC continued its
practice of helping others in both our community
and beyond. The January recipients and amounts
donated were:
Feb. 5: First UU Richmond Anti-Racism Program,
$233
Feb. 12: NR Community Action Re-housing
Program, $244
Feb. 19: Partner Church Minibus, $349
Feb. 26: Ronald McDonald House Charities of
SWVA, $466 which includes $226 raised by
Dumbledore’s Army from soup mix sales.
Watch the weekly announcements and website for
the coming weeks’ ½-plate recipients. Have a
suggestion—fill out the form in Elarth Hall.
Support the WVTF Spring Fund Drive
Support public radio, help tell
people about our growing
community, and get a tax deduction for 2017—all
with one check! Their spring fund drive is shortly
underway. Contributions made through UUC not
only help the station, but also pay for day
sponsorship announcements about all four area UU
congregations: Blacksburg, Roanoke, Lynchburg,
and Charlottesville.
To contribute please make your check out to UUC
with “WVTF fund” on the memo line and put it in
the offering basket by April 2. If you’d like to make
a direct pledge to be eligible for drawings for prizes
or to have your name announced on the air,
consider splitting your contribution and sending part
through UUC. Thank you for supporting public
radio.
General Assembly 2017
UUC is entitled to five
delegates at the annual UU
General Assembly (GA) of
Congregations to be held
in New Orleans, LA, June
21-25. UUC pays the
$350 registration fee for
each delegate. Delegates must be members of UUC
and should attend the plenary (business) meetings
and cast votes as they come up. All attendees
select from the hundreds of workshops, but
delegates should choose those which will most
enrich and benefit our own congregation. Delegates
will also have time and opportunity to attend
workshops and spiritually enriching events of
personal interest.
The Board will select our delegates at the March 9
Board meeting with priority given to those in
leadership roles and those who have never
attended a GA previously. If interested in serving
as a delegate, contact Carol Kern, Board
president ASAP. Registration begins March 1, as
does registration for lodging. After April 30,
registration fees increase. More information is
available at uua.org/ga.
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet 1000’s of
UUs from around the country.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Blacksburg, VA 10 March 2017
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Sunday Services
March 2017
Services at 10:00 AM in the Meeting Hall
Religious Education Classes and Nursery Care
All are invited to share coffee & conversation following the service.
March 5: Rev. Don Rollins, UU Humanism. Humanism has served as the primary paradigm for UUs for
the better part of a century. Yet, many humanists are a bit foggy on where their tradition came from,
and where it might be heading. UUC’s Choir will sing at the service.
March 12: Worship Associate Jim Kern, One Wild and Precious Life. As we look forward to spring, are
you looking back on your one wild and precious life? What's still ahead of you? In this special service,
members of the congregation spanning various ages and stages of life address the question posed by
poet Mary Oliver, “What would you do with your one wild and precious life?” Come to explore how we
might live more fully in this new year and beyond.
All are invited to our monthly potluck following the service. Please bring a generous dish to share.
March 19: Rev. Don Rollins, UU Mysticism. Spiritual director, Mims Driscoll, will join Rev. Don as we
explore mysticism, within and without UUism. This will be the second installment in a series on liberal
religious thought and theology. UUC’s Choir will sing at the service.
March 26: Rev. Don Rollins, Mission, Music and Money. Rev. Don will help kick off the 2017-18
generosity campaign with a look at congregational basics, including money.
Our Mission:
Inspire. Create. Transform.
Inspire spiritual and ethical growth.
Create compassionate community.
Transform our community and the world through courageous love.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation CALENDAR: March 20171301 Gladewood Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060 Phone: (540) 552–9716 E-mail: [email protected] :P.O. Box 10116, Bburg 24062–0116 URL: uucnrv.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
(All Sundays)10:00 AM Worship Service &
Children's RE ℵ 6:00 YRUU
(All Mondays)7:00 AM Women’s
Breakfast7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast Both at Panera Bread
(Bburg)
(All Tuesdays)ℵ 7:00 Meditation (5:45 on March 14)
(All Wednesdays)ℵ Noon Conversations
on Our Faith 5:30 Yoga
(All Thursdays)Choir rehearsals:
6:00 Chalice7:00 Adult
14:30 Mental-Health
Justice Ministry Committee
6:00 Connection Committee
27:00 Strategic
Planning Committee
3ℵ Noon Women's
Lunch Bunch: Lucie Monroe's (Cburg)
4ℵ 9:00 AM
Adopt-a-Highway Clean Up
58:30 AM Sunday Circle11:30 Men's Groupℵ 11:30 Community Service Team11:45 SPC/Visioning Task Forceℵ 7:00 Jim Scott Concert
6 72:00 Sages
85:45 Finance
Committee7:30 Worship Team
97:00 Board
Meeting
10ℵ 7:00 YRUU
Coffeehouse
11 9:00 AM
Stewardship Training
5:00 Parents' Covenant Group
12ℵ 11:15 AM 2nd-Sunday Potluck11:30 Jeopardy Fundraiser
Planning meeting4:00 OWL
13ℵ 6:30 Family to Family7:30 Stewardship Committee
14ℵ 7:00 Creative
Growth series
154:30 Mental-Health-
Justice Ministry Committee
ℵ 5:30 Lenten supper & service
167:00 Leadership
Development Committee
17ℵ Noon Women's
Lunch Bunch: Pub Club (NRV Mall)
ℵ 6:30 Middle-School Youth Group (offsite)
18
198:30 AM Sunday Circle11:20 Get-to-Know UUC11:30 Men's GroupNoon Stewardship training4:00 OWL5:00 YAC
20ℵ 6:00 Mental-Health
Support Groupsℵ 6:30 ESS Equinox
Celebrationℵ 6:30 Family to Family
212:00 Sages7:00 Lay-Pastoral-
Care Ministries
22 249:00 April
Newsletter Deadline
24 25
2611:30 AM Stewardship Comm.4:00 OWL
27ℵ 6:30 Family to Family
28 29 30 31 ℵ
7:30 Contemporary Music Concert
Staff Office Hours: Minister: Tue., Wed., Thur. 9–1 by appointmentAdmin: Mon. 9–12; Fri. 1– 4DLFD: By appointment
All times are PM unless noted otherwise
ℵ indicates that there is a write-up in the newsletter