horizon happenings
Volume 27, Number 6
"Growing spiritually healthy people who promote love and justice in the world!"
December 2012
CONTEMPLATIONS • “Expectations” The Reverend Dennis Hamilton • srminister@horizonuu.org Bubbha the Buddhist garbageman from Bodacia says, “What did you expect?” You can learn more about Bubbha on Sunday Dec. 2, but really, what DID you expect? The more I just look around at the world, and stuff happens, it is all becoming clear that everything happens, not for a reason but because of previous consequences. One thing leads to another. It all makes sense when you stop expecting something else. You know Einstein’s famous quote, "Insanity is when you do the same thing over and over again and expect different results." This month we will be considering the pros and cons of expectations. After all, without some hope, how do we face the future? If that is a rhetorical question, we get nowhere. We will be asking questions that actually challenge the notions of hope, expectation, disappointment, broken dreams, successes, empty successes, and the like. So Christmas is coming. We all are getting fat. Put another penny in the old man’s hat. Or something like that. Indeed, we always face some choices at this time as to what we will give to each other to celebrate our friendships. The Heifer Project always gives us an opportunity to give a gift that really makes a difference, and I am hoping for
another wonderful animal to give to a family in Ecuador or Peru or Africa. Maybe some chickens or a goat. As for our own in-house aid fund, the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, I will be sending this letter to you, but here is a heads up. Contributions can be made at the Christmas service or by mail any time. Here’s my letter: Minister’s Discretionary Fund Dear congregants, Each year at this time I ask you to replenish the Minister’s Discretionary Fund or MDF. This fund is used mainly to help those members who are in need. Usually this is for rent, utilities, a medical emergency or other short-term aid that will make an enormous difference in a family’s life. It may prevent eviction or the loss of transportation. Sometimes the MDF can help a youth or adult who cannot afford to go to a UU retreat or workshop. Most of us at Horizon are in reasonable financial health. But misfortune can strike at any time, and for some of our members who are just surviving month to month, it can mean disruption in the whole family. Over the years we have helped a number of families to avoid homelessness. Your contribution to this
fund, no matter how much it is, will make a difference in many lives. It also covers the various handouts we give to people who stop by the church for gas or food money. This is not a significant amount, but it is what a generous church does. Poverty, for whatever reason, is debilitating and often humiliating. Even asking for help is humbling. So we treat all of those who are recipients of aid with respect and love. Besides, having a generous heart is healing in itself. It is spiritually nourishing and is the most genuine form of prayer. This year we did not take up a collection for our Partner Church in Romania. The Haitian project, At Risk Children’s Foundation, received that Share the Plate contribution for November. It is a very worthy project championed by Horizon member Andy Kernan. And See "CONTEMPLATIONS" on pg. 2
CONTENTS Editor's Corner President's Corner Lay Ministry News From Our Intern Adult Explorations Board Actions Intern Committee Future Sundays
Pg. 2 Pg. 3 Pg. 4 Pg. 5 Pg. 7 Pg. 8 Pg. 9 Back
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Editor's Corner • “A Tradition of Wonder” Jim Sturdivant - Editor • huucnews@horizonuu.org
In December of 1832, German immigrant and Unitarian Minister Charles Fallon got nostalgic for the Christmas celebrations of his youth and, in open defiance of longstanding and severly-stodgy Boston traditions, put up a Christmas tree in his home. It was purported to be the first Christmas tree in New England and it must have been magnificent. After a description of it was published by visiting English journalist Harriet Martineau, the old tradition came crashing down and a much merrier one, the one we still cherish, took its place. When you read Ms. Martineau’s brilliant description, you’ll understand why: "It really looked beautiful; the room seemed in a blaze, and
Congregational Meeting
the ornaments were so well hung on that no accident happened, except that one doll's petticoat caught fire. There was a sponge tied to the end of a stick to put out any supernumerary blaze, and no harm ensued. I mounted the steps behind the tree to see the effect of opening the doors. It was delightful. The children poured in, but in a moment every voice was hushed. Their faces were upturned to the blaze, all eyes wide open, all lips parted, all steps arrested." Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Party Hearty! - Ed
Two Announcements from Your President
On Sunday, January 27, 2013, we will hold Horizon's annual winter Congregational Meeting. There, you will be brought up to date by the Board, Staff and other leaders of our congregation about the current state of
our finances and of our programming. This is also an important meeting because voting members will be voting on a proposed change in the by-laws concerning the hiring of the Director of Religious Education. More information about the proposed by-laws change will come out by the end of
"THAT WHICH IS USED, DEVELOPS. THAT WHICH IS NOT, WASTES AWAY." – Socrates "CONTEMPLATIONS" from pg. 1
yet we are committed to continuing our modest support of our partner church in Petrosane (petro shine), Romania. So I will send the first thousand dollars from this collection to them. Believe me, they use it well and extend every dollar we give them. They work hard and suffer through terrible winters with limited funds often being forced to choose between food, medicine or heat. Our partnership also keeps us in touch with a larger Unitarian Universalist presence in the world.
So please give generously this year. We will accept donations any time in the year, but especially in this season of giving. The Christmas collection will go to this fund. I thank you from my heart for your continuing generosity. What we are doing here at Horizon is far more important than just supporting a church. It is supporting a world view. It is an investment in humanity. Faithfully, Rev. Dennis Hamilton
December. Please mark your calendars now so you will be available to attend. We invite everyone - visitors, youth and guests - to join the voting members between 12:30 and 2:00, on Sunday after the service, January 27, 2013.
See "ANNOUNCEMENTS" on pg. 8
About Happenings... Horizon Happenings is a monthly publication of Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church. It is mailed to all members and pledging friends. Visitors who request the newsletter receive it for free for three months. Subscriptions are available for $10/yr. Mail payment to the Church, and note that the donation is for a newsletter subscription. The Editors invite your comments, sugggestions, and articles. All inquiries can be made via email to: huucnews@horizonuu.org
Deadline for submission is on the 20th of every month. Due to space limitations, not all submissions may be included in a given month.
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PRESIDENT'S CORNER •
“Expectation: The Space between Your Dreams and Reality" JuLane • president@horizonuu.org
“Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so.” Ralph Waldo Emerson While driving to Tulsa yesterday to spend Thanksgiving with my Aunt Shirley, I listened to a PBS interview with Dan Buettner, the author of Blue Zones, a book about his research on the lifestyles of inhabitants of nine areas on our globe where people routinely live healthy and productive lives into their 90’s and 100’s. He pointed out that people living in many of the Blue Zones get up and down some 30 to 40 times a day from sitting or lying on the floor and they don’t develop the balance problems in their older years leading to bone breaking falls that we see routinely in our society. They have better lower body strength and don’t experience the joint problems also prevalent in older citizens of our modern Western culture. I immediately decided I must start sitting on the floor while eating, working, talking, meditating—well, I already do that. But to think of life extending exercise being as simple as sitting and lying on the floor rather than chairs, couches and beds was an astounding albeit one of those “duh” moments. He also pointed out that in many of these cultures where longevity is an accepted part of life there is no word in their languages for “retirement.” So I immediately decided to stop trying to pinpoint when I should retire from my massage therapy practice. Then the author astounded me further by commenting on how the data shows that the number of years one expects to live proves to be a surprisingly accurate predictor of how many years that person actually sticks around on this blue boat we call earth. I remember asserting to my grandchildren years ago that I was planning to live 120 years. I may have to move immediately to one of the Blue Zones to accomplish that. But back to the article I was supposed to be thinking about and writing in my head so that I could just type it out when I got to Aunt Shirley’s and send it in to our newsletter editor post haste. I think of the 30 or so founding members of Horizon, and those who came later, including me, and how we have lived during these ensuing 26 years in that space between
our dreams for Horizon and the realities we constantly encounter. And look what we have accomplished! I do believe that holding our expectations, born of our dreams for Horizon, close to our hearts and consistently sharing them with each other is the engine that drives our movement forward. Expectancy is a powerful tool! As we approach the end of another calendar year, dreams and expectations for the New Year are common themes in our conversations. It’s true that Horizon has some major changes approaching, transitions that carry with them both possibility and concern. Your Board has its fingers on the pulse of how to approach these transitions in a timely and organized manner to assure that we don’t drop any important balls and that we are ready to embrace them. We are safe; we are healthy; our purpose and mission remain vital. So I invite you to enjoy moments during this fading year to play with your dreams for Horizon. Can you perhaps see Horizon having a campus ministry for young adults? There are many college campuses in the area and reaching out beyond our walls to the many young seekers who are beginning their journey into wondering if or where spirituality has a place in their adult lives can be a very active way to extend the reach of our liberal and freeing faith. How about the extension of our Art on the Horizon program into a course for our youth, and adults for that matter, on Arts and Spirituality? Wow! Where could that take us! A drumming group maybe? It might even join with our Music Ministry and lead to exchange visits and performances at other churches whose choirs would then visit Horizon and share their music with us. Perhaps a Horizon’s Children’s Choir would be born? Can you see a small “Horizon on the Move” shuttle bus sitting in our parking lot for use in picking up interested visitors and members who are mobility challenged so they can be an active part of our community? Or for use in taking members to retirement homes or hospital children’s wards to share special gifts or music or short plays concocted and performed by See "PRESIDENT'S CORNER" on pg. 5
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LAY MINISTRY NEWS • “The Gift of Open Awareness” Marianna Seaton - Directior of Lay Ministry • dlm@horizonuu.org Expectations can send me into a spiral of habits that are counter-productive to my well being, and the holiday season provides the perfect Petri dish for culturing these germs. Put under the microscope of self-reflection, I find that the expectations I have had about what a perfect holiday should look like takes me away from being present with the gifts that are available to me.
In an effort to keep our church community aware of opportunities to be a healing presence in each other’s lives, please join me in expressing well wishes to Bob Ryan and to Susan Powell, who have both recently been hospitalized. Requests for assistance, where needed, to help them through the rough spots will be made through our Neighborhood Groups.
In my yoga practice, I approach the body with a respect for its natural intelligence. Whenever I try to impose my will on an asana, or yoga pose, the body gets smart and does something to protect itself. Sometimes it can lead to an injury. I teach my students that the asanas are there as a tool for discovery, not as something to be accomplished or made perfect. In a yoga practice that allows ease in the body, not forcing it to be something we expect, we find peace in what is right here and right now. When we take that leap of letting go of what we expect ourselves to look like in an asana, or achieve the proper amount of discomfort in doing it, we come into the space of what the practice can reveal to us today, what gift it has for us that we couldn’t have imagined in yesterday’s practice.
If you want to see the tremendous healing power of parental love, go to Emily Grover’s blog tenmilesuphillinthesnow@blogspot.com. I’m happy to report that Emily and Vinnie Grover’s twin babies Tara and Vivek are gaining health and strength and are most adorable.
Sometimes, gifts don’t come wrapped the way we expect them to be; does that make them non-gifts? When I practice being present with an open awareness to life and surrender to love instead of how my small mind expects things to be, I can enter into the real spirit of the holiday season any day of the year and delight in the gifts that are always present, if only I awaken to them. My wish for you is gifts that you can’t even imagine right now – gifts beyond your expectations. Together, let's enter into the grace of allowing and receiving this bounty that is available to us, and share with others our discoveries. Often it is through the act of sharing that we learn the most important lessons ourselves.
We hold in our hearts Anna and Nancy Bryant, Mary Kay Hamilton, Walter Riley, and Jana Wertheim, as they continue to heal from their health challenges. And we hold in our hearts Joe McGee and Nelta Owen, as they go through the process of grief that accompanies losing a brother and a sister. As always, we hold dear those struggling to balance the care of their families with the care of their parents, those looking for sustainable employment, the forgotten or abused, and those who are bearing their burdens in silence. Our Pastoral Caregivers work with the Minister, the Director of Lay Ministry and the Neighborhood Groups in a spirit of cooperation to cherish and care for the members of our congregation. If you or your loved ones are in need of a sympathetic ear, the Pastoral Caregivers are available. Call Rev. Dennis Hamilton at 972-519-8187, or Marianna Seaton, Director of Lay Ministry at 972-743-1599 or e-mail dhamilton@uuma.org or dlm@horizonuu.org.
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From Our Intern Minister• “Reversals” Lyssa Jenkens • internminister@horizonuu.org “It is not dark because it is Christmas. It is Christmas because it is dark.” That statement opened one of the first sermons I heard at a Unitarian Universalist church. It blew my mind and changed my experience of the holidays ever since. Holidays, for all their glamour and glitter, can be very hard for too many of us, especially the winter holidays. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, it feels like there are more losses, large and small, than any other time of the year. Perhaps it just seems that way because deaths and illnesses stand out in high relief in the festive atmosphere of Christmas or Hanukah. But, it has been my experience that November and December bring more than their fair share of sadness.
I spent many years believing that it was dark because it was Christmas. “Bah, humbug” was too cheerful for me. My thoughts were “Holidays. Ugh. Take cover.” I could not understand all the activity, the insanity of it all. Perfectly sensible people would pack two or three gatherings into one evening after a full day at work and a long night before baking cookies and wrapping gifts. They were exhausted and loving every minute of it. Why? My rather disdainful question was answered in the simple declaration that “It is Christmas because it is dark.” It was a total reversal of my understanding, sort of like the reversal of the winter solstice, which is the origin of most winter holidays.
come together as the days shorten to sustain each other and ourselves. We bake cookies and exchange gifts, we share our meals and light candles to ward off the growing darkness all around us. We gather our clans in celebrations and rituals to remind us that the darkest night of all, the solstice, marks a reversal. It is the moment that the days will begin to lengthen as the light makes its return. “It is Christmas because it is dark.” Let us cherish each other in this holiday season. Let us bring comfort and joy to each other. Let us remind each other that the darkest moment yields a reversal, that the light will return, after all.
“It is Christmas because it is dark.” We
"PRESIDENT'S CORNER" from pg. 3
Horizon Players? What about the development of a Horizon Environmental Ministry whose members would keep us apprised of events in our area that we need to lend our voices to, either in protest or support? This is the only inhabited planet we yet know of that hosts our interdependent web of life of which we are apart. Could we become more actively involved as a faith community in its protection and sustenance? _______________________________ _______________________________
_______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______ I invite you to fill in the blanks. The possibilities are endless and limited only by how we see ourselves. Can we do what our founders did and see ourselves “bigger”, as reaching out beyond what we are accustomed to as we enfold more of the wider community? We
have built a refuge at Horizon for liberal faith. Can we now move toward seeing Horizon as a “base camp” for reaching out? In the approaching years we will have the golden opportunity during the Interim Ministry years to look again at who we are and where we want to go. Make your own list of possibilities for Horizon’s future. Then share your lists with each other as opportunities arise for conversation and dreaming. Expect endless abundance! Remember, “If you can dream it, you can make it so.”
happenings
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Announcements & Such...
NEW CHALICE CIRCLE A New Chalice Circle for Young Adult Couples will begin on December 2nd; we will create genuine dialogue about spiritual journeys and discuss the dynamic that this journey can have on both the individual and the relationship with our partner with whom we are invested and covenanted. Meets on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 9:00 am in the couch room of the portables. Please contact youngadultcouples@horizonuu.org or find us online with Google Groups: Horizon UU Young Couples.
HORIZON CALENDAR You may have noticed something missing from the newsletter this month. That's right - the monthly newsletter calendar is no longer included. Since the calendar is quite dynamic and more up-to-date in the weekly newsletters, it was decided the space in the monthly newsletter could be compressed or better used. The Horizon web site also has the calendar available for your perusal.
METROCREST FOOD BANK VOLUNTEERING 2nd Saturday, every other month. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Contact (socialjustice@horizonuu.org). GAMERS: 3rd FRIDAY FUN AT HORIZON! (3rdfridaygames@horizonuu.org ) 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!
Read to Feed!
We're off to a great start to Horizon's first Read to Feed Adventure! Here's a guide to the next few weeks: Religious Education teachers will continue to pass out Student Guides in their classes. Encourage your child to get sponsors and log hours! If you missed the kickoff, your child can still participate.
• Remember to bring signed enrollment forms to church. • Encourage your child to reach out to extended family, friends and neighbors to obtain sponsorships. • January 13 - Children will turn in collected pledges and pool the money. Classes will decide which animals they would like to buy for families in need. • January 20 - Recognition ceremony for participants! Children will receive certificates in the service. What's Read to Feed? Heifer's Read to Feed is a reading incentive program for children and youth that connects learning with working toward social justice. Kids earn money for Heifer,
raise awareness for global poverty, and have fun learning from the books they choose. For more info go to http://www.heifer.org/getinvolved/rea dtofeed/ How does it work? Horizon readers obtain sponsorships from parents, friends and relatives based on the amount of time spent reading or being read to. The money earned will go to Heifer International, an organization that transforms lives by giving people the means to support and feed themselves. Every participant will be recognized by the congregation and presented with a certificate during a special Children's time in January.
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Adult Religious Explorations for December 2012 (for more information, contact are@horizonuu.org) SUNDAYS, Library 9:00 - 10 a.m. December 2
Christian Chalice Circle. For information, email uuchristians@horizonuu.org . Facilitated by Peggy Gill. What does it mean for us to stand with our faith, for us to stand with this church? The Story of Ruth.
December 9
"Socialism." Facilitated by Rowland Harvey. "Socialism" is a word bandied about, especially during election seasons. But is it being used correctly? Come learn the origins of socialism and what it means in today's world.
December 16
Forum. Facilitated by John Myers, using the Chalice Circle model for interactive learning about Horizon’s “Theme of the Month”. For December the theme is EXPECTATION: the practice of living on the threshold.
December 23
Burning Man. Facilitated by Susana Darwin. Why would 70,000 people choose to go to the most desolate part of the desert near Black Rock City, Nevada, for a week in the middle of August? They must bring with them everything they need--the only items sold are coffee, tea, and ice--and carry out everything so that no trace of their having been there exists. Susana Darwin, Kay and Kent's daughter, will explain--with photographs.
December 30
New Year Resolutions. Facilitated by Kay Darwin. New Year resolutions: Their history and value. Do you make them? Do you keep them? Are they worth making? Discussion regarding meaningful, lasting ways to live in keeping with UU principles.
TUESDAYS 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 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: DHamilton@uuma.org , in case of changes.
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS December's Theme: "Expectation"
Peggy Gill, interim DRE, Lyssa Jenkins, Intern Minister, and Rev. Dennis Hamilton host the new and improved Wonderful Wednesdays. • Although we begin the program at 7, you are invited to Bring Your Own Dinner between 6:30 and 7 and eat together. Beverages will be provided. • We begin officially at 7 with a short Vespers service with song and readings. There will be a topic, readings and questions. • At 7:30 the group will divide into triads to explore the topic. Child care will be provided, and children and youth are invited to participate in the triads or do homework or crafts. • At 8:30 we will come back together to share our insights. During December, WW will be held twice - the first and second Wednesdays.
And….always check the weekly newsletter for short profiles on classes and late-breaking announcements. If you email are@horizonuu.org you will get a quick response from one of the committee chairs – Kay Darwin, Kent Darwin, or Charles Frugé.
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Key Actions from the Board November 12th Board Meeting
• Heard a report from Peter Hendee about the progress of the work of the Director of Religious Education Search Committee and the RE program staffing and discussed the needed by-laws change about the hiring of the DRE to be proposed at the January Congregational meeting. • Approved the elimination of the RE Assistant position as of February 1, 2013 to relieve the strained budget and to allow reallocation of funds to areas they are more needed in this time of transition. • Heard a report from Elizabeth Gustwick and received sample timeline graphics concerning the appropriate deadlines for establishing the Interim Minister Search Committee and how to adequately post that information for the congregation. • Approved a new policy authorizing all Horizon Intern Ministers to be able to perform wedding and commitment ceremonies at Horizon during their tenures here. • Heard a brief progress report from Trustees John Gill, Kent Darwin and Peter Campagna and Rev. Dennis Hamilton about the reviewing and recommending of revisions to our by-laws. • An update on the re-establishing of and redefining of the
Council, renaming it the Leadership Development Council was presented by Vice-President Sandy Steele. The Board opined that this development sounded very promising and appropriate for addressing leadership needs at Horizon. • Tabled approval of the August and September financials pending clarification of several items and the processing by Treasurer Jan McDowell of the October financials to provide a more current picture of our financial status. •Approved the appointment of Linda Alred to the Nominating Committee for 2012-2013 for one year term. The next Board Meeting is on Monday, December 10th and all are invited to attend and witness the business of Horizon being conducted. Board meetings are open and are held the 2nd Monday of each month. Send communications to board@horizonuu.org or to president@horizonuu.org
"ANNOUNCEMENTS" from pg. 2
Board Approval of RE Staff Change After much deliberation about how we could further reduce the strain on our budget as we approach major changes in our Religious Education and Ministerial staffing, and upon the recommendation of our past DRE and other Unitarian Universalist RE staff, the Board approved the elimination as of February 1, 2013, of the RE Assistant position. We have been the only church in the country supporting a
position like this and we are assured that the duties involved are able to be covered by the work of an experienced DRE. Our current RE Assistant, Eileen Terrell, has been helpful, not only in the running of our RE program for the past several years, but also in working with us to plan this transition, a change that we want to be comfortable with before a new DRE begins his or her work here at Horizon. Eileen says she will be happy to have more time again
for her volunteer duties with Worship Arts and Horizon Players. Please extend your appreciation to Eileen. Thank you, JuLane, President Board of Trustees Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church
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NTAUUS Luncheon
Please mark your calendars for the NTAUUS Luncheon: Saturday, January 12, 2013, with a social hour at 12:30 and buffet lunch at 1:00. We will present grants to the congregations, and the fourth annual Recognition Awards to some loyal and dedicated individuals. Rev. Tamara Lebak of All Souls Church in Tulsa will deliver the talk, What's Our Net Worth? We will gather at the UU Church of Oak Cliff, and tickets will again be available online. To maintain a low ticket price, we need sponsors! Would you be willing to underwrite the plaques, the honorees' lunch, a table or two, or the Luncheon Speaker? Please contact Daniel Polk at executive@ntauus.org or 469-682-8870. We could also use help with setting up tables and chairs or arranging flowers.
FROM THE COMMITTEE
INTERN
Please make time to introduce yourselves to our intern, Lyssa Jenkens. Lyssa will be with us until May 2014 on a half-time basis. A student at Meadville-Lombard Theological Seminary in Chicago, she is a participant in the TouchPoint curriculum, which leads to her receiving a Master of Divinity degree. From the Meadville-Lombard web site: Students in Meadville Lombard’s TouchPoint theological education engage in both academic and practical work near their home communities, staying in touch with their fellow students and teachers through weekly conversations and by joining together in community during convocations and intensive academic courses. What does the TouchPoint concept mean? It means careful
scheduling of time for Lyssa, who is taking academic courses simultaneously with her time here at Horizon. She will be in Chicago for some of those “intensive academic courses” the entire month of January 2013. At our last Intern Committee meeting, Lyssa specifically requested suggestions for becoming better acquainted with Horizon members and friends. Do make an effort to say hello after services. . .(and perhaps include invitations for her to participate in meetings you may be planning!) (Comments may be relayed at any time during Lyssa’s internship to any of the five committee members: Nelta Owen, Elizabeth Gustwick, Betsy Webb, Bruce McClung and Sandy Pierce.)
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Horizon Chalice Circles “To associate with other like-minded people in small purposeful groups is for the great majority of men and women a source of profound psychological satisfaction.” Aldous Huxley
Covenant Groups are groups of people that come together and share their thoughts and feelings on a common topic, or simply to support each other on life's path. Members agree to a covenant (or set of relational ground rules). Covenant Groups at Horizon are called Chalice Circles
What is a Chalice Circle? Chalice Circles at Horizon may center around a demographic group, for example men, women, women 55 and older, or young adults. Alternatively a Chalice Circle may have a focus such as movies, crafts, healthy lifestyles, Buddhism, Christianity, Earth Centered Spirituality, parenthood, or potlucks. Some Chalice Circles are more general, having no specific demographic group and considering a variety of topics, for example a Wisdom Circle or Journey Group. Journey Groups differ in that
they meet for a limited period, but they may choose to continue.
What do these groups share in common? A Chalice Circle is a small group of typically six to ten people who commit to meet regularly on an ongoing basis for mutual support and to encourage each other’s growth and development. Additional members are welcome! What is the purpose of a Chalice Circle? To be a safe, confidential place to discuss feelings and values. To provide an opportunity to explore and develop thoughts and beliefs on a variety of focus topics. To provide an opportunity to get to know people at Horizon in a deeper way.
What will happen during a Chalice Circle meeting? Chalice Circle meetings typically begin with a reading and/or song and/or meditation, a chalice lighting, and a check-in that allows people to say briefly what is going on in their lives. Chalice Circle meetings usually close with a brief check-out and another reading. The group may determine its own format for what happens between these two “bookends.” Chalice Circles often do one or more service projects during the year. How do I join a Chalice Circle? Complete our interest form found at http://www.horizonuu.org/index.php /connecting/chalice-circles?id=236 or email ChaliceCircles@horizonuu.org. Our coordinators will help you connect with the group or groups of your choice.
Chalice Circles Will Welcome You! Buddhist Sangha is a weekly gathering that studies the Teaching of Buddhism. This is an ongoing exploration of the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path. It is participatory and although consistent attendance is encouraged, sessions can be attended as a drop in. We welcome anyone interested in meditation practice. We meet Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. For an orientation, please arrive by 6:30 p.m. If you wish to view materials, email Dennis Hamilton, Senior Minister and leader of the group at srminister@horizonuu.org or call 972-529-8187. You may also send an email to (Buddhists@horizonuu.org). Chalice Circle Council is comomprised of leaders of the other Circles with the purpose of providing ongoing support and training for Chalice Circle leaders. A good place to begin if you would like to start a new Chalice Circle. (chalicecircles@horizonuu.org) The CineMat Chalice Circle
(in memory of Horizon member Mat Matlock) meets on the 4th Saturday every month and gets together to see a movie. They then go to a coffee shop or restaurant to discuss and comment on it in a friendly circle over a cup of coffee or drink. (cinemat@horizonuu.org) Craft and Chat Chalice Circle This circle of crafty chatters will give you the chance to learn something new or resume a favorite activity, while enjoying acircle of friends. Bring your knitting, crocheting, quilting, jewelry, or any other kind of craft project. (craftandchat@horizonuu.org) Earth Centered Spirituality A Chalice Circle social/support group for people who are interested in or already know they are following an Earthcentered spiritual path. (earth_centereduu@horizonuu.org) Healthy Women A woman’s support group to help achieve their goals of health
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and fitness. Members share ideas and experiences in Nutrition, Weight Loss, Exercise and Stress Management. (healthywomen@horizonuu.org)
Tuesday Wisdom Circle Includes a check-in and discussion of a weekly life issue topic selected by a group member. (tuesdaywisdom@horizonuu.org)
Saturday Men's Support Group A men’s support group that includes a check-in and informal discussion of men’s issues regarding family, health, workplace, and relationships. (mensgroup@horizonuu.org)
UU Christians Provides a forum for enriching our spiritual lives through personal discovery of the heart, meaning and tradition of Christianity. We gather in fellowship on the 1st Sunday to encourage and support one another in our personal pursuit of a deeper Christian experience. (uuchristians@horizonuu.org)
Monday Wings Parenting Horizon Parents are welcome to join the Wings Chalice Circle. We support the person within each parent. We meet in the fall and spring. However, we break for the summer but meet to do activities together with the kids about once a month. For the fall and spring, you can join for one or both sessions. Free childcare is provided by the Seniors Chalice Circle volunteers at the church for the fall and spring sessions! We have a pot luck! Please note that one member is allergic to wheat, barley, and oats (gluten). We try to include food that is gluten-free to share, but if not, please let us know. Good food makes for a good time. We meet at the church library. Here are the dates of our remaining Fall sessions. (mondaywings@horizonuu.org) Dec. 03 Extended families and how to include them in family traditions Dec. 17 Nails Guilty Pleasures and Chocolate event (bring anything chocolate) Second Tuesday Potlucks Meets for food fellowship and deepening friendships. We meet in the Library on the 2nd Tuesday of most months at noon. Occasionally we take field trips instead of having a potluck. (secondtuesday@horizonuu.org)
Women Alive 55+ A Chalice Circle designed for women 55+ to share viewpoints & personal experiences on topics of mutual interest. (womenalive@horizonuu.org ) Women's Friendship in Growth - WFIG A nurturing group in which to grow and form meaningful friendships. We meet at Horizon on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. If there is a 5th Wednesday, we join together for a fun outing (restaurant, movie, etc.) (wfig@horizonuu.org). Young Adult Couples
This new Chalice Circle for Young Adult Couples will begin on December 2nd; we will create genuine dialogue about spiritual journeys and discuss the dynamic that this journey can have on both the individual and the relationship with our partner with whom we are invested and covenanted. Meets on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 9:00 am in the couch room of the portables. Please contact youngadultcouples@horizonuu.org or find us online with Google Groups: Horizon UU Young Couples.
"FUTURE WORSHIP" from back page
December 23 · “Expecting Trouble” · Rev. Dennis Hamilton The story of the Nativity is laced with drama, from Mary’s trip to Bethlehem and the ignominious birth place in a stable to Herod’s purge of first borns and the family’s escape to Egypt. Whether fact or fiction, the story is gripping and never seems to get old. The choir will sing Morten Lauridsen’s beautiful “O Magnum Mysterium.” December 24 · Monday Christmas Eve Service Beth Sproat and company present this delightful intergenerational evening of Christmas vignettes and carols. Come bring the whole family for a joyous evening of entertainment and worship. We will serve refreshments. You are welcome to bring a plate of cookies to share. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 30 · Sharing Service · Lyssa Jenkens and Worship Arts coordinating This is our annual Sharing Sunday when we are asked to bring our favorite readings, poems, songs stories reflections to share with each other. It is like when we were children and after Christmas or Hanukkah we would show our friends what we got as presents. Well these presents are things life has given us, things we cherish, little things that we carry around with us in our wallets or keep on the refrigerator or hum in the shower or tell out grandchildren sitting on our knees. Come share them with us in this informal service.
Future Worship for December
December 2 · Bubbha from Bodacia · Rev. Dennis Hamilton While I was wandering around in west Texas this summer, I found myself in Bodacia. I was talking to Texie Bell, the waitress at the Red, White and Blue Diner and told her I was looking for a Buddhist teacher I heard lived around here. Just then she saw a big scruffy trucker walk in. “Hey Bubbha,” she said, “come meet a preacher from Dallas.” I saw his truck outside with a big sign on it advertising “Bubbha’s Dukkha Removal.” He came over and bowed, looked me in the eye, I mean really looked, and said, “What were you expecting?” December 9 · “Why Does Hanukkah Matter to Us?” · Intern Minister Lyssa Jenkens Hanukkah, celebrated for eight days beginning on December 8 this year, commemorates the liberation and rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. In the second century BCE, a relatively small band of rebellious Jews, known as the Maccabees, liberated the Temple from the invading Greek army. The Holy Temple was desecrated by the Greeks during their occupation and needed a Menorah for cleansing before its rededication. However, there was only enough undefiled oil remaining to burn the Menorah for one night. Miraculously, this small portion proved to be enough oil to light the Menorah for eight days, long enough to produce new oil. On December 9, we will consider what this ancient Jewish story and the continuing celebration of liberation and rededication has to say to 21st century Unitarian Universalists. December 16 · Christmas Choir Concert Music Director Stanley Moody leads the choir in Vivaldi’s glorious Gloria with orchestra and choir. Commemorating the Annunciation when the angel tells Mary she is to bear a savior, this is one of the most popular renderings of the story in music. Ironically Vivaldi wrote it for the Ospedale della Pietà, a home for unwed mothers and orphans. We can only imagine it to be some comfort to the pregnant young women in the home. See "FUTURE WORSHIP" on pg. 11
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