horizon happenings
Volume 27, Number 4
"Growing spiritually healthy people who promote love andjustice in the world!"
October 2012
CONTEMPLATIONS • “October's Theme: Mortality” The Reverend Dennis Hamilton • srminister@horizonuu.org Kahlil Ghibran says of Death, You would know the secret of death. But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life? If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life. For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one. For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand…unencumbered? This month, in honor of Halloween and in preparation for All Souls Day and Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead on November 2, we spend some time reflecting on our mortality. This may seem a macabre theme, but as Gibran says, we must seek it in the heart of life. Woody Allen says he is not afraid to die. He just doesn’t want to be there when it happens. Well if truth be told, all of us are afraid to die, or at least a part of us is, that pesky Ego which is sure it is immortal. It can imagine that you will die, but not itself. Death just doesn’t make sense to the Ego, that mental concatenation of identity that just can’t imagine not being. No other animal is as self-reflective. No other animal dwells on death or petitions the gods to spare
them. Only we humans have that ability. The natural world accepts death as part of life. Yes, elephants grieve. Dogs know when they are coming to their end. But they are reconciled. We are not. And there’s the rub. We often say that life is a gift, but we sure don’t treat it as precious. Every time I watch a mindless show on television or mechanically go through the motions doing chores, and stop, realize what I am doing, I am presented with a choice, to be aware, awake, to look around and see the world, to savor it and count my blessings, or to go on wasting the time I have remaining on my meter. I generally do what most people do and swear I will get to life right after the Colbert Report. (You didn’t seriously think I was watching Housewives of Peoria did you?) At the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, at the close of the day, after an hour of meditation and just before turning in for the night, out of the dark a voice comes reciting this ancient caution: Let me respectfully remind you Life and death are of supreme importance Time passes by swiftly and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life
What gets to me is the phrase “squander” your life. It stings. But just what is squandering my life? Should I work all the time? Should I measure my life’s worth by things I have accomplished? Just what does comprise a good life? Well this month at Wonderful Wednesdays you are invited to explore these and more questions about life and death. And our Sunday worship will address different aspects of mortality. And lest you think it won’t be fun, the last Sunday we are going to come in costume and celebrate Day of the Dead. So be sure to put Wednesday on your calendar. This will be drop in, so there is no long term commitment. We figure your life is probably too full already and the lasrt thing you need is filling more of it. I say be sure to take time to live. Faithfully, Dennis
CONTENTS
Editor's Corner President's Corner Lay Ministry News Intern Minister Calendar Announcements Adult Explorations Future Sundays
Pg. 2 Pg. 3 Pg. 4 Pg. 5 Center Pg. 10 Pg. 11 Back
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happenings
Editor's Corner • “Famous Last Words”
Jim Sturdivant - Editor • huucnews@horizonuu.org In keeping with this month’s theme of death and mortality, I I am about to — or I am going to — die: either expression is correct. thought I would bring you the last words of a few of our more famous fellow humans for whatever wit and wisdom you may derive therefrom:
- French grammarian Dominique Bouhours
No, you certainly can’t.
Tomorrow, I shallno longer be here. - Nostradamus
- John F. Kennedy in reply to Nellie Connally’s comment: “You certainly can’t say that the people of Dallas haven’t given you a nice welcome, Mr. President.
Dammit…Don’t you dare ask Godto help me.
Now, now, my goodman, this is no time for making enemies.
- Joan Crawford, to her housekeeper who began to pray aloud
I am perplexed. Satan Get Out. - Aleister Crowley
LSD, 100 micrograms I.M.
- Voltaire, to a priest who had asked him to renounce Satan
I shouldnever have switchedfrom Scotch to Martinis. - Humphrey Bogart - Ed
- Aldous Huxley
"THAT WHICH IS USED, DEVELOPS. THAT WHICH IS NOT, WASTES AWAY." – Socrates 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 sub-missions may be included in a given month.
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PRESIDENT'S CORNER •
“Mortality: Life's Most Effective Coach”
JuLane • Horizon Board of Trustees • president@horizonuu.org The gift of life, which includes the condition of mortality, is often held up as our greatest legacy from the stars. It’s easy to take much of our lives for granted since we live, move and make choices within its parameters with every breath we take. We are ‘inside’ our lives and can’t view them from a distance to get perspective. We get used to our constant struggle and strain of continuously getting there, wherever there is, from here. Death is, however, a constant reminder. It is frequent; it is final; and relationships we have formed with the deceased or with those we leave behind when we die don’t die with the body but remain to personify the richest, most poignant emotions we experience during our lifetimes, emotions that stay with us and teach us what is important. Our mortality is the bedrock of the quality of life we choose to embrace while we are living and breathing on this planet. I think this is why the immortals, the Greek gods first brought to us by high school Latin classes, were jealous of us mere humans: we have the capacity to feel those deep abiding emotions singularly born from our knowledge of our own impending demise, or from the death of our loved ones, the kinds of soul shattering feelings that remind us how we really want to live. “Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose” sings Janice Joplin, and Carlos Castaneda seems to respond “When one has nothing left to lose, one becomes courageous. We are timid only when there is something we cling to.” And further, Castaneda’s remedy: “What stops death is awareness.” I choose to think Castaneda meant what stops the fear of death is awareness, for death is unstoppable. It was this quote I was reminded of when Rev. Mark Walz, guest-speaking in Horizon’s pulpit in August, shared with us moments from his recent brush with death. He relates that he never lost consciousness on the way to the operating theater; that he was fully aware that very few people stricken with an aortic aneurysm survive the surgery to repair it. He says he had thoughts of not wanting to die yet, thoughts about having more he wanted to do. He had feelings of regret and undoubtedly unnamable emotions at the probability of leaving
his family. But, he shared, he was not afraid. And for this lack of fear he credits in no small part what he has learned about living during his years in the Unitarian Universalist faith. For that is what is available here—lessons on how to live. And living well, I’ve read many times, is the best preparation for dying well. I’ve had no confirmation of this from loved ones who have died and it seems theirs would be the only voices coming from direct experience and hence could actually confirm that treating all other living beings in the manner in which I would want to be treated is the kind of living that leads to a peaceful completion of my life, however that happens. Barring that assurance, however, I am convinced we can learn the value of the golden rule from death who, says Castaneda, sits on our left shoulders to guide us and help us figure out what is really important. One of my personal mantras is that there are no accidents. By that I mean nothing that we experience need be wasted; we learn from everything that happens. The trick is to be aware enough to not miss the lesson, aware enough to defeat the fear of little deaths like failure, change, and disappointment. Since my sister died suddenly five years ago I sometimes imagine her sitting beside death on my left shoulder, ever present coaches listening to my inner dialogues. It’s that relationship sitting there that didn’t die with her body. It seemed to me to be no accident that I was here at Horizon when she died, to learn to receive the support and care that was offered; to learn that receiving is as important as giving. I’ve learned from Unitarian Universalism that what is sacred is not limited to what my conservative Christian upbringing would have me believe. I’ve learned that everything is holy and that the mysteries and wonder of life are available to all, not just to those who believe and practice certain theologies, but to them as well. I’ve learned to look directly toward the stars from which we came and not just at the finger that is said to point to them; and that a real warrior walks for those who can’t walk and walks beside those who battle injustice daily. Real love See "PRESIDENT'S CORNER" on pg. 5
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LAY MINISTRY NEWS • “Joy and Woe are Woven Fine”
Marianna Seaton • Coordinator of Lay Ministry • clm@horizonuu.org I am continually touched by how the people of our congregation can gather to support one another, to grieve with one another, to rejoice and laugh with one another - often all at the same time. William Blake says in his poem, Auguries of Innocence:
daughter passed away, Marie Hansen, Lynn Hess and to Sue Ann Lorig who recently lost their mothers, and to Karen Nobles and Ronn Cox whose fathers have passed. May our church community be of support to them during their time of grieving.
Joy andwoe are woven fine, A clothing for the souldivine. Under every grief andpine Runs a joy with silken twine.
Let us join our thoughts, prayers, and meditations and in hearty conversation for Jana Wertheim, who recently announced her new challenge with lung cancer. Jana says that talking is what helps her most; so don’t be shy about striking up a conversation.
Each week, during the Joys and Sorrows portion of our worship service, we are offered the opportunity to share what is most pressing on our hearts. As a congregation, we are invited to be present with each other’s celebrations and tribulations, to witness how the collective content of our lives weaves an inspired tapestry “for the soul divine.” It is a practice of being truly present with one another, and through this presence we integrate these seemingly opposite emotions of joy and sadness, and see time and again that they lie along side each other, reminding us of our wholeness. It was so good to see Barbie Lowe and Hal Fitzgerald with their infant daughter Cassie at church recently. We shared tears of grief and joy for this beautiful little girl born with a threatening congenital heart problem; and saved by a medical community that can repair an organ the size of a walnut with arteries no bigger than the opening of a coffee stirrer. Barbie shared that it was a birth experience that generated feelings of power and powerlessness at the same time. Out of the inevitability of death springs the possibility for new life. On September 7th, after a long illness, Ronn Cox’s father passed away. Ronn and Gay have made many trips to Tulsa over the last year+ to care for him and other family members. On Saturday, September 15, they welcomed a bunch of new members into their family with the marriage of their daughter Anna to LaRon Massey. It was a beautiful wedding. Anna’s grandfather was attending in each family member’s heart. As is customary in this newsletter, I invite you to be a part of our shared ministry of caring for one another as we extend our heart-felt condolences to Mary Ann Tidwell, whose
It’s great to welcome back Carol Riddle whose enormous smile brightens our Sunday morning. Carol is also again serving on our Pastoral Care Committee. It’s wonderful to see Wendy Sue who is very grateful to her band of “angels” who helped her through an extended health challenge. Wendy reports that she has now been cleared to drive – nothing can stop her now! May songs of thunderous applause be heard for Emily and Vinnie Grover, whose twin babies we eagerly wish to welcome. Their Horizon aunties have lots of kisses and love to give them when they get home from India. 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. In recognition of our October theme on mortality, I invite you to join me in a practice this month to remember to lift our hearts to the beauty and joy that lies right next to our losses and endings, and be present with what happens. 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 dlm@horizonuu.org.
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Intern Minister's Column• “Let's Talk About Death and Dying” Lyssa Jenkins • Intern Minister
“Let’s talk about death and dying” is not usually the way we want to start a conversation. It might be handy to end a conversation, but it is not much of an invitation to chat—unless you are a chaplain at Parkland Hospital. Then, you are actually invited to come talk about death and about dying, often. During my internship at Parkland this summer, I learned to sit with patients as they determined who could make medical decisions for them if surgery did not go well or their disease continued to progress. I, also, learned to encourage people to document their wishes in as much detail as possible and to share their desires with anyone
who might hold decision-making power.40 Too often, patients decided to record their wishes at the very last minute, in the late-night hours before surgery or following a devastating diagnosis. In one situation, we literally completed documents running next to the gurney as the patient was wheeled towards an operating room! On rare occasions people took time—outside of crisis mode--to actually sit down and write out the who, what, when, where, and how of their dying and death. These conversations were stunning. They were not morbid, for the most
"PRESIDENT'S CORNER" from pg. 3
speaks for those who have no voice and feeds everyone, no exceptions. And that the smallest voice needs to be heard, and that I can hear that voice and learn from it. We all can. And I’ve learned that singing “How can anyone ever tell you you are anything less than beautiful” with a roomful of deeply touched people singing it to each other is one of the most beautiful experiences I am given by Unitarian Universalism. I’ve learned to listen to death who has taught me not to assume. Each time I leave the house I go touch my loved ones to let them know I’ll be away. I searched my sister’s home after her sudden death looking for a message, something just for me from someone who was deeply connected to my soul. I didn’t find it. She, like most of us, didn’t remember that that short, quick trip to and from the doctor’s could be the last thing she would do. So now, when I travel, I write a note of love and assurance to my son telling him that if I don’t come back this time, that he should know I have loved this life and I have been fulfilled and am at peace with my efforts to do the best I can; I tell him how incredibly wonderful it has been to have
part—maybe, a bit of dark humor here and there. Rather, they elicited deep considerations of their values far more than their fears, of life more than death, of others more than self. For truly, there are few gifts as important as knowing what a loved one would want in their most difficult, maybe their final days. In October, we will consider mortality in practical and theological terms, as individuals and as a community. I might not have chosen this for my first full month at Horizon but at least the lessons of my Parkland summer will be put to good use. So, let’s talk about death and dying!
been blessed with such a funny, hard-working and loving son. I have five years of these notes stacked up for him to find someday, messages of love and forgiveness and gratitude. I will be leaving tomorrow, on the 22nd, for a week’s vacation in the mountains above Durango, Colorado, and I leave a message for you, my friends and colleagues at Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church, that your friendships and counsel have helped me learn much about living, and about dying. You are beautiful to me, and you have held me to walking the talk of our faith. I am filled with gratitude for knowing you and for the opportunity to walk beside you. As we hear after Rev. Hamilton’s services on Sundays, “Go in peace.” I know I will, even as my dearest hope is to see you on Sunday, September 30th, with tales of bears seen in the distance, of thrilling to the beauty of graceful Aspens in their golden fall foliage, of feeling the sacredness of ancient cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde, of thoroughly enjoying the deep rest of snuggling down with a good book in a warm cabin surrounded by cold mountains. See you soon! Love, JuLane
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happenings
Key Actions from the September Board Meeting
• Welcomed Dennis Hamilton back to the Board, along with Peggy Gill, Acting DRE, and Intern Minister, Lyssa Jenkens.
• Approved Beth Bargar as the DRE Search Committee replacement for Frank Vaughan, and heard an update report on the Committee progress in setting up focus groups for interviewing RE students, teachers, parents and other Horizon members. • Engaged in preliminary discussions about clarifying the policy on child care worker pay for care provided during small group meetings or other occasional, not regularly scheduled, all church meetings.
• Approved addition to child care polices outlining the restriction of television and media usage; Acting DRE, Peggy Gill, to present a draft of new policy at next Board meeting. • Engaged in preliminary discussion about the use of a limited audit to check the efficiency and appropriateness of our financial processes; tabled until next Board meeting. • Elizabeth Gustwick announced that the live video streaming of the service to the Fellowship Hall is now running and the creation of a service atmosphere there for Sunday mornings is underway with Dennis Hamilton providing oversight.
Something New at Social Justice
Do you want to help make the world a better place? Do you have an inner desire to use your talents and energy to be a part of the solution to the problems which are important to you? We’re making it easier for you have an impact by making some changes in the Social Justice arena at Horizon.
• Approved $1000 each year to be available to the Intern Minister for professional expenses. • Acknowledged the need to recruit a replacement for Frank Vaughn on the Committee on Ministry; JuLane will recruit from the original list approved by the Board last month. The next Board Meeting is on Monday, October 8th, and you 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 board@horizonuu.org or president@horizonuu.org
education about the cause. This could be within Horizon, but also perhaps outside as well. It’s up to you. You’re free to follow your passion and determine your own course.
Really? Yes. There are only two rules; first, the mission of each group must be consistent with UU values, and second, each Task Force must have at least four members. This last requirement is to help make sure that the initiatives are sustainable, and do not rely too much on the work of one How are we doing this? By forming groups (Task Forces) person. around areas of interest. These areas could include: • Helping those in need in Our Community How does one join up or find out more? There are a • Global Poverty and Relief number of ways to get in touch. Look for members of the • Conservation Social Justice Team at Taste of Horizon, leave your name on • Justice, Human Rights and Peace the sign-up sheet on the Social Justice bulletin board, or you can reach out to Paul Panek at socialjustice@horizonuu.org. There could be others depending on how many folks are interested. In short, we are encouraging members and friends to help determine what we do in the social justice arena at Horizon. What will these groups do? Task Forces will determine their This is a great way to help make a difference for the causes own missions. This will allow those taking part to have focus that are important to you. We also have many established on areas that are important to them. Task forces can have an Social Justice activities, and expect that these will continue. impact in a number of ways, including not only organizing volunteer opportunities, but also leading advocacy for and We’d love to have you participate.
to to
page 7 What is that? PASTA is our annual Fall fund raising auction. It’s a party! With an Italian theme dinner! And exciting auctions! And opportunities to fill your fall and winter social calendar!
It 's
horizon unitarian universalist church
PASTA
How does that work? Members and Friends of Horizon donate all kinds of things: events like poker parties, bridge parties, gourmet dinners, not-so-gourmet dinners, dominoes and hot dogs, tickets for plays or Shakespeare in the Park, baseball games, movie nights, a day shopping at your favorite second hand store, knitting classes, Spanish lessons or anything you think it would be fun to invite people to. You can donate services like dog sitting, closet organizing, computer help, furniture repair, yard work and other helpful services. Or you can bring items like homemade jewelry, artwork, baskets of used books, hand knitted caps or afghans or scarves, homemade jams, jellies, cakes, pies and other delicious treats. The offerings are imaginative, fun and limitless!
Time!
Then what? Everyone bids on the items they want in a silent auction, and big board auctions, and the money bid by the winners goes to support Horizon! And you have multiple wonderful times with other Horizon friends to put on your social calendar—a handy way to get to know each other better! Everyone wins!
Sounds fun! How do I donate? Go to our website at HorizonUU.org, click on ‘Happenings’ and fill out the PASTA donation form. Watch for more information in The Week at Horizon, and at the PASTA table in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets will be on sale soon for the delicious Italian dinner and an evening of fun with your Horizon friends! It’s the place to be on the night of November 3rd!
PASTA makes it fun to raise funds that support our church. Actually, they are really just a great excuse for a party twice a year! Our annual spring fundraising auction is called FIASCO while PASTA is usually held in the fall and features a delicious Italian dinner (thus the name!) Members donate items, events, services, and classes that are then put into a silent auction. A few good examples include members’ vacation homes, a private dinner in a home or special restaurant, a bridge party, hand-made jewelry and even Spanish lessons. There is always entertainment, refreshments and lots of fun!!! Check the church calendar for these exciting events and plan to enjoy two evenings a year with your fellow fundraisers!
Wonderful Wednesdays Return in October! There will be a topic, readings and questions. At 7:30, the group will divide into triads to explore the topic. Childcare 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.
have left?
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.
The following is a draft of October’s topics: Mortality October 3: Time Line: Your life, beginning and end. Recollections of death and dying from your life.
October 31 Halloween: No service. Stay home and feed the ghosts.
We begin officially at 7 with a short Vespers service with song and readings.
October 10: Bucket list: Just what will you do with the few days or years you
Peggy Gill, interim DRE, Lyssa Jenkins, Intern Minister, and Rev. Hamilton will host the new and improved Wonderful Wednesdays beginning the first Wednesday in October. October’s theme is “Mortality” in keeping with Halloween and All Souls, Day of the Dead and Autumn’s merry dance of death.
October 17: Looking death in the face. How to die. Hospice, wills, memorials, disposal of your remains. October 24: What next? Religious beliefs about an afterlife. Your epitaph.
If you think this topic is grim, you may be surprised how good it feels to dance with Death.
happenings
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October 2012
happenings
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Announcements & Such...
WINGS CHALICE CIRCLE 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 Fall and Spring sessions 2012-2013.
Fall Sept. 24 Decrafting (bring an unfinished project you'd like to finish) Oct. 01 Book Sharing Oct. 15 discuss The 5 People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom Oct. 29 Fear of Fear Nov. 12 Make and take ideas/catalog ideas and inexpensive gifts Nov. 26 Holiday Party and Giant Check-In Dec. 03 Extended families and how to include them in family traditions Dec. 17 Nails Guilty Pleasures and Chocolate event (bring anything chocolate) Spring Jan. 14 Cocktail party for all Birthdays, especially Eileen's Jan. 28 The philosophy of life according to Doctor Who! Feb. 11 Tea party with scones and self-nurturance Feb. 25 Parenting our Kids March 04 Change through Relationships 03/25 Topic TBD 04/01 Topic TBD 04/15 Topic TBD 05/06 Topic TBD 05/20 Topic TBD 06/03 Topic TBD Please contact Debbi about Wings Chalice Circle child care and additional information or to check for any changes in our schedule at debbiwj@gmail.com
CHALLICE ART AT COMMUNITY UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH On Sunday, October 14th, Chalice Art comes to Community UU Church with their exquisitely crafted UU jewelry. Bruce and Carolyn Cameron are long-time jewelry artists who design and manufacture sterling silver and gold jewelry with loving attention to every detail. You can preview beautiful earrings, pendants, lapel pins, and rings before our service which begins at 10:30 a.m., and take a closer look after the service during our social hour in Founders Hall. This is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a beautiful and meaningful symbol of your faith, buy a gift for someone special, and to help to raise funds for our church. Remember Christmas is closer than you think! If you’d like to start your wish list before October 14th, visit the Chalice Art website at www.ChaliceArt.com.
METROCREST FOOD BANK VOLUNTEERING 2nd Saturday, every other month. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Contact (socialjustice@horizonuu.org). HATHA YOGA SERIES Horizon's Library Committee sponsors Hatha Yoga lessons with Marianna Seaton, RYT. Classes run in six week increments, but you can join the class at any time. Classes are Mondays from 6p to 7p in Portable Room 9. We’ll take a look into a yoga practice that opens thousands of doors into the magnificent intelligence of the body. We will begin to understand how to move from the spine in a natural way. Without pushing and pulling, we’ll explore ways to approach Hatha Yoga from a place of rest.. Classes appropriate for beginners as well as those who have a yoga practice. Students will need to have the ability to get up and down from the floor. Each six week session is $60, made payable to Horizon UU Church. Please register for these classes with Marianna Seaton at mamaseaton@aol.com or 972-317-8858.
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!
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Adult Religious Explorations for October 2012 (for more information, contact are@horizonuu.org) SUNDAYS, Library 9 - 10 a.m. October 7
Christian Chalice Circle. Guest presenter Denise Taft Davidoff, Meadville Lombard. What is required of the women and men who will serve our congregations as clergy in the challenging 21st century? What is required of the seminary that undertakes the responsibility for educating and training these aspirants? Denny Davidoff will tell us about the innovative Touchpoint curriculum at Meadville Lombard Theological School and the distinguished faculty that created and teaches it. Our intern, Lyssa Jenkens, will receive her Master of Divinity degree from Meadville Lombard in May. For information, email uuchristians@horizonuu.org.
October 14
Healthcare plans. Facilitated by Ron Kocher, guest facilitator. Ron will talk about Medicare enrollment and coverage options for individuals, including Part D prescription drug coverage. He is a health benefits consultant and has assisted a number of people with initial and annual enrollment as well as coverage selections. (Note that this is not a discussion of personal health claim issues.)
October 21
Forum. Facilitated by John Myers. Using the Chalice Circle model for interactive learning, during the spring and summer we will be discussing the individual lines of Horizon’s Affirmation. Today’s class will focus on, “To serve humanity in harmony with the earth.”
October 28
Care for the Elderly. Facilitated by Carol Franzen.
WEDNESDAYS 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. weekly Buddhist Sangha - Restarted! 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 Portable, Rm 8 Buddhism. Rev. Hamilton’s email contact: DHamilton@uuma.org , in case of changes. Wonderful Wednesdays to Begin in October!
See the article on page 7 for details.
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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happenings
Mark Renz October 7 – November 11, 2012
Artist on the Horizon Mark Renz, a native New Yorker, lives and works in Dallas, Texas. He studied at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and received a Bachelors in Building Science and a Bachelors of Architecture. Mark completed his graduate studies at Savannah College of Art and Design where he earned a Masters in Digital Photography. With nearly two decades as a practicing architect he has a keen understanding of space. His architectural background often shapes and informs his photographic work. Mark’s work has been exhibited in Georgia and Texas and can also be found in Savannah College of Art and Design’s permanent collection. We are pleased to share Mark Renz’s photography with the Horizon community. Regular art shows in our sanctuary are a way to reach out to the local community of artists who visually reflect the spirit of our church. We in return, reflect back to the community the spirit of our faith.
Artist Statement: The most rudimentary understanding of a photograph is that it has documented a moment in time; a memory. It is the indexical nature of the photograph that allows for mental connections and associations of memory to be made. We, as artists, use the indexical nature of photographs not only to represent past presence in space and time but to act as triggers for memory.
Horizon receives twenty percent of each sold piece of art. To purchase an artwork, make payment at the church office (be sure to make notation about the piece of art you are buying) and mark the card below the piece of art “SOLD”. Horizon Art Coordinators, Linda Alred, Nikki Henderson and Marianna Seaton are happy to assist you.
Horizon Dinners One terrific way to meet Horizon members is through our monthly Horizon Dinners. We meet on the third Saturday of each month. The group is re-shuffled each month, so you have the opportunity to get to know lots of longtime and new members. Typically, the host provides the appetizers and drinks, and all the guests bring the rest of the meal. The host, of course, specifies how many people they have room for,
and the groups are set up accordingly. Many people are unable to ever host, and that's ok too. Everyone is contributing to the success of the dinner. We'd love to have new additions to the group! Whether you're new or a veteran, please think about joining in. If you haven't done Horizon Dinners in a long time, you'll find that many new
members are ready and anxious to meet you. And if you're a newer member, it's really one of the best ways to start making connections with others. If you want to be added to the e-mailing list, please contact Jan McDowell at dinners@horizonuu.org.
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horizon unitarian universalist church
Share the Plate for Sunday October 21
Horizon has a collection for a non-profit organizations once a month during our worship service. This month's collection plate is for Planned Parenthood.
On October 16, Planned Parenthood Turns 95 Planned Parenthood is many things to many people. We are a trusted health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide. For nearly 100 years, Planned Parenthood has promoted a commonsense approach to women’s health and well-being, based on respect for each individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about health, sex, and family planning.
Providing Trusted Community Health Care Planned Parenthood is America’s most trusted provider of reproductive health care. Our skilled health care professionals are dedicated to offering men, women, and teens high-quality, affordable medical care. One in five American women has chosen Planned Parenthood for health care at least once in her life. The heart of Planned Parenthood is in the local community. Our 77 unique, locally governed affiliates nationwide operate nearly 800 health centers, which reflect the diverse needs of their communities. These health centers provide a wide range of safe, reliable health care — and more than 90 percent is preventive, primary care, which helps prevent unintended pregnancies through contraception, reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections through testing and treatment, and screen for
cervical and other cancers. Caring physicians, nurse practitioners, and other staff take time to talk with clients, encouraging them to ask questions in an environment that millions have grown to trust.
Informing and Educating the Community Planned Parenthood is a respected leader in educating Americans about reproductive and sexual health. We deliver comprehensive and medically accurate information that empowers women, men, teens, and families to make informed choices and lead healthy lives. Planned Parenthood is proud of its vital role in providing young people with honest sexuality and relationship information in classrooms and online to help reduce our nation’s alarmingly high rates of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Nearly 1.2 million youths and adults participate in Planned Parenthood educational programs every year. 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.
happenings
Horizon Chalice Circles
page 12
“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!
Buddhist Sangha
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/chalicecircles?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!
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 Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 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
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.
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 a
page 15 circle 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 and fitness. Members share ideas and experiences in Nutrition, Weight Loss, Exercise and Stress Management. (healthywomen@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) Monday Wings Parenting
Tailored especially for parents. Our children need our strong wings to protect and guide them, and we, as parents, need one another’s support and wisdom on the journey of parenting. We meet every other Monday 9-11 a.m. (mondaywings@horizonuu.org)
horizon unitarian universalist church Tuesday Wisdom Circle
Includes a check-in and discussion of a weekly life issue topic selected by a group member. (tuesdaywisdom@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) 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).
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)
"FUTURE SUNDAYS" from back page
October 28 · “Dancing With Death” · Halloween
Death is seldom welcome, often devastating to the survivors. Yet humans have courted and ridiculed Death through the ages. In Mexico the Day of the Dead is a playful reminder of that tradition. Choir sings “The Witch’s Spell” by Nelta Owen and Wm. Shkspr. Come in costume. I dare you.
Future Worship for October
October’s THEME: MORTALITY: The practice of being alive—and facing our impermanence October 6 · SPECIAL Saturday Service 3 pm · Blessing of the Animals
In the spirit of Saint Francis, you are invited to bring your pets to church to be blessed. We will meet at the labyrinth at 3 PM. October 7 · “What Happens When You Die?” · Rev. Hamilton
Humans are the only animal that believe they survive their death. Cathedrals and temples all over the world soar to the heavens with promises and threats of heaven or hell. Today we consider the various traditions, beliefs and metaphors and offer a naturalistic alternative that may surprise you. Choir will sing the beautiful Malcolm Dalgleish piece, “Here I Carry You” with a special treat of David Moran on the hammer dulcimer. October 14 · “Why I Hate Bucket Lists” · Intern Minister, Lyssa Jenkins
Lyssa says, “I don’t really hate all bucket lists but, surely, there are better ways to face death—and life.” Choir sings “We May Never Pass This Way Again” with special guest, Hayley Eoff on cello. October 21 · “Conversations With Death” · Rev. Hamilton
Usually you don’t see Death lurking around. S/he only appears to the newly dead, to accompany them to the Happy Hunting Ground, but I met her on the trail just above the tree line in the Rocky Mountains near Crested Butte. And s/he was gracious enough to stay and talk for awhile. Marianna Seaton will join me in the pulpit for the conversation. See "FUTURE SUNDAYS" on pg. 15
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