the_week@horizonuu a publication of horizon unitarian universalist church December 6, 2015
Page 2 PUBLISHED WEEKLY
VOLUME 15, ISSUE V.12.06.15.
The_Week@HorizonUU FOR SUBMISSIONS EMAIL: The_week @horizonuu.org
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Every Wednesday
TO SUBSCRIBE OR TO SEND QUESTIONS, CONTACT: EMAIL Administrator @horizonuu.org
PHONE: (972) 492-4940 WEB SITE: www.horizonuu.org PHOTOS: Horizon Staff Photos: Freely distributed by Creative Commons STOCK PHOTOS: www.pixabay.com
Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church Carrollton, TX 75010
Weekly Service: Sundays 10:30 AM
Sunday Service: December 6, 2015 Out of the Darknesss Rev. Helen Carroll Like many celebrations at the end of the year, Hanukkah is a feast of lights characterized by the lighting of candles. Unlike other festivals, however, Hanukkah explores issues of oppression, religious freedom, love, hope and faith. In uncertain times like these, the themes of Hanukkah offer certain insights and support for our daily lives.
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Horizon News Adult Religious Exploration Sunday Morning Forum – On Sunday, December 6, Kent Darwin will continue the series on the History of Christianity. Come hear this session in the library from 9:00 am to 10:10 am.
The Tax Man Cometh
Next Week: Adult Religious Exploration Sunday Morning Forum – On December 13th, Pete Davis will facilitate our class on GMO’s Do we know what we are eating?. Come hear this session in the library from 9:00 am to 10:10 am.
Another year has gone by and it is time for end of year tax contribution statements. Statements will be ready after the first of the New Year. If you would like your statement please email me at accounting@horizonuu.org. I can send you your statement by email, snail mail, or you can pick December Pot Luck will be on Deit up when you are at the church. cember 6th immediately following Menaca Padakandla church services in order to coincide with The Tree Trimming Party. Accounting Clerk Please consider bringing a covered dish, enough to share with visitors and friends.
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FROM THE MINISTER
mUUsings Greetings from your interim minister.
Could it get any busier? It seems like I have that thought more and more often these days. December is a complex and demanding month. There’s the regular holiday parade of social gatherings and obligations in addition to the normal routine of work and family life. And – on top of that – this is a community caught up in the work of the world and in search of a new minister. You continue to explore how to grow with the times as a Unitarian Universalist congregation involved in social justice work, committed to pastoral connections, educated in your values, dedicated to excellence in worship and challenged to be stewards of your resources. There are dozens of activities and events planned for these last few weeks of the year. More and more seems to be expected even as the days grow shorter and shorter. Could it get any busier? Such a paradox. December with its overly full calendar of activities is also nature’s time of longer nights, clear skies, bare trees, and cold days or snowy evenings. All reminders that this is a season to come within - to rest, to be with those who mean the most, to look
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HORIZON NEWS
inward and remember the dreams that remind of futures not yet fulfilled. This season of darkness, when few creatures stir and seeds are nurtured beneath the soil, is a season for reflection and a time for seeking clarity. It is a complicated time, made more challenging by the need to balance doing with being. May you find a place of quiet in the chaos and a time for receiving in the midst of giving. May your December bring joy, peace and happiness.
Happy Holidays, Rev. Helen 972-492-4940 ext. 106
Note: My regular office hours are 10 – 1, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Other times are available by appointment. My day off is Monday.
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HORIZON NEWS
Lost and Found The Lost and Found box is loaded with items that have been left in the church. The Lost and Found box is located in the church office. If you have lost something, please be sure to check the box. It might be there. Some of the items found include:
Camo PSC baseball cap
Blue soccer ball
An OU baseball cap
Brown scarf
A black down jacket
Bible
A black baggalini bag
Material
Sunglasses
Girl’s pink shirt
Water bottles
Red fleece jacket
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HORIZON NEWS
Lost and Found
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HORIZON NEWS
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COMMUNITY NEWS Community Cares
Ramona Ramazani Director of Membership and Pastoral Care dmpc@horizonuu.org
December Pot Luck
December Pot Luck will be this Sunday, December 6th immediately following church services in order to coincide with The Tree Trimming Party. Please consider bringing a covered dish, enough to share with visitors and friends.
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COMMUNITY NEWS AFTER CHURCH LUNCH BUNCH One way to get to know people from Horizon better is to join us after church for lunch. Everyone is welcome (even friends and family joining you after church). The restaurant will change each week. Check the welcome desk each week for the location. We meet most Sundays. Ask for the “Horizon” tables. It may take a few minutes following the service for lunch attendees to arrive but we’re coming!
Second Sunday Potluck: Everyone welcome! Horizon’s potlucks provide an opportunity to get to know others and be with our church community. We appreciate your bringing a bit more than needed for our families, allowing us to offer this hospitality to all members, visitors, and friends.
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS by Lauren Daniell dlre@horizonuu.org blog: www.horizonuu.org/dre/ Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/horizonuu/
Adult Growth and Learning Now enrolling for Sunday Women’s Journey Group Second and fourth Sundays, 8:30-9:45am Beginning January 10, 2016: This is a group for women to practice deep listening and sharing. The class will be working through Listening Hearts and topics will range from mental wellness and miracles to leaps of faith and bucket lists. Visit www.horizonuu.org/dre/ or copy and paste into your browser for more information on course content and enrollment information.
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
UU Advent Calendar Here is a handy calendar of UU history to help count down the days to December 25th. Created by UU minister Ralph Roberts, it celebrates UU contributions to the winter season such songs penned by Unitarians, to acknowledging the UUA’s support of the Kwanzaa holiday. Click on this link or copy and paste into your browser to see the full list: http://www.uua.org/worship/words/images/uu-advent-calendar
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
News for Children and Teens Bring your unwrapped presents for friends and family to Horizon‌ Gift wrapping fundraiser December 6th & 13th!
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
Can you lend Horizon items for the December 13th Holiday Play?
Do you have any of these items to lend or donate to Children’s Religious Education for the holiday play? Please contact Lauren if you can lend Horizon any of them (dlre@horizonuu.org) -oatmeal cartons/hat boxes to make drums -small real drums -French berets
-Tutus -Feather boas -Plastic sunglasses
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
COA Wreaths Still Available Online! Thank you to everyone who purchased wreaths for the COA fundraiser. As a reminder, pre-ordered wreaths will be available to pick up at Horizon on Sunday, December 6th. If you missed out on ordering one, it's not too late! Wreaths and other holiday gifts are available online until December 17th. You can order online and have the items shipped anywhere in the United States. Simply go to http://www.mickmanholidaygifts.com/. Be sure to enter the coupon code HORIZOTX001 when placing your order. You will receive a $3 discount and the COA class will receive a $5 donation for every item purchased. It's an easy way to get your holiday shopping done all in one place, and you can buy one for yourself too!
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
Calendar of Events December: 6: Tree Trimming Party 13: All-ages holiday play, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
20: No classes PreK-Middle School – special holiday cookie baking class, ages 6-12 24: Christmas Eve Service 7pm 27: No classes – ages 6-12 celebrate New Year with Lauren Daniell and volunteers in Portable
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
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Leader: Nancy Foreman SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS SocialResponsibility@HorizonUU.org
Here's your chance to help refugees in Lesvos! The Egyptian Community will be holding their 5th annual community clothes drive, and this year they've selected to send all items to refugees in Lesvos! The collection will be ONE DAY ONLY THIS SUNDAY December 6th, 2015 They invite you all to donate your gently used winter clothing, as every piece of warm clothing will undoubtedly save a life. Below is a list of the most needed items: -Wool socks -Underclothes -All warm winter clothing for ages 7 and up, for both genders -Winter jackets Clothes for children under the age of 6 have already been donated in large quantities and are available in storage units on the island. The Plano Egyptian Community is responsible for the shipping charges which can add up. They humbly ask that you donate cash ($25 suggested) to offset the cost of shipping to Lesvos. JuLane will be at Horizon on Sunday, willing to accept gently used clothing and money, especially warm winter clothing, to deliver to the Egyptian Community in Plano for refugees in Egypt. She will bring several boxes so people will have somewhere to put their clothes donations if no one is at the table. She will be at the table early - before choir practice - and a little before church lets out until 1:00 p.m.
If you want take clothing to the donation site yourself, the location is: 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm December 6 ONLY! Haggard Library 2501 Coit Road Plano, Texas 75093 PLEASE DONATE PLEASE SHARE Let's do this!
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
Please donate unwrapped new toys or new and gently used coats to the Metrocrest Holiday Store. Bring donations to Horizon through December 14th and place in boxes in the church lobby outside the Horizon Fellowship Hall. To make a financial donation, visit metrocrestservices.org. To volunteer for or get more information about any of the Metrocrest ppportunities, contact: Victoria Simmons victoria.simmons@bvk.com or 425‑802‑0753.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
Family in India Slums makes breakfast for the entire Heifer Global Village team on the first morning.
Children in Zambia enjoy an afternoon walk with Doris the goat in the Heifer Global Village
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
DALLAS WEAR ORANGE WALK Please join supporters of Moms Demand Action nationwide in observing the 3rd anniversary of the shooting at Newtown. Demonstrate that we will not stop moving forward, will keep being visible, will never give up. Wear orange! When: Sunday, December 13, 2 p.m. Where: Begins at Private Residence—RSVP for Details Rebecca Marmaduke, Oak Cliff UU gunsense@oakcliffuu.org
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
SHARE THE PLATE Share the Plate Sundays at Horizon occur the third Sunday of the month as a way to involve us in more and diversified social outreach. The way it works is that all the money collected during the offertory that is snot designated specifically for pledge payments goes to outreach. December 20th’s Share the Plate recipient will be Big Thought, a nonprofit arts education program for at risk kids. They were founded in 1987, nationally recognized and partner with DISD, City of Dallas and more than 100 community organizations and cultural institutions. They report that 85% of the kids in Dallas public schools come from economically disadvantaged families. 33% of DISD students don’t graduate. 85,000 students, ages five to 13, spend after school hours unsupervised. Juvenile crime triples after 3 p.m. Big Thought uses free and low cost programs to explore these kids’ creativity and to close the opportunity gap in education through creative learning. They offer after school and summer programs to keep kids off the streets and they use the performing and visual arts to instill skills associated with job and college readiness to youth who are on probation.
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STEWARDSHIP NEWS
ART ON THE HORIZON Deborah Boschert
Artist Statement I’m inspired by tiny scraps of cloth with unexpected bits of inspiring paint and ink. I pick up smashed bottle caps in parking lots and beautifully smooth stones at the beach. I appreciate peeling paint and scribbled notes. I’m nourished by fine art and sweeping landscapes. I embrace spontaneity and stability in equal measure. My art quilts reflect these diverse ideas and experiences. I build layers of design starting with fabric and combining commercial printed fabrics with fabric patterned with original designs. Personal symbols like houses, stones, leaves, ladders and bowls are often included in my work as I explore themes of growth, home and transition. A layer of stitching adds another element of design. I stitch on a traditional home sewing machine creating motifs and patterns that compliment the overall composition. The most personal element of my work is the improvisational hand embroidery. I love the meditative process of pulling the embroidery floss through the layers of fabric to create each individual stitch. In my art quilts, the tiny details are as important as the broader design. As in life, the tiny special moments are as important as the broader experiences.
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STEWARDSHIP NEWS
Biography Deborah Boschert is a self-taught artist who has been creating quilts for nearly 20 years. Her art quilts incorporate layers of fabric, paint and stitch. She has been published in books and magazines and her art quilts are included in many exhibits and galleries. Her newest art quilting book will be released in Fall 2016. Deborah regularly gives presentations and workshops to quilt guilds and visual arts groups. She is eager to share her ideas about creativity and the possibilities of creating with fabric. Deborah is always seeking creative spirit, new ideas and a great cuppa coffee. She lives in Lewisville with her husband and two kids.
Shelter and Stream
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WORSHIP CIRCLE
Sunday Services December 13, 2015
The Twelve Days of Christmas Rev. Helen Carroll December 20, 2015
At the Crowning of the Year Music Service Rev. Helen Carroll
December 24, 2015
Carols and Candlelight Rev. Helen Carroll Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 pm December 27, 2015
Lay Led
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HORIZON UU CALENDAR OF EVENTS Saturday, December 5 8:00 am - 10:00 am Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm UDV - Church Rental - E3 - Library, FH - Fellowship Hall, KI - Kitch, RL - Lobby / Narthex, S5 - Class, S6 – Class Sunday, December 6 9:00 am - 10:00 am UU Christian Fellowship / Study – Kent Darwin “History of Christianity” - E3 - Library 10:00 am - 12:00 pm CAYRE - Child Care - S1 - Nursery 10:15 am - 12:00 pm Library Ministry - Open for Browsing - E3 - Library 10:30 am - 11:30 am Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) table - TOH - Table 3 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Main Worship - SH - Sanc. 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Sunday Potluck 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Tree Trimming Party & Heifer International Fundraiser - FH - Fellowship Hall, KI - Kitch, RL - Lobby / Narthex, SH - Sanc. 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Wellspring - P2 - Couch 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Reception for Artist Deborah Boschert - FH - Fellowship Hall, KI - Kitch, RL - Lobby / Narthex, SH - Sanc. 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm GALA Youth - S6 - Class Monday, December 7 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Hatha Yoga - P1 - Lg 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm SMART Recovery - FH - Fellowship Hall 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Northern Kings I-Group – S4 - Classroom 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm Wisdom Circle - E3 – Library
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HORIZON UU CALENDAR OF EVENTS Tuesday, December 8 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Potluck (Seniors) Group - E3 - Library, KI - Kitch 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Buddhist Sangha - P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) - E3 - Library 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Membership Committee Meeting - AD - Admin. Office
Wednesday, December 9 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Library Ministry - E3 - Library 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm Yoga Nidra and Restorative Practice - P1 - Lg 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm WFIG (Women's Friendship in Growth) Group--Welcome! E3 – Library Thursday, December 10 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Choir Practice - FH - Fellowship Hall
Friday, December 11 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Candlelighters - FH - Fellowship Hall Saturday, December 12 7:30 am - 12:30 pm Rental - Isha Institute - FH - Fellowship Hall, S1 - Nursery, S5 - Class 8:00 am - 10:00 am Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Rehearsal worship service - SH - Sanc.
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SPECIAL GROUPS If you are considering attending one of these groups for the first time, it is a good idea to contact them via email for more information and to get an orientation of what to expect in your first visit! You can check the calendar at http://calendar.horizonuu.org/ Horizon Book Group: 4th Tuesdays 12p. (bookclub@horizonuu.org) The Horizon Book Group meets at 12 Noon on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the church Library. Every June and November the group decides on the books for the following six months. Bring a brown bag lunch and join in this fun group that is open to women and men. You’ll be able to share in an invigorating conversation on the session’s book. Current selections are found on the bulletin boards outside the main entrances and in the main lobby. Monthly selections are also included in the weekly newsletter. For more info, you may contact bookclub@horizonuu.org. Buddhist Sangha: Tuesdays 7 PM - 9:00 PM. (buddhists@horizonuu.org )
Buddhist Sangha ("Sangha" is equivalent to a covenant group) is a weekly gathering that studies the Dharma (the teachings of Buddhism.) This is an ongoing exploration of the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path, the essential teachings of Buddhism. It is participatory and although consistency is encouraged, sessions can be attended on a drop in basis. We welcome anyone interested in a meditation practice. If you wish to come for an orientation, please arrive by 6:30. If you wish to view materials, email the group at buddhists@horizonuu.org. CineMat CineMat meets on the 4th Saturday of the month. Time depends on movie selected. Open to everyone. This fun
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SPECIAL GROUPS group meets to see a movie chosen by the group and then goes to a coffee shop or restaurant to discuss the movie and socialize. cinemat@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! Free childcare will provided upon request from 7:00 to 10:00pm (with 48 hour notice and 24 hour notice of cancellation). Please send reservations and cancellations to childcare@horizonuu.org. If you wish to get an email reminder of Games Night, please contact Beth Sproat at eblakehedges@earthlink.net Healthy Women 1st Thursdays, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Women age 21 and over. This group provides support and encouragement for women in helping them achieve their personal goals of improving their fitness level, eating more nutritionally, losing weight and learning to reduce daily stress. This group also participates in an annual service project, in local walk events and raises money healthywomen@horizonuu.org Men’s Support Group Saturdays, 8:00 am - 10:00 am. Men age 18 and over. The Men’s Support Group provides men a supportive, safe environment for sharing personal challenges and concerns in a confidential setting. Many men were socialized to share only things external to them. The Men’s Support Group offers a sanctuary to share more about matters of the heart. Try us out and see if we fit your needs. mensgroup@horizonuu.org Second Tuesday Potluck 2nd Tuesday (most months) 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm in the Library. Everyone is welcome! This group meets for food, fellowship, deepening friendships and occasional field trips. Topics of interest are presented to the group after eating. There is also a subgroup that views a movie and has dinner together on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. secondtuesday@horizonuu.org Wisdom Circle Mondays 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm. Adults age 18 and over. Group meetings include a check-in and discussion of a weekly life issue topic selected by a group member. These have included appreciation, success and failure, fear, pro-
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SPECIAL GROUPS crastination, staying optimistic in hard times, anger, healing, leaving a legacy, forgiveness, trust, and compassion. wisdomcircle@horizonuu.org Wings Parenting Mondays 9:30 am - 11:30 am (2 - 3 times a month). Parents of all ages. We welcome Moms and Dads to meet in the Horizon Church library. We have topics of interest not just about parenting UU children but personal and spiritual self-growth. Past topics have included: the philosophy of life according to Doctor Who, Karma, creating our "bucket list", our family trees, and what does it mean to be a UU parent. We also do a social outreach project once a year. Our schedule follows the school year and we break for school holidays and for the summer. During the school year, child care is provided. mondaywings@horizonuu.org The Women’s Friendship in Growth (WFIG) meets on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays, from 7:30 - 9 pm in the Horizon Library. The purpose of this group is to strengthen friendships among women. In addition to regular check-ins about our lives, we have discussions that help us get to know one another better. On 5th Wednesdays we do a variety of fun activities! If you’d like to be a part of these Wednesday night meetings, we’d love to have you! wfig@horizonuu.org Young Adults Contact: YoungAdults@horizonuu.org for more details.