the_week@horizonuu a publication of horizon unitarian universalist church * March 1, 2015.
Page 2 PUBLISHED WEEKLY
VOLUME 15, ISSUE V.3.1.15.
The_Week@HorizonUU FOR SUBMISSIONS EMAIL: The_week @horizonuu.org
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Every Wednesday
TO SUBSCRIBE OR TO SEND QUESTIONS, CONTACT:
Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church Carrollton, TX 75010
Weekly Service: Sundays 10:30 AM
Sunday Service: Mar. 1, 2015 To Dream the Possible Dream Rev. Helen Carroll
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
“Money is the most important thing in our lives. It costs us our time, health, prestige, and power. Yet, it is the last thing we want to discuss.” - Jacob Needleman
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Horizon News In Memory – We offer our condolences to the family and friends of Virgil Gavrilla, who passed away recently. He is the father-in-law of Sandy Steele. There will be a memorial service Sunday at Horizon on Sunday, March 1st at 3:00 pm. Adult Religious Exploration – Peggy Gill and Kent Darwin will facilitate the class on “You have to be taught to hate”. March 1st, 9:00 am to 10:10 am in the Horizon Library. Lost and Found – Still not claimed, a child’s pink fur jacket, a Baggalini, a wristwatch and a turquoise necklace. Also not claimed, a Cupcake doll, a Disney Frozen water bottle, string necklace with 3 pendants and a grey knit cap. Please check the Lost and Found box in the office.
After Church Lunch Bunch – The Lunch Bunch meets after church most Sundays. Check the Welcome Desk for this week’s location. Everyone is welcome! Church Parking – As you may have noticed, the church parking lot is filling up for services and parking spaces can be hard to find. The Stewardship Circle is working on finding resolutions for this situation. In the meantime, you may want to carpool with others from your neighborhood group, bring one car instead of two per family, or park a short, healthful distance away and walk. (Please do not park at Coyote Ridge Golf Club. You will be towed.) Metrocrest – Horizon members are asked to bring shelf stable items to church for Metrocrest Social Services which serves our local area. Each Sunday there will be an invitation to bring shelf-stable food stuffs to the front when the children come forward for the Children's Conversation. Please hand your donations to a young person to take forward!
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WORSHIP CIRCLE
Sunday Service - March 8, 2015 We Who Believe in Freedom Rev. Helen Carroll “The people of Selma will struggle on for the soul of the nation but it is fitting that all Americans help to bear the burden.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sunday Service - March 15, 2015 Call and Response Rev. Helen Carroll “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” – Viktor E. Frankl
Sunday Service - March 22, 2015 When We Are Gathered Rev. Helen Carroll “Snowflakes, leaves, humans, plants, raindrops, stars, molecules, microscopic entities all come in communities. The singular cannot in reality exist.” – Paula Gunn Allen
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Looking forward… By Rev. Helen Carroll I’m recruiting Worship Associates for Sundays in 2015. Tempted, but unsure what’s required? Curious, but afraid of public speaking? Convinced and ready to sign-up. Please send an email (interimminister@horizonuu.org), drop a note in my box or give me a call (805-459-9696). Thank you for sharing in the worship life of the congregation.
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POLICY-BASED GOVERNANCE Q&A #3 From John Gill How will the Board maintain its legal or fiduciary responsibilities under Policy-Based Governance? The board will be apprised regularly as to the church's financial situation as part of its monthly monitoring function. Further, the Chief of Staff will have responsibility for the nuts-and-bolts drafting of the budget, with input from the Congregation, Circle Coordinators, Committees, ministry leaders and staff. The Board will continue to review the overall budget to ensure that it is reflective of the Church's Mission, values, By-Laws and policies, and will be responsible for approving Horizon's annual budget for submission to the congregation for final approval. After congregational approval, the policies that limit the activities of the Chief of Staff will provide important legal safeguards. As part of these limitations, the Board will continue to be involved in large or special decisions, those that typically fall outside of the operating budget. The Board will continue to review monthly reports of our revenue and expenses to assure we are operating within the limits approved by the Church when it set the year's budget. Will a board using Policy-Based Governance still listen to me? Absolutely! Policy-Based Governance not only frees the board to spend more time listening, but actually requires it! The Board is effective only as long as it represents the congregation and listens actively to its hopes, dreams, and concerns. The Horizon Board is always seeking ideas, feedback, and priorities. It communicates with the congregation through the website, the weekly newsletter, board meetings, congregational forums, one-on-one conversations, and other means. Because Policy-Based Governance separates the role of the Board from operating issues, the Board may act as a facilitator to connect congregants and their needs with the right staff or committee.
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POLICY-BASED GOVERNANCE Q&A #3 -Continued How do Members get involved in Policy-Based Governance? Members of the congregation participate at every level of governance. Collectively and individually, we each let the Board, Senior Minister and Circle Coordinators know what we think is most important to us. Being involved and actively sharing our time, talents and opinions is fundamental to any UU church. By sharing with one another we gain perspective to envision how the church should act in our congregational and community life. Members elect and may serve on the Board. The Chief of Staff, with support of the Circle Coordinators, interprets the vision of the congregation and sets the framework for the church's work. Can you say more about the role of the Minister as Chief of Staff in Policy-Based Governance? In Policy-Based Governance, the Chief of Staff's role is to support and manage the work of our Circle Coordinators and our professional staff, and through them our committees and volunteers. The Board delegates authority and responsibility to the Chief of Staff and that responsibility moves downward to those most directly doing the work. Accountability moves back up in the other direction, and the Chief of Staff, will regularly report to the Board on the activities of the church with regard to defined goals and report any issues warranting Board attention. The Board and our Interim Minister are working together very closely to ensure that we are both comfortable with and supportive of our transition to Policy-Based Governance and to keep all of our congregation fully apprised of our progress.
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POLICY-BASED GOVERNANCE Q&A #3 -Continued How does the Board feel about Policy-Based Governance? We are excited! Learning about Policy-Based Governance has been an illuminating and positive process for the Board. We think this is a great direction for Horizon. This renewed focus will allow us all to produce even more great work and strengthen our congregational focus and place in the wider community. We recognize that, as your elected Board, we serve each of you, and this is your church. If there's anything we can do to further your understanding of these updates or the promises they provide for all of us, please don't hesitate to ask.
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WORSHIP CIRCLE
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FROM THE MINISTER
mUUsings Greetings from your interim minister.
As a church community you are growing and stretching. This year, you continue the work of nurturing one another, being a witness and instrument for social justice, and exploring your ethical and spiritual connections. Together new members and friends join oldtimers on committees, in worship and religious exploration, and over casual coffee and conversation. You have much to celebrate. And still, change is in the air.
How could it be otherwise? With the ending of a settled ministry, you began an intentional period of transition – a time for looking deeply at your history and becoming clear about who you are. That kind of reflection has led to shifts. There have been changes in what you do and how you do it. As you enter the next step of this interim year expect to continue exploring, adjusting, and changing. Likely, there will be new hands for old tasks as well as familiar voices in new roles. The connection to the wider Unitarian Universalist world will strengthen. Yet, most exciting of all is the commitment to new leadership and a new future that will come out of this transition time.
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FROM THE MINISTER
mUUsings
Loren Mean wrote, “It is one thing to hire a new pastor. It is quite another thing for a congregation to enter a commitment to a new ordained leader and the possibility of new tasks and missions.” It will take all of you, working together, to grow into a new vision of who you are to become. Hard, exciting, fun, challenging, exhilarating work!
All this change is both invigorating and exhausting, sometimes rewarding and sometimes unsettling. Growth is like that – a combination of embracing strengths, working through challenges and moving into the next stage. May you continue this time of transition patient with one another, remembering the past, honoring the present, and envisioning the future.
Faithfully, 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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TRANSITION PROGRESS: WHERE ARE WE NOW?
FIVE CRUCIAL AREAS OF HORIZON’S INTERIM WORK COMING TO TERMS WITH OUR HISTORY AND HERITAGE Celebrated our 25th anniversary and Honored and said goodbye to the Hamiltons Embraced the work ahead of us with multiple Cottage Conversations during which we shared our stories, identified Horizon’s strengths and areas we want to make stronger Paid off our mortgage and became debt free Appointed Dennis Hamilton as Horizon’s Minister Emeritus ENABLING NEEDED LEADERSHIP CHANGES Improving structural clarity by forming the Five Circles: Worship, Growth and Learning, Social Responsibility, Community, Stewardship Empowering the work of Horizon by moving to share the work among many and relieving the few who have carried the bulk of the burden for too long Inviting new leaders to bring fresh ideas and energies to Horizon’s programs and operations Beginning the move away from an operations board to a new governance style led by a policy board
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RENEWING DENOMINATIONAL LINKAGES Continuing to strengthen our ties with and our support of national, regional, and local UU organizations, and other organizations who share our values
Finding ways to teach and work in concert with others to strengthen the denominational lifting up of our values DISCOVERING A NEW IDENTITY Holding ourselves collectively and individually in the disequilibrium of change and uncertainty as we ask ourselves two questions: Who are we now? Who do we want to become? Understanding that building the path to our new front door will continue with our work with the next settled minister
COMMITMENT TO A NEW DIRECTION IN MINISTRY Building upon our historical strengths, constructively addressing changes needed to remove obstacles to our spiritual and numerical growth, taking steps toward organizational maturity, all of the work listed above Preparing to move into our future of renewed passion for our mission, and into a dynamic and transformative relationship with a new settled minister.
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FROM THE MINISTER
Mark your calendar...It’s Budget Time The Circle Coordinators are working with committee and event chairs to gather the initial budget requests for next year. If you have a program to offer, activity to plan or general interest and support for the financial life of the congregation, be sure to speak with one of them and mark your calendar for 7:00 p.m. on March 3 and noon on March 15. In the three open sessions, the Circle Coordinators will build the budget for the 20152016 program year. The February 24th meeting was cancelled and will be rescheduled. At that meeting, the expenses necessary to provide next year’s programs will be gathered. On March 3, the conversation will focus on income streams – pledge income, fundraising expectations, donations, rentals and any other revenue sources. And…as is always the case, we anticipate that there will be greater expenses than revenues (Sigh!). So…On March 15, we’ll gather to adjust, rethink, imagine, and otherwise work to reconcile the program needs with the available resources. Join in and be a part of this planning for next year. The Circle Coordinators are Bunny Summerlin – Community Circle Lauren Daniell – Growth and Learning Circle Nancy Foreman – Social Responsibility Circle Peter Hendee – Stewardship Circle Peggy Gill – Worship Circle
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COMMUNITY CIRCLE
Come to a stargazing party All ages invited! Friday, March 6th at 7pm Horizon parking lot
Follow in the footsteps of the great UU scientist Carl Sagan and come to a stargazing party on Friday, March 6th. Horizon’s Amad Naderfard will bring his equipment and lead us in viewing the moon, the visible planets and the Milky Way beginning at 7pm. Participants are asked to dress for the weather and bring any personal binoculars and telescopes, flashlights and lawn chairs. This is a great way for families and individuals of all ages to experience the awe and wonder of our universe! Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 3rd to dlm@horizonuu.org.
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Leader: Nancy Foreman SocialResponsibility@HorizonUU.org
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
Action : Justice : Witness NORTH TEXAS UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATIONS
Free Screening: March 3rd Memories of Selma
First Tuesday Social Justice Film Festival Presents Memories of Selma March 3rd, 2015 7:00pm A Special Presentation on the Selma March.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
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In conjunction with the North Texas Unitarian Universalist Congregations (NTUUC) and others, we will march to the middle of the beautiful Continental Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, 101-115 Continental Ave, Dallas, TX 75207, where chairs, a mike and podium will be set up. Event will happen there and we'll walk back to the west side.
To carpool, email SocialResponsibility@HorizonUU.org. Wear your Standing on the Side of Love t-shirt if you have one!
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church
Social Responsibility Circle Events Spring – Summer 2015 “Let’s Join Hands and Do the Work of Justice!”
Every Sunday: Horizon members are asked to bring shelf stable items to church for Metrocrest Social Services. March 3: Memories of Selma, A Special P resentation on the Selma March, UU Church of Oak Cliff, 3839 W. Kiest, Blvd., Dallas, TX 75233 March 6: Selma Anniversary March— Continental Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, 101-115 Continental Ave, Dallas, TX 75207
March 6-8: Southw est UU W omen’s Conference, San Marcos, TX
March 14: M etrocrest Food P antry W ork Date (Shifts 9 -11 am & 11 am – 1:00 pm) March 14-17: Y oung Adult Spring Lobby W eekend March 17: Horizon Goes Green for St. P atrick ’s Day! April 17-19: Southw est UU District M eeting, New Orleans, LA May 9: Metrocrest Food P antry W ork Date (Shifts 9 -11 am & 11 am – 1:00 pm)
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church
Social Responsibility Circle Events Spring – Summer 2015 “Let’s Join Hands and Do the Work of Justice!”
June 7-10: Trip to Heifer Ranch Global Village (Rising 7 th-10th graders) June 13: Standing on the Side of Leadership Conference, North Texas UU Congregations (NTUUC) June 24-28: General Assembly (GA) Annual Meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association—UUA, Portland, OR
June 28-July 4: U Bar U Summer Camp 8-11 year olds July 5-11: U Bar U Summer Camp 12-14 year olds July 11: Metrocrest Food P antry W ork Date (Shifts 9 -11 am & 11 am – 1:00 pm) July 12-18: U Bar U Summer Camp 14-18 year olds July 19-24: Southw est UU Summer I nstitute (SW UUSI ) w eek long, all ages, family friendly summer camp.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
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“OUR SACRED SPRINGS" Southwest UU Women's Conference San Marcos, TX March 6-8, 2015
Featuring Dr. Rebecca Parker,
author, religious activist, and recently retired from 25 years serving as President of UU’s Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkley, CA
Guest Musician in concert: Terri Hendrix, award winning Texas songwriter, multi- instrumentalist, and classically trained vocalist. Registration Open: www.swuuw.org
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
Young Adult Spring Lobby Weekend 2015, March 14-17, 2015 Calling all young adults interested in climate justice! UUSC and the UU College of Social Justice are working together to pilot new skills-based trainings that combine learning and hands-on advocacy opportunities. Our first such venture will be a 4-day training in Washington, D.C. The Spring Lobby Weekend will feature time to explore our moral grounding for working on climate change as well as a "deep dive" look at current climate justice issues and the need for changes in federal policy. We'll offer lobbying training, and then Capitol Hill meetings with legislators and their staff. We're partnering with the Friends Committee on National Legislation and the Franciscan Action Network, so participants will have a chance to meet and work with young adults from various faith traditions. There will also be some optional fun free time activities. The event is open to anyone 18-35 years old. The registration fee is $50 (regular) and $25 (low-income). Housing costs will be approximately $35 per night. If a young adult would like financial assistance, we recommend that he or she seek sponsorship from a local UU congregation. The registration deadline is March 1, 2015. Space is limited, so please register early! Register online or contact Andrew Silva for further information.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING Saturday, April 11th from 10am-12noon in the Newman Smith High School front parking lot at 2335 N. Josey. We filled up a half a ton truck the last time.....so there must be more out there. Did you upgrade your computers for Christmas and don't know what to do with that old broken laptop, CPU, or monitor. If you have any tool, appliance, equipment that has a CORD, then we can recycle it. TVs are welcome! There is no charge for this service brought to you by Keep Carrollton Beautiful! Save the landfills and donate to someone who can recycle it! For further information about the electronics recycle, email cathysphr@verizon.net VOLUNTEERS are needed! Students, get your service club together and come help us unload cars and direct traffic. Contact Cathy at cathysphr@verizon.net for more information.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
Metrocrest serves Horizon’s neighbors in Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell and the city of Dallas in Denton County. Their mission is to assist families, individuals and senior adults who are coping with crisis situations, need help stabilizing their lives, or who require support to live independently. Every other month Horizon members work in the food pantry at Metrocrest Services, helping customer shop for groceries, re-stocking shelves, organizing etc. There are two shifts: 9-11 am & 11 am-1 pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Victoria Simmons at victorias@bvk.com, or 425-802-0753. Upcoming Dates for 2015: March 14th
May 9th July 11th September 12th November 14th Each Sunday there will be an invitation to bring shelf-stable food stuffs to the front when the children come forward for the Children's Conversation. Please hand your donations to a young person to take forward! Donations not suitable for children to bring forward may be placed in the boxes near the Horizon office. Items must be new, not expired and no glass containers. Items of most use include: Canned vegetables, fruits and meat items
Helper-type mixes
Dried beans & rice
Seasonal fresh produce
Breads and pastries
Baking supplies
Toiletries & hygiene items
Household cleaning supplies
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS
SWUUSI 2015 Where: Hulbert, Oklahoma When: 19-24 July, 2015 Who: UUs of all ages! What: Southwest UU Summer Institute (SWUUSI) is a week-long multigenerational summer camp experience. Each year SWUUSI offers opportunities for faith development, education, entertainment, and recreational activities for all ages. Whether it be relaxing in the sun, discussing in the classroom, or singing in the choir, SWUUSI offers something for everyone! This year will be a truly unique SWUUSI. This is the first Foodie SWUUSI we have ever offered. Imagine the Food Network and Unitarian Universalism combined in a week of family fun on the shore of beautiful Fort Gibson Lake! Our theme speaker, Rev. John Gibb Millspaugh, Artist in Residence, Chef Jesse Bloom, and Sunset Talk speaker, Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, will bring fresh insight on our theme of JUST GOOD FOOD. http://www.uuasouthernregion.org/swuusi2015.html
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Social Responsibility News Horizon Trip to Heifer Ranch Global Village Program Who? Rising 7th through 10th graders and adult advisors (group of about 12 youth and about 3 advisors) Where? Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas, 350 miles from Carrollton What? Three nights at the ranch, including an overnight experience in the Global Village- Mozambique, Tibet and the Mississippi Delta region of the US. Participants are divided into family units with limited resources. As they tend gardens, work in the community and cook cultural meals, they become aware of the effects of poverty and hunger. Every evening the Horizon group will gather for a worship service, reflecting on the day’s lessons. When? June 7-10, 2015 (Sunday through Wednesday) Why? Horizon participant Douglas Burns described the Global Village experience as “some of the most powerful days of my life.” Participants will leave with an awareness of their role as a global citizen and with ideas on how to create change. Cost: $225/youth, which includes lodging, meals, programming and gas. Nonrefundable deposit of $100 due on Jan. 15. Scholarships will be available. Interested? Contact Katie at katiebarnes@swbell.net Sneak peek: http://www.edutopia.org/night-global-village
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STEWARDSHIP NEWS
Equal Exchange Fair Trade
I am a huge fan of the Equal Exchange Fair Trade products available in the book store. I use the baking cocoa for cooking, the hot cocoa for mixing in my (fair trade) coffee and the dark chocolate bars for healthy nibbling. At the Heifer Fair Trade Market I sampled the new Equal Exchange Organic Dried Pineapple and Mango. They are both tasty. No preservatives, no added sugar. Simply pineapple or mango! They are another great healthy snack to nibble on. Highly recommended! Lynn Schluns
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STEWARDSHIP NEWS
Parking Lot Expansion We’ve got Good News and Bad News! The good news is that attendance for Sunday’s Services has been very strong…the bad news is that our parking lot fills up and potential visitors are driving away when they can’t find a space. To address our insufficient parking, a Parking Expansion Task Force has been formed to evaluate options to expand the parking lot. Leveraging the plan that was drafted during our 2009 Building Expansion, the team will select three construction firms and will obtain current bids from them. Task Force will also work with the City of Carrollton to determine if there are any viable, ecological alternative surface options to be considered. Once the bids are in and a plan is approved, the Task Force will take their recommendation to the Board for approval and funding consideration. Since this construction won’t happen overnight, we need to have a shortterm plan to address our immediate goal to ensure that potential visitors have a place to park near the entrance. The Church Staff has already started parking remotely on Sundays and members of the choir are encouraged to park in the back portions of the parking lot at Horizon to free up the spaces closest to the front entrance.
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STEWARDSHIP NEWS
Parking Lot Expansion (continued) You Can Help, Too! Consider carpooling. Not only will you save money on gas, it could be an opportunity to get to know someone in your Neighborhood Group better! If your family takes more than one car to church on Sunday, consider parking one at Horizon and the other(s) remotely Please note that if you do park remotely, parking is not allowed at Coyote Ridge Country Club – and to be good neighbors, we should not park at any businesses that are open on Sundays, e.g., H Donut or Waffle House. (Note: previously, we had Plains Capital Bank as a sanctioned overflow lot, but that building has been sold and the current occupants are not open to us parking there.) Thanks for your help! Parking Expansion Task Force Chairperson Peter Hendee, Beth Bargar, Karen Collins-Nobles and Jim Yank.
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS by Lauren Daniell dlre@horizonuu.org blog: www.horizonuu.org/dre/ Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/horizonuu/
Hands-on learning in children’s religious education classes
Last Sunday, the middle school students mounted bluebird nest boxes as part of a service project to the church. The boxes will be placed around the Horizon grounds to support our local bird population and the interconnected web of life
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
right here at home. Thanks to volunteers Warren Spiker and Tony Nori for their help. Horizon fourth and fifth graders experimented with levels on Sunday in their Toolbox of Faith class. The levels were a metaphor for Right Relations and how Unitarian Universalism helps us put relationships back in balance after we’ve wronged someone.
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
News for Children and Teens Items needed in Children’s classes
Next fall, the Kindergarten and First Grade class will begin a Montessori-type of course called “Spirit Play” (pictured) Specialized items are needed for this class. If you have any of these items at home and care to donate them to Horizon, we’d be very grateful. Please drop off in Religious Education office. Items sought: Rectangular baskets Children’s easel Round rug (at least 4’ in diameter) Large, flat pillows to sit on
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
Service Project for children Sunday, March 8th
Horizon Growth and Learning is collaborating with the Social Responsibility Circle to assemble Easter baskets for the Community Partners of Dallas during the service on Sunday, March 8th. After the Conversation with the Children, children 6-12 years of age will be welcome to join Lauren Daniell and volunteers in the Portable Building to put the baskets together. Teens are invited to assist and can receive service hours for school. CPD serves over 2000 abused and neglected children, and Horizon is happy to add a little Easter cheer to their lives.
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
Spring Break Schedule PreK-12th
Horizon classes for children and teens will follow a special schedule in March: March 8th: Easter Service Project in the Portable We’ll assemble Easter baskets for needy families for the Community Partners of Dallas. Children ages 6 and up will work with Lauren Daniell and volunteers. Nursery open to children 5 and under. Note: Teens 13 and older can volunteer to assist and receive service hours. Please email dlre@horizonuu.org to arrange. March 15th: no classes scheduled Children and teens invited to attend special worship service with parents. Nursery open to 5 and under. March 22nd: All classes resume
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Attention teens! North Texas rally March 27-29th First Jefferson UU – Fort Worth Elaborate plans are afoot for…
The MYSTERY Rally
For more information or to register, visit www.ntuuc.org/YouthRally Registration closes March 22nd Preregistration required
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Calendar of Events Children and Youth February 28th: Horizon Players Purim Party (Saturday @7pm / rsvp required)
March 1st: Kindergarten-1st grade OWL (12-1 pm, Portable Rm. #8) 6th: Stargazing Party Friday-7pm (Horizon parking lot - rsvp required) 8th: Spring Break – Easter Service project for Community Partners of Dallas in the Portable with Lauren Daniell and volunteers 8th: Spring Break - no classes scheduled. ren Daniell and volunteers th
Informal activities in the Portable with Lau-
15 : Spring Break - no classes scheduled.
Children and teens invited to attend spe-
cial worship service with parents th
17 : Go Green St. Patrick’s Day Environmental Celebration and kids’ concert (Tuesday-7pm at Horizon)
22nd: Coming of Age 2015-16 preview session (12-1 pm, Portable Rm. #8) 27-29th: North Texas Rally (Fri PM-Sun AM, First Jefferson UU, Fort Worth)
April 5th: Easter Egg Hunt (during the service) 12th: Youth present Sunday service
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Adult Growth and Learning This week’s spiritual themes for Lent
Have you been following the daily spiritual reflections on the Horizon Facebook page? All across the country, Unitarian Universalists are posting photos from their congregations during the Lenten season on http://practinginglent.tumblr.com. As Unitarian Universalists, we share theological roots with our Christian neighbors. However, rather than a practice of self-
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
denial, we offer this opportunity to spend the Season of Lent engaged in a spiritual discipline of deep intention and appreciation of our world, our place in it, and an openness to Grace in our daily lives. Each day of Lent is assigned a theme, a photo and deepening question, and this is posted on the Horizon Facebook page each morning. Here are the themes for February 27-March 6th: Feb. 27: Kindness
March 3: Wonder
Feb. 28: Struggle
March 4: Courage
March 1: Purpose
March 5: See
March 2: Connection
March 6: Joy
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GROWTH AND LEARNING NEWS
Just one space left!
The Shared Pulpit With Loraine McNeill 8 sessions – Mondays, 6:30-9:30pm (ending times will vary) Beginning March 2
The Shared Pulpit is an eight-session experience based upon Erika Hewitt's work of the same title. This course is for everyone interested in deepening their spirituality and exploring their own personal lay ministry regardless of experience with writing or public speaking. It is designed to deepen connections and to help the layperson find his or her own voice as a lay leader. Ministry takes many forms and we will explore how are own experiences and stories can translate into a sermon presented for the growth and inspiration of others. (Participants are encouraged to share their work, but not obligated to speak to congregation.) Childcare available. Contact dlre@horizonuu.org for more information.
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The Library Corner Now available in the Library and in the Bookstore, the UUA Common Read. Did you know there’s a book that’s recommended for all Unitarian Universalists to read this year? Our Common Read is Reclaiming Prophetic Witness: Liberal Religion in the Public Square by Paul Rasor. The book asserts that conservative Christianity is not the only valid religious voice in our national social policy. The 201415 Common Read invites Unitarian Universalists to explore and claim our contribution, as religious liberals, to the pressing moral and ethical debates of our contemporary world.
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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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HORIZON UU CALENDAR OF EVENTS Saturday, February 28 8:00 am - 10:00 am Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Raskin Music Recital - E3 - Library, SH - Sanc. 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm Horizon Players Special Show set-up - FH - Fellowship Hall, KI - Kitch, RL - Lobby / Narthex, SH - Sanc. 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Horizon Players - "Story of Esther" - FH - Fellowship Hall, KI - Kitch, RL - Lobby / Narthex, SH - Sanc. Sunday, March 1 9:00 am - 10:00 am UU Christian Fellowship - Peggy Gill & Kent Darwin “You have to be taught to hate” / Study - E3 - Library 9:00 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 - 12:00 pm Main Worship - SH - Sanc. 11:45 am - 2:00 pm After Church Lunch Bunch -- All Are Welcome! - Other Offsite 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm K-1 OWL - P1 - Lg 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm How Do U Fit - E3 - Library 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Wellspring 2014/15 - P2 - Couch 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Virgil Gavrilla Memorial Service - Other - All Church Event, FH - Fellowship Hall, SH - Sanc. 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm GALA Youth - S6 - Class Monday, March 2 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Hatha Yoga - P1 - Lg 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm SMART Recovery - FH - Fellowship Hall 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Shared Pulpit: Sermon Writing for Lay People - P2 - Couch 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm Wisdom Circle - E3 - Library 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Pastoral Caregivers Meeting - AD - Admin. Office
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HORIZON UU CALENDAR OF EVENTS Tuesday, March 3 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Building the Budget - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Buddhist Sangha - P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch Wednesday, March 4 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Library Ministry - E3 - Library 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Trailblazers Memory Support Group - FH - Fellowship Hall 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm Yoga Nidra and Restorative Practice - P1 - Lg 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Board Meeting - E3 - Library Thursday, March 5 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm Common Ground Street Choir Practice - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Choir Practice - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Healthy Women - P1 - Lg
Friday, March 6 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Candlelighters - FH - Fellowship Hall 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Selma March--Continental Ave Pedestrian Bridge 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Stargazing Party - Outside Saturday, March 7 8:00 am - 10:00 am Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm UDV - Church Rental - E3 - Library, FH – Fellow – Fellowship Hall, KI – Kitch, RL – Lobby / Narthex, S5 – Class, S6 - Class
Visit: calendar.horizonuu.org for updates and events information
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ART ON THE HORIZON Antoaneta Melnikova-Hillman Our current exhibition is the work of Antoaneta Melnikova-Hillman. She is a self-taught artist. She considers herself to be half Bulgarian, half Russian and 36% American. Her grandparents lost everything in the Russian Revolution, fleeing for their lives to Turkey and later to Bulgaria. Antoaneta was born in Pleven, Bulgaria, where she began her career in the arts writing poetry, influenced, as was her father, by the beauty of Russian literature and language. She published two books on poetry and her poems and stories appeared in various newspapers and magazines throughout Bulgaria. Antoaneta began to experiment with oils at the age of eighteen. Her works first appeared in group exhibitions and later individually in Bulgaria. She exhibited her work in Cyprus with a series of paintings dedicated to women and love, and since coming to the United States she has broadened her skills to encompass encaustic and acrylic mediums. Her work here has been displayed in a number of exhibitions in the greater DFW area and her paintings are in private collections in Bulgaria, Italy, Cyprus, and USA Of her art, Antoaneta says: “I don't question my desire to paint but am thankful that it exists. It gives my life direction. Leonardo’s words that “painting is poetry, seen rather than heard,” are reflected in my attitude towards painting. I put the continuity of the idea and the transformation of reality into a new world at the start of every work.
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ART ON THE HORIZON Antoaneta Melnikova-Hillman Chagall, Van Gogh, Dali and Klimt are the artists who have had a major influence on me. I believe that admiration of the great artists is the first step on the road to art. I can't separate poetry from painting, and this is the duality that brings to existence my bodies of work like Connected through White, Ice House and Disconnected Conversation. I have been drawn to the beauty of minimal but exact expression in the form of art and for me this is the way to say much, if not everything.”
To Purchase Art
Horizon receives twenty percent of each sold piece of art. To purchase an artwork, make payment at the church office. (Be sure to make the check out to the artist and make a notation on your check about the piece of art you are buying and mark the card below the piece of art “SOLD.”) Horizon Art Coordinators, Linda Alred or Nikki Henderson are happy to assist you.
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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 in the Library information niche in the lobby/narthex. 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, e-mail 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 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.
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SPECIAL GROUPS 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 meet-
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SPECIAL GROUPS ings 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, procrastination, staying optimistic in hard times, anger, healing, leaving a legacy, forgiveness, trust, and compassion. tuesdaywisdom@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) 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9 pm, Horizon Library. Women age 18 and over. Join us for fun, connection, and growth. We share stories from our lives and discuss topics that help us get to know one another better. On 2nd Wednesdays we discuss “This I Believe” topics. On 4th Wednesdays we view and talk about a TED talk. On 5th Wednesdays we might do anything, but it’s always fun! We’d love to have you in our group! wfig@horizonuu.org Young Adults Contact: YoungAdults@horizonuu.org for more details.
“The color of springtime is in the flowers. The color of winter is in the imagination.� - Terri Guillemets
Not Yet! Brrrrrr...