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the_week@horizonuu a publication of horizon unitarian universalist church horizon unitarian universalist church • 1641 w. hebron pkwy. • carrollton, tx • 75010 6334 t: 972 492 4940 • f: 972 394 05 • email: the_week@horizonuu.org
V1.12.14
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From the Intern Minister * Lyssa Jenkens * internminister@horizonuu.org
We need your input for the development of Horizon’s 2014 Strategic Plan. Nearly 40 members and friends attended the Nov. 20th Town Hall meeting for the kick-off, sharing their ideas about everything from technology improvements and alternative worship options to service and learning activities for all ages. The comments were captured during the meeting and will be posted in the Fellowship Hall this month. All members and friends are encouraged to add your voice to these pages by supporting one or more of the existing ideas or by adding your own. In this time of transition, two time-sensitive and resource-intensive initiatives must take place. The first is to call a new senior minister, which starts this spring with the selection of the interim minister. The second initiative concerns the development of a governance structure that supports our vision for the next generation Horizon, as articulated in the 2014 Strategic Plan. All other items in the new plan will be in addition to these two foundational elements. There are five general areas for your consideration based on a village model of Horizon. The Church is the spiritual home of the village, a place devoted to the meaning and values that support a healthy and joyous life. The Town Hall provides the organizational infrastructure needed to support the mission and programs of the church. Religious literacy, emotional and spiritual development as well as life skills building are all found in the Schoolhouse. This is where members, youth and children explore their own beliefs and grow into new understandings of the world and themselves. Two Centers round out the essential components of the Horizon village. The Social Outreach Center provides pastoral care, social service and justice opportunities as well as community engagement. And, the Community Center invites members, friends, visitors, and neighbors into deeper fellowship and engagement. Please visit the Fellowship Hall this month and add your voice to the 2014 Plan. You will find additional instructions with the materials provided there. And, if you have questions about the process so far or about any other aspect of the Plan, please contact a member of the Planning Committee: Bruce McClung, Dennis Hamilton, Peggy Gill and Lyssa Jenkens.
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FUTURE SUNDAYS Horizon encourages you to attend weekly worship here within your community, on Sundays at 10:30AM
January 12, Requiem for the Pantheon 2013 In this annual service we celebrate those who have died this past year, our own families and friends and those who have made a significant difference in the world. We like to feature inventors, diplomats, humanitarians, scientists and others who should not be forgotten. Our music is from the musicians who died in 2013.
January 19, Martin Luther King Sunday - Rev. Fred Cappuccino Rev. Fred Cappuccino and his amazing wife, Bonnie return for their annual visit (and their 60th wedding anniversary) - Bonnie is the director Child Haven International. Child Haven has five homes in India, one in Nepal, one in Tibet in China and one in Bangladesh. They accept children who are disabled, parentless, or destitute. Our Share the Plate will be for Child Haven. This is a New Member Sunday. There is a reception at the Hamilton’s in the evening.
January 26, Preparing for the Ride - Rev. Dennis Hamilton As you stand looking up at the roller coaster, even before that nerve-wracking climb up the first hill, your heart starts to thump, a smile comes to your face and you get ready to enter a danger zone, one that demands trust and a healthy dose of adventure. In four months I will retire and Horizon will begin a new chapter in its odyssey. Change inevitably brings uncertainty. Uncertainty can be dreaded or embraced. What is a spiritual practice that can make this an adventure?
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President’s Corner * By Bruce McClung * president@horizonuu.org
Preparing for Change:
Horizon Town Hall and Congregational Meetings to Take Place this Month Dear Horizon Members, Friends and Visitors, This is a reminder for you to join together to participate in the business of our church! Please note these important dates on your calendars.
REVISED BY-LAWS * TOWN HALL MEETING SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 – 7:00 PM The Principal Authors (John Gill, Peter Campagna, and Kent Darwin), Sr. Minister Dennis Hamilton, and members of Horizon's Board of Trustees will be available to answer questions and discuss the proposed revisions.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 - 12:30 PM Your presence will assure that you receive important information about Horizon and its ministries and programs. We must have a quorum for this meeting so that the voting can take place. The following timed Agenda provides an outline of the important Horizon material to be presented, and is a mid-year progress report. Among other things, we will vote to accept the Proposed By-Laws Rewrite - copy is available here: http://tinyurl.com/mozmvvx We will also receive an Interim Minister update and progress report.
LUNCH: Will be available from COA (Donation Required) CHILDCARE: Will be available upon request. Please send requests to DLRE Lauren Daniell at dlre@horizonuu.org
Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church January 26, 2014 Congregational Meeting Agenda Est. Time 12:30 PM 12:35
Call to Order Invocation Agenda Review Certification of Quorum
- Bruce McClung - Sr. Minister, Dennis Hamilton - Bruce McClung - Nikki Henderson
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Senior Minister Report - Dennis Hamilton Treasurer’s Report - Jan McDowell Annual Campaign & Membership Update - Cindy Treece DLRE Report - Lauren Daniell STRETCH – BREAK Proposed By-Laws Rewrite - John Gill/Kent Darwin/Peter Campagna Strategic Plan Update - Peggy Gill/Lyssa Jenkens Director of Lay Ministry Report - Marianna Seaton Leadership Development Plan Update - Sandy Steele Interim Minister Task Force Report - Elizabeth Gustwick Board of Trustees Operations Report - Bruce McClung Adjourn - Bruce McClung
Horizon By-Laws Rewrite Introduction At the January Congregational Meeting, Horizon s members will be asked to vote on a re-write of our Bylaws. A task force of current and former Board Members has talked about and worked on the rewrite for almost two years, assisted and guided by Dennis and Lyssa. The New Horizon By-Laws are posted on our website: click here to read the document >> or copy paste this link in your browser: http://www.horizonuu.org/images/PDF/bylawsrewritehorizonuu23nov2013.pdf
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The obvious questions are: why? And, why now? The answer to Why? is that while our current By-Laws served very well for the first half of Horizon s 26 years, requiring only one amendment in 1996, they have become cumbersome during our second 13 years, requiring 8 amendments. By-laws, in basic terms, are about authority, responsibilities, and decision making. In other words, who makes what decisions, and who is responsible for various actions. The key players are: the voting members of the congregation, the Officers and Trustees (the Board), the Minister(s), and a few key committees. The key decisions and actions are: calling and uncalling Ministers; electing Trustees and other key officials; setting budgets; setting policy; hiring, supervision and firing of staff; Congregant Services; church operations (contracts, paying bills, asset management, maintenance, etc.); ensuring the health, mission and vision of the church; and (if necessary) dissolution. Any details that come under one of those areas of responsibility will be in policy set by the board or action taken by the entity/individual entrusted with that area of responsibility. Our current By-laws are overly detailed. Our objective in re-writing them was to simplify and clarify the Bylaws with a minimum of substantive changes. When the church was new, detail in the by-laws was more important; we now have precedent and established policy and practices, responsibility and flexibility are our current priorities. As to Why Now? On a practical level, we are doing it now because we had a group of dedicated members, John Gill, Kent Darwin, Bruce McClung, Lyssa Jenkins and Peter Campagna, who were willing to put in the time and energy necessary to compare our current By-laws to UUA guidelines, and to the By-laws of a handful of very successful UU congregations around the country and distill our By-laws to the bare essentials. On another level, re-writing our By-laws now is important because we are going into a period of transition. Dennis is retiring next Spring, and we face at least two years of interim ministry before calling a new Senior Minister. Clarifying and simplifying the roles of the key individuals and entities now, while we have Dennis? guidance, as well as the expertise of Lyssa to draw upon, will provide a clear organizational structure during upcoming changes and challenges. In rewriting the by-laws, we tried to simplify them without, for the most part, changing the fundamental power relationships within the church. At the same time, we eliminated detail that is properly within the discretion of the individuals and entities that make Horizon work. For example: Current Article 14 - Religious Education. The proposed by-laws (new Article 9.4) simply make the Senior Minister responsible for ensuring oversight of a Lifespan Religious Education Program. Similarly: the current by-laws have two articles, 13 Senior Minster and 13A Associate Minister(s), the proposed by-laws have one, proposed Article 9. Professional Staff. The current by-laws have two articles for Board, Article 10, and Officers, Article 11, the proposed bylaws simplify those into one, proposed Article 7.
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Current Article 16 - Contract Authority is just part of proposed Article 7.1. Article 12A, Committee on Ministry, was compressed into proposed Section 8.1.
The proposed by-laws define only voting members. Provisional members and historical members can still exist, but are irrelevant from the perspective of decision making. Youth membership was rolled up into the definition of voting members. See proposed Article 4. We also modernized the by-laws: Providing the church with an email address is deemed consent to receiving official notices by email unless requested otherwise (Section 6.6). Similarly, the board can permit trustees to attend board meetings by video teleconference, and can respond to emergencies by voting by email, subject to ratification at the next regular board meeting. Section 7.7. We clarified the responsibility of the Senior Minister to supervise or ensure supervision of all paid staff, proposed Section 9.4. The major part of this change actually occurred last January, when we amended the by-laws, current Article 14, to shift the DRE from being called to being hired and supervised by the Senior Minister. We lowered the quorum for Congregational Meetings to 10%. As we grow, the current 20% quorum requirement can become difficult to meet. Larger congregations generally have lower quorums. Note that the quorum is the minimum necessary to conduct business; more members are always welcome and free to come. Also, some actions still require a larger quorum, such as calling a minister. And, we made minor changes to help the trustees and congregation in rare, but possible and critical situations.
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We allow the Board to respond to emergencies up to 10% of the budget, proposed Section 7.1. While the current by-laws, Section 10.15, specify the process for removal of a trustee, there was no standard. We carried the process over and propose a standard: misconduct in office or conduct incompatible with the responsibilities of a trustee. Proposed Section 7.4. There is currently no provision for removal of a member of the critical Committee on Ministry, so we added that, with a similar standard: misconduct in office or conduct incompatible with the responsibilities of a member of the CoM. Proposed Section 8.1. Do we anticipate using these provisions? Well: Yes. The recent failure of our HVAC units required immediate action. And: No. We have never had to remove a trustee or COM member, but the lack of a clear standard for removal could be problematic if that unfortunate circumstance presents itself. The new By-laws provide a standard just in case. It’s always better to be ready. There are some other minor clarifications and revisions, but we do not see those as making major changes. We will schedule Town Hall type meetings to discuss these changes, and we welcome your input.
FAQ What is wrong with the current By-Laws? Our current By-Laws served us very well for the first half of our 26 years. However, we have grown considerably over the years and established many policies and practices, and we have a track record of excellence; the By-Laws have become a bit cumbersome, requiring frequent amendments. The new By-laws should provide the Minister and Board of Trustees enough flexibility to run the Church and adapt to new circumstances in cooperation with the key committees without changing the By-laws every 18 months. Will the simplified By-laws lead to a free for all? NO. The By-laws are still clear in assigning specific responsibilities to the key players and entities within Horizon. The Board has written and approved many policies over the years - those policies fill in the gaps, and provide the structure needed to guide our leaders and members. Does the Congregation still call the Minister? Absolutely. While we have simplified the provisions relating to the Minister(s), the process and voting
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requirements for calling a minister are unchanged, and the authority rests with the Congregation to do just that. What is this about the Senior Minister supervising everybody? The Senior Minister already supervises the DLRE (per the Amendments in January 2013), the Director of Lay Ministries, and the Director of Music. The Senior Minister is on site and is the best person to supervise the Congregational Administrator, and to ensure the supervision of all other staff. The new By-laws just provide clarity and promote effective church operations. Has the role of DLRE changed? Last year the congregation approved a By-Laws change to make the DLRE a professional employee of the church, rather than a called position, and to designate our Senior Minister as her supervisor. In this proposed revision we designate the Senior Minister, and any other called ministers we may have in the future, as the only non-voting ex officio members of the Board and any Committees. This treats the DLRE consistently with the other professional staff, and we anticipate that the DLRE, as well as the Director of Lay Ministries and the Music Director, will continue to attend Board and Committee meetings and to offer their input to any matters affecting their responsibilities. This change has no effect on the DLRE's leadership role or responsibilities, but does clarify the relationship between the Senior Minister and his/her staff. Have we, the members, lost any rights? No. Members still elect the Board of Trustees, the Nominating Committee, and the Ministerial Search Committee; and only the members can remove a Trustee. Members call the Minister(s), and have the authority to remove the Minister(s). Members (20%) can call a special congregational meeting, and nominate additional candidates for the Board of Trustees, the Nominating Committee, and Ministerial Search Committee. Board meetings are still open to all members (excepting for executive sessions - which is unchanged). Why has the quorum for congregational meetings been lowered? As mentioned in the article, larger congregations often have lower quorum requirements because it becomes harder to get the higher percentage of members to show up. The proposed 10% quorum requirement is a minimum, and since the agenda must be published in advance, more people are likely to show up if anything at all controversial or of high interest is anticipated. Calling a minister requires a 51% quorum, as does the removal of a minister. Dissolution essentially requires a 66% quorum, higher if the vote is not unanimous. Proxies are not allowed - why not? Proxies have not been allowed for many years, a previous amendment eliminated proxies after a meeting at which the President had more proxies than people present. While we could have chosen to limit one proxy per person, after a lot of discussion, we finally concluded that it was important for people to attend the meetings and listen to the discussion, as many minds can be changed at a meeting. For example, if amendments to these proposed By-laws are proposed at the Congregational meeting, it is unlikely that the member would have anticipated the amendment, and instructed the proxy how to vote. Democracy doesn’t work as well if voters are not present to hear their fellow members’ concerns before deciding how to vote. What about Policy Governance - do these By-laws provide for that? No. While we have talked about Policy Governance, and may move to Policy Governance at some point in
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the future, we are not ready for that now, and these By-laws do not provide for Policy Governance. So, if they do not provide for Policy Governance, why change them now if we are just going to have to change them again? Again, we are not quite ready for Policy Governance. These By-laws provide a push to the Board, and the freedom for the Board, to establish the policies that will be the backbone of Policy Governance - should we decide to go in that direction. And, if we don t, or don’t do so soon, we are of a size and sophistication that we need to have the Board establishing the policy framework for the next several years of Horizon’s growth and ensure our continuing vitality. Can I still get my official notices by regular mail? Yes, just talk to or write the Church Administrator. Thank you, Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church, Board of Trustees ______________________________________________
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Adult Religious Explorations Contact: are@horizon.org
Sunday mornings 9:00 – 10:10 am Horizon Library January 12, 2014
The Unitarian and the Universalist Merge. Thomas Williams will facilitate our class on the effort to bring together the Unitarians and the Universalists into one big tent that began almost a century before it came to fruition in 1961. Hear what lead up to the formation of our denomination from the 19th to the mid-20th century.
January 19, 2014
Forum facilitated by John Myers: a class discussion on “Preparing”, the January Horizon UU theme. Change comes whether we want it to or not. What will you do with your wild and crazy life? What will you change? What needs to lay follow? The Chalice Circle model for interactive learning will continue.
January 26, 2014
Mythology of the Family Farm facilitated by Rowland Harvey. His discussion focus will be on the changes of agriculture production and the lifestyles of the American farmers in today’s world.
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Exploring Horizon Thinking about becoming a member? Join us for these upcoming classes: How Do U Fit into UU? Sunday, January 12, 2014 With Marianna Seaton and Membership Committee 12:15pm – 3:30 (A light lunch will be served) In this class you will learn the specifics of how the church and its membership support each other, how to get involved in the life of the church, the governing structure of the church, and the Horizon community as a whole.
New to UU Saturday, January 18, 2014 With Rev. Dennis Hamilton 9:00am – 12:00pm In this class you will share your religious and/or spiritual journey, learn about the history and traditions of Unitarian Universalism and Horizon, and expand your circle of friends. To register for these classes contact Marianna Seaton, Director of Lay Ministry at dlm@horizonuu.org or phone 972-743-1599.
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Honoring The Dream
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Martin Luther King Jr. 1929-1968
Join us in honoring the life and accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr by walking in the City if Carrollton’s Martin Luther King Day Parade on Saturday, January 18. Meet at 9:30 AM in the parking lot behind City Hall (North Side) on Jamestown Road Parade starts at 10:00 About 1.5 mile walk with the route available at www.cityofcarrollton.com. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” “The time is always right to do what is right.” “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.” “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.” “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
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Share the Plate for Sunday 22 JAN 2013 Horizon has a collection for non-profit organizations once a month during our worship service.
This month's collection plate is for CHILD HAVEN INTERNATIONAL
Inspired by the ideals and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Child Haven International is a registered charity founded in 1985. We assist children and women in developing countries, which are in need of food, education, health care, shelter and clothing, emotional and moral support. Child Haven International has five homes in India, one in Nepal, one in Tibet in China and one in Bangladesh. Our homes accept children who are disabled, parentless, or from socially disadvantaged situations - and who are destitute, i.e. do not receive even one good meal a day. Girls and boys are treated equally, and without regard to race, caste, color, religion or culture. Living is simple and meals are vegetarian. We try not to westernize the children, but rather attempt to raise them according to the highest ideals of their own cultures. We respect the heritage of each child, whether Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, secular or other. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1) All undesignated cash (not in envelope with instructions) will go to Share the Plate; 2) Checks MUST be made to Horizon UU with a memo 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. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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NEW BEGINNINGS:
A Chalice Circle Exploring the Seven Principles of UU Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Horizon Library This group is designed for newcomers and longer-term Horizon attendees who are making any kind of new start in their lives. Everyone is welcome! We will meet weekly at this time between January 9 and February 27, 2014 to talk about our thoughts and feelings around these principles, and to deeply listen to those of others in our group. Sessions will include: · An introductory session to get to know one another and create our group covenant; · 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person; · 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; · 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; · 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; · 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; · 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; · 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Facilitated by Chalice Circle Co-Chair, Nancy Foreman. For more information e-mail chalicecircles@horizonuu.org.
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A Note from the DLRE * By Lauren Daniell * dlre@horizonuu.org
Two new Adult RE classes coming this Spring Lifespan Religious Education at Horizon is pleased to announce two upcoming classes for Spring 2014:
“A Long Strange Trip: The Complete Video Guide to Unitarian Universalist History” with Lauren Daniell and guests TWO SHOWINGS of each segment: Fellowship Hall 2nd Sundays from 12:30-2 pm (after potluck)
OR
Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13
Feb. 12, March 12, April 16, May 14, June 11, July 16
Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 pm
“Long Strange Trip” is a new, 6-hour comprehensive video series by UU history buff Ron Cordes. These videos will be enjoyed by new members and long-time UUs alike. Cordes traces the history of Unitarian and Universalist thought from the beginning of the Christian era to what we now know today as Unitarian Universalism. The installments are approximately one hour in length and are Close-captioned with online study guides (no books to buy!) Each one-hour segment will be shown TWICE to accommodate members’ schedules. Drop-ins welcome. Email dlre@horizonuu.org for more information. Read a critique of the series in the UU World magazine: http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/290764.shtml
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“Spirit in Practice” with Tina Ulakovic Organizational meeting Tuesday, March 4th 7:30 pm Do you have a spiritual practice? “Spirit in Practice” is a class designed for those who don’t yet participate in our yoga or Buddhist Sangha groups, or who wish to explore a variety of spirtual practices. This class will help Unitarian Universalists identify their spiritual needs and develop regular disciplines, or practices, of the spirit—practices that help them connect with the sacred ground of their being, however they understand it.
Look at what our creative souls have been doing in the sanctuary! People have really been making good use of the “Soul Work” activity bags during the service since their introduction in December. It seems counterintuitive, but for some people sewing, coloring or manipulating items with their hands while listening actually improves concentration. The bags contain mandalas to color; soft items to touch like play dough and sewing squares. Please ask an usher for a “Soul Work” bag the next time you attend service.
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Upcoming Events for Children and Youth
January 17-19th: Youth Rally and conference at Emerson UU in Houston January 24-26th: Jr. /Sr. High OWL training, The Woodlands January 25th: Playground work day (Saturday) 9am-12pm January 26th: Children’s Chapel grades K-5, Portable Bldg. 10:30-10:50 am February 1st: (Saturday) RE teacher appreciation dinner, Temple Shalom (Dallas) February 21-22nd: (Fri pm-Sat am) Middle school NTUUC overnight event at Horizon March 9th: No RE classes. Child care available for 5 years and below. Children and teens invited to attend the service. Have a great spring break! March 16th: No RE classes. Childcare available for 5 years and below. . Children and teens invited to attend the service. March 23rd : Classes resume for all children and youth preschool-12th grade April 27th : Bridging Ceremony for high school seniors during the service with reception following
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Announcements: Children’s and Youth RE Playground Spruce-up Day Saturday, January 25th 9am-12 noon Come help give our kids’ playground a facelift by donating an hour or two on Saturday morning in January. We’ll spread some mulch under the swings and slides to make sure our children can play safely, add sand to our fantastic sandbox, and give the deck a little TLC. Many hands make light work! Coffee and snacks provided. Reserve childcare: childcare@horizonuu.org.
District Overnight event for Grades 6-8 at Horizon February 20-21st (Friday 6:30pm-Saturday 5:00pm) Horizon is pleased to be the host site of CongrUUity – the annual middle school overnight event for North Texas UUs in grades 6-8. This is a fantastic way for our middle school students to meet others young UUs from around North Texas, have fun and deepen their faith. Please see the yellow ad for more details.
Do you have a high school senior? Save the date! There will be a recognition ceremony for our high school seniors during the service on Sunday, April 27th at 10:30 am. This Bridging Ceremony commemorates the teens’ transition from childhood into adulthood and is a moving UU tradition celebrated by all. Children of members and long-time friends of Horizon are invited to participate. If your child will be “bridging” this year, please contact Lauren (dlre@horizonuu.org) to arrange dates for our Bridgers’ Luncheon and get-together.
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Middle School Event at Horizon!
What do I bring?
How Do I register?
Leave at home
Clothes to sleep in 14 Horizon UU Church fireworks
*Pick up a form in class for email dlre@horizonuu.org to receive an email version
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First Wednesdays Wednesday, February 5th 7-9 pm
Staying
It’s so easy for us to let life pass us by‌we ruminate over events of the past and anticipate future happenings long before they arrive. But what about today? What about this moment? How can I live my life more fully with more meaning? Join Lauren Daniell and Marianna Seaton for an exploration of the Horizon monthly theme. Brown bag dinner and conversation begin at 6:30 Reserve childcare at childcare@horizonuu.org
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Playground Workday Saturday, January 25th 9am-12 noon Sign up in church lobby
Come help give our playground a facelift on Saturday morning, January 25th. We’ll spread mulch under the play equipment, spruce up the sandbox and fix the deck. Can’t come or not as good with a shovel as you used to be? Everyone can help - Lend us your wheelbarrow or shovels! Send a snack for the hungry workers! Equipment/snacks can be dropped off in the RE office anytime. Contact dlre@horizonuu.org for more information Reserve childcare at childcare@horizonu.org
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CALENDAR: What’s Going On At Horizon? SUNDAY JANUARY 12 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Sunday Morning Journey Group - P2 - Couch 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Adult Religious Explorations - E3 - Library 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CAYRE - Child Care - S1 - Nursery 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM Library Ministry - Open for Browsing - E3 - Library 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Main Worship - SH - Sanc. 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 2nd Sunday Potluck EVERYONE WELCOME!! - FH - Fellowship Hall, KI - Kitch 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM May 17 Party Planning Committee - AD - Admin. Office 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Second Sunday Song Circle - FH - Fellowship Hall, RL - Lobby / Narthex
MONDAY JANUARY 13 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Yoga - P1 - Lg 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM SMART Recovery - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Board of Trustees - E3 - Library, KI - Kitch
TUESDAY JANUARY 14 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 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Tuesday Wisdom Circle - E3 - Library
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Library Ministry - E3 - Library 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Bridge Class - P1 - Lg
THURSDAY JANUARY 16 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM Worship Arts Committee Meeting - MO - Minister's Office 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Choir Practice - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM New Beginnings Chalice Circle - E3 - Library
FRIDAY JANUARY 17 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Candlelighters - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Games Night at Horizon!!! - FH - Fellowship Hall
SATURDAY JANUARY 18 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Affordable Care Sign Up Event sponsored by Planned Parenthood and Horizon - FH Fellowship Hall 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Horizon Dinners - Other - Offsite 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM UDV - Church Rental
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After Church Lunch Locations January 2014
Visitors and members welcome! Directions available at the Welcome Center. When we go to a restaurant, we meet there approximately 20 minutes after the service ends. First ones there please get a table for 10+ under the name “Horizon”. January 12th: All Church 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. Thank you to the Men’s Saturday Support Group for coordinating this month! January 19th: Indigo Indian Bistro: 500 East Round Grove Rd., Lewisville, TX 75067. Same location as former Kokila Restaurant. Sunday buffet (one side is vegetarian) and lunch specials. Pleasant atmosphere, good service. $$ http://www.indigoindianbistrolewisville.com January 26th: Congregational Meeting & Lunch: A delicious lunch will be provided by the Coming of Age 9th grade students and their parents. They will take donations to raise funds for their pilgrimage to Boston!
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Sunday Potluck News Sunday potlucks at Horizon have become a successful tradition. They are a way for people at Horizon to enjoy one another’s company and to provide food for afterchurch activities. Potlucks are welcoming to young and old, members and visitors, regardless of income. Thank you so much to all the incredibly generous volunteers who have helped set up and clean up all these potlucks. This fall we decided to improve our potlucks with two new goals: 1) To spread the workload, so that it is only an occasional task for the people who make it happen, and 2) To empower more people at Horizon to be familiar with, use, and take a part in caring for our kitchen and fellowship hall.
week (May 18). Our Coming of Age class (9th Horizon Players coordinated the potluck in grade) will be providing food for that. October. The Women’s Friendship in Growth (WFIG) Chalice Circle did it in November. The We are in the process of scheduling June Social Justice Task Force and Tree Trimming through December of 2014. Party volunteers have done it in December. The Men’s Support Group is scheduled for With our groups helping our church in this January, the Monday Wings Parenting modest way, the payoff is proving to be Chalice Circle is scheduled for February, and significant in terms of encouraging the Healthy Women’s Chalice Circle for community connection, welcoming everyone, March. The Membership Committee and the and empowering more people to take Young Adults Group have also agreed to host ownership. Sunday Potlucks. We will not have a Sunday Potluck in May because the second Sunday Thank you to everyone who has helped falls on Mother’s Day, and the Spring make the Sunday Potlucks possible. You have helped make Horizon a better place! Congregational meeting is the following
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January Line Dancing! Please join us January 11th, 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. for our monthly (2nd Saturday night) line dancing gettogether in the Horizon Fellowship Hall. We have a new “Club Line Dances� DVD. Everyone is welcome, male and female, any age, whether the dances are familiar or new to you. Various styles including country and hip-hop. No charge. Snacks and drinks to share are welcome!
LOST AND FOUND! Please contact administrator@horizonuu.org
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ARTIST ON THE HORIZON Jan Partin Images of Indochina December 12, 2013 – February 2, 2014
Jan Partin’s passion for photography emerged when her mother gave her a 35mm camera as a college graduation present. Over the years, Jan progressed from taking snapshots of family and friends to shooting award winning wildlife photographs that were shown all over the United States in Photographic Society of America exhibitions. For a time, her interest turned to wedding photography and outdoor portraiture. Currently, Jan creates fine art photography that includes nature, birds and other wildlife, old rusty automobiles, travel, and people from different cultures. Jan exhibits her work at art shows throughout the Dallas area and at her studio in the old Continental Gin Building in Deep Ellum. She is the Director of the TVAA Downtown Gallery in the Plaza of the Americas in downtown Dallas. The photographs that comprise Images of Indochina were taken last year while on a tour that included Bangkok, Thailand and a cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam on the Mekong River. Jan has always been drawn to all things Asian – the people, the cultures, the architecture, the food, the manner of dress, the art, etc. Having been a young adult at the time of the Vietnam War and having lost a cousin and a very special young man there, Jan approached Vietnam with mixed emotions. There and throughout Indochina she encountered gracious, welcoming people who, in spite of living in what we would consider poverty, embodied a level of grace, dignity, and joy we seldom see here at home. Jan fell in love with the people and their cultures. She hopes that these photographs convey in some small way the beauty, humanity, and spirit of these people, their cultures, their way of life, and their countries. It’s a great pleasure to exhibit Jan’s work. 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. 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.
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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! ===================================================================================================
Horizon’s Sunday Morning Journey Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. A new series begins January 12th. In this group, women of all ages practice deep sharing and supportive listening. Sessions are based on the book, Heart to Heart by Christine Robinson & Alicia Hawkins. Topics are listening, gratitude, balance, forgiveness, God, loss and grief, money, nature, success and failure, friendship, doubt, making peace with parents, sustainable living, rest and relaxation, and endings. Come join us! For more information or to sign up, contact chalicecircles@horizonuu.org. ===================================================================================================
CURIOUS ABOUT SCHEDULE? 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, email Dennis Hamilton at srminister@horizonuu.org or call 972-529-8187. You may also contact buddhists@horizonuu.org . The UU Christian Chalice Circle (uuchristians@horizonuu.org ) The UU Christian Chalice Circle provides a forum for enriching our spiritual lives through personal discovery of the heart, meaning, and tradition of Christianity. We gather monthly on the 1st Sunday at 9AM in the library for discussion, fellowship, and exploration. All those seeking to connect (or reconnect) to the beauty and wisdom of Christianity are welcome to attend. Email uuchristians@horizonuu.org The CineMat Group (cinemat@horizonuu.org ) The CineMat group will be meeting on the 4th Saturday every month. And it’s now a Chalice Circle!. This Chalice Circle gets together to see a movie and then goes to a coffee shop or restaurant to discuss and comment on it in a friendly circle over a cup of coffee or drink. People
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should call Meg Reed or Marga Gordon for more info, or email 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.! Healthy Women Chalice Circle (healthywomen@horizonuu.org ) A woman’s support group to help achieve their goals of health and fitness. Sharing of ideas and experiences in nutrition, weight loss, exercise and stress management. Men’s Saturday Support Group (mensgroup@horizonuu.org ) A men’s support group that includes a check-in and informal discussion of men’s issues regarding family, health, workplace, and relationships. Starts at 8AM The 2nd Tuesday Potluck Chalice Circle (secondtuesday@horizonuu.org ) This group meets for food, fellowship, and deepening friendships. They meet in the library 2nd Tuesday of most months at 12 noon. Occasionally we take a field trip instead of having a potluck lunch. Tuesday Wisdom Circle (tuesdaywisdom@horizonuu.org ) A chalice circle that offers a check-in and discussion of a weekly life issue topic selected by a group member. Parents – Forget Red Bull, WE’LL give you Wings! (every other Mon, 9a) (mondaywings@horizonuu.org ) WINGS Chalice Circle is a fun and friendly group whose purpose is to support the person within each parent by creating friendships and nurturing our intellect and creativity. The Women’s Friendship in Growth (WFIG) Chalice Circle (wfig@horizonuu.org) Meets on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. We welcome women of all ages to 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. Recent programs have included How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day, a night of Board Games, and TED talks on the Power of Vulnerability, Connected but Alone, and Body Language. We’d love to have you in our group! To find out more, contact Nancy Foreman or Sarah Roye at wfig@horizonuu.org. Young Adults Chalice Circle Contact YoungAdults@horizonuu.org for more details.
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Our Mission: Growing spiritually healthy people who promote love and justice in the world.
Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church
1641 W. Hebron Parkway • Carrollton, TX • 75010-6334 tel: (972) 492-4940 • fax: (972) 394-0570 http://www.horizonuu.org • facebook: Horizon UU • twitter: horizonuu • im: horizonuu
submissions by 12 Noon each Wednesday. to: the_week@horizonuu.org