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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
V12.01.13
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FUTURE SUNDAYS
Horizon encourages you to attend weekly worship here within your community, on Sundays at 10:30AM
December 2013 Theme: “Incarnation” December’s theme is “Incarnation” from incarnate-embodied in flesh. Traditional Christian theology says that the Father god impregnated a maiden and thus incarnated the divine into a human being. Some would say that all of us have a divine spark in us. Buddhism says we are “nobly born” and our task is to realize what that means and how to live it out. Our reflections this month should ask, “Am I realizing my own spark of divinity?” Even more critically, “What am I incarnating? Is it healthy or am I filling my soul with garbage?” And, “Am I standing in the way of my own divinity?”
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December 1, “I’ve Been Waiting for a Savior like You” - Rev. Rob Moore The calendar tells us it is time for Advent and Christmas. Advent is a time for waiting and preparation. Christian theology tells us we’re waiting and preparing for one Savior in particular. Perhaps instead we are really waiting and preparing for many saviors to come our way. Perhaps you are the savior someone else is waiting for. Come join us as we try to figure out how to be aware of the many saviors in our lives and how to awaken the savior within us for others. December 8, “Incarnation” - Lyssa Jenkens, Intern Minister It is Christmas and, once again, we will gather together to tell stories about the birth of a child called Jesus. Have you ever wondered why we would tell a story over and over, for two millennia, about a god that takes on human form as a helpless baby of very humble birth? A god that is eventually murdered by mortals? This is not the oldest story of divine incarnation but it is one of the more perplexing and provocative versions. On December 8, we will consider our fascination with incarnation in the Christmas story and others that span the ages from antiquity to current, popular culture. December 15, Choir Christmas Concert: John Rutter’s Gloria It is always a pleasure to hear our choir perform a great work at this holiday season. This year our Music Director, Stanley Moody has chosen John Rutter’s Gloria. This celebratory work will surprise you and give you a taste of the traditional. The accompaniment is trumpets, piano and percussion, so be prepared for a little bombast. John Rutter is a modern composer whose works are widely acclaimed and appreciated. December 22 “What Child Is This?” - Rev. Dennis Hamilton I remember singing “O Holy Night” at church as a boy soprano. Things were so simple then, and holy. Baby Jesus was a magic baby and the story, although odd, was compelling. I think that is when I became a leftist though, favoring the poor and being outraged at the Romans and the Pharisees for selling out and abusing the little people. The irony is that the Church was so much more like the Romans than the Holy Family. Who was this child? What did it all mean for our world? Where was the holy here?
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Chalice Jewelry - The perfect holiday gift! ChaliceArt will be at the church before and after services on Sunday, December 8 to sell beautiful chalice jewelry, including necklaces, rings, earrings, and lapel pins. ChaliceArt is owned by Bruce and Carolyn Cameron, former members of Horizon. They have graciously agreed to donate 25% of total sales to the Coming of Age class, to help fund their upcoming trip to Boston. Credit cards are accepted.
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Annual Thanksgiving Day Potluck Bring a dish to share and celebrate the feast with church friends Thursday, Nov 28 at 1 PM This event started in 1995 when Jane Roehl and Mat Matlock were searching for a way to celebrate Thanksgiving far from family. They decided it would be wonderful to invite other people who wanted to share the day to get together at church for the meal. It was a big hit and has been going on ever since! Some of the joys are that there are lots of choices for wonderful food and warmth to having friends to be with! $2 donation per family requested ====================================================================================
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COA TAMALE FUND RAISER
VISIT US SUNDAY DEC 1, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM Tamale sales for COA - RL - Table 6
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A Note from the DLRE * By Lauren Daniell dlre@horizonuu.org
Happy Thanksgiving From Lifespan Religious Education!
Last Sunday children in preschool, Kindergarten and first grade celebrated Thanksgiving in RE by making “Thankfulness Trees.” They drew pictures or wrote on leaves to make pretty fall displays to show for what they were grateful this holiday season. Below are some of their responses: I am thankful for boats –Jake, preschool …for my mom – Sophia, Kindergarten …for my pool and hot tub (anonymous) …for spiders and cats – Katie, preschool … for colors and rainbows
…for members of my family – Ms. Kim …for the Earth – Mira, preschool … for my family –Luke, preschool – Emory, preschool
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and take some time to reflect on what you’re thankful for this season. Yours in Faith, Lauren
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Children’s Chapel Sunday, December 1st 10:30-10:50 am Grades K-5 Portable #8
Heifer International Kick Off!
picture by benfranklincraftsmonroe.com
In Children’s Chapel this month student will learn about Heifer International and how they can help earn money for this worthy organization.
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UU Parenting Corner
This section of the newsletter is just for parents raising their children in the UU faith. Each month we will explore a topic relevant to raising children as UUs. November’s topic is “gratitude.” How can I teach my child to be more grateful for all he or she has? My collegue Kathy Smith, DRE at Community UU Church of Plano, addressed the same topic in her monthly newsletter column. Since Thanksgiving has become less about reflecting and feeling thankful for all the good in our lives, and more about football and Christmas shopping, her words ring true this holiday season:
Focus family attention more on relationships than objects. It’s paradoxical but true: the more things we have, the harder it can be for us to remember to be grateful for them. One family I know has a rule to “say no to buying things, say yes to doing things” – that is, they do not regularly purchase toys or other impulse buys, but they try to say yes as often as possible when a child asks to play a game, read a story, or cuddle on the couch. This is particularly important at gift-giving holidays – children’s attitudes and behaviors reflect the priorities of the adults in their lives. So downplay the presents and emphasize the activities – baking cookies, decorating the house, visiting family and friends, being part of the holiday pageant or Yule party. I hope your family will pause this holiday season and focus on what really counts relationships and memory making.
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Heifer International Fundraiser in RE in December
For the next few weeks, the children in each religious education class will discuss how Heifer gives a hand up instead of a handout to needy families. Recipient families learn sustainable farming practices and how to earn income from their gift. Heifer chooses animal with “seven M’s” value—they provide milk, meat, material, manure, muscle, money, and motivation. Heifer’s policy of passing on the gift means the animal’s offspring will be given to another family in the village in a cycle of empowerment that has been going on for over 65 years!
What can your child do? Let them raise money for Heifer by doing “chores for change” around the house. They can also check out www.heifer.org to learn more about Heifer!
How can you help? Have a conversation with your child about our UU values, including the inherent worth of each person and the importance of making the world a better place. You are your child’s most important teacher! Buy shares of animals to honor family, friends, and teachers, and lead by example—tell your family to buy you a share of a goat or honeybees as an alternative to just “more stuff” this holiday!
Contact Katie at 214-351-9816 or socialjustice@horizonuu.org. Thank you!
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Announcements: Children’s and Youth RE
No RE classes December 22nd and 29th There will be no formal RE classes these Sundays to give our students, families and hardworking teachers time to travel and spend with loved ones over the holidays. Tree Trimming Party and Heifer International Fundraiser December 8th after the service All are invited to the annual Tree Trimming Party which is also the kickoff for the Heifer International fundraising event. There will be a potluck lunch, ornament making, face painting, live music and visit by Santa for the little ones. Attention Youth: Gulf Coast Rally January 17-19, 2014 Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church in Houston Sign up information available soon Playground W 9am-12 noon
ork Day Saturday, January 25th
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. Sunday December 1st is the last day to bring in Your Empty Ink Cartridges for COA! Horizon member John Bloomer has challenged the congregation to bring in as many empty ink cartridges as possible. We get money for each cartridge donated. He will double the amount we receive up to $200. Ink cartridges can be dropped off in the black trashcan the kitchen labelled “Ink Cartridge Recycling.”
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Upcoming dates for Children’s and Youth Religious Education
December 1st: Children’s Chapel, grades K-5, 10:30-10:50, Portable #8 “Christmas with Heifer International” December 8th: (Sunday) Tree Trimming Party, 12-3 pm December 22nd: NO RE classes, Preschool – 12th grade December 24th: Christmas Eve service December 29th: No RE classes, Preschool-12th grade December 29th: Children’s Chapel grades K-8, 10:30-11:00 “It’s a New Year!” January 5th: RE classes resume, Preschool-12th grade January 17-19th: Youth Rally at Emerson UU-Houston January 24-26th: Jr./Sr. High OWL training, The Woodlands January 25th: Playground work day (Saturday) 9am-12pm February 1st: RE teacher appreciation dinner, Temple Beth Shalom (Dallas)
Ends this Sunday! >>
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Adult Religious Education
Horizon offers its adults many ways to deepen their faith, from our on-going Adult Religious Explorations Forum on Sunday mornings to classes during the week, such as Articulating Your UU Faith and Building Your Own Theology. Here are the courses currently running. First Wednesdays with Rev. Dennis Hamilton, Lyssa Jenkens and Lauren Daniell 7-9 pm (6:30 brown bag supper) December 4 - Incarnating The first Wednesday evening of the month will be a time for us to gather together to explore our monthly themes in depth. After a short vespers service, we’ll break into groups to discuss how these themes wend their ways through our lives and our Unitarian Universalist faith. Building Your Own Theology with JuLane Mondays 7-9 pm until December 9 Enrollment capped at 12: julane@judithlane.com The Building Your Own Theology course invites each of us to develop our own religious understanding and a deeper sense of what each of us, individually, believes and values. The BYOT class will also help you develop a deeper understanding of Unitarian Universalism. Adult Religious Explorations Sunday mornings, 9:00-10:15 am Horizon Library This Sunday morning gathering is a forum for different ideas and beliefs to help our members explore their spirituality. It features a wide variety of speakers from both in and outside of Horizon, and topics vary from the spiritual to the ethical, to discussions about current events or books. Please refer to the special Adult Religious Explorations section in the newsletter to see this month’s topics.
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First Wednesdays
“Incarnating”
Wednesday, December 4th 7-9 pm To “incarnate” means to embody in flesh. Traditional Christian theology says that a maiden conceived and gave birth to Jesus, and thus incarnated the divine into a human being. Some would say that all of us have a divine spark in us. Buddhism says we are “nobly born” and our task is to realize what that means and how to live it out. Our reflections this month should ask, “Am I realizing my own spark of divinity?” Even more critically, “What am I incarnating? Is it healthy or am I filling my soul with rubbish?” And, “Am I standing in the way of my own divinity?” Join the Rev. Dennis Hamilton, Lyssa Jenkens and Lauren Daniell 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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CALENDAR: What’s Going On At Horizon? SUNDAY DECEMBER 1 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM UU Christian Fellowship / Study - E3 - Library 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CAYRE - Child Care - S1 - Nursery 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM Tamale sales for COA - RL - Lobby / Narthex, TOH - Table 6 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM Library Ministry - Open for Browsing - E3 - Library 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Main Worship - SH - Sanc. 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM Retirement Planning party - S2 - Class 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM After Church Lunch Bunch -- All Are Welcome! - Other – Offsite
MONDAY DECEMBER 2 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Wings Chalice Circle - E3 - Library, KI - Kitch, S1 - Nursery 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Yoga - P1 - Lg 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM SMART Recovery - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Building Your Own Theology Class - P2 - Couch 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Pastoral Caregivers Meeting - MO - Minister's Office
TUESDAY DECEMBER 3 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Buddhist Sangha - P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Tuesday Wisdom Circle - E3 – Library
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Library Ministry - E3 - Library 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Trailblazers Education and Support Group - FH - Fellowship Hall 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM First Wednesdays - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Wellspring 2013/14 - Wednesday Group - P2 - Couch
THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM Restorative Yoga - P1 - Lg 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
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Candlelighters - FH - Fellowship Hall 6:15 PM - 9:00 PM (Horizon Cal.)
SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM UDV - Church Rental
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SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMUNITY TASK FORCE INVITES YOU TO HELP LOCAL FAMILIES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON #1 WORK IN THE HOLIDAY STORE Sunday December 15th from 12:30p to 3:00pm o Store Location: 2661 Midway Road, Suite 216 Trinity Mills, Carrollton o Volunteers (14) will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis by contacting Victoria Simmons – victorias@bvk.com or 425-802-0743. ***If there is enough demand, we could pick up a second shift. If you are interested in finding other days and times that might work better for you as an individual, you can sign up online at the link below and peruse all MSS volunteer opportunities: https://app.volunteer2.com/Public/SignUp?organizationGUID=3a971fdbae71-4b7b-8550-e66ab433f09c&signupFormId=1 #2 DONATE TOYS, COATS, FOOD OR PRE-MADE FOOD BOXES The following items can be dropped off in the METROCREST boxes in the lobby of the Church from Dec 1st through Dec 15th. A PRE-MADE HOLIDAY BOX: Put all the following items into the food box: o o o o o o o
2 cans green beans 1 or 2 lb. sugar 1 can corn 1 box of Jell-O/pudding 1 can fruit 1 can pumpkin 1 can meat/chili/canned pasta with meat o 1can tuna/salmon/seafood o 1can tomato product o 2 ramen/cup of soup/instant soup packets
o 2 cans of protein beans (pinto, kidney, black, etc) o 1 box stuffing o 2 cans soups (1 broth/tomato/chicken noodle + 1 primo**) o 1 box/bag plain pasta o 1 jar peanut butter o 1 box/bag of flavored rice/instant potatoes/Hamburger Helper o 2 boxes macaroni and cheese o 1 bag of plain rice
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ART ON THE HORIZON Nov 17 – Dec 29 Art on the Horizon is featuring the art of local area Unitarian Universalists in a group exhibition. The show will run from November 17 thru December 29. The work of fourteen artists is represented, displaying works in painting, photography, mixed media, fabric print and jewelry. Most work is for sale with 20% commission going to Horizon Church. We are fortunate to have so many talented artists who have shared their work for our enjoyment. Art on the Horizon Committee: Marianna Seaton, Linda Alred, Nikki Henderson Synaptic Plasticity 1, Acrylic; Wendy Marceron, Artist
September Journey, Oil Pastel on Paper; Kelly Bartlett
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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 2 nd 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 Adult Chalice Circle Principled Commitment has been postponed until a later date. Contact YoungAdultCouples@horizonuu.org for more details.
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Lively Line Dancing! Forget your cares and join Nancy Foreman & Tina Ulakovic December 14th in a fun night of line dancing, 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. in the Horizon Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome, male and female, any age, whether the dances are familiar or new to you. Fuel for dancing (snacks and drinks) will be provided. The cost for this event will be $5 per adult as it was first offered as an auction event benefitting Horizon. Kids dance free! Line dancing will continue in 2014 on the 2nd Saturday evening of the month. These events will be free and participants will bring snacks to share.
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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 submissions by 12 Noon each Wednesday. to: the_week@horizonuu.org