page 1 of 24
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
V3.03.14
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 1 of 24
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 2 of 24
page 2 of 24
Contemplations * Rev. Dennis Hamilton * srminister@horizonuu.org
In Thomas Moore’s book, Care of the Soul, he quotes Marsilio Ficino, a 15th century philosopher, who differentiated between the spirit and the soul, or rather, the spiritual and the soulful. I’m afraid the term “spiritual” has often been contrasted to “religion” and muddies the issue. By “spiritual” Moore and Ficino are referring to a disconnected state of mind. Moore’s point is that religion that is up in the clouds is not connected to the soul. For Ficino, the spirit was ephemeral, existing in the mind. The soul was made of flesh and blood, or was the connector between the heart and the head. Presaging neurobiologists, Ficino said, "If there were only two things in the world, mind and body, but no soul, then the mind would not be involved with the body, because it is fixed and emotionless and very distant from physical life. Nor would the body have anything to do with the mind, because by itself it is inept and powerless. It is also far removed from the mind. But if soul is placed between these two, adjusted to the nature of each, then one would easily become involved with the other." (p. 15) We don’t plant things in the air, nor do we find real love in an idea. We can avoid living soulfully all our lives. But we will be disconnected to the pathos of the world. We will be more likely to turn away from the pain of living and we will be disappointed in life lived shallowly. All of the wise ones that I heed tell us to turn toward pain, not away. Embrace the whole soulful reality of life. See the victims of war and poverty and abuse. Recognize the injustice, the privilege, and the meanness that is found in the world. And then plant seeds of mercy, of compassion, of justice. To be a healing presence to another we must be willing to be present to them, to listen to them, to see them, to care about them. It is said that we become what we feed. If we practice hatred and cynicism we will end up a miserable person living off of other’s suffering. If we plant kindness and generosity in the world we will discover that we are surrounded by kindness and generosity. It isn’t magic. It is the result of living soulfully.
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 3 of 24
page 3 of 24
Rumi says, The Guest House This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture. Still treat each guest honorably, he may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
(Source: Rumi, 13th century Sufi poet from the tradition of Islam)
This is connected and courageous living. May we ask ourselves what we are planting, seeds of discontent or healing herbs? And are we really connected to our soulful bodies? This month we will explore what has been planted in America and what is being planted in our own hearts and minds.
Faithfully, Dennis
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 4 of 24
page 4 of 24
FUTURE SUNDAYS
Horizon encourages you to attend weekly worship here within your community, on Sundays at 10:30AM
Future Sundays March Theme: Planting March 2, “Planting Seeds of Discontent” - Rev. Dennis Hamilton There is a scourge of hatred in our land. It isn’t just coming from a small extremist group like the KKK or some survivalist group. It is coming from AM radio, as it always has, but also from very well-funded web sites and worst of all, from Fox News, which has been fomenting hatred and distrust for the president and government of the United States. When the Nazis began their hate campaign in Germany most people bought into it to some degree but they really had no idea what poison was being injected into Germany’s soul. Do we take this parallel poisoning of America seriously? March 9, “UU Treasures” Horizon Players take the stage for a dramatic look at what UUs treasure. When Horizon Players is afoot, expect something special -- expect the unexpected!
March 16 “Planting Wild Flowers” - Rev. Dennis Hamilton Lady Bird Johnson softened the landscape of Texas by planting millions of wild flowers. She said, “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” Others have planted weeds among the flowers. What do we do to combat the hatred, the blame and hypocrisy? How do we weed our garden, till the soil and plant seeds of hope, seeds of justice, and seeds of happiness? How do we do it without losing our own souls in the process?
March 23, “Blooming Where You Are Planted” - Mary Kay Hamilton We are not always where we expected or wanted to be. But wherever we are there is opportunity. I never thought I would learn to love being in Texas, but the closer I am to leaving, the more I discover I have deeper roots here than I imagined. Horizon has been fertile ground for me to grow and bloom.
March 30, “Planting Horizon” - Lyssa Jenkens, Intern Minister Church start-ups have the same slim odds of survival as any non-profit or small business, maybe even less among UU churches. Yet, Horizon has prospered in the 27 years since it was planted to serve the northwestern suburbs of Dallas. What conditions conspired to make this so? And, what is the yield of this success?
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 5 of 24
page 5 of 24
Thank You to These Families Who Turned in Pledge Cards as of Feb. 20th! If your name is not listed, please turn your card in quickly. Cards are available at the Welcome Center, in the office or on our website. Thank you for your gift! We have raised $261,008 so far (80% of our goal)! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.
Terri Allison Linda Alred Marc Amberson Betty Andrade Robin Anstead Judy Bailey Beth Bargar and Randy Lisbona Katie Barnes Erin Beach Ted Belden Ellen Bell and Dale Moon Mary Bittle John Bloomer Kim Bolin Charles Boyd Ellen Bratton and Floyd McGlothlin Patti and Jerry Burns Susan and Peter Campagna Roxanne and David Cassard Lisa Casto and Joel Woiton Sarah and Brian Chadderdon Elaine Commins Gay and Ron Cox Betty and Dan Crane Lauren Daniell Kay and Kent Darwin Eileen Dashiell Jocelyn and David Dunham Kristin Eoff Jolene Fee Nancy and Grant Foreman Carol Franzen and Steve Klarer Deb and Eric Freeman Greg Gent Peggy and John Gill Beth and David Ginez Rebecca Ginez Marga Gordon Leonard Greer Sonnie Greer
41. Elizabeth Gustwick and Diana Bracken 42. Marie Hansen 43. Courtney Harris and P.J. Blanco 44. Robin and Chad Hebert 45. Peter Hendee 46. Nikki Henderson 47. Kim Higgins 48. Neera and Steve Jackson 49. Suzanne and Dave Johnsen 50. Neysa Johnson and Steve Tryon 51. Kimberly and Charlie Jones 52. Marte and Ed Keller 53. Diane and Jon Kiser 54. Lisa Krishnan 55. Judith Lane 56. David Laubach 57. Alita and Glen Lichtenwalter 58. Lucy Lockwood 59. Lisa Lungren 60. Peggy and Jay Luippold 61. Karyn Maynard 62. Carolyn and Bruce McClung 63. Jan McDowell 64. Madira and Michael McKee 65. Loraine McNeill 66. Eddie Meaders 67. Jamie and Rob Moore 68. Carolyn Moore 69. Bill Moore 70. Mary Morris and Rowland Harvey 71. Sandy and Mark Morris 72. Bobbi and John Myers 73. Kapi Nance 74. Karen and Acie Nobles 75. Camilla Norder 76. Nancy and Toni Nori 77. Nelta and Larry Owen 78. Menaca and Bhaskar Padakandla 79. Megan and Spencer Peacock
80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96.
Ann Pettit Sandy and Dan Pierce Marcia Raines Sue Ridnour Walter Riley Marty Robinson Patsy and Gordon Roe Jane Roehl Maria Rojas Sarah and Dave Roye Lynn and Scott Schulns Pam Schuman Beth and Walter Simmons Shanna Sims-Bradish Rachel Smith Mackedie and Warren Spiker Beth Blake-Hedges Sproat and Alan Sproat 97. Sandy and Guy Steele 98. Rosie and Adam Stolfi 99. Holly and Todd Stout 100. Jim Sturdivant 101. Steven Sturdivant 102. Wendy Sue 103. Bunny and Bob Summerlin 104. Kent Taylor 105. Christy and Chris Thompson 106. Lindsay Tinnin and David Turner 107. Cindy and Alan Treece 108. Ruth and Steve Trudeau 109. Peter Turla 110. Gisele and Ron Turner 111. Tina Ulakovic 112. Debbi Wagner-Johnson and Jeff Johnson 113. Beth and John Webb 114. Marty and Janna Wertheim 115. Candance and Thomas Williams 116. Nancy and Jim Yank
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 6 of 24
page 6 of 24
Exploring Horizon Thinking about becoming a member? Join us for these upcoming classes: How Do U Fit into UU? Saturday, March 22 With Marianna Seaton and Membership Committee 10:30am 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 Sunday, March 23 With Rev. Dennis Hamilton 12:30pm 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.
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 7 of 24
page 7 of 24
Share the Plate News
Horizon has a collection for non-profit organizations once a month during our worship service.
Adult Religious Explorations Contact: are@horizon.org
Sunday mornings 9:00 – 10:10 am Horizon Library
March 2, 2014
Peggy Gill Kidnapped by the Christian Right Discarded by the Secular Left. Jesus Need saving. Peggy will facilitate the class on “Saving Jesus: Teachings of Jesus: Wisdom and Tradition.” (Lesson 4 in 12 part series.
March 9, 2014
Candace Williams “A Novel Experience” Candace will share her experiences in writing, editing, querying agents, and working with publishers to achieve a life-long dream: the publication of her first novel, “The Earthquake Doll”. There will be time for discussion, questions and answers.
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 8 of 24
page 8 of 24
A Note from the DLRE * By Lauren Daniell * dlre@horizonuu.org
New Adult Religious Education class begins this Tuesday, March 4th
Spirit in Practice with Helena (Tina) Ulakovic
Organizational meeting Tuesday, March 4th 7:30 pm (please look for signs in lobby to direct you to meeting room)
Which of these can be considered a spiritual practice?
a. Tai Chi b. knitting c. jogging d. meditation e. composting f. playing an instrument g. All of the above
The answer was g, “all of the above.� Surprised? If you are unsure of what a spiritual practice is, or would like to explore other types of spiritual disciplines from the ones you are already participating in, then you will enjoy Spirit in Practice. Join Helena to explore the rich diversity of ways to not only enrich your soul, but your life.
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 9 of 24
page 9 of 24
Bake Sale to benefit:
Planned Parenthood This Sunday, March 2 Horizon Lobby
Sponsored by the UU middle school students of North Texas
Last weekend, Unitarian Universalist sixth, seventh and eighth graders from all over North Texas gathered at Horizon for a weekend of learning , fun and fellowship. They focused on Social Justice issues and experienced the democratic process by brainstorming, researching and voting on a charity to support. The charity they chose was Planned Parenthood. Please help them continue their lesson by purchasing some treats they prepared or donating to Planned Parenthood during their fundraising event.
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 10 of 24
page 10 of 24
Announcements: Children’s and Youth RE Registration ends today, February 28th Bridger’s Lunch for High School Seniors/18 year olds March 2nd, 12:30-2:00pm Our eighteen year olds and graduating high school seniors are invited to a pizza lunch in the Horizon library on Sunday, March 2nd from 12:302:00 pm. You’ll meet your fellow bridgers, learn a little about the Bridging process and start looking at life from the perspective of a young adult, all in preparation for the Bridging Ceremony April 27th. Please contact Lauren to rsvp: dlre@horizonuu.org
9th Grade Carwash – March 16th Come get your car washed on Sunday, March 16th and help support our 9th grade Coming of Age class earn money towards their heritage trip to Boston this summer.
Save the date…
North Texas Youth Rally Community UU in Plano April 11-13th (Friday pm-Sunday am) Registration information coming March 3
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 11 of 24
page 11 of 24
Parents, do you have an artist at your house?
Child and Teen Art Show at Horizon Reserve your child’s spot by March 15th Would you like to see your child’s art on display in the sanctuary? Art on the Horizon will sponsor a Horizon child and teen art show in mid-April. Any child of a Horizon member may submit a piece/pieces if a parent or guardian contacts dlre@horizonuu.org by March 15th.
UU Summer Opportunities for All Ages Here is a short listing of camps, trips, and events for UU families and single adults. Click on the links for more information
Summer Activities For Families and Adults General Assembly (“GA”) Providence, Rhode Island June 25-29, 2014 www.uua.org/ga/travel/12631.shtml photo by Mircrosoft
SWUUSI: Southwest UU Summer Institute Western Hills Guest Ranch near Hubert, Oklahoma July 20-25, 2014 http://www.swuuc.org/
Mississippi Civil Rights Tour with the UU College of Social Justice various locations in Mississippi July 5-12, 2014 Rising 10th graders-adult http://uucsj.org/youth/civil-rights-journey/ for more information
Camp U-Bar-U Work Week Kerrville, Texas June15-21, 2014 for families and individuals http://www.ubaru.org/home/Events/SummerCamp/tabid/1434/Default.aspx
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 12 of 24
page 12 of 24
Summer Opportunities For Youth Camp-U-Bar-U Kerrville, Texas Junior Camp, July 6-12, 2014 for rising 7th-9th graders Senior Camp, July 13-19, 2014 for 9th-12th graders and those just graduated from h.s http://www.ubaru.org/home/Events/SummerCamp/tabid/1434/Default.aspx
Camp Murray June 15-21, 2014 Lake Murray, Oklahoma Rising 9th- high school seniors who just graduated http://campmurray.org For more information, email Ann McDermott, youth director Amcd56@sbcglobal.net
Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice Youth Justice Training New Orleans July 12—20, 2014 Boston July 19—August 1, 2014 Seattle: dates TBA Rising 10th – high school seniors who just graduated http://uucsj.org/youth/
UU Summer Camp For Children Camp U-Bar-U Kerrville, Texas June 29-July 5, 2014 rising 3-6 graders http://www.ubaru.org/home/Events/SummerCamp/tabid/1434/Default.aspx
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 13 of 24
page 13 of 24
Upcoming Events for Children and Youth
March 2nd: Children’s Chapel grades K-5, 10:30-10:50 am, Portable Bldg. #8 March 2nd: Bridgers’ pizza lunch, 12:30-2:00pm March 9th: Spring Break schedule begins. No classes preschool-5th grade. Childcare available for children up to 5 years old. Children invited to attend the service. Have a great spring break! March 16th: No classes preschool-5th grade. Childcare available for children up to 5 years old. Special social justice charity activity for children 6-12 years of age. Teens welcome to lend a helping hand. Portable Bldg. #8 March 16th: Coming of Age Carwash during the service March 23rd: Classes resume for all children and youth, preschool-12th grade April 4-5th: (Friday pm-Saturday am) OWL lock in #2 April 6th: Annual YRUU Service - Youth conduct Sunday service April 11-13th: (Fri-Sun) North Texas Youth Rally, Community UU Church in Plano April 18th: (Friday) Passover Seder April 20th: Easter Egg Hunt, nursery – 5th grade April 27th: Bridging Ceremony for high school seniors during the service with reception following. May 4th: 9th Grade Coming of Age Credo service
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 14 of 24
page 14 of 24
Announcements: Adult Religious Education Begins this Tuesday night! “Spirit in Practice” with Helena (Tina) Ulakovic Organizational meeting Tuesday, March 4th 7:30 pm
What is a spiritual practice? Do you have one? “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, with other people, and with their inner selves.
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 15 of 24
page 15 of 24
“A Long Strange Trip: The Complete Video Guide to Unitarian Universalist History” with Lauren Daniell and guests
Part II – The Birth of Unitarianism (1553 - 1794)
************************************ Two showings: Sunday, March 9th 12:30-2:00 pm OR Horizon Library
Wednesday, March 12th 7:30-9:00pm Fellowship Hall
************************************ The second installment chronicles those who carried on Servetus’ message after his martyrdom, primarily Faustus Socinus and Georgio Biandrata, and how they carried his message forward to religious liberals in Poland and Transylvania. It documents the influence of Servetus, Socinus, Dávid Ferenc, and various Polish Unitarians on the early English religious liberals such as John Biddle and Thomas Emlyn, and the work of Theophilus Lindsey and Joseph Priestley in forming an organized English Unitarianism. It discusses the split between the Arian and Socinian Unitarians in England. It mentions the early feminist work of the Unitarian Mary Wollstonecraft and concludes with the emigration of Joseph Priestley from England to America in 1794. The same segment will be shown twice to accommodate members’ schedules. Close-captioned. Reserve childcare at childcare@horizonuu.org
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 16 of 24
page 16 of 24
First Wednesdays “Planting� Wednesday, March 5th 7-9 pm - Fellowship Hall
picture by Microsoft
What will you be investing in this spring? Your family? Your soul? What will we be planting in society? Love? Justice? Compassion? We reap what we plant. Can we be boldly honest with ourselves and see what seeds we have been planting? 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
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 17 of 24
page 17 of 24
HORIZON NEEDS
YOU! ************************************ This is your opportunity to serve Horizon by being on the Board or Nominating Committee for 2014-2016.
************************************ It takes committed, energetic, inventive and fun loving people to serve on the Horizon Board. Is that you?
Applications are eagerly being accepted.
Contact Mary Morris at mmorris143@verzion.net for an application and further information. ************************************ Deadline is March 24, 2014.
************************************
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 18 of 24
page 18 of 24
CALENDAR: What’s Going On At Horizon? SUNDAY MARCH 2 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM UU Christian Fellowship / Study - 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. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM After Church Lunch Bunch -- All Are Welcome! - Other - Offsite 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Bridging Seniors Luncheon - E3 - Library 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Wellspring 2013/14 - P2 – Couch
MONDAY MARCH 3 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Polling Location – Setup 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Wings Chalice Circle - E3 - Library, KI - Kitch, S1 - Nursery 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM SMART Recovery - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Pastoral Caregivers Meeting - MO - Minister's Office
TUESDAY MARCH 4 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Carrollton Voting Day – HORIZON UU Polling Location 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Buddhist Sangha - P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Tuesday Wisdom Circle - E3 - Library
WEDNESDAY MARCH 5 Ash Wednesday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Library Ministry - E3 - Library 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM First Wednesdays - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Bridge Class - P1 - Lg 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Wellspring 2013/14 - Wednesday Group - P2 - Couch
THURSDAY MARCH 6 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 Healthy Women Chalice Circle; New Beginnings Chalice Circle - E3 - Library
FRIDAY MARCH 7 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Candlelighters - FH - Fellowship Hall
SATURDAY MARCH 8 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Rental - Isha Institute - FH - Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Volunteer at Metrocrest Social Services Food Pantry - Offsite 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM HP DRESS REHEARSAL - SH - Sanc. 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Line Dancing - FH - Fellowship Hall
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 19 of 24
page 19 of 24
After Church Lunch Locations 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”. March 2nd: Olive Garden: Italian. 2418 S Stemmons Parkway, Lewisville, TX 75067. Fresh garlic breadsticks, homemade soup or salad. Attentive staff, pleasant atmosphere. $$ http://www.olivegarden.com March 9th: All Church Potluck: Everyone welcome! Horizon’s potlucks provide an opportunity to get to know others and be with our church community. We appreciate your bringing a bit more than needed for our families, allowing us to offer this hospitality to all members, visitors, and friends. Thank you to the Sunday Morning Journey Group for coordinating this month! March 16th: Secret Recipe Asian Bistro: 1404 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75010. Excellent Pan-Asian Cuisine (Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Malaysian). Large variety of choices. Fresh food, good service and prices. Casual atmosphere. $ http://www.secretrecipetx.com March 23rd: Grill 19: 1640 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75010. Creative American Cuisine. Voted “Best Dining Facility/Food and Best Service in 2012" by Avid Golfer Magazine. Lovely back patio view, large portions, and reasonable prices. Across Hebron from Horizon. $$ http://www.coyoteridgegolfclub.com/sites/courses/layout9.asp?id=584&page=30730 March 30th: Nico’s Cocina Mexican Grill: 3065 N Josey Ln, Carrollton, TX 75007. Delicious and plentiful Sunday buffet with many choices including Belgian waffles and omelets made to order. Fun atmosphere. Accommodating wait staff. $$ http://www.nicoscocinamexicana.com
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 20 of 24
page 20 of 24
ART ON THE HORIZON In Retrospect: Scratching the Surface Paintings, monoprints, and drawings Laurie Weller * February 23 – March 30, 2014
Scratch: verb. 1.a. To make a shallow cut or mark with something sharp.
Surface: noun. 1.a. The outer or topmost boundary of an object. b. A material layer, constituting such a boundary 2.
The superficial or outward appearance of anything.
Stratagraphic use of color and transparency are very important elements in my work. The paintings and drawings demonstrate my interest in anthropology and archeology, and use burying and overlapping to display these concepts visually. A sense of space and the passage of time is indicated by the way that the spaces in the overlapping layers expose the history of the layers underneath. In some of the images this is achieved illusionistically, and in others, I use collage in a literal manner to created overlapping images. None of my work is formally visualized at the outset. The paintings work outward from the surface in layers that I change with each mark, unclear as to intent, until the last mark is made. I sometimes feel that I am blindly making gestures with color, intuitively creating order out of a kind of chaos. When all the elements within my work make a kind of order, the piece is finished. It is easier to describe a finished piece than the process of finishing it. When I find that the drawing or painting involves an interesting complex structure of dominant and subordinate elements, (i.e., relationships of marks to marks, color to color, activity to static shape) then it is considered complete. If one were to unearth the layers in my work one would find many different paintings, only parts of which are revealed in the top layer. Some works are added to, erased, sewn on top of, painted over, scraped off, before the final “state” is achieved. Each painting is a separate evolution of the editing and re-editing of these various states. The pieces either develop self-referentially, or grow out of visual experience. For example, “Night Thorns and Fireflies” is inspired on a visual level by cactus and fireflies. Thorns and light are two kinds of
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 21 of 24
page 21 of 24
visual marks that I respond to, in terms of formal visual vocabulary. Personal symbolic significance is also attached to these “marks”. My interest was not to imitate nature, but to abstract certain characteristics and refer to these while developing my own statement. Experiences serve as information to nibble on, and sometimes feast on, in the creation of an image from the blank paper. The first thing that I do while working is to cover the paper with color. Rarely do I use the same colors or apply them in the same way in the beginning of the works. As a work is developed, applying layers of paint, paper, pastels, thread, or using other mark-making implements, I recall various experiences. These are often visual, yet not exclusively. Other sensory stimuli include music, food (color, texture, spice) and even include my empathetic response to squirming maggots I once watched a fisherman use for bait. These memories, sometimes supplemented by photographs, become the references from which the work is abstracted. From this warehouse of images I extract and evolve new images and relationships. This was my first statement, written in 1980. I have found throughout my years of painting that the words are often relevant. I am pushing different boundaries, layering in different ways, responding to different tunes, for many of the same reasons. I feel that I have only begun to “Scratch the Surface” and look forward to discovering where this work will lead me.
Laurie Weller
It’s a great pleasure to exhibit Laurie’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.
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 22 of 24
page 22 of 24
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!
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, e-mail Dennis Hamilton at srminister@horizonuu.org or call 972-529-8187. 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 re-connect) to the beauty and wisdom of Christianity are welcome to attend. 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 should call Meg Reed or Marga Gordon for more info, or email cinemat@horizonuu.org.
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 23 of 24
page 23 of 24
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.
the_week@horizonuu the_week@horizon v05.13.12page 24 of 24
page 24 of 24