the_week@horizonuu a publication of horizon unitarian universalist church * Sept 7, 2014.
PUBLISHED WEEKLY
VOLUME 14, ISSUE V.9.7.14.
The_Week@HorizonUU Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church Carrollton, TX 75010 FOR SUBMISSIONS EMAIL: the_week @horizonuu.org
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Every Wednesday
TO SUBSCRIBE OR TO SEND QUESTIONS, CONTACT: EMAIL Administrator @horizonuu.org
PHONE: (972) 492-4940
WEB SITE: www.horizonuu.org
PHOTOS: Horizon Staff STOCK PHOTOS: www.123rf.com
Weekly Service: Sundays 10:30 AM
Future Sundays: Sept 7, 2014 A Gathering of the Waters Rev. Helen Carroll Many UU congregations have an annual tradition of celebrating a Gathering of the Water Service early in September as a ritual of welcoming members of the congregation to a new church year. As we gather this Sunday, bring a small sample of water from one of the places you enjoyed this summer. We’ll collect the water – from near and far – as a way of celebrating and returning.
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Horizon News
If you have not received an invitation to attend a neighborhood group meeting with Rev. Helen Carroll, you should receive one soon. The Transition Team is busy setting up these neighborhood meetings so that Rev. Helen will be able to meet and speak with all members of the Horizon Congregation. This will be a time for you to get to know our interim minister and to give your opinions and ideas about what Horizon should be doing during the next couple of years. The Transition Team is composed of Julane, Patsy Roe, Madira McKee, M. C. Meador, Acie Nobles, and Beth Bargar.
Several weeks ago, Bruce McClung resigned as President of the Board of Trustees, citing personal reasons. On behalf of the congregation, I extend heartfelt thanks for the gifts and talents he has freely given in service to this community. Though no longer on the Board, we may all look forward to his continued presence and participation as a Horizon member. In accordance with the by-laws, John Gill has agreed to serve as Acting President for the remainder of the program year. He, too, brings many talents and a deep commitment to the congregation and we are, indeed, fortunate to have such depth of leadership to draw from. Many thanks to John for serving when called. Rev. Helen Carroll
Let it Be a Dance Okay, maybe not exactly a dance. I’m filling in the schedule for worship associates for the upcoming months and looking for folks who are interested in sharing the worship service with me. Tempted, but unsure what’s required? Curious, but afraid of public speaking? Convinced and ready to sign-up. Please contact me by e-mail or phone (interimminister@horizonuu.org or 805-459-9696) with questions, dates, interest or just to say hello. Rev. Helen Carroll
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FROM THE MINISTER
mUUsings Greetings from your interim minister.
Family, furniture, pets and stuff have followed me across the country to settle in a new home in Lewisville. I am mostly unpacked, mostly moved in, mostly acquainted with local amenities and mostly ready to begin a new year. To all of you who have extended warm greetings and helpful hints, my deepest thanks. As a church community you are growing and stretching. This year, you will continue the work of nurturing one another, being a witness and instrument for social justice, and exploring your ethical and spiritual connections. Together new members and friends join old-timers on committees, in worship and religious exploration, and over casual coffee and conversation. There is much to celebrate. And still, change is in the air. How could it be otherwise? With the ending of a successful longterm ministry, you are continuing a time of transition – a time for looking deeply at your history and becoming clear about who you are. That kind of reflection will lead to shifts. There will be changes in what you do and how you do it. Likely, there will be new hands for old tasks as well as familiar voices in new roles. The connection to the wider Unitarian Universalist world will strengthen. Yet, most exciting of all is the commitment to new leadership and a new future that will come out of this transition time.
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FROM THE MINISTER
mUUsings Loren Mean wrote, “It is one thing to hire a new pastor. It is quite another thing for a congregation to enter a commitment to a new ordained leader and the possibility of new tasks and missions.” It will take all of us, working together, to help Horizon grow into a new vision for the next ministry. Hard, exciting, fun, exhausting, exhilarating work! All this change is both invigorating and exhausting, sometimes rewarding and sometimes unsettling. Growth is like that – a combination of embracing strengths, working through challenges and moving into the next stage. May we begin this time of transition patient with one another, remembering the past, honoring the present, and envisioning the future. Faithfully, Helen 972-492-4940 interimminister@horizonuu.org Note: My regular office hours are 10 – 1, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Other times are available by appointment. My day off is Monday.
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LIFESPAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS by Lauren Daniell dlre@horizonuu.org blog: www.horizonuu.org/dre/ Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/horizonuu/
Worshipping Together as a Congregation: An Invitation to Adults and Children to participate in this Sunday’s service This Sunday is a special intergenerational service at Horizon. Not only is it Water Communion, a time when Unitarian Universalists gather in community after a long summer, but we will be worshipping for the first time with our new interim minister, Rev. Helen Carroll. Sunday’s service will be in the format of a story based on “The Snowflake” by Neil Waldman. The story is multi-faceted and contains many layers of meaning for all ages to enjoy. I hope to see you Sunday as we begin a new church year at Horizon.
Thanks to all who helped at Splash Day last Sunday
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CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Splash Day 2014 was a rousing success! Thanks to all who helped set up, supervise, serve refreshments and clean up. Our annual water fun day was attended by over 50 children ages 1-13 and a good time was had by all.
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CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Upcoming Social Nights for Children in September Your elementary school children ages 6-12 are invited to some back to the school year fun at Horizon. “Almost Sleepover” Grades K-5 Friday, September 12th 5-11pm; Portable Bldg. Horizon children ages 6-10 are invited to an evening of fun to kick off the new school year with an Almost Sleepover in the Portable Building from 5-11pm. We’ll have some pizza and games, spend some time on the playground and watch a movie together. Come dressed in play clothes and bring a pillow, a sleeping bag and some pajamas. Reserve your spot by Wednesday, September 10th by emailing Lauren Daniell. Preregistration required. Middle School Social Night Ages 11-13 Friday, September 17th 5-11pm; Portable Bldg. Our middle school class is invited to a beginning of the church year party. We’ll have some pizza, play games to get to know one another, start planning a service project and watch movies. Reserve your child’s spot by Wednesday September 17th by emailing dlre@horizonuu.org
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Fall Classes for Children and Teens begin September 14th Our regular church year classes will begin in just a few weeks. Our fall theme is “Living as a UU.” Here is a sneak peek at what Horizon children and youth will study: Preschool: Chalice Children Chalice Children helps young children learn about their church and congregation, celebrates the friendships they have here, and inspires the wonder of learning and imagining. During the year, they will learn about the traditions, people and places of Horizon. Throughout the year they will receive special visits from their “Big BUUddies” from the middle school class. Kindergarten and 1st Grade: Creating Home The program speaks of home as a place of belonging and explores the roles each of us play in the homes where we live. The program introduces the concept of a "faith home" — the congregation — which shares some characteristics with a family home. Like a family home, a faith home offers its members joy, safety, and responsibilities. This class will receive visits around Halloween and Christmas from their “Big BUUddies” in high school. 2nd-3rd Grades: Being a UU Everyday This class guides children to do their best to live their lives as UUs every day. It presents fourteen traits that best define what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist and how they can nurture these characteristics to become people who promote love and justice in the world. This class will receive visits around Halloween and Christmas from their “ Big BUUddies” in high school. 4th-5th Grades: Toolbox of Faith What tools does Unitarian Universalism offer for the challenges of life? Children discover what aspects of UU faith are helpful to them, developing a “toolbox” of faith from which to draw.
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CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Middle School: Amazing Grace Amazing Grace intends to help our middle school students understand right and wrong and act on their new understanding. Its purpose is to equip them for moving safely and productively through the middle- and high school years, when their values will be constantly tested and they will have many opportunities to show leadership as religious liberals. In addition to being a “Big BUUddy” to a Horizon preschooler, 6-8 graders will be involved in a social justice project, plan the Haunted House, and have the opportunity to meet with other local UU teens at a district event in November. 8th Grade: Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives not only provides facts about anatomy and human development, but also helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality. 9th Grade: Coming of Age During this important year, the teens will examine their maturing religious identity and diverse UU heritage. It helps them form a liberal religious worldview and aids them in internalizing UU values. The year culminates in a ceremony with the congregation and a class trip to Boston in the early summer, to visit the center of so much of our denomination's history. 10th-12th Grade: TBD Our Senior High students will have a say in their course of study this fall. They may choose to study developing spiritual practices, focusing on becoming leaders for social change or perhaps decide to combine several courses of study.
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CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Time to register Children and Teens for Fall Classes The new church school year begins Sunday, September 14th and Horizon Religious Education needs parents and guardians to register their children as soon as possible so we can better serve you. Paper registration forms can be found at the Horizon Welcome Center and on the seats in the sanctuary, and a form to download and fill out at home is located on the DLRE blog (www.horizonuu.org/dre/ : scroll down to the August 9th entry)
Thank you in advance for making this the best year in RE yet!
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CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Calendar of Events for Children and Youth
September 7: Water Communion Intergenerational Service with Rev. Helen and Lauren Daniell September 12th (Friday): Elementary (ages 6-10) "almost sleep over" in the Portable. 511pm September 13th (Saturday): Walk to support Alzheimer’s Research / Heart and Hammers September 14th (Sunday): Fall classes begin – all grades September 19th (Friday): Middle School Fun Night in the Portable, 5-11pm (sixth and seventh graders) September 20th (Saturday): Heart and Hammers (14 yrs and up) September 21st: Grs. 4-6 OWL begins 12:10-1:10 Portable rm. 8 October 5th (after the service): Blessing of the Animals – bring your pets!
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ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Adult Spiritual Growth and Learning Instructors needed to lead sessions on UUA Common Read in the spring Did you know Unitarian Universalists all across the United States participate in the same book study each year? This study is called the UUA Common Read. This year’s Common Read is entitled Reclaiming Prophetic Witness: Liberal Religion in the Public Square and has special significance for those of us living in the Deep South. If you are interested in leading 2-3 sessions on this book or any past Common Read title, contact Lauren Daniell.
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Adult Religious Explorations contact: are@horizonuu.org
Sunday Mornings, 9:00 – 10:10 am Horizon Library
September 7, 2014
Kent Darwin "The Jefferson Bible and some of Jefferson’s Religious Thoughts" Kent will facilitate the class discussion on the “Jefferson Bible”, the religious thoughts of Jefferson and the religious and political ties during his life.
September 14, 2014
David Martin will facilitate our class.
September 21, 2014
John Myers “New Beginnings”
September 28, 2014
J.P. DeMeritt "Feast or Fast: Jewish Holidays and Festival Foods"
Using the Chalice Circle model for interactive learning, John will lead the class discussion on “New Beginnings”, some that are of our making and some that are thrust upon us.
J.P. will explore with us the relationships between festival foods and Jewish holidays, concentrating on Rosh Ha Shana and Yom Kippur.
*Childcare is available upon request by Friday before the Sunday class. Please email: childcare@horizonuu.org
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SERVE OUR COMMUNITY
Horizon is teaming up with First Unitarian Church of Dallas to fix up the exterior of a home located at 2159 Arden Road in south Dallas. The homeowner is a 77 year old gentleman. The project days are September 13th and 20th. People with all skill levels are welcome and needed! This is a great opportunity for teens to get service hours! For more information and to sign up, visit the Hearts & Hammers table after the worship service or email our team captain: Randy Lisbona (rlisbona@fastmail.fm).
SAVE THE DATE, SATURDAY, OCT 4TH FOR THE ANNUAL CROP WALK FOR HUNGER. IT WILL BE 8:30AM - 11:00AM IN FARMERS BRANCH
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HORIZON UU CALENDAR OF EVENTS Saturday, September 6 8:00 am - 10:00 am Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Wellspring 2014/15 Orientation - FH - Fellowship Hall, KI Kitchen Sunday, September 7 8:30 am - 2:00 pm Taste Of Horizon - PASTA!! - TOH - Table 1 9:00 am - 10:00 am UU Christian Fellowship / Study - E3 - Library 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CAYRE - Child Care - S1 - Nursery 10:15 am - 12:30 pm Library Ministry - Open for Browsing - E3 - Library 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Main Worship - SH - Sanc. 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm COA Parent Meeting - S7 - Class 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm After Church Lunch Bunch -- All Are Welcome! - Offsite 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm GALA Youth - S6 - Class 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm Wisdom Circle - E3 - Library
Monday, September 8 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 Neighborhood Calling Circle - S2 – Class; What We Choose: Ethics for Unitarian Universalists - P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Board of Trustees - E3 - Library, KI - Kitchen 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm Wisdom Circle - S6 - Class 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Potluck (Seniors) Group - E3 - Library, KI - Kitchen 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Buddhist Sangha - P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm WFIG (Women's Friendship in Growth) Chalice Circle - E3 Library Tuesday, September 9 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Potluck (Seniors) Group - E3 - Library, KI - Kitchen 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Buddhist Sangha - P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch
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HORIZON UU CALENDAR OF EVENTS Wednesday, September 10 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Library Ministry - E3 - Library 5:45 pm - 7:00 pm Restorative Yoga - P1 - Lg 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm OWL grades 4-6 Parent Orientation - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Money and Spirt: The Wisdom Path - P2 - Couch
Thursday, September 11 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm Worship Arts Committee Meeting - MO - Minister's Office 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm Wisdom Circle - E3 - Library Friday, September 12 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Candlelighters - FH - Fellowship Hall 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm Elementary class almost sleep over - Other - Playground, KI - Kitchen, P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Women's Bunco - FH - Fellowship Hall Saturday, September 13 8:00 am - 10:00 am Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 8:30 am - 1:30 pm Rental - Isha Institute - S1 - Nursery, S5 - Class, SH - Sanc. 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Volunteer at Metrocrest Social Services Food PantryOffsite 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Line Dancing - FH - Fellowship Hall
Visit: calendar.horizonuu.org for updates and events information.
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AFTER CHURCH LUNCH LOCATIONS Visitors and members welcome! Directions are 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”. September 7th: 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. $$ http://www.coyoteridgegolfclub.com/ sites/courses/layout9.asp? id=584&page=30730 September 14th: All Church Potluck: Everyone welcome! Horizon’s potlucks provide an opportunity to get to know others and be with our church community. We appreciate your bringing a bit more than needed for our families, allowing us to offer this hospitality to all members, visitors, and friends. Thank you to the Horizon Dinners group for coordinating this month! September 21st: Nico’s Cocina Mexican Grill: 3065 N Josey Ln, Carrollton, TX 75007. Delicious and plentiful Sunday buffet with many choices including Belgian waffles and omelets made to order. Fun atmosphere. Accommodating wait staff. $$ http://www.nicoscocinamexicana.com September 28th: Italian Villa: 1012 W. Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75010. Homemade pastas, whole wheat pasta, pizzas, salads, and subs. Good size portions and great tasting food. $$ http://www.italianvillacarrollton.com
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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! 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 the group at buddhists@horizonuu.org.
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SPECIAL GROUPS 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.
GAMERS: 3rd FRIDAY FUN AT HORIZON! (3rdfridaygames@horizonuu.org ) Come join us for adult level games on the 3rd Friday of every month. We meet in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m. Bring a snack or drink to share! Free childcare will provided upon request from 7:00 to 10:00pm (with 48 hour notice and 24 hour notice of cancellation). Please send reservations and cancellations to childcare@horizonuu.org. If you wish to get an email reminder of Games Night, please contact Beth Sproat at eblakehedges@earthlink.net
Healthy Women 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.
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SPECIAL GROUPS 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 – 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 1st and 3rd 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. On 1st Wednesdays we discuss “This I Believe” topics. On 3rd Wednesdays we view and talk about a TED talk. On 5th Wednesdays we might do anything, but it’s always fun! We’d love to have you in our group! (wfig@horizonuu.org) Young Adults Chalice Circle Contact: YoungAdults@horizonuu.org for more details.
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THANK YOU to the Sabih family for watering the newly planted trees during August. The hot dry weather would have done great harm to the young trees if Mo, Cat, Jeremy and Mina had not kept them well watered. From: the Grounds Committee
a little hUUmor You may be a Unitarian Universalist if you think socks are too formal for a Summer service. You may be a Unitarian Universalist if you know at least 5 ways to say - Happy holidays!
You may be a Unitarian Universalist if your idea of a guy's night out is going to a N.O.W. rally. You may be a Unitarian Universalist if unleavened bread is part of your Easter Brunch. You may be a Unitarian Universalist if you refer to construction paper as "paper of color." If the name of your church is longer than your arm, you might be a Unitarian Universalist. If you find yourself rewriting a church survey, rather than taking it, you might be a UU. If you call up your minister in the middle of the night, panicking because you are STARTING to believe in God, you might be a UU. If, to explain your personal theology, you have to use interpretive dance, you might be a UU. You may be a Unitarian Universalist if you take your day planner to church instead of the Bible.
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