September 2016 Newsletter - Unitarian Universalist Church of … · September 2016 Newsletter 2 | P a g e UU Church of Midland Minister’s Musings For those of us who want to see

Minister’s Musings 2

September at a Glance 3

Share the Plate, Parent’s Night Out 4

Installation 5

Buddhist Day Course, Stewardship Update 6

UU Justice Ministry, Unitarians on PBS Documentary, Group Session for Listening Campaign

7

Meet Our Members 8

Thoughts from the RE Corner 9

What’s Happening at UUCOM 10-11

Table of Contents Membership Matters Have you been getting to know the church and Unitarian Universalism? Do you feel that this congregation might be a spiritual home? Are you considering a deeper commitment to the church? Membership comes with great gifts and opportunities, as well as responsibilities to the community. If you are considering membership check out our membership brochure in the foyer or see Carol Kullman, Membership Chair, a Board member, or the Rev. Emily Wright-Magoon.

September 2016 Newsletter

Please visit our website at www.uumidland.org for a listing of all current events.

http://www.uumidland.org/


2 | P a g e UU Church of Midland

Minister’s Musings

For those of us who want to see democracy survive and thrive—and we are legion— the heart is where everything begins: that grounded place in each of us where we can overcome fear, rediscover that we are members of one another, and embrace the conflicts that threaten democracy as openings to new life

for us and for our nation. — from the “Prelude” in Parker J. Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy

Parker Palmer’s words above sound like a beautiful vision to me, especially after the division

and discord we have seen in the news this summer.

As the November election approaches, I’ll be preaching a sermon series in September and

October based on Parker Palmer’s book from which comes the above quote. He recommends

five habits of the heart that we can cultivate to create what we Unitarian Universalists call

beloved community: a community where “we need not think alike to love alike.”

Can you imagine what a profound and welcome change it would be if we could listen to one

another through our differences? … If we could be both vulnerable to being transformed, but

also – paradoxically – courageous to stand up for what we believe and take action? If we could learn that “otherness”

is not something of which to be afraid, but to embrace?

This kind of paradigm shift will require many changes, including in our own minds, hearts, and spirits. Come to

church this September and October, and ponder your own power to create change.

Grateful to be among you,

Rev. Emily

p.s. Guest minister, UU Rev. Chuck Freeman, will be guest

preaching one Sunday each in September and October – don’t

miss out on this chance to hear dynamic preaching and

converse with this great minister! Learn more about this event

on page 7.

The 5th Principle of Unitarian Universalism is the right of conscience and the use of the

democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.



September at a Glance

Sunday Mornings

Interested in RE, see the RE Corner on page 9 for details of each Sunday’s Spirit Play topic.

Special Events Strategic Planning Retreat | Saturday, Sept 10 @ 10 am – 3 pm

Youth Fellowship | Sunday, September 11 and 18 @11:00 am

Texas UU Justice Ministry | Sunday, Sept 18 @ 11:00 am (Sunday service and lunch)

Installation | Saturday, October 15 @ 1:00 pm

September Calendar

Check online (http://www.uumidland.org/calendar) for the most up to date calendar.

September 3 9:00 a.m. Yoga Class

September 5 8:00 p.m. Belly Dancing

September 6 7:00 p.m. Permian Basin Buddhists

September 8 6:30 p.m. Vegetarian and Vegan Potluck

September 9 7:00 p.m. PNO Midland

September 10 9:00 a.m. Yoga Class

September 10 10:00 a.m. Board Retreat

September 10 10:30 a.m. Buddhist Day Course



September 16 7:00 p.m. You, the Moon an Magik

September 17 10:00 a.m. Garden and Grow

September 18 2:30 p.m. Knitting Group



September 23 7:00 p.m. Odessa PNO

September 24 6:30 p.m. Mabon Ritual



September 30 6:30 p.m. Parent’s Night Out

October 1 9:00 a.m. Yoga Class

October 1 Make a Difference Day

October 15 1:00 p.m. Installation Service

September 4 11:00 am Worship Service: Healing the Heart of Democracy Part 1 of 5: Understanding we are All in This Together The months of September and October, Rev. Emily will be preaching a sermon series based on the book by Quaker

activist Parker Palmer entitled Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit. The five habits he recommends we cultivate are worth pondering and discussing, especially this

election season.

September 11 11:00 am Worship Service: Healing the Heart of Democracy Part 2 of 5: Appreciating the Value of Otherness

September 18 11:00 am Worship Service, Guest Minister Rev. Chuck Freeman: “Fling Off Your Bushel: Let Reproductive

Justice Light Shine!” Vital rays of light leading to the Roe vs Wade decision were sparked at 1st UU Dallas. In the late 60’s the Women’s Alliance of the church began to study the abortion issue, eventually signing the amicus brief of the landmark case for

women’s autonomy that beamed a nationwide beacon of light!

Texas now has among the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation. We UU’s have rested on our laurels in a dormant slumber for too long. We have overslept the alarm. It’s time to wake up, stand up and let our lights shine for the sacred trust between a Woman, her Creator, and her Doctor. The Texas UU Justice Ministry (TXUUJM) is

here to lead the light brigade!

September 25 11:00 am Intergenerational Worship Service: "The 7 Promises: Our Children's Stories" Come hear the popular "Promises" story from our children's Spirit Play classes ("Promises" are our 7 UU Principles in kidspeak). And our

children will tell stories about how they live the promises in their lives.

http://www.uumidland.org/calendar)



August Share the Plate

We will share ½ of all cash donations with this September’s Share the Plate recipient Safe Place of the Permian Basin. The mission of Safe Place is to break the cycle of family violence by empowering individuals to make safe and healthy choices through awareness, counseling, advocacy and shelter, while promoting hope, healing and dignity.

Safe Place of the Permian Basin began in 1978 when a group of concerned citizens came together to provide help and shelter to victims of domestic violence living in and around Midland, Texas. Today Safe Place operates the residential shelter and full-time advocacy and counseling services in Midland, Texas, and a full-time advocacy and counseling office in Odessa, Texas. The Safe Place service area covers 15 counties and 16,003 square miles.

Safe Place of the Permian Basin provides: 24-hour emergency shelter to families affected by domestic

violence a 24-hour crisis hotline personal and legal advocacy individual counseling and support groups an intervention program for abusers

Emergency transportation to the shelter is available from anywhere in the service area. Clients do not need to live at the shelter to receive any of the advocacy, counseling, or support group services. Visit http://safeplacenow.com/ for more information.

Introducing Parent's Night Out! Join us for an evening out with other UUCOM parents while your kids stay at the church for an evening in with friends. Younger children will come for the childcare and older youth are invited to come and help. The kids will have games to play and a movie to watch. Please feel free to bring a healthy snack for your child to eat during the movie. Sign up is required for child care and to reserve your spot for dinner. Children must be registered with the Religious Education program for families to participate. Details When: Friday, September 30th @ 6:30-9:30pm Where: Grub Burger & Green Acres - Meet at the church and then carpool to dinner, followed by miniature golf afterwards.

*Grub Burger - 4400 Midland Drive #500, Midland, TX 79707 *Green Acres - 905 N County Rd 1160, Midland, TX 79706 Movie: Disney's Robin Hood RSVP: by September 25th with the following information: 1) Number of children & their ages. 2) Number of adults attending dinner. Contact Barbara Handley at [email protected] or 432-978-5977.

UUCOM Board

Sally Flores, President

Harry Nutter, President-Elect

Tom Hull, Treasurer

Carol Kullman, Secretary

Rico Ramirez, Member

Tom Parks, Member

Jane Hellinghausen, Member

UUCOM Staff

Rev. Emily Wright-Magoon,

Minister

Email: [email protected]

(432) 694-4308 office

(617) - 501-0020 cell

Wednesday - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Thursday – 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Jessica Stewart,

Office Administrator

(432) 694-4308

Office Hours:

Monday 9-12

Wednesday 9-1

Friday 9-12


Barbara Handley,

Director of Religious Education


Phone: 432-978-5977

Sonja and Scott Millichamp,

Music Directors


[email protected],

Visit our website:

www.uumidland.org

Like us on Facebook:

Unitarian Universalist Church of

Midland TX https://www.facebook.com/UUMidland

http://safeplacenow.com/

http://grubburgerbar.com/

http://www.visitmidland.com/Green-Acres-Miniature-Golf

mailto:[email protected]

tel:432-978-5977




https://www.facebook.com/UUMidland



Rev. Emily Wright-Magoon Installation Service, Saturday, October 15 @ 1:00 pm

Mark your calendar to join us for this special service and reception! Installations are held within the first year of a

new settled minister’s time with a congregation. It is a celebration of and commitment to our shared ministry

together. We will have some dynamic speakers! Rev. Dr. Susan Ritchie will give the sermon. She is a minister in

Ohio, a professor, an author, and past member of the UUA Board. Rev. Dr. Ritchie is passionate about UU history

and polity, and actually makes it exciting and inspiring! Rev. Chuck Freeman will give the Charge to the Minister.

Rev. Freeman is the Executive Director of Texas UU Justice Ministry and the founding minister of Free Souls Church

in Round Rock, TX. Rev. Freeman is a lively, reflective, down-to-earth man who combines irreverence, compassion,

and a playful humor in his life and work. Reflective and engaging Rev. Lora Brandis, who will soon be the minister

at Horizon UU in Dallas, will give the Charge to the Congregation. Several local interfaith clergy will also participate,

and there will be amazing music! This is your installation – we hope to see you there!

– The Installation Planning Committee (Barbara Handley, Ann Hicks, Carol Kullman, and Rev. Emily Wright-

Magoon)



Learn to Meditate in Half a Day – Buddhist Day Course In this half-day course the basics of meditation are clearly explained, including how to establish and maintain a practice. Discover simple, practical instructions on how to improve your inner peace. This class is not just for beginners, but is intended also to provide an opportunity to hone and refine our meditation technique. There are a lot of different types of meditation practices that are taught in these modern times, but not all of them have the power to generate inner peace and transform our mind into a reliable source of peace and happiness. It is easy to get off track and to develop confusion about what is and what is not a qualified meditation. As we start our Fall activities with great energy and determination, now is a great time to establish a meditation practice or to get back into meditation.

Learn to Meditate in Half a Day will be offered on Saturday, September 10, 10:30-1:30 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Midland. Cost is $25. People of all religions and philosophical persuasions are warmly welcomed. Erica Richards is the resident teacher at Bodhichitta Kadampa Buddhist Center in Lubbock Texas. She was appointed by her teacher Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in January 2016. A native of Texas, she returns to Texas after serving as resident teacher at Kalpa Bhadra Buddhist Center in Harrisburg Pennsylvania

Stewardship Update

If you’re like me you spent your summer staying busy as a bee! It is easy to forget when we are not in our church,

just how much we miss the many ways we can be involved here. Our church home needs many hands to keep the

doors open and our space a welcoming place to be. Returning to the regular church schedule reminds me of how I

want to be a good steward of our church in terms of giving of my time, treasure and talent. Maybe you want to see

how you can be a part of things too! There are so many ways to grow and give at UUCOM.

One question you may have is how to fulfill your financial pledge to UUCOM. You can do it a few ways.

Place your check in the offertory basket on Sunday

Put your cash in an envelope and place in the offertory basket on Sunday (make sure you put your name on the

envelope)

Mail your cash/check designated pledge to the church

Paypal payment by clicking here http://bit.ly/2bJe7ph

Or maybe it’s easier for you to do what I did and set up an automatic payment through your bank.

However you choose to honor your pledge, we appreciate you!

This past Sunday during our water communion you could feel the energy of our giving hands and loving hearts filling

the space again. It was such a refreshing time to be together and celebrate with water, children, families, old friends

and great fellowship, worship and food! Looking forward to seeing you around the church and working together. If

you ever have questions about stewardship or would like to serve alongside me on the committee or even just visit

about how you see our church growing and thriving, reach out to me.

-- Maureena Benavides, Stewardship Chair

http://bit.ly/2bJe7ph



UNITARIANS featured on Ken Burns PBS documentary

Martha and Rev. Waitstill Sharp, WWII Unitarians who secretly worked in Nazi-occupied Europe to rescue Jews, dissidents and refugee children, are the subject of a 2016 PBS documentary by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky. Today, Unitarian Universalists carry on their legacy. Don’t miss the documentary, which airs September 20th at 8:00 pm central time.

Group Session for Rev. Emily’s Listening Campaign: Wed, Sept 21

As you may know, I have been engaged in a listening campaign for several months. My goal is to meet with each member (who is interested) to learn more about your experience with the church and your hopes for the church. So far I have met with 16 of you and learned so much! If you are a member, and we haven’t yet talked, expect to get a call or email from me in the next several months – or reach out to me to set up a time (I am also happy to meet with any “friends” of the church!)

For those of you who do not necessarily want to meet with me one-on-one, &/or who are especially eager to hear others’ responses to my questions, I am organizing a group session for the Listening Campaign – open to 4-5 people. We’ll talk over dinner about what drew you to the church, your experiences thus far, and your hopes and dreams for the church.

Wednesday, September 21, 6-7 pm over dinner Email or call Rev. Emily to sign up! [email protected] 432-694-4308 (also let me know if you need childcare and any dietary restrictions) If you are interested but can’t do that date, let me know and if there is enough demand, I will schedule an additional date.

Texas UU Justice Ministry Sunday Service with Guest Minister Rev. Chuck

Join us September 18th at 11:00 am for a Sunday service with the Texas UU Justice

Ministry. Rev. Chuck Freeman, Executive Director of Texas UU Justice Ministry will be

here to preach a sermon and talk with us about TXUUJM’s important work. Join Rev. Chuck

after the service for the potluck in the fellowship hall to get to know him and TXUUJM more!

Please rsvp for the lunch by emailing Rev. Emily at [email protected]. Also if you

have a pet-free home, and can offer home hospitality to Rev.

Chuck, please let Rev. Emily know.

Rev. Chuck Freeman has been in the ministry since 1977 serving Church of Christ and

Unitarian Universalist congregations. He is the founding minister of the Free Souls Church

in Round Rock, Texas. Chuck is a founding member of the Texas Unitarian Universalist

Justice Ministry and its Executive Director.



http://www.freesoulschurch.org/



Meet Our Members

Harry Nutter

Seventeen years ago I visited UUCOM and immediately felt at home. I found a

community of open minds, hearts and hands, pilgrims travelling various spiritual

paths, joined by intellectual integrity, a shared sense of responsibility and a common

desire for justice. I witnessed the births and deaths of precious people, the arrival

and departure of friends, mentors, and ministers. Despite the frustration inherent in

human organizations and the constant challenge of change, people persisted, and

this community survived and thrived. I thank them for all their laughter, sweat and

tears. Let’s continue their good work!

Rico Ramirez

Hi, I hope you are well. Pleasantry aside, who am I in one word? Oxymoronic.

This pic of me I think is a suitable pic since it showcases my welcoming smile,

yet eludes to my desired reserved demeanor. The symbol below is an original

design I devised during my childhood after searching for the answers to the

questions we've all asked ourselves. Who am I? Why am I here? What is the

purpose of all of this? My life's history or beliefs aren't easily shared. However

if it's worth knowing more to you, I might find it worth sharing some of it. I've

attended this church since March of 2014. I'm co-chair on buildings and

grounds, I'm an at-large board member, was on the ministry committee and

active attendant at the Tree of Life gatherings.



Thoughts from the RE Corner

Greetings! We are jazzed for a new year in children’s and youth Religious Education! We have energizing volunteers with exciting suggestions for our programs for the next year including Year-Round RE and Read to Feed!! Spirit Play Spirit Play is a UU curriculum based on Montessori teaching principles for children in Kindergarten through sixth grade. September 4—Spirit Play Orientation September 11—The Chalice Story September 18—The Promises Story September 25—Intergenerational Service—Seven Promises: Our Children’s Stories*

*Childcare is provided for infants and pre-school aged children during Intergenerational Services. School aged children are encouraged to attend the entire service with their families.

Intergenerational Service On September 25, our Intergenerational Service will be based upon the Spirit Play Promises Story. In Spirit Play the Promises are our Principles. We are looking for children or adults to share stories of how they have lived out our promises in their lives. If your child/ren would like to share their Promises story in our Intergenerational Service, please contact Barbara Handley or Rev. Emily Wright-Magoon.

Red Promise: Respect People Orange Promise: Offer Fair and Kind Treatment to All People Yellow Promise: Yearn to Accept and Learn About Ourselves, Others and the Mystery Green Promise: Grow by Exploring What is True and Right in Life Blue Promise: Believe in our Ideals and Act on Them Indigo Promise: Insist on a Peaceful, Fair and Free World Violet Promise: Value our home, Earth, that we share with all living beings There will be a rehearsal for all volunteers on Saturday, September 24 at 2:00.

Wanted: Volunteers If you are interested in helping with the Religious Education Committee, there are many ways that you can get involved without teaching Sunday School or serving on the Religious Education Committee!

Creative? Like Stories? Perhaps you would like to create the pieces for one or more of the Spirit Play stories. A list of materials needed and an example of other church’s stories are provided.

If you are interested or would like more information on ways to help with Religious Education, please see Barbara Handley, our new Director of Religious Education, or Sally Flores or Maureena Benavides.

Religious Education Committee Meeting You are invited to attend the next meeting of the Religious Education (RE) Committee on Sunday, September 18th following church service. If you are looking for your niche, or are interested in helping with RE for our children and youth, or just want to see what RE is all about, please join us!! We will be having a soup lunch!

RE Registration Each fall we ask parents and/or guardians to complete a registration form. Our form has recently been updated to include action plans for medical/health concerns. Registration forms can be found at the Guest Table in the foyer or on our website.

Youth Fellowship Join us on September 11 and 18 to discuss our schedule and activities for this school year. In addition to our Sunday class, let’s explore possible participation in worship services and fellowship activities during the week or on Saturdays. The class is open to all junior high and senior high school students and will be facilitated by Harry Nutter and other UUCOM adult members and friends. Harry hopes you enjoyed your summer and looks forward to seeing you again. Bring a friend!!



Belly Dance Classes Belly Dancing class continues Mondays, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Come join us as we explore the world of American Tribal Style Belly Dance (ATS)! ATS is a modern form of belly dance based on group improvisation. We will primarily focus on ATS, but also cover basic drills and movements that span all genres of belly dance. It is a wonderful way to connect body, mind, and spirit! Check out www.fcbd.com for more information on this form of dance.

*Dress: yoga pants, tights, or leggings and a tank top, choli, or t-shirt. ^No coin hip-scarves please, but tassels are welcome! *Bring: water to drink and a yoga mat or towel *This is a space for women, young ladies or female-oriented persons.

Care Team for Church Members and Friends We invite you to share any needs you August have or concerns about church members/friends with the care team. When others in our church family approach you about a difficult situation in their life please ask them if it is ok to share that information with the care team. You August share requests and concerns with Jane Hellinghausen (413-4612), Rev. Emily Wright-Magoon, or by calling the church office (694-4308). Rev. Emily can also be reached at [email protected]. For urgent needs, you August call her cell phone, 617-501-0020.

Thank you for helping to make our church an even more supportive and caring community!

Yoga Class

Kasie Lunson is utilizing our space for her free yoga

class every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. The class is open

to the public and practices vinyasa flow, asanas and

kundalini yoga!

What’s Happening at UCOM

Monthly Knitting Circle Monthly knitting circle will meet every 3rd Sunday of the month at 2:30 pm! Every level of knitter is welcome - from beginner to expert - join in for fellowship and fun as well as project sympathy with fellow knitters. You can work on your own project, get and share advice & tips, or join in the group project. If you're coming to learn how to knit, please bring size 9 needles and solid-colored yarn - email us ahead of time for further instructions. Join us September 18th @2:30 p.m.

Crocheters & other stitchers always welcome! Please contact Franny Zollinger for more information: [email protected].

UU Garden and Grow

UUCOM's gardening program is entering it's second

year. Created to encourage member and friend support

for our beautiful UUCOM gardens, we will gather

monthly to learn about our gardens and related

horticultural topics and techniques. In return, each

participant will volunteer in their garden to keep it

looking in tip top shape. Our program will help you learn

about the care and maintenance of the native and well

adapted plants in our gardens and give you the

knowledge and confidence to extend your learning to

your own landscape. This month’s meeting will be

September 17th @10:00 a.m.

Permian Basin Buddhists The Permian Basin Buddhists continue to meet here at

UUCOM on Tuesday nights, 7:00—8:00 p.m. everyone

is welcome, whether you are new to Buddhism or have

been practicing the Middle Way for some time. For

regular updates about the group, join the Permian

Basin Meetup Group. For more information about the

group, please contact Linda Blanchard at

[email protected].

Vegetarian and Vegan Potluck Supper

Join us for fellowship, food, and fun! Our next meeting

is Thursday, September 8th @ 6:30 p.m. here at

UUCOM. This is open to the entire community, so be

sure to invite anybody who might be interested. For

more information, please contact Rev. Emily Wright-

Magoon.

THANK YOU for Giving of your

Time, Treasure, and Talent!

This month the Board thanks:

Shanda Unger for coordinating the Arts and

Film Festival, and for all the people

participating in it.

http://www.fcbd.com/

tel:432-413-4612

tel:694-4308


tel:617-501-0020

tel:617-501-0020


http://www.meetup.com/Permian-Basin-Buddhists/

http://www.meetup.com/Permian-Basin-Buddhists/




Fair Trade 50% off sale!! Now is your chance to sample these delicious chocolate,

flavorful coffees and teas and energizing fruits and nuts.

You will be amazed at how good fair trade tastes. Sample

now so you will know your favorite items to purchase this

fall.

Please check out our many fair trade items for sale in the

foyer. Ethical consumerism and delicious eating! They

make great gifts, too! Please stop by and take a look at the

great products we have for sale. When you purchase Fair

Trade products from the church, you are helping the

growers earn a living wage.

Make a Difference Day, October 1st

Please join us as we “Make a Difference” in our community by working with Keep Midland Beautiful to pick up trash on Saturday, October 1. This is an opportunity for us to be stewards of our community and live out our principles! All ages are welcome! We will be helping to clean the I-20 Wildlife Preserve (at the north end). Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring gloves. If you are interested in participating, a sign-up sheet is available on the Guest Table in the foyer. Contact Barbara Handley at 432-978-

5977 or [email protected] if you would like to sign up to

volunteer or if you would like more information.

Strategic Planning Retreat | Saturday, Sept 10 @ 10-3

All Board members, committee members, and interested

individuals are encouraged to attend this important retreat.

Natalie Briscoe, staff member for the UUA, will lead us in a

focus on Growth and Stewardship.

2016 Members and Friends Directory

We are preparing our updated 2016 Members and Friends directory this summer and would like to make sure we have your updated contact information. Please contact the office at [email protected] or 432-694-4308 to update your information or ask about your inclusion in the directory. A copy of the directory draft will be available for you to double check and update through September. Food donations for people and pets!

Each Sunday during our offering, we collect donations of

nonperishable food for local food pantries, and pet food for

Lone Star Sanctuary for Animals. Make a special note to

remember your food donations for our monthly

Intergenerational Services, as the children love to collect

the food and bring it forward. (You can check our calendar

online to see when those are!)

Tree of Life The modern Pagan movement provides a means

for people to connect with the daily, monthly, and

yearly cycles that continue to affect us physically

and emotionally. Through classes and rituals, the

Tree of Life Open Circle explores this connection in

an ongoing effort to foster growth and community

for kindred spirits of the earth.

PNO Midland, September 9th @ The Orange

Leaf, 7pm.

Come hang out with your fellow pagans!

You, the Moon and Magik, September 16th @

7:00pm

Learn about the moon and its association with

magik followed by a esbat ritual.

PNO Odessa, September 23rd @ CPL Ray’s

Coffee, 7pm

Come hang out with your fellow pagans! CPL Ray’s

Coffee is located at 3111 Faudree Rd. Suite A in

Odessa

Mabon Ritual, September 24th @ 6:30 pm Join us

in celebrating the second harvest

For updates and further information about Tree of

Life, please check out their Facebook page here.



https://www.facebook.com/TreeOfLifeOpenCircle

September 2016 Newsletter - Unitarian Universalist Church of … · September 2016 Newsletter 2 | P a g e UU Church of Midland Minister’s Musings For those of us who want to see

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