Horizon Happenings Dec 2012
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Transcript of Horizon Happenings Dec 2012
horizon happenings
CONTEMPLATIONS • “Expectations”The Reverend Dennis Hamilton • [email protected]
Volume 27, Number 6 December 2012
Bubbha the Buddhist garbageman from
Bodacia says, “What did you expect?”
You can learn more about Bubbha on
Sunday Dec. 2, but really, what DID
you expect? The more I just look
around at the world, and stuff happens,
it is all becoming clear that everything
happens, not for a reason but because
of previous consequences. One thing
leads to another. It all makes sense
when you stop expecting something
else. You know Einstein’s famous quote,
"Insanity is when you do the same thing
over and over again and expect different
results."
This month we will be considering the
pros and cons of expectations. After all,
without some hope, how do we face the
future? If that is a rhetorical question,
we get nowhere. We will be asking
questions that actually challenge the
notions of hope, expectation,
disappointment, broken dreams,
successes, empty successes, and the like.
So Christmas is coming. We all are
getting fat. Put another penny in the old
man’s hat. Or something like that.
Indeed, we always face some choices at
this time as to what we will give to each
other to celebrate our friendships. The
Heifer Project always gives us an
opportunity to give a gift that really
makes a difference, and I am hoping for
another wonderful animal to give to a
family in Ecuador or Peru or Africa.
Maybe some chickens or a goat.
As for our own in-house aid fund, the
Minister’s Discretionary Fund, I will be
sending this letter to you, but here is a
heads up. Contributions can be made at
the Christmas service or by mail any
time. Here’s my letter:
Minister’s Discretionary Fund
Dear congregants,
Each year at this time I ask you to
replenish the Minister’s Discretionary
Fund or MDF. This fund is used mainly
to help those members who are in need.
Usually this is for rent, utilities, a
medical emergency or other short-term
aid that will make an enormous
difference in a family’s life. It may
prevent eviction or the loss of
transportation.
Sometimes the MDF can help a youth
or adult who cannot afford to go to a
UU retreat or workshop. Most of us at
Horizon are in reasonable financial
health. But misfortune can strike at any
time, and for some of our members
who are just surviving month to month,
it can mean disruption in the whole
family. Over the years we have helped a
number of families to avoid
homelessness. Your contribution to this
fund, no matter how much it is, will
make a difference in many lives.
It also covers the various handouts we
give to people who stop by the church
for gas or food money. This is not a
significant amount, but it is what a
generous church does. Poverty, for
whatever reason, is debilitating and
often humiliating. Even asking for help
is humbling. So we treat all of those
who are recipients of aid with respect
and love. Besides, having a generous
heart is healing in itself. It is spiritually
nourishing and is the most genuine
form of prayer.
This year we did not take up a collection
for our Partner Church in Romania.
The Haitian project, At Risk Children’s
Foundation, received that Share the
Plate contribution for November. It is a
very worthy project championed by
Horizon member Andy Kernan. And
"Growing spiritually healthy people who promote love and justice in the world!"
CONTENTS
Editor's Corner
President's Corner
Lay Ministry News
From Our Intern
Adult Explorations
Board Actions
Intern Committee
Future Sundays
Pg. 2
Pg. 3
Pg. 4
Pg. 5
Pg. 7
Pg. 8
Pg. 9
Back
See "CONTEMPLATIONS" on pg. 2
happenings page 2
Editor's Corner • “A Tradition of Wonder”Jim Sturdivant - Editor • [email protected]
About Happenings.. .
Horizon Happenings is a monthly
publication of Horizon Unitarian
Universalist Church. It is mailed to all
members and pledging friends. Visitors
who request the newsletter receive it for
free for three months. Subscriptions are
available for $10/yr. Mail payment to
the Church, and note that the donation
is for a newsletter subscription.
The Editors invite your comments,
sugggestions, and articles. All inquiries
can be made via email to:
Deadline for submission is on the
20th of every month. Due to space
limitations, not all submissions may be
included in a given month.
"THAT WHICH IS USED, DEVELOPS. THAT WHICH IS NOT,
WASTES AWAY." – Socrates
In December of 1832, German immigrant and Unitarian
Minister Charles Fallon got nostalgic for the Christmas
celebrations of his youth and, in open defiance of long-
standing and severly-stodgy Boston traditions, put up a
Christmas tree in his home. It was purported to be the first
Christmas tree in New England and it must have been
magnificent. After a description of it was published by
visiting English journalist Harriet Martineau, the old tradition
came crashing down and a much merrier one, the one we still
cherish, took its place. When you read Ms. Martineau’s
brilliant description, you’ll understand why:
"It really looked beautiful; the room seemed in a blaze, and
the ornaments were so well hung on that no accident
happened, except that one doll's petticoat caught fire. There
was a sponge tied to the end of a stick to put out any
supernumerary blaze, and no harm ensued. I mounted the
steps behind the tree to see the effect of opening the doors.
It was delightful. The children poured in, but in a moment
every voice was hushed. Their faces were upturned to the
blaze, all eyes wide open, all lips parted, all steps arrested."
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Party Hearty!
- Ed
yet we are committed to continuing our
modest support of our partner church in
Petrosane (petro shine) , Romania. So I
will send the first thousand dollars from
this collection to them. Believe me, they
use it well and extend every dollar we
give them. They work hard and suffer
through terrible winters with limited
funds often being forced to choose
between food, medicine or heat. Our
partnership also keeps us in touch with a
larger Unitarian Universalist presence in
the world.
So please give generously this year. We
will accept donations any time in the year,
but especially in this season of giving.
The Christmas collection will go to this
fund. I thank you from my heart for your
continuing generosity. What we are doing
here at Horizon is far more important
than just supporting a church. It is
supporting a world view. It is an
investment in humanity.
Faithfully, Rev. Dennis Hamilton
"CONTEMPLATIONS" from pg. 1
Congregational Meeting
On Sunday, January 27, 2013, we will
hold Horizon's annual winter
Congregational Meeting. There, you
will be brought up to date by the Board,
Staff and other leaders of our
congregation about the current state of
our finances and of our programming.
This is also an important meeting
because voting members will be voting
on a proposed change in the by-laws
concerning the hiring of the Director
of Religious Education. More
information about the proposed by-laws
change will come out by the end of
December.
Please mark your calendars now so you
will be available to attend. We invite
everyone - visitors, youth and guests - to
join the voting members between 12:30
and 2:00, on Sunday after the service,
January 27, 2013.
Two Announcements from Your President
See "ANNOUNCEMENTS" on pg. 8
PRESIDENT'S CORNER •“Expectation: The Space between Your Dreams and Reality"JuLane • [email protected]
horizon unitarian universalist churchpage 3
“Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality.
If you can dream it, you can make it so.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
While driving to Tulsa yesterday to spend Thanksgiving with
my Aunt Shirley, I listened to a PBS interview with Dan
Buettner, the author of Blue Zones, a book about his research
on the lifestyles of inhabitants of nine areas on our globe
where people routinely live healthy and productive lives into
their 90’s and 100’s. He pointed out that people living in many
of the Blue Zones get up and down some 30 to 40 times a day
from sitting or lying on the floor and they don’t develop the
balance problems in their older years leading to bone breaking
falls that we see routinely in our society. They have better
lower body strength and don’t experience the joint problems
also prevalent in older citizens of our modern Western culture.
I immediately decided I must start sitting on the floor while
eating, working, talking, meditating—well, I already do that.
But to think of life extending exercise being as simple as
sitting and lying on the floor rather than chairs, couches and
beds was an astounding albeit one of those “duh” moments.
He also pointed out that in many of these cultures where
longevity is an accepted part of life there is no word in their
languages for “retirement.” So I immediately decided to stop
trying to pinpoint when I should retire from my massage
therapy practice. Then the author astounded me further by
commenting on how the data shows that the number of years
one expects to live proves to be a surprisingly accurate
predictor of how many years that person actually sticks around
on this blue boat we call earth. I remember asserting to my
grandchildren years ago that I was planning to live 120 years. I
may have to move immediately to one of the Blue Zones to
accomplish that.
But back to the article I was supposed to be thinking about
and writing in my head so that I could just type it out when I
got to Aunt Shirley’s and send it in to our newsletter editor
post haste. I think of the 30 or so founding members of
Horizon, and those who came later, including me, and how we
have lived during these ensuing 26 years in that space between
our dreams for Horizon and the realities we constantly
encounter. And look what we have accomplished! I do believe
that holding our expectations, born of our dreams for
Horizon, close to our hearts and consistently sharing them
with each other is the engine that drives our movement
forward. Expectancy is a powerful tool!
As we approach the end of another calendar year, dreams and
expectations for the New Year are common themes in our
conversations. It’s true that Horizon has some major changes
approaching, transitions that carry with them both possibility
and concern. Your Board has its fingers on the pulse of how
to approach these transitions in a timely and organized manner
to assure that we don’t drop any important balls and that we
are ready to embrace them. We are safe; we are healthy; our
purpose and mission remain vital. So I invite you to enjoy
moments during this fading year to play with your dreams for
Horizon.
Can you perhaps see Horizon having a campus ministry for
young adults? There are many college campuses in the area and
reaching out beyond our walls to the many young seekers who
are beginning their journey into wondering if or where
spirituality has a place in their adult lives can be a very active
way to extend the reach of our liberal and freeing faith.
How about the extension of our Art on the Horizon program
into a course for our youth, and adults for that matter, on Arts
and Spirituality? Wow! Where could that take us! A drumming
group maybe? It might even join with our Music Ministry and
lead to exchange visits and performances at other churches
whose choirs would then visit Horizon and share their music
with us. Perhaps a Horizon’s Children’s Choir would be born?
Can you see a small “Horizon on the Move” shuttle bus sitting
in our parking lot for use in picking up interested visitors and
members who are mobility challenged so they can be an active
part of our community? Or for use in taking members to
retirement homes or hospital children’s wards to share special
gifts or music or short plays concocted and performed by
See "PRESIDENT'S CORNER" on pg. 5
happenings page 4
LAY MINISTRY NEWS • “The Gift of Open Awareness”Marianna Seaton - Directior of Lay Ministry • [email protected]
Expectations can send me into a spiral of habits that are
counter-productive to my well being, and the holiday season
provides the perfect Petri dish for culturing these germs. Put
under the microscope of self-reflection, I find that the
expectations I have had about what a perfect holiday should
look like takes me away from being present with the gifts that
are available to me.
In my yoga practice, I approach the body with a respect for its
natural intelligence. Whenever I try to impose my will on an
asana, or yoga pose, the body gets smart and does something
to protect itself. Sometimes it can lead to an injury. I teach my
students that the asanas are there as a tool for discovery, not as
something to be accomplished or made perfect. In a yoga
practice that allows ease in the body, not forcing it to be
something we expect, we find peace in what is right here and
right now. When we take that leap of letting go of what we
expect ourselves to look like in an asana, or achieve the proper
amount of discomfort in doing it, we come into the space of
what the practice can reveal to us today, what gift it has for us
that we couldn’t have imagined in yesterday’s practice.
Sometimes, gifts don’t come wrapped the way we expect them
to be; does that make them non-gifts? When I practice being
present with an open awareness to life and surrender to love
instead of how my small mind expects things to be, I can enter
into the real spirit of the holiday season any day of the year
and delight in the gifts that are always present, if only I awaken
to them.
My wish for you is gifts that you can’t even imagine right now
– gifts beyond your expectations. Together, let's enter into the
grace of allowing and receiving this bounty that is available to
us, and share with others our discoveries. Often it is through
the act of sharing that we learn the most important lessons
ourselves.
In an effort to keep our church community aware of
opportunities to be a healing presence in each other’s lives,
please join me in expressing well wishes to Bob Ryan and to
Susan Powell, who have both recently been hospitalized.
Requests for assistance, where needed, to help them through
the rough spots will be made through our Neighborhood
Groups.
If you want to see the tremendous healing power of parental
love, go to Emily Grover’s blog
[email protected]. I’m happy to report
that Emily and Vinnie Grover’s twin babies Tara and Vivek
are gaining health and strength and are most adorable.
We hold in our hearts Anna and Nancy Bryant, Mary Kay
Hamilton, Walter Riley, and Jana Wertheim, as they
continue to heal from their health challenges. And we hold in
our hearts Joe McGee and Nelta Owen, as they go through
the process of grief that accompanies losing a brother and a
sister.
As always, we hold dear those struggling to balance the care of
their families with the care of their parents, those looking for
sustainable employment, the forgotten or abused, and those
who are bearing their burdens in silence.
Our Pastoral Caregivers work with the Minister, the Director
of Lay Ministry and the Neighborhood Groups in a spirit of
cooperation to cherish and care for the members of our
congregation. If you or your loved ones are in need of a
sympathetic ear, the Pastoral Caregivers are available. Call Rev.
Dennis Hamilton at 972-519-8187, or Marianna Seaton,
Director of Lay Ministry at 972-743-1599 or e-mail
horizon unitarian universalist churchpage 5
Horizon Players?
What about the development of a
Horizon Environmental Ministry whose
members would keep us apprised of
events in our area that we need to lend
our voices to, either in protest or
support? This is the only inhabited
planet we yet know of that hosts our
interdependent web of life of which we
are apart. Could we become more
actively involved as a faith community
in its protection and sustenance?
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______
I invite you to fill in the blanks. The
possibilities are endless and limited only
by how we see ourselves. Can we do
what our founders did and see ourselves
“bigger”, as reaching out beyond what
we are accustomed to as we enfold
more of the wider community? We
have built a refuge at Horizon for liberal
faith. Can we now move toward seeing
Horizon as a “base camp” for reaching
out? In the approaching years we will
have the golden opportunity during the
Interim Ministry years to look again at
who we are and where we want to go.
Make your own list of possibilities for
Horizon’s future. Then share your lists
with each other as opportunities arise
for conversation and dreaming. Expect
endless abundance! Remember, “If you
can dream it, you can make it so.”
"PRESIDENT'S CORNER" from pg. 3
“It is not dark because it is Christmas. It
is Christmas because it is dark.”
That statement opened one of the first
sermons I heard at a Unitarian
Universalist church. It blew my mind
and changed my experience of the
holidays ever since.
Holidays, for all their glamour and
glitter, can be very hard for too many of
us, especially the winter holidays. From
Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day,
it feels like there are more losses, large
and small, than any other time of the
year. Perhaps it just seems that way
because deaths and illnesses stand out
in high relief in the festive atmosphere
of Christmas or Hanukah. But, it has
been my experience that November and
December bring more than their fair
share of sadness.
I spent many years believing that it was
dark because it was Christmas. “Bah,
humbug” was too cheerful for me. My
thoughts were “Holidays. Ugh. Take
cover.” I could not understand all the
activity, the insanity of it all. Perfectly
sensible people would pack two or three
gatherings into one evening after a full
day at work and a long night before
baking cookies and wrapping gifts. They
were exhausted and loving every minute
of it. Why?
My rather disdainful question was
answered in the simple declaration that
“It is Christmas because it is dark.” It
was a total reversal of my
understanding, sort of like the reversal
of the winter solstice, which is the
origin of most winter holidays.
“It is Christmas because it is dark.” We
come together as the days shorten to
sustain each other and ourselves. We
bake cookies and exchange gifts, we
share our meals and light candles to
ward off the growing darkness all
around us. We gather our clans in
celebrations and rituals to remind us
that the darkest night of all, the solstice,
marks a reversal. It is the moment that
the days will begin to lengthen as the
light makes its return.
“It is Christmas because it is dark.” Let
us cherish each other in this holiday
season. Let us bring comfort and joy to
each other. Let us remind each other
that the darkest moment yields a
reversal, that the light will return, after
all.
From Our Intern Minister• “Reversals”Lyssa Jenkens • [email protected]
Announcements & Such...NEW CHALICE CIRCLE
A New Chalice Circle for Young Adult Couples will begin on
December 2nd; we will create genuine dialogue about spiritual
journeys and discuss the dynamic that this journey can have
on both the individual and the relationship with our partner
with whom we are invested and covenanted. Meets on the 1 st
and 3rd Sunday of the month at 9:00 am in the couch room
of the portables. Please contact
[email protected] or find us online with
Google Groups: Horizon UU Young Couples.
METROCREST FOOD BANK VOLUNTEERING
2nd Saturday, every other month. 9:00 am – 1 :00 pm. Contact
GAMERS: 3rd FRIDAY FUN AT HORIZON!
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!
HORIZON CALENDAR
You may have noticed something missing from the newsletter
this month. That's right - the monthly newsletter calendar is
no longer included. Since the calendar is quite dynamic and
more up-to-date in the weekly newsletters, it was decided the
space in the monthly newsletter could be compressed or
better used. The Horizon web site also has the calendar
available for your perusal.
page 6happenings
We're off to a great start to
Horizon's first Read to Feed
Adventure!
Here's a guide to the next few weeks:
Religious Education teachers will
continue to pass out Student Guides in
their classes. Encourage your child to
get sponsors and log hours! If you
missed the kickoff, your child can still
participate.
• Remember to bring signed enrollment
forms to church.
• Encourage your child to reach out to
extended family, friends and neighbors
to obtain sponsorships.
• January 13 - Children will turn in
collected pledges and pool the money.
Classes will decide which animals they
would like to buy for families in need.
• January 20 - Recognition ceremony for
participants! Children will receive
certificates in the service.
What's Read to Feed? Heifer's Read to
Feed is a reading incentive program for
children and youth that connects
learning with working toward social
justice. Kids earn money for Heifer,
raise awareness for global poverty, and
have fun learning from the books they
choose. For more info go to
http://www.heifer.org/getinvolved/rea
dtofeed/
How does it work? Horizon readers
obtain sponsorships from parents,
friends and relatives based on the
amount of time spent reading or being
read to. The money earned will go to
Heifer International, an organization
that transforms lives by giving people
the means to support and feed
themselves. Every participant will be
recognized by the congregation and
presented with a certificate during a
special Children's time in January.
Read to Feed!
Adult Religious Explorations for December 2012(for more information, contact [email protected])
SUNDAYS, Library
9:00 - 10 a.m.
December 2
December 9
December 16
December 23
December 30
TUESDAYS
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Portable, Rm. 8
WONDERFUL
WEDNESDAYS
December's Theme:
"Expectation"
Christian Chalice Circle. For information, email [email protected] . Facilitated by Peggy
Gill. What does it mean for us to stand with our faith, for us to stand with this church? The Story of
Ruth.
"Socialism." Facilitated by Rowland Harvey. "Socialism" is a word bandied about, especially during
election seasons. But is it being used correctly? Come learn the origins of socialism and what it means
in today's world.
Forum. Facilitated by John Myers, using the Chalice Circle model for interactive learning about
Horizon’s “Theme of the Month”. For December the theme is EXPECTATION: the practice of
living on the threshold.
Burning Man. Facilitated by Susana Darwin. Why would 70,000 people choose to go to the most
desolate part of the desert near Black Rock City, Nevada, for a week in the middle of August? They
must bring with them everything they need--the only items sold are coffee, tea, and ice--and carry out
everything so that no trace of their having been there exists. Susana Darwin, Kay and Kent's daughter,
will explain--with photographs.
New Year Resolutions. Facilitated by Kay Darwin. New Year resolutions: Their history and value.
Do you make them? Do you keep them? Are they worth making? Discussion regarding meaningful,
lasting ways to live in keeping with UU principles.
Buddhist Sangha. Facilitated by Senior Minister, the Rev. Dennis Hamilton. This is an ongoing
exploration of the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path, the essential teaching of Buddhism.
Rev. Hamilton’s email contact: [email protected] , in case of changes.
Peggy Gill, interim DRE, Lyssa Jenkins, Intern Minister, and Rev. Dennis Hamilton host the new and
improved Wonderful Wednesdays.
• Although we begin the program at 7, you are invited to Bring Your Own Dinner between 6:30 and 7
and eat together. Beverages will be provided.
• We begin officially at 7 with a short Vespers service with song and readings. There will be a topic,
readings and questions.
• At 7:30 the group will divide into triads to explore the topic. Child care will be provided, and children
and youth are invited to participate in the triads or do homework or crafts.
• At 8:30 we will come back together to share our insights.
During December, WW will be held twice - the first and second Wednesdays.
page 7 horizon unitarian universalist church
And….always check the weekly newsletter for short profiles on classes and late-breaking
announcements. If you email [email protected] you will get a quick response from one of the
committee chairs – Kay Darwin, Kent Darwin, or Charles Frugé.
happenings page 8
• Heard a report from Peter Hendee about the progress of the
work of the Director of Religious Education Search
Committee and the RE program staffing and discussed the
needed by-laws change about the hiring of the DRE to be
proposed at the January Congregational meeting.
• Approved the elimination of the RE Assistant position as of
February 1 , 2013 to relieve the strained budget and to allow
reallocation of funds to areas they are more needed in this
time of transition.
• Heard a report from Elizabeth Gustwick and received
sample timeline graphics concerning the appropriate deadlines
for establishing the Interim Minister Search Committee and
how to adequately post that information for the congregation.
• Approved a new policy authorizing all Horizon Intern
Ministers to be able to perform wedding and commitment
ceremonies at Horizon during their tenures here.
• Heard a brief progress report from Trustees John Gill, Kent
Darwin and Peter Campagna and Rev. Dennis Hamilton about
the reviewing and recommending of revisions to our by-laws.
• An update on the re-establishing of and redefining of the
Council, renaming it the Leadership Development Council
was presented by Vice-President Sandy Steele. The Board
opined that this development sounded very promising and
appropriate for addressing leadership needs at Horizon.
• Tabled approval of the August and September financials
pending clarification of several items and the processing by
Treasurer Jan McDowell of the October financials to provide
a more current picture of our financial status.
•Approved the appointment of Linda Alred to the
Nominating Committee for 2012-2013 for one year term.
The next Board Meeting is on Monday, December 10th and
all are invited to attend and witness the business of Horizon
being conducted.
Board meetings are open and are held the 2nd Monday of
each month.
Send communications to [email protected] or to
Key Actions from the BoardNovember 12th Board Meeting
Board Approval of RE Staff Change
After much deliberation about how we
could further reduce the strain on our
budget as we approach major changes
in our Religious Education and
Ministerial staffing, and upon the
recommendation of our past DRE and
other Unitarian Universalist RE staff,
the Board approved the elimination as
of February 1 , 2013, of the RE
Assistant position. We have been the
only church in the country supporting a
position like this and we are assured
that the duties involved are able to be
covered by the work of an experienced
DRE.
Our current RE Assistant, Eileen
Terrell, has been helpful, not only in the
running of our RE program for the
past several years, but also in working
with us to plan this transition, a change
that we want to be comfortable with
before a new DRE begins his or her
work here at Horizon. Eileen says she
will be happy to have more time again
for her volunteer duties with Worship
Arts and Horizon Players. Please extend
your appreciation to Eileen.
Thank you,
JuLane, President
Board of Trustees
Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church
"ANNOUNCEMENTS" from pg. 2
horizon unitarian universalist churchpage 9
Please mark your calendars for the NTAUUS Luncheon:
Saturday, January 12, 2013, with a social hour at 12:30 and
buffet lunch at 1 :00. We will present grants to the
congregations, and the fourth annual Recognition Awards to
some loyal and dedicated individuals. Rev. Tamara Lebak of
All Souls Church in Tulsa will deliver the talk, What's Our
Net Worth? We will gather at the UU Church of Oak Cliff,
and tickets will again be available online.
To maintain a low ticket price, we need sponsors! Would you
be willing to underwrite the plaques, the honorees' lunch, a
table or two, or the Luncheon Speaker? Please contact
Daniel Polk at [email protected] or 469-682-8870. We
could also use help with setting up tables and chairs or
arranging flowers.
NTAUUS Luncheon
FROM THE INTERNCOMMITTEE
Please make time to introduce yourselves to our intern, Lyssa
Jenkens. Lyssa will be with us until May 2014 on a half-time
basis. A student at Meadville-Lombard Theological Seminary
in Chicago, she is a participant in the TouchPoint curriculum,
which leads to her receiving a Master of Divinity degree.
From the Meadville-Lombard web site: Students in Meadville
Lombard’s TouchPoint theological education engage in both
academic and practical work near their home communities,
staying in touch with their fellow students and teachers
through weekly conversations and by joining together in
community during convocations and intensive academic
courses.
What does the TouchPoint concept mean? It means careful
scheduling of time for Lyssa, who is taking academic courses
simultaneously with her time here at Horizon. She will be in
Chicago for some of those “intensive academic courses” the
entire month of January 2013.
At our last Intern Committee meeting, Lyssa specifically
requested suggestions for becoming better acquainted with
Horizon members and friends. Do make an effort to say hello
after services. . .(and perhaps include invitations for her to
participate in meetings you may be planning!)
(Comments may be relayed at any time during Lyssa’s
internship to any of the five committee members: Nelta
Owen, Elizabeth Gustwick, Betsy Webb, Bruce McClung and
Sandy Pierce.)
happenings page 10
Horizon Chalice Circles
“To associate with other like-minded people in small purposeful groups is for the greatmajority of men and women a source of profound psychological satisfaction.” AldousHuxley
Covenant Groups are groups of
people that come together and share
their thoughts and feelings on a
common topic, or simply to support
each other on life's path. Members
agree to a covenant (or set of relational
ground rules) . Covenant Groups at
Horizon are called Chalice Circles
What is a Chalice Circle?
Chalice Circles at Horizon may center
around a demographic group, for
example men, women, women 55 and
older, or young adults. Alternatively a
Chalice Circle may have a focus such as
movies, crafts, healthy lifestyles,
Buddhism, Christianity, Earth Centered
Spirituality, parenthood, or potlucks.
Some Chalice Circles are more general,
having no specific demographic group
and considering a variety of topics, for
example a Wisdom Circle or Journey
Group. Journey Groups differ in that
they meet for a limited period, but they
may choose to continue.
What do these groups share in
common?
A Chalice Circle is a small group of
typically six to ten people who commit
to meet regularly on an ongoing basis
for mutual support and to encourage
each other’s growth and development.
Additional members are welcome!
What is the purpose of a Chalice
Circle?
To be a safe, confidential place to
discuss feelings and values.
To provide an opportunity to explore
and develop thoughts and beliefs on a
variety of focus topics.
To provide an opportunity to get to
know people at Horizon in a deeper
way.
What will happen during a Chalice
Circle meeting?
Chalice Circle meetings typically begin
with a reading and/or song and/or
meditation, a chalice lighting, and a
check-in that allows people to say
briefly what is going on in their lives.
Chalice Circle meetings usually close
with a brief check-out and another
reading. The group may determine its
own format for what happens between
these two “bookends.” Chalice Circles
often do one or more service projects
during the year.
How do I join a Chalice Circle?
Complete our interest form found at
http://www.horizonuu.org/index.php
/connecting/chalice-circles?id=236 or
email [email protected].
Our coordinators will help you
connect with the group or groups of
your choice.
Buddhist Sanghais a weekly gathering that studies the Teaching of Buddhism.This is an ongoing exploration of the Four Noble Truths andthe Eight Fold Path. It is participatory and although consistentattendance is encouraged, sessions can be attended as a dropin. We welcome anyone interested in meditation practice. Wemeet Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. For an orientation, pleasearrive by 6:30 p.m. If you wish to view materials, email DennisHamilton, Senior Minister and leader of the group [email protected] or call 972-529-8187. You may alsosend an email to ([email protected]) .
Chalice Circle Councilis comomprised of leaders of the other Circles with thepurpose of providing ongoing support and training for ChaliceCircle leaders. A good place to begin if you would like to starta new Chalice Circle. ([email protected])
The CineMat Chalice Circle
(in memory of Horizon member Mat Matlock) meets on the4th Saturday every month and gets together to see a movie.They then go to a coffee shop or restaurant to discuss andcomment on it in a friendly circle over a cup of coffee ordrink. ([email protected])
Craft and Chat Chalice CircleThis circle of crafty chatters will give you the chance to learnsomething new or resume a favorite activity, while enjoyingacircle of friends. Bring your knitting, crocheting, quilting,jewelry, or any other kind of craft project.([email protected])
Earth Centered SpiritualityA Chalice Circle social/support group for people who areinterested in or already know they are following an Earth-centered spiritual path. ([email protected])Healthy WomenA woman’s support group to help achieve their goals of health
Chalice Circles Will Welcome You!
horizon unitarian universalist churchpage 11
December 23 · “Expecting Trouble” · Rev. Dennis Hamilton
The story of the Nativity is laced with drama, from Mary’s trip to Bethlehem and the ignominious birth place in a stable to
Herod’s purge of first borns and the family’s escape to Egypt. Whether fact or fiction, the story is gripping and never seems to
get old. The choir will sing Morten Lauridsen’s beautiful “O Magnum Mysterium.”
December 24 · Monday Christmas Eve Service
Beth Sproat and company present this delightful intergenerational evening of Christmas vignettes and carols. Come bring the
whole family for a joyous evening of entertainment and worship. We will serve refreshments. You are welcome to bring a plate
of cookies to share. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dec. 30 · Sharing Service · Lyssa Jenkens and Worship Arts coordinating
This is our annual Sharing Sunday when we are asked to bring our favorite readings, poems, songs stories reflections to share
with each other. It is like when we were children and after Christmas or Hanukkah we would show our friends what we got as
presents. Well these presents are things life has given us, things we cherish, little things that we carry around with us in our
wallets or keep on the refrigerator or hum in the shower or tell out grandchildren sitting on our knees. Come share them with
us in this informal service.
"FUTURE WORSHIP" from back page
and fitness. Members share ideas and experiences in Nutrition,Weight Loss, Exercise and Stress Management.([email protected])
Saturday Men's Support GroupA men’s support group that includes a check-in and informaldiscussion of men’s issues regarding family, health, workplace,and relationships. ([email protected])
Monday Wings ParentingHorizon Parents are welcome to join the Wings Chalice Circle.We support the person within each parent. We meet in the falland spring. However, we break for the summer but meet to doactivities together with the kids about once a month. For thefall and spring, you can join for one or both sessions. Freechildcare is provided by the Seniors Chalice Circle volunteersat the church for the fall and spring sessions! We have a potluck! Please note that one member is allergic to wheat, barley,and oats (gluten) . We try to include food that is gluten-free toshare, but if not, please let us know. Good food makes for agood time. We meet at the church library. Here are the datesof our remaining Fall sessions.([email protected])
Dec. 03 Extended families and how to include them in familytraditionsDec. 1 7 Nails Guilty Pleasures and Chocolate event (bringanything chocolate)
Second Tuesday PotlucksMeets for food fellowship and deepening friendships. Wemeet in the Library on the 2nd Tuesday of most months atnoon. Occasionally we take field trips instead of having apotluck. ([email protected])
Tuesday Wisdom CircleIncludes a check-in and discussion of a weekly life issue topicselected by a group member. ([email protected])
UU ChristiansProvides a forum for enriching our spiritual lives throughpersonal discovery of the heart, meaning and tradition ofChristianity. We gather in fellowship on the 1 st Sunday toencourage and support one another in our personal pursuit ofa deeper Christian experience. ([email protected])
Women Alive 55+A Chalice Circle designed for women 55+ to share viewpoints& personal experiences on topics of mutual interest.([email protected] )
Women's Friendship in Growth - WFIGA nurturing group in which to grow and form meaningfulfriendships. We meet at Horizon on the 1 st and 3rdWednesdays of the month. If there is a 5th Wednesday, wejoin together for a fun outing (restaurant, movie, etc.)([email protected]) .
Young Adult Couples
This new Chalice Circle for Young Adult Couples will beginon December 2nd; we will create genuine dialogue aboutspiritual journeys and discuss the dynamic that this journeycan have on both the individual and the relationship with ourpartner with whom we are invested and covenanted. Meets onthe 1 st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 9:00 am in the couchroom of the portables. Please [email protected] or find us online withGoogle Groups: Horizon UU Young Couples.
December 2 · Bubbha from Bodacia · Rev. Dennis Hamilton
While I was wandering around in west Texas this summer, I found myself in Bodacia.
I was talking to Texie Bell, the waitress at the Red, White and Blue Diner and told her I was looking for a Buddhist
teacher I heard lived around here. Just then she saw a big scruffy trucker walk in. “Hey Bubbha,” she said, “come
meet a preacher from Dallas.” I saw his truck outside with a big sign on it advertising “Bubbha’s Dukkha Removal.”
He came over and bowed, looked me in the eye, I mean really looked, and said, “What were you expecting?”
December 9 · “Why Does Hanukkah Matter to Us?” · Intern Minister Lyssa Jenkens
Hanukkah, celebrated for eight days beginning on December 8 this year, commemorates the liberation and
rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. In the second century BCE, a relatively small band of rebellious
Jews, known as the Maccabees, liberated the Temple from the invading Greek army. The Holy Temple was
desecrated by the Greeks during their occupation and needed a Menorah for cleansing before its rededication.
However, there was only enough undefiled oil remaining to burn the Menorah for one night. Miraculously, this small
portion proved to be enough oil to light the Menorah for eight days, long enough to produce new oil. On December
9, we will consider what this ancient Jewish story and the continuing celebration of liberation and rededication has
to say to 21 st century Unitarian Universalists.
December 16 · Christmas Choir Concert
Music Director Stanley Moody leads the choir in Vivaldi’s glorious Gloria with orchestra and choir. Commemorating
the Annunciation when the angel tells Mary she is to bear a savior, this is one of the most popular renderings of the
story in music. Ironically Vivaldi wrote it for the Ospedale della Pietà, a home for unwed mothers and orphans. We
can only imagine it to be some comfort to the pregnant young women in the home.
Future
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
See "FUTURE WORSHIP" on pg. 11