Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson

NUUSLETTER

 A Newsletter for our Members and Friends

  December 2004 - Web Edition

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Every Sunday Fellowship at 9:30am, Service at 11:00am

December 5

Forum:  Decorating the tree & singing carols.

Service: A Winter Solstice Service.  Presenters:  Members of Central MS CUUPS.  JoAnn Bienvenu, Worship Coordinator. 

December 12

Forum:  The Almost Church, discussion facilitated by Rev. Luck

Service: Christmas Intergenerational Worship Service, The Reverend J. Luck.  Dary Shenefelt, Worship Coordinator.  POTLUCK lunch will follow service.

 December19

Forum:  Bill Gressett “God on Trial”

Service: "The Sky is Falling: Facing Our Moral Crisis" Jim Becker, Worship Coordinator and Speaker.

Friday, December 24

6:00 p.m. - A Christmas Candlelight Worship Service. The Reverend J. Luck, speaker.  Peter Haik, Worship Coordinator.  (Reception to follow. See A New Leaf for details.)

December 26

Forum:  Bill Gressett

Service: KWANZAA AND NEW YEAR MEDITATIONS.  Jim Becker, Worship Coordinator.

Deadline for submissions to the January UUCJ NUUSletter: December 16.  (NOTE EARLY DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER.) Please make submissions to Susan Voisin at NUUSletter@uujackson.org.

If you would like to receive the NUUsletter by email, contact Susan at the email address above.

     A New Leaf     

By Rev. Jacqueline Luck

This is the time of long nights, often bitter cold and wet, in which we humans have been seeking what is of beauty and hope, and holding it with awe since time remembered. Long nights spent in expectation of a new birth - the rebirth of the sun, or son. The rebirth of the sun, the birth of the Son- Christ’s mass was placed at the time of the winter solstice some 1,600 years ago, centuries before the English language emerged from its Germanic roots. Whatever our theological tradition, this is a season of preparing room within our hearts and lives, within our worship community, and in all our relationships for the birthing of more depth, of more of what is good, of more truth and of sacredness….a time of gratitude for all that is, and expectation of all that is possible. Like all parents we are called to nurture the sacred unborn possibility of life.

May it be so.

 You may have heard of apple wassailing, the medieval winter festival custom of blessing the apple trees with songs, dances, decorations and a drink of cider to ensure their fertility. In my family it has become a tradition to celebrate Christmas Eve with a cup of wassail, and I would like to share that custom with you….perhaps, we could say to ensure the growth of UUCJ as a viable presence in Jackson as well as in the lives of its congregants. I know many of you may be traveling, but for those in Jackson Christmas Eve, there will be a traditionally lovely candle light service at 6:00 p.m., the 24^th at UUCJ. The hope is that families with young children can attend at this early hour as well as those who have plans for later in the evening. Immediately following will be a reception at my house from about 7:00 to 8:00, or 8:30, or just come by for a few minutes. Bring some type of party food to share if you desire. My home is south of UUCJ off N. State. Turn left on Pine Hill Drive just after Meadowbrook, stay to the left; the house is in the middle of the block at 4047 Pine Hill Drive.

 May this season be to you and yours, as well as those of our communities, a time of deep reflection and the rekindling of the flame of Love and Goodwill and the Birthing of what is Sacred in each.

 In Beauty,

Jacqueline

The President’s Corner

The President’s Corner:

  "Morning Has Broken”

No, I am not about to burst into a somewhat off-key version of the above song (hymn), although it is one of my favorites.  But I do want to share with you the experience that I had today as I just finished my morning run.

I usually finish at daybreak (if I can get myself out of bed!).  This morning was one of those mornings which portend an approaching front.  You know what I mean–the type of gathering cloud cover which says rain is on the way.  I was running with my head down and full of things I had to do, running through my schedule of activities.  A raindrop on my head (another song!!) caused me to look up.  I was greeted with a brilliant array of sunrise colors which, quite literally, stopped me in my tracks.  Deep purples changing to violet, as the blackness of night gave way; pinks which slowly evolved into orange and then into brilliant red; and all of this painted on a canvas of clouds.  It took my breath away, but also made me so thankful to be alive.

Little wonder that the human race has worshiped and celebrated the rising sun–living and working the year round in concert with its changes.  “Red Sky in morning, sailor take warning...” came to my mind as I watched that “warning” sky.  The moon may evoke songs and poetry of romance, but the sun, at least in my book, signifies hope.  And sometimes these days, I really, really need that very beautiful, “awe-ful” reminder that each sunrise attests to–that no matter what ugliness and darkness may crowd our lives at times, those colors can wipe it away in an instant.  The ugliness and darkness may come back, mind you, but they can’t match the beauty of the sunrise–or, for that matter, the sunset.  Funny how nature couches the darkness between two brilliant displays of light.  Is there a message here?

JoAnn

Children’s RE News

Our UNICEF/Halloween party provided a lot of fun for everyone. Several people from CUUPS participated, including Heather Phillips who came in the role of Gumdrop the Clown and did face painting and balloon tying for the children. We had our usual costume contest and games, plus fortune telling by Aimee Hagen, pumpkin carving and decorating led by Brian Heffner, a "mummy-wrap" contest, a mini-talent show, and a spellbinding story by Jim Becker. We sent checks totaling $300. to UNICEF.

The children in both classes worked on plans for "Stone Soup Sunday" and have been preparing for the Christmas Intergenerational Service on December 12.

During the month of December we are "adopting" a Mexican immigrant family with seven children. We invite the congregation to bring gifts of clothing and toys to place under the Christmas tree on Dec. 5, 12, or 19. The children are Lisandro, Rosalio, Heriberto, Jaime, Oralia (the only girl), Marco, and Armin. The children's ages and sizes are:

Armin - boy - age 17 - men's pants size 30-32, medium shirt

Marco - boy - age 15 - men's pants size 30-32, medium shirt

Oralia - girl - age 13 - girls size 10-12

Jaime - boy - age 11 - boys size 8-10

Heriberto - boy - age 9 - boys size 8-10

Rosalio - boy - age 3-1/2 - boys size 4 boys

Lisandro - boy - age 2 months

Alicia Cruz de Hernandez - mother - Misses size 8-10 - I know mom could use some clothes, like sweaters or tee shirts.

Cirilo Hernandez - father - medium men's

For more information talk to Patricia Ice-Chandler or Dary Shenefelt.

Dary Shenefelt

Fair Trade Coffee Comes to UUCJ!

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson has elected to participate in the UUSC Coffee Project, and is joining with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee to bring you the finest in "Fair Trade Certified" coffees, teas, and chocolates. 

The UUSC Coffee Project partners the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee with Equal Exchange, a worker-owned fair trade organization.  Equal Exchange buys coffee directly from farmer cooperatives so that the benefits of trade go to small farmers. The majority of these coffees are shade grown, providing habitat for migratory birds and other creatures, and many are produced organically.  When congregations purchase coffee through the Equal Exchange Interfaith Coffee Program, UUSC receives a percentage of the proceeds.  In turn, UUSC uses these funds to support human rights initiatives or projects in the coffee growing regions.  In addition, proceeds from these sales will benefit our own congregation's fundraising.  About 500 congregations — nearly 50% of all UU congregations — are now participating, offering hope to small farmers.  If you drink coffee, tea or hot cocoa, or eat chocolate, please consider buying it from us to help support UUCJ activities as well as Global Fair Trade and environmental conservation. 

Two methods will be available for purchasing coffee:

1.  A selection of organic coffees will be kept on hand for immediate purchase from a member of the Fundraising Committee (Sue Gillespie, Liz Steere, or Stacy Callender).  One each of these coffees will also be available in the UUCJ kitchen for use by the congregation at Sunday Forum and Services.

2.  A product list and order forms will be available in the UUCJ foyer for special orders from Equal Exchange.  Order forms can be placed in an envelope that will be checked on a regular basis by the Fundraising Committee.  Wholesale orders are by the case, so individual orders of less than a case will be combined with others to reach the minimum amount of one case (six 12-oz. pkgs.). 

Orders may be picked up at the church at Sunday Service or other regularly scheduled functions by arrangement.  Payment can be made by check or cash.  Coffee brochures will be available in the UUCJ foyer. For more information on Fair Trade certified coffee or the UUSC Coffee Program, please contact Sue Gillespie or Liz Steere at uucjava@uujackson.org .  You can also read about the UUSC Coffee Project at www.equalexchange.com/interfaith/uuscproject.html

Mark your calendars!

General Assembly is in Fort Worth, TX, this year on June 23, 2005.  Not too far to drive.  Think about it!

 

FROM THE REVEREND NATHAN WOODLIFF-STANLEY to his Sponsoring Congregation, UUCJ, on the Occasion of his Ordination into the Ministry, November 14, 2004:

I just wanted to let you know that the ordination went very well yesterday, and I felt the support of all my friends and the whole congregation of Jackson.  Michael Corrigan, another candidate for ministry here, read your greetings in the service.  John was very proud to carry up the stole to Ruthie, who put it on me and read your words on behalf of the Jackson congregation.  I received many compliments on the stole, which is very elegant and attractive.  When we get some pictures developed, I hope there will be some good ones we can send to you.

Many blessings to you and everyone there, now from the Reverend Nathan Woodliff-Stanley.

THANK YOU to those of you who donated clothing to the juveniles in detention facilities.   Your gifts were greatly appreciated!