UNIverse Weekly June 26-July 2, 2020


UNIverse Weekly June 26-July 2, 2020

  June 26-July 2, 2020 

 WORSHIP

June Worship Theme: Mistakes
 
Virtual GA

General Assembly is underway and has many sessions open to the public from Wednesday, June 24, through Sunday, June 28.  Those sessions which are open to everyone can be found here. Registered attendees will have access to all programming, but these events will be streamed as they occur; no registration is required. Most programs, workshops and events will be available on demand once they have occurred.

Of special note will be the Service of the Living Tradition on Thursday evening at 6 pm and the Worship service Sunday morning at 10 am.  

Please Note:  We will not have our usual live streamed worship service this Sunday but encourage everyone to attend worship at GA with thousands of of other UUs at this live streamed service. Our own Dr. Philip Rogers, Director of Music, will be presenting the Responsive music during the worship service, â€śDeep River,” the traditional African-American spiritual accompanied by Nivek Anderson on cello.  

The worship will be streamed on YouTube on this UUA.org page, YouTube, and the UUA Facebook page.

Next Sunday, July 5, join Rev. Misha Sanders and the NW Youth as they explore the Summer theme, Spiritual Practice.  We will return to our usual format of presentation then followed by coffee hour.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

CALL FOR CHALICE LIGHTERS!

WE ARE SEEKING CHALICE LIGHTERS FOR JULY. PLEASE SIGN UP! NWUUC welcomes children’s participation in the weekly Sunday service. Options to participate include lighting a chalice live via Zoom during the service or submitting a video to re@nwuuc.org that can be played during the service. LED lighting options can be used instead of a flame. Please use this link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050f4aaeac2f4-nwuuc

MUSIC MINISTRY

 

And A Child Shall Lead Them 

by Dr. Philip J. Rogers, Director of Music

The song, I Want to Live composed and performed by twelve-year-old Keedron Bryant speaks
volumes to America about the realities of systemic racism toward me and others within the black
community. His video post on social media is so evocative that it is garnering millions of views
among black and white observers as well as national media network exposure and interviews.

One critical fact that I learned during my years of teaching is that children are keen observers of
adult ways of thinking and doing. Among their peers they share perspectives and come to
conclusions about how to react to life situations. The astute educator who engages young students
in classroom discussions teaches them how to effectively process their thoughts based on
connections with classroom curriculum concepts. Their inductive and deductive reasoning skills are thereby sharpened and encouraged in the process.

The lyrics of Keedron’s song are printed below. One particular line struck me as an insightfully
astute observation. It reminded me of what reverberated in my mind while watching videos of
past shootings and again during the live video murder of George Floyd. The words, “Every day, I’m
being hunted as prey” confirmed my long held suspicion while observing the police officer’s gaze into the video camera as he choked his human prey to death – a “trophy kill” for his kind to applaud.  

From Reconstruction to today the freedom from litigation for murder of black persons can only be seen as self-gratifying trophy killings similar to the glory killing of a lion, deer, or rhino. The 
killer’s justification of “standing my ground” or “he/she resisted arrest” when in actuality we were
unjustifiably stopped in traffic for being a black driver or walking down a city street wearing a hoody
or walking down Rodeo Drive clad in his expensive business attire and being detained in hand cuffs because he does not identify as one who belongs – black skin connoting “alien” to them.
Since 2016, previously covert racists have been emboldened to murder black citizens without
conscience, remorse or fear of prosecution based on protections set forth by historic systemic racist laws that white politicians refuse to denounce and change.

An American Justice travesty that has started a Revolution…and IS being televised.

I JUST WANNA LIVE! – by Keedron Bryant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu9R08xFCtg&feature=share
I’m a young black man;
Doing all that I can… to stand.
Oh, when I look around;
And see what’s being done to my kind;
Every day, I’m being hunted as prey;
My people don’t want no trouble;
We’ve got enough struggles.
I just want to live!
God protect me;
I just wanna live!
I just wanna live!

OUR NWUUC FAMILY (CARE CORPS)

Would you like to schedule a private meeting with Rev. Misha? Please call the main number, 770-955-1408, to set up a time.

During this period of confinement and social distancing the Care Corps Team members are calling to check on our Northwest families.  But don’t wait for a call.  Please let us know what your joys and sorrows are and if we may share them in the Northwest Newsletter or in our gathered worship space here on Sunday mornings.  

 

If you have a joy or sorrow you would like to have shared in the UNIverse please call or email Lil Woolf at 404-276-6189 or publications@nwuuc.org.

If you are going through difficult times and would like emotional support or are in any situation where support and caring are needed contact:
 Rev. Misha Sanders, Minister, 770-955-1408 
Rev. Joan A. Davis, Community Minister, 404-275-0236
Maria Drinkard, 678-644-6480
Karen Edmonds, 770-851-1354
Linton Hopkins, 678-938-8858
Valerie Johnson, 470-209-9864
Lil Woolf, 404-276-6189




(770) 955-1408    Office Hours M-F 9 am to 5 pm     office@nwuuc.org

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Building Progress and Financial Status 

 

Building progress

Construction on Subramanian Hall and the sanctuary is scheduled to be completed in September. The photos here were taken on Monday, June 15, by Dave Zenner.

 

 
 
 
Finances – Now is the time!

We are scheduling the next payment to the contractor, per our agreement, reducing our cash on hand. All requests for payment are reviewed by the committee and visual inspections made to confirm accuracy of the request for payment. We are very pleased with the process and our relationship with the contractor. 

The difference between what is needed to complete the work and the cash on hand is $145,000. Four families are offering loans to Northwest at zero or low interest.  

The amount of unfulfilled promises to the building fund total $20,000. If those who promised funds to help pay for the expansion fulfill their pledges before the end of July, it will reduce the size of a bank loan to an amount authorized by the congregation.  

While it is a challenge to be headed toward completion of our beautiful new building expansion without the cash in our bank account to pay for everything, we might keep in mind a few things:

The congregation voted to approve loans for the project of up to $150,000, stipulating that payments on such debt not exceed $15,000 per year.

 The amount of debt that may be incurred for this project is a small percentage of the value of our property.

Northwest has no other debt.  

The amount of rental income we can reasonably expect in the future should increase significantly. Not only will we have a new space but we now have better mechanisms in place to market it and manage the rentals. 


Fulfill your Pledge?
 

Have you paid your 2019-2020 pledge in full yet?  Our fiscal year ends June 30 and we hope to close the books on it soon thereafter.  There currently remains about $30,000 outstanding.  We know it is easy to forget to write a pledge check when we aren’t sitting together in the sanctuary on Sundays but instead are watching our virtual services, yet the bills do not take a holiday.  

The new pledge year begins July 1 and we hope you will begin paying on it as well. As you make any payments this time of year it is essential that you designate which pledge to which funds should be applied:19-20 or 20-21.

There are several ways to make your payments.  You can either mail a check to the church, text a payment to 73256 with DonateNWUUC in the text and follow the instructions, go to our website nwuuc.org, click on News and follow the directions there to use Givelify.  Thank you for continuing to support our beloved community.


Zoom Documentary Discussion
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975
7pm on Friday, July 3rd

Watch the documentary The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 on your own and then join a virtual discussion on Zoom!

The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975  

The film mobilizes a treasure trove of 16mm material shot by Swedish journalists who came to the US drawn by stories of urban unrest and revolution. Gaining access to many of the leaders of the Black Power Movement. The filmmakers captured them in intimate moments and remarkably unguarded interviews. Currently, it is available to watch on Amazon (free with trial or Amazon Prime) or Kanopy.

This event is open to all who are open to all and is not restricted to Atlanta or the United States. Please allow others to get their full thought out and ensure that any disagreement is voiced in a civil way. At the end we will decide together the topic for the next month’s film.

Please email Adam Hicks bryantadamhicks@gmail.com to be added to the documentary distribution list. The Zoom link will be emailed out the morning of the discussion. 


NWUUC Book Groupies

The NWUUC Book Groupies will not be meeting in June. However, we will meet at 7 pm on Tuesday, July 14th, to discuss The Girl With Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee who tells the harrowing story of her escape from her birthplace, North Korea, against all odds. North Korea is a country most of us know little about and that also makes this a particularly gripping read. We will be meeting on Zoom so, if you are interested in joining the discussion, please email Penny Raney at raneypb@cs.com, with Book Groupies in the subject line, and you will receive an email to link to the meeting as we get closer to that time.  Also, if you would like to purchase a copy of the book from our NWUUC bookstore, give Penny a call at 770 551 8817 and she will get a copy to you.


Information on Bellwether Bookstore
and we are still selling books!

Bellwether Books was started in 1985 by Esther Jensen and Penny Raney at a time when NWUUC was having financial problems not unlike what we face today. We knew that our members were intelligent and active readers who might be willing to donate their used books to raise some extra cash for NWUUC. The space that is now the kitchen had been the minister’s office and was vacant so we dove into that prime area to start our used book selling. Soon we had enough cash from sales to buy books from the UUA bookstore and Beacon Press as well as other popular and requested new books so that the profits which go 100% to NWUUC became hundreds of dollars  each year. Then along came Amazon and the gradual erosion of sales over the years. Now Amazon is struggling with delivery issues as are some other large booksellers but we little guys can get books to you often more quickly and we are willing to personally deliver to you with gloves, masks and books in paper bags often at a discounted price as well as free delivery in the metro area. Just call 770 551 8817, leave a message and Penny will get back to you. 


The Mountain Events 

Adaptive Living – From Fear to Love

 

Pathway to Progress – a Virtual Learning Series as a Mountain Program

Wednesdays from 12 pm – 1:30 pm ET, starting July 1, a Nine-Week Series

Why Attend:

To learn how we can survive these times and thrive through the practice of Adaptive Living!

​To review how only “adaptable people” and “adaptable systems” survive and thrive in turbulent times.

​To learn the essential adaptive practices that ensure we are more adaptable and effective in this increasingly disruptive and changing world.

To discover new ways to maintain our mental health. Learn the surprising new science of happiness and what unique practices contribute to our well-being when facing major challenges and changes.

​To elevate our hearts and minds so we are more adaptable, productive, and committed to a high level of personal development in this rapidly changing world.

In our registration system, select Other Retreats then select your 2020 “Adaptive Living” Package
 


 

 From the Development Director, Matthew DeMond                                                            
 
    The incredible outpouring of love The Mountain received has left me slightly short of speechless. We were able to raise close to $35,000 in just 20 days during our May Matching Campaign, which was enough to cover operating costs, as well as several new purchases for increased health and safety measures such as PPE, thermometers, hand washing stations, and disinfectants. This wouldn’t have been possible without the countless contributions our beloved family was able to provide, and it’s because of your care that The Mountain stays strong and continues to thrive.

   Thank you so much to everyone who has made The Mountain the exemplary retreat it continues to be. Because of your generous spirit of giving, we get to keep sharing this sanctuary with the world.

    Many on staff have spent this time in isolation trying to make The Mountain experience as unique and enjoyable as possible. The many enhancements that have been made over this time inspired us to wonder what our capacity for personal and facility enrichment could look like with your continued support? We have asked staff what their wildest dreams are to add to our Mountain Wishlist. In hopes that this momentum of self and campus care can continue to take the guest experience to new heights, this wishlist ranges from everyday needs all the way to exceptional extravagance in the hopes that you, our believers, can help us continue to grow into the 21st century. 

    With inspiration from the Development team we have created a new Monthly Mountain Manifester program that allows us to slowly chip away at our greatest needs. If only half of our donor base contributed $5 a month, we would reach our total yearly goals before July! With the extra contributions through the year, we would be able to grow into a truly exceptional establishment. While we all are taking this time to make sure The Mountain remains an exemplary retreat, we must recognize there is always room for improvement. We look forward to growing together! 

 
Become A Mountain Manifester!
 
Mountain Camp


 

MountainCamp 2020 Announcement
Dear Campers and Camper Families,
 
I hope you remain in good health and I thank you so much for your patience as we navigate what a pandemic means for The Mountain and MountainCamp.

While information regarding community health restrictions for our summer will continue to take shape and change throughout the coming months, one thing has become clear. Any MountainCamp program we are able to offer would not resemble the program you registered for. 
 
As a result, we are taking the following steps:
​MountainCamp youth programs at The Mountain are suspended in 2020:
This includes the camp that your camper is registered for and any other of our previously advertised youth programs in June and July. 

Possible new programs for Mountain campers in 2020:
It is possible that we will be able to offer new programs this summer that may include family camp for MountainCamp families and some youth programs toward the end of the summer. When we are clearer on what any experience at camp can be like this summer, we will announce any programs that we are able to offer via email, on our website and on Facebook.
Summer 2021:
We are planning on operating our summer 2021 programming. Please visit our website for continued updates on all programs. 
 We are confident that together we will work through this, and MountainCamp will be back to provide the lifelong memories, friendships, and confidence boosts our kids so desperately need, now more than ever. 
 Thank you for your patience and support. 
 See you at The Mountain soon,
 
Megan Quattlebaum Van Der Lind Director
PROGRAM DIRECTOR 

If you are a family registered for Summer 2020, complete this form
Here For Refund
 
 

 

 ONLINE CAMP
 For this 41st year of camp, when we can not physically be together, we are launching a new adventure for us with Celebrate MountainCamp online. Be ready to celebrate the camp we all love and hold dear with challenges for our campers, intergenerational interactions, live broadcasting and much more! Celebrate MountainCamp will be primarily broadcasted on the MountainCamp Facebook and Instagram pages. Stay tuned as we announce more in the next weeks. 
 
Find MountainCamp on:
Facebook and Instagram 
 
Announcement-
“Special Rate Package for MountainCamp Families! June 1 – July 25, 2020
We know it was hard to hear and has been wearing on all of our hearts that we could not be together at MountainCamp this summer. But we don’t want you to miss the opportunity to still enjoy our beautiful mountain this summer. We built a simple, affordable package for our MountainCamp camper families to be able to enjoy our property and the beautiful town that we call home.
 
These rates apply only to household families of campers who were registered for 2020 or attended 2019 camp but had not yet registered for 2020.
We are offering your household family a stay in our camp bunkhouses for $100 per night (up to 5 people). To keep it simple and affordable, we will not be offering programming, meals or linens as a part of this package. At this time, our kitchen is currently closed. You can request sheet and towel sets at an additional $5 per person. Call Guest Services to book at 828-526-5838.”
 
Attention Intergenerational Camp Registrants!
 
We are hopeful and planning for your arrival at the end of July! As we want to be able to make this program work for as many people as we can in our safety and comfort levels, we continue to keep ourselves up to date on local and state guidance. We realize that the ability to be open does not translate into comfort for all to be together,  so I will be sending out an email to the people enrolled/ registered at the beginning of July to talk as a community on how we can do Intergenerational Camp this summer in a way that serves each of us well.
Be on the lookout for that.
 If you are still on the fence about attending this program, go ahead and enroll yourself on our registration system so that you can be a part of the email and conversation. I look forward to what we come up with for our time together!

 Megan Quattlebaum Van Der Lunde

 Mountain Programs Director
 
 
Full list of events HERE
 

IT HelpDesk

We have a new IT Help Desk that is available to help members with issues of getting on line with Zoom, Realm or our Facebook Group page.  This desk is managed by Cameron Moore, Katy Lockhart, Kuru George, David Morgen and Russ Martin.  To reach one of them email your questions to techhelp@nwuuc.org.

JUNE BIRTHDAYS AND JOINING ANNIVERSARIES 2020

June Birthdays                                       June Anniversaries
Laura Kearns               06/03
Kat Benoy                    06/04
Linda Irving                  06/04
Jay Kiskel                    06/12
Sally Mitchell               06/17
Constance Dierickx     06/26
John McManus            06/30

 

Cathryn DuBow                       06/02/1993
Richard DuBow                       06/02/1993
Tammy Clabby                        06/28/2009
Hannah Johnson                     06/09/2013
Valerie Johnson                       06/09/2013
Gregg North                             06/09/2013
Melanie North                           06/09/2013
Kristan Wagner                        06/23/2013
John Maynard                          06/23/2013
Alison Williams                         06/01/2014
Brian Williams                          06/01/2014
Jamie Williams                         06/01/2014
Jesse Williams                         06/01/2014
Jessa Fagan                            06/08/2014
Marc von Mandel                     06/16/2014
Tom Couch                              06/07/2015
Verna Barrett                           06/14/2015
Jay Hall                                   06/14/2015
Julie Medlin                             06/14/2015
Michael Cain                           06/12/2016
Kester Chau                            06/19/2016
Sonny Chau                            06/19/2016
Kathy Miller                             06/19/2016
Kuruvilla George                     06/24/2018

 

CALENDAR

UUA Worship Service-Virtual
10 am   

 NORTHWEST LEADERSHIP

Board of Trustees 2019-2020
President                     David Stewart           
President Elect            Lil Woolf             
Finance Trustee          Pam Freeman         
Secretary                     Sandy Davis         
Trustee at Large          Katy Lockhart              
Trustee at Large          Larry Wallis          
Trustee at Large          Chloe Morgen
Imm. Past President    Hannah Cowart  
            
Ministries Team Leaders

Adult Learning             Marilyn Matlock         

Adult Learning             Greg Pattison
Communications         David Morgen
Community                  Kristan Wagner            
Community                  Brian Freeman
Gardens & Spaces      Beryl Grall-Petty
Justice                         Dave Zenner                
Stewardship                Cameron Moore 
Worship                       Vacant

Staff
Rev. Misha Sanders, Senior Minister
Rev. Joan Armstrong-Davis, Community Minster
Adia Fields-Udofia, Religious Education Director
Dr. Philip Rogers, Music Director
 

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