UNIverse Weekly April 19-22, 2021

April 16-22, 2021

WORSHIP

Sunday, April 18

This week we will be joining our Launchpad partner, Oak Ridge UU Congregation at 10 am, since Rev. Misha is home recovering from her car accident.

Rev. Jake Morrill will be speaking on “To See Strength in Diversity”.

Interdependence is a core value of our tradition; how can we do more than tolerate diversity, but instead come to thrive in it?

You are invited to join the ORUUC Worship Service this Sunday, April 18, 2021, at 10:00 AM EDT. Pre-Service Music starts at 9:40.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the link and other information about joining the service.

If you have questions or need assistance getting logged on, check the Zoom Help Center or contact Gina Grubb at worship@oruuc.org.

We will have the choice to join ORUUC after the service for their coffee hour or log into our own, at https://nwuuc.org/zoom/ at 11 am.

Message from Rev. Misha

Dear NWUUC,

As you have already learned by email, this past Sunday afternoon, I was involved in a car accident.

I want you to know that I am healing right on schedule and have every expectation of being back to full health and wellness very soon.

But for now, I am so appreciative of the GRACE of time to rest and heal properly. Not everyone is so privileged!

I suffered a brain bleed, several bone fractures (in my hand and ribs) and have several stitches above my right eye. Bruising is of course changing and becoming more colorful every day.

It is Wednesday evening as I write this, and still very early in the healing process. It’s hard to know what is going on with the brain bleed until I see my doctor for another scan. For now, the headaches are intense. I can only tolerate a very short amount of screen time each day. And, as we all know, most of life right now happens through screens! It’s a very real struggle to give my body the time away that it needs for the most efficient healing.

But I am up between rests, taking care of Moxie (my cat), and today I even took the short walk to and from the post office. I anticipate recovering quickly and being back to my full self very soon!

I am already so thankful to those of you who have reached out via email and text. Your concern is SO appreciated.

I am well cared-for and in need of nothing. And I know I can call on any of you if that changes. I am SO grateful to be surrounded by so much love!

I look forward to being with you all again very soon! If not before, certainly for our drive-in Flower Communion the first week of May! (YES, it’s still very much ON!)

As always, I LOVE YOU!

In gratitude,
Rev. Misha

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Call for Chalice Lighters

We are seeking chalice lighters for May and June. NWUUC welcomes participation in the weekly Sunday service. Options to participate include lighting a chalice 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: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F4AAEAC2F4-chalice

MUSIC MINISTRY

Grace Is A Choice!
By Philip J. Rogers, D.M.A.

Since the worship theme for April is Grace, I chose to communicate my perspective regarding its actualization. Growing up in America as a black person has required that I comprehend how to effectively function in both my own culture as well as that of the dominant Western European culture. Living in these two cultural worlds has required the act of “Code Shifting” in order to succeed and equitably assimilate. I came to realize over time however that it really did not matter how much we as a people accomplished as individuals, students, or professionals. The color of our skin connoted that we would never measure up to the system of cultural dynamics established and enacted by many within the Western European culture. The colonization of black cultures throughout the continent of Africa came about due to the gracious, welcoming character of the darker African people who were surreptitiously and eventually overtly regarded as ignorant savages and defined as inferior beings and equal to animals by those whose intent was to usurp the continent’s lucrative natural resources.

So, it stands to reason during these days of racial tension, why when black persons are approached by biased police officers or enter court rooms presided by similarly biased judges, that we are not regarded with the same level of grace as white persons being judged for similarly real or contrived violations.

My question therefore is, “Where is the grace?” Grace is a noun and a verb and defined as the disposition, act and/or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency. As evidenced in the past two or so years there are persons who attend churches every week overtly exhibiting their lack of grace toward those different than themselves which they piously espouse within their congregations. If grace were activated toward all of humanity, as it should, it would indeed be regarded as amazing.

I submit therefore an instrumental version of the hymn, “Amazing Grace.” It is my desire that true grace would exponentially increase in America and especially in its inequitable justice system.

Amazing Grace by John Newton and E.O. Excell
Performed by the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra
Nan Washburn, music director
Stuart Carlson, violin
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ULM554if2WQ&feature=share

OUR NWUUC FAMILY (CARE CORPS)

If you have a joy or sorrow you would like to have shared in the UNIverse, please call or email Rev. Joan Davis at 404-275-0236 or joanarmstrongdavis@gmail.com.

From Rev. Joan

Please keep in mind those in our congregation who are ill, hospitalized or recovering, as well as those grieving a loss. Your prayers, healing thoughts, cards and emails are welcome.

John Wienert – John is in a long term rehab facility following a fall.

Rev. Misha – was in a serious car accident following last Sunday’s Service.
She is at home and resting.

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, Senior Minister, 770-955-1408
Rev. Joan A. Davis, Community Minister, 404-275-0236
Maria Drinkard, 678-644-6480
Karen Edmonds, 770-851-1354
Ashley Fournier Goodnight 903-278-1923
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

Report from the Board President

Dear Friends,

It has been quite a week!

1. We are wrapping up our pledge drive and at this point we have 50 pledges totaling $149,355, which is $50,000 less than we had hoped to raise. Obviously the Board will be discussing what areas will have to be cut or decreased so we can present a balanced budget at the congregational meeting May 23. If you have not pledged yet, please do so as soon as you can— online ( nwuuc.org/pledge/ ) or by emailing your pledge to stewardship@nwuuc.org. It is important that all of us do our share (as we are able) to be partners in maintaining our facility,
paying our staff fair wages and funding programs.

2. At our congregational meeting the two items that were on the agenda were passed. Many thanks to all who participated. Funding for purchasing high performance HVAC units for the main building was approved, with up to $25,000 being approved to come from our reserve fund, but it is likely we’ll not need to spend that much.

3. The second item that passed was a bylaws change that allows the Board to spend an amount that is up to 8% of the operating budget for that year. Here is the amendment language that was approved:

In the case of necessary expenditures that are unbudgeted, the Board of
Trustees shall have the authority to exceed the budget by up to 8% of the
total approved annual budget. Additionally, the Board of Trustees shall
have the authority to exceed 8% of the current operating budget without
congregational approval only if a situation arises where more than 8% is
necessary to prevent substantial possibility for property damage or
personal injury.

To ensure transparency of the use of funds, the Board of Trustees shall
promptly notify the Congregation of such expenditures via written
communication.

For expenditures that are up to 8% and any that are over 8%, the Board of
Trustees shall be limited to: 1) spending funds that are available in the
Reserve Fund, or 2) spend funds requested and granted from the
Endowment Committee prior to spending, or 3) raise funds from donors
prior to spending.

4. We are all now aware that Rev. Misha suffered a horrendous car accident last Sunday and is home recuperating. See her account in this newsletter. This Sunday we will be joining Oak Ridge UU Congregation, our Launchpad partners, for worship at 10 am. The instructions for logging in are under the Worship tab above. Our Worship Associates and Tech Team members are stepping in to bring worship services for the next few weeks. Of course, we all want Rev. Misha to be able to return to us as soon as she is able, but we want her to heal worry-free.

Let us hope for a quieter week!

Lil Woolf

Liz Martin Project

My dear NWUUC friends! I am taking a seminary class that involves looking at rituals through a sociological lens…and I’m hoping you’ll help me out with a project by filling out the *short* linked survey about CHALICE LIGHTING at NWUUC.
(Side note: if you’ve been around NWUUC for a long time and have seen the practice change and evolve over the years, I would love to talk to you…I’m not sure how much historical background is needed for the paper, but I’m interested in this facet.)

DOCS.GOOGLE.COM
Chalice Lighting Ritual at NWUUC
A short survey that can be completed anonymously and will only be shared with my professor (and possibly the NWUUC worship committee if it seems helpful in any way).

General Assembly:
The UU Association’s Annual Meeting
Theme this year:
Circle ‘Round for Justice * Healing * Courage

This year, like last year, will be a 100% virtual GA, held June 23-27, 2021. Attending in person is, of course, the most fun way to attend, but last year’s virtual session was phenomenal, and we expect it will be even better this year. Northwest is allotted four delegate positions, based on our membership size, and in addition, our minister also is automatically a delegate. But you can attend and not be a delegate—you just don’t get to vote. If you want to register ($200) or check out the entire program, click here. Registration is open now!

CHOIR REGISTRATION

OPENED MARCH 15

For many, singing in the choir is a key part of coming together as UUs at General Assembly. This year, instead of joining our voices in person, let’s join our voices in a virtual choir! Each singer will record a video of themselves singing, and those individual videos will be edited into one glorious combined video to be premiered during GA. Advance registration is required and space is limited.

IT Help Desk

If you need help using Zoom to log into the service or a church online meeting, logging into Realm, our webpage Nwuuc.org or into our Facebook Group page, we have a team of experts who can help. 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. One of them will respond with answers.

Shop NWUUC Merch

Check out Northwest’s new merchandise shop at Zazzle for T-shirts, polos, and now, masks!

If you’re interested in submitting merchandise designs, please email Cameron Moore at stewardship@nwuuc.org.

MOUNTAIN CAMP 2021 UPDATE

CAMPER AND STAFF APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW

Visit https://www.themountainrlc.org/mountaincamp

Spots for Mountain Camp are limited this year and are filling up.
Many Covid -19 protocols are being put in place. For all the latest news, visit The Mountain website.

APRIL BIRTHDAYS AND
JOINING ANNIVERSARIES 2021

Birthdays

Peg Gary 04/04

Michael Burke 04/05

Melissa Niedermeyer 04/05

David Niedermeyer 04/06

Ruth Subramanian 04/06

Jesse Williams 04/11

Priscilla Hopkins 04/13

David Self 04/13

David Morgen 04/15

Stephanie Bullard 04/22

Ellington Chau 04/26

Anniversaries (by year joined)

Charlotte Alyea 04/25/1982

Jack Edmonds 04/12/1987

Karen Edmonds 04/12/1987

Donna McComas 04/30/1995

Richard McComas 04/30/1995

David Morgen 04/21/2007

Kaye McCall 04/22/2007

Joan Armstrong-Davis 04/21/2010

Stephanie Dietz 04/10/2011

Maria Drinkard 04/15/2012

Pam Zenner 04/15/2012

Katy Lockhart 04/10/2016

Keith Lockhart 04/10/2016

Jill Benton 04/17/2016

Marty Bush 04/17/2016

Kristina Banks 04/15/2018

Michael Burke 04/15/2018

Mary Anne Ericson 04/15/2018

Amy Hartsough 04/15/2018

Randy Raymond 04/21/2018

Kara Shaw 04/14/2019

CALENDAR

Sunday, April 18
10:00am Worship with Rev. Jake
(see link information above)

Tuesday, April 20
7:00pm Board Meeting

NORTHWEST LEADERSHIP

Board of Trustees 2020-2021

President Lil Woolf president@nwuuc.org
President-Elect Lynne Dale
Finance Trustee Pam Freeman finance@nwuuc.org
Secretary Sandy Davis board@nwuuc.org
Imm. Past President David Stewart
Trustee at Large Larry Wallis
Trustee at Large Grier Page
Trustee at Large (youth) Chloe Morgen

Ministries Team Leaders
Communications: Jenn Meunier Miller
Community: Brian Freeman
Gardens & Spaces: Beryl Grall-Petty
Justice: Dave Zenner
Adult Learning Lead: Marilyn Matlock, Co-Lead: Sally Mitchell
Stewardship Lead: Cameron Moore, Co-Leads: Gwen Kahn & Melissa Niedermeyer

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