UNIverse Weekly April 30-May 6, 2020

April 30-May 6, 2021

WORSHIP

Sunday, May 2 “Flower Communion”

Did you enjoy our drive-in Easter service? Here are some highlights from it, courtesy of Linton Hopkins. This coming Sunday the Youth Worship Associates will be joining Rev. Misha for our annual flower communion—and it will be our second drive-in worship service!

Please plan to be in the parking lot by 9:45am and follow the directions of our ushers who will greet you as you enter the parking lot. They will instruct you to tune your car radio to FM 88.3. You will be asked to park in rows facing the Chalice House where the service participants will be. As each row fills, the ushers will guide cars to the next row. Cars will be staggered to improve visibility for all.

If you are bringing flowers for the Flower Communion the ushers will accept them for the ceremony. Bring from your own yard or from a store. Or if neither of these options work, you are invited to come trusting that the community flower offering will be enough!

The login for Zoom is https://nwuuc.org/zoom/ or follow the service on our Facebook page. Stay tuned in afterwards for our Coffee Hour at 11 am.

From Rev. Misha

Oh my goodness, NWUUC, you all are so generous and loving! This isn’t news to me, of course. But it has been reiterated to me over and over these past weeks since my car accident. Your calls, texts, emails, mailed cards, and gifts on my porch have just been so deeply appreciated. Thank you, with my whole heart.

I am recovering well! And (with my eye bruise still visible but fading) I am SO EXCITED to see you in-person this Sunday for Drive-In Flower Communion Sunday!

The most exciting part to me about this service is undoubtedly the participation of our youth and children. I know you will NOT want to miss seeing these precious members of our community in person, many for the first time in over a year. I am getting excited all over again just thinking about it.

See you Sunday, NWUUC!

In deep love,
Rev. Misha

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Call for Chalice Lighters

We are seeking chalice lighters for May. 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

April Showers: At A Glance
Compiled by Philip J. Rogers

As we transition from the month of April with its abundance of rain, we thought that it would be an appropriate time for the song, April Showers to be featured.

April Showers was composed by Louis Silvers with lyrics by B.G. De Sylva. It was debuted in the 1921 by Al Jolson in the Broadway musical Bombo. In 1948 it was featured in the film musical, April Showers, starring Jack Carson and Ann Sothern as a married couple in a struggling vaudeville act.

Over the years April Showers gained popularity through performances by Jazz and Pop Music singers like Cab Calloway, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Margaret Whiting, Eddie Fisher, Edie Gore, and Mel Torme. Soul singer Jackie Wilson included the song on his Al Jolson tribute album, Nostalgia…You Isn’t Heard Nothing’ Yet, in 1961.

https://www.songfacts.com/facts/al-jolson/april-showers

April Showers

Life is not a highway strewn with flowers;
Still, it holds a goodly share of bliss.
When the sun gives way to April showers;
Here is the point you should never miss….

Though April showers may come your way;
They bring the flowers that bloom in May.
So, if it’s raining, have no regrets;
Because it isn’t raining rain, you know, it’s raining violets.

And where you see clouds upon the hills;
You soon will see crowds of daffodils.
So, keep on looking for a blue bird, and listening for his song;
Whenever April showers come along.

Al Jolson – 1921 Recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Z0odJJj00

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 continues to be in a long-term rehab facility following a fall. Please keep John in mind as well as Penny Raney. (Cards and emails are welcome).

Ryan Wilson , nephew of Marti Wilson, is recovering from a long hospitalization at home. Please keep Marti in mind as well as her nephew, Ryan. (Cards, phone calls,
and emails are welcome).

Rev. Misha is recovering from her recent car accident. Some broken ribs, bruises and aches, but she is feeling much better.

And, we have heard from some of our Northwest families with good news this week!
Like many of us coming out of the Covid doldrums, Kristina Banks is now enjoying visits by her daughter and grandchildren again.

So, too, is Judy McKinley looking forward to a visit this week by her granddaughter.

Cynthia Flot checked in this week to tell us that she and family are fine, she is happy to be vaccinated and added, “simply know that we are grateful more than anything.”

And a new bluebird family is expected at Northwest very soon! John McManus sent us the photo below taken earlier this week.

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

Friends,

We are getting closer to our goal of $200,000 in pledges with $173,555 promised so far, but without more pledges of good faith, the Board will be discussing and cutting some programs before presenting a balanced budget at our congregational meeting on Sunday, May 23. As they say on Public Radio during pledge drives, if you haven’t pledged yet, and if Northwest is important to you, we are down to the wire and need you to step up now. We ask that you pledge what you can afford.

2. Our new HVAC systems were installed on Wednesday! I can’t thank Beryl Grall and Larry Wallis enough for all their hard work and Pam Freeman for expediting the payment to our vendor. We’ll begin enjoying these new units later this summer (hopefully) but definitely in the fall when we come together for In-Gathering.

3. Also at our Annual Congregational Meeting May 23 we will be voting on new leadership for the congregation: Board members, MTLs and Leadership Development Committee members. We will also have reports from our professional staff. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.

4. I hope to see many of you at the Flower Communion Parking Lot service this Sunday. Details of the event are listed under the Worship tab.

5. If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift…how about the gift of plants? They’ve added a few new items to the catalog. This is the last week to order. Thank you for your support!

https://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/…/shop/nwuuc2021

In Faith,
Lil Woolf

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!

CUUPS Beltane Ritual
Sunday, May 2nd at 11:30am

Join NWUUC Hawk’s Hoop CUUPS to celebrate Beltane with a hybrid ritual Sunday, May 2nd at 11:30am. Please join us online via Zoom or masked in Stan’s Circle. Join here.

NWUUC Book Groupies
Tuesday, May 11 at 7 pm

At our next Zoom meeting the NWUUC Book Groupies will be reading another Pen/Bellwether Prizewinner for Socially Engaged Fiction. And West is West by Ron Childress spins the tale of an Air Force drone pilot and a Wall Street algorithm expert who discover how their roles in a flawed system have affected many lives around the globe as well as their own. Truly a morally chilling tale about the unexpected consequences of modern technology.

All readers are welcome but if you plan to attend please let Penny Raney know at 770-551-8817 so we can send you the Zoom link!

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.

Homecoming at The Mountain

Friday, May 28 – Monday, May 31

We offer apologies for any inconvenience related to date changes for Mountain Homecoming.

Please plan to be at The Mountain for our Annual Gathering of Members and Friends. This year, especially, we are looking forward to this together-time.

Most Mountain staff and volunteers are fully vaccinated, and we have a COVID-related protocol to protect the health of guests as well as staff. We are enthusiastic about welcoming guests to enjoy this special place

Our Homecoming weekend, Friday through Monday, will provide a variety of activities for adults and youth.

In addition to the Annual Meeting, there will be a variety of sessions to share our hopes, dreams, and plans as we work toward our Mountain Mission.

Because there has been so much focus on facilities work, you will have the opportunity to see projects completed as well as projects in process. We will also consider the possibilities for the much needed staff housing as well as the inspiring Environmental Education Center.

During the past several months, we have been impressed with the many and varied contributions by volunteers. This has made a significant difference for the Mountain’s current functioning and future possibilities. Projects for volunteers will be available during Homecoming weekend, please consider how you might like to be involved.

Please plan to participate in this three-day weekend, to be nurtured by this special place and be part of shaping the future of The Mountain

Senior High Bridging CON

May 14 – 16, 2021
Open to HS Seniors
This CON is open to high school seniors only. It is a difficult decision to make, but we want to be able to provide a safe Bridging weekend for seniors. We are optimistic and planning to open all Youth CONs starting in Fall 2021!

The Mountain is Hiring for the 2021 Season

Apply!

MAY BIRTHDAYS AND
JOINING ANNIVERSARIES 2021

Birthdays

05/02 Valerie Johnson
05/03 Wesley Hickman
05/03 Rebecca Reeves
05/08 Nancy Johnson
05/10 Darrick Alford
05/15 Becky Ferguson
05/16 Stephanie Dietz
05/19 Jack Edmonds
05/19 Marian Lynch
05/19 Greg Pattison
05/19 Marla Stein
05/21 Barbara Dondiego
05/21 Adia Fields-Udofia
05/22 Kristina Banks
05/23 Deb Andrews-Gautney
05/23 John Wienert
05/29 Shelley Hartnett

Anniversaries (by year joined)

05/23/1971 Carmen Noakes
05/11/1980 Karen Lawrence
05/18/1986 Sally Mitchell
05/05/1991 Shelley Hartnett
05/05/1991 Tom Hartnett
05/26/1999 Barbara Kilbourne
05/26/1999 Ed Kilbourne
05/11/2002 Marti Wilson
05/17/2004 Lynne Dale
05/30/2010 Nathan Barbagallo
05/30/2010 Jordan Dale
05/30/2010 Cole Hickman
05/30/2010 Katie Kibourne
05/06/2012 Sharon Reynolds
05/27/2012 Nicholas Barbagallo
05/05/2013 John Hagler
05/26/2013 Cynthia Flot
05/18/2014 Julie Rooks
05/06/2017 Judy McKinley
05/06/2017 John McManus
05/22/2018 Nora Schlesinger
05/22/2018 Phil Schlesinger
05/19/2019 Allen Sanders

CALENDAR

Sunday, May 2
10:00am Worship
11:00am Coffee Hour
11:30am Beltane Ritual

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