UNIverse Weekly July 31-August 6, 2020 July 31-August 6, 2020 WORSHIP August Worship Theme: Spiritual Practice August 2, 10 am Please join us for worship on August 2 at 10:00 a.m. as we enjoy the youth-led service that was originally planned for July 5. We will be exploring the theme Spiritual Practice as a …
The Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sandy Springs, Georgia invites you to the online ordination of Christina Branum-Martin. Christina served as the DRE for Northwest for over two years while studying at Candler School of Theology, and will be starting an interim ministry for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clemson, SC, in August.
The ordination will be a part of our morning worship services for four congregations whose ministers and leaders will be participating:
Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sandy Springs, Georgia
Abundant LUUv Congregation in Atlanta, Georgia
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett, Georgia
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clemson, South Carolina.
The sermon will be delivered by Rev. Duncan Teague, “Yes, As Many Times As Necessary”.
The ordination is one of the most important traditions of our faith. A congregation’s decision to ordain someone represents the congregation’s faith in, and support of, that person’s vision of ministry. However, ordination isn’t just about one person’s ministry. In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, the authority to ordain rests squarely with the congregation. This is a theological statement.
Rev. Joanna Crawford, minister of Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Austin, Texas, reflected on this before her own ordination, “It takes away my breath: not just the transformation of the
ordinand but the transformation of the congregation itself, into this priestly role. It is incarnation, as the congregation becomes the body of Unitarian Universalism, of our heritage, our traditions.
The ordination will happen to me, but it is not about me. It’s about the holy mystery in which we understand ourselves as a Unitarian Universalist congregation. We do not require an intermediary or higher authority, such as a bishop, to acknowledge the workings of Spirit; we are that authority”.
Join in the celebration of this important rite of our Unitarian Universalist heritage as we honor Christina Branum-Martin’s call to ministry. Join HERE
I wanted to provide a friendly reminder to all parents and RE program volunteers that we are currently limiting in-person activities and all RE operations are virtual until further notice. This policy is in place for the safety of all program participants and volunteers.
We are all looking forward to being able to reunite and enjoy each other’s company. However, we each have to do our part to continue to protect ourselves and to protect each other. I am holding you close until we meet again. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
In faith, Adia Fields-Udofia
Director of Religious Education for Children and Youth
Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation,
Sandy Springs, GA re@nwuuc.org
Cell: 470-269-4737
CALL FOR CHALICE LIGHTERS!
WE ARE SEEKING CHALICE LIGHTERS FOR AUGUST. 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
The Music of Summer Series: 20th Century Summer Music Music Favorites by Philip J. Rogers D.M.A.
During the 20th century radio and television broadcasters were bombarded with music exemplifying the varied seasons and populations of the world. Music that typified the Summer season was among the most popular and lucrative for recording companies. Artists like Ray Charles, Jimmy Buffet, Sonny and Cher, the Supremes, Boys to Men, Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, the Beach Boys and others dominated radio playlists.
This week we have chosen to share three 20th century works that listeners of varied ages enjoyed regarding Summer time fun. As a youngster I recall hearing Nat King Cole giving homage to the season with “Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer” in addition to another festive tribute to the season, “Summertime” by the Jamies.
In 1991 Will Smith, aka The Fresh Prince, and DJ Jazzy Jeff put college on hold to attempt a music career and discovered that their creative intelligence opened a door to lucrative careers in music and beyond. Their song, “Summertime”, is still a favorite of the season.
As we proceed through what remains of this pandemic let us remember to take some time to enjoy the positive aspects of life through whatever creative arts medium we find comforting.
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.
The Care Corps is in the process of making phone calls in an attempt to touch base with all members as we continue to practice social distancing. In May we started the practice of reaching out to members by month of birthday or joining anniversary. If you haven’t heard from us yet, rest assured your time is coming. Remember, if you have something you want to share with us or with the congregation at large, feel free to email or call one of us—we are happy to hear from you.
-Your Care Corps Team
We mourn the loss of Rev. Dr. Eugene Pickett. Gene was the UUA Board President from 1979 – 1985 and served the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta from 1962 – 1974 through a time of incredible growth and health. He was deeply influenced by the justice work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and marched with him in Selma.
John Hagler lost his mother, Virginia Morgan Hagler, at age 94 on July 18th. Mrs. Hagler had been in hospice for two months following a fall. Please keep John and his siblings in your thoughts.
Just in from Marti Wilson in regard to her nephew, Ryan. Ryan has been seriously ill – ICU, ventilator – for some months now. But, he is making plans to go home once again! He will need at home care for an extended time, but this is truly good news.
Rev. Mishahas received good news that her intestinal tumor is not cancerous. She will, however, need further treatment to prevent it from occurring again. She still requires lots of rest but is hoping to be back with us in time for Ingathering August 30. She is grateful for all the gestures of love and caring—cards, flowers, prayers and good wishes. Also keep her in your thoughts and prayers as her brother and sister-in-law continue to be gravely ill with Covid-19.
From Rev. Joan
In the meantime, settle into your own liminal space and… be well.
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
NWUUC Hawk’s Hoop CUUPS will be celebrating Lughnasadh with a virtual ritual this Sunday, July 26th at 1pm. Traditionally, Lughnasadh is one of the 8 rituals on the wheel of the year. It is mostly known as the ritual that celebrates the sun, the first harvest, and for some the Irish/Celtic god Lugh.
Have you paid your 2019-2020 pledge in full yet? Our fiscal year ended June 30 and we hope to close the books on it soon. There currently remains about $27,400 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 began 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 to which pledge year your payment 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, or 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.
Building Progress and Financial Status
Photo courtesy of Dave Zenner
Photos courtesy of Larry Wallis
Building Progress
Exciting things continue to happen at Northwest.
The vaulted ceiling in Subramanian Hall is breathtaking.
We know that regular updates here, even with photos, are inadequate to convey the magnitude and beauty of what is happening. By the end of the summer, we’ll be inviting you to sign up for a time to visit the building with a guide – for reasons of safety and risk management, these will occur only after we have approval to do so. Building expansion steering committee members will take you through the new spaces, explain some of the changes and answer your questions. We’ll do this in small groups, with masks for everyone’s safety and not until the contractor says it’s safe.
Meanwhile, this is a construction area and unsafe for visitors.
Finances
We have made many calls to those who made a promise of funds for the building expansion but have not yet fulfilled their pledge. These funds are needed to complete the project. Fortunately, contributions to the building fund have been made since the capital campaign, but these do not offset the balance of unfulfilled pledges.
Four families have stepped forward to loan funds to Northwest at no or low interest, in accordance with what the congregation approved. Anyone who wishes to make a loan should contact Finance@nwuuc.org.
Wish List
While the construction has been going on, a number of people have offered
suggestions. Some had to do with functionality, and we listened to and acted upon most. Others are important and desirable, but do not fit into the scope of the project, which is defined as construction; still others fall into the “while we’re at it” category. We hear you. We share your desire to make Northwest the best and most attractive it can be. However, we do not have the funds to enlarge the scope of the project. We look forward to the time when the congregation can agree on how to furnish our beautiful new facility.
Zoom Documentary Discussion Suppressed: The Fight To Vote 7pm on Friday, July 31st
Watch the documentary Suppressed: The Fight To Vote on your own and then join a virtual discussion on Zoom!
The documentary weaves together personal stories from voters across the state of Georgia to paint an undeniable picture of voter suppression in the 2018 midterm election where Stacey Abrams fought to become the first Black female governor in the U.S.
This event is open to all who are open to all and is not restricted to Atlanta or the United States. Feel free to invite anyone you think may be interested in joining our discussion. Please allow others to get their full thought out and 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 email list. That way you will be able to receive updates on future events as well as the zoom link and password, which will be sent out the morning of the discussion.
NWUUC Book Groupies
The NWUUC Book Groupies will meet at 7 PM Tuesday, August 11th on Zoom to discuss bestseller Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, an international wildlife scientist. You might consider this a beach read but it is much more, with some interesting historical background to be shared. Though the NW bookstore is closed at this time we have a few inexpensive copies of this book on hand so let me know if you would like a copy or if you plan to attend our meeting so we can send you the Zoom link. Penny Raney – 770 551 8817
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.
A More Beautiful World Week Formerly the Sustainability & Climate Justice Conference
September 16-21, 2020
We recognize that holding an in-person event is tricky at this time, but we at The Mountain are confident that we can conduct this event with everyone’s safety and health being our top priority. Here is a link tothe protocols we are implementing. Our aim is to have up to 50 in-person participants. With limiting the capacity to 50 people, which is well below 50% capacity for our campus, we will be able to gather in spaciously, utilize outdoor spaces and give individuals and small parties private accommodations.
Aruna Rao-McCann 07/01
Sean Appel 07/02
Kitty Meyers 07/02
Richard DuBow 07/04
Josie Miller 07/04
Gabriel Stewart 07/04
Dempsey Hickman 07/06
Sarah Beth Nelson 07/07
Sandra Niven 07/07
Brian Freeman 07/12
Beryl Grall-Petty 07/12
Pam Zenner 07/12
Nick Barbagallo 07/14
Katy Lockhart 07/21
Lil Woolf 07/21
Shelton Chau 07/24
Pam Freeman 07/27
Shelia Manely 07/27
Ilene Goldman 07/31
Michael Manely 07/31
Veta Tucker 07/01/2018
CALENDAR
Sunday, July 26, Worship service and
Ordination of Christina Branum-Martin, 10 am
Virtual Coffee 11 am
NORTHWEST LEADERSHIP
Board of Trustees 2020-2011
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 Armstrong Davis, Community Minster
Adia Fields-Udofia, Religious Education Director
Dr. Philip Rogers, Music Director
UNIverse Weekly July 17-23, 2020 July 17-23, 2020 WORSHIP July Worship Theme: Spiritual Practice July 19, 10 am During last Sunday’s sermon Liz Martin challenged everyone to do show-and-tell this coming Sunday, when we will be in “meeting” mode instead of webinar, and having our first virtual Worship Cafe. Come join us! The new link …
UNIverse Weekly July 10-16, 2020 July 10-16, 2020 WORSHIP July Worship Theme: Spiritual Practice July 12, 10 am, join ministerial student Liz Martin and Worship Associate Lynne Dale as they explore the summer theme, Spiritual Practice. Access the service at bit.ly/NWUUC and afterwards the coffee hour using this link: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/8016042973 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Reminder Dear RE Families and …
UNIverse Weekly July 3-9, 2020 July 3-9, 2020 WORSHIP July Worship Theme: Spiritual Practice July 5, 10 am, join Rev. Misha Sanders and the NW Youth as they explore the Summer theme, Spiritual Practice. Access the service at bit.ly/NWUUC and afterwards at the coffee hour using this link: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/8016042973 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALL FOR CHALICE LIGHTERS! WE ARE …
Have you paid your 2019-2020 pledge in full yet? Our fiscal year ended June 30 and we hope to close the books on it soon. There currently remains about $27,400 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. 
Watch the documentary Suppressed: The Fight To Vote on your own and then join a virtual discussion on Zoom!
The NWUUC Book Groupies will meet at 7 PM Tuesday, August 11th on Zoom to discuss bestseller Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, an international wildlife scientist. You might consider this a beach read but it is much more, with some interesting historical background to be shared. Though the NW bookstore is closed at this time we have a few inexpensive copies of this book on hand so let me know if you would like a copy or if you plan to attend our meeting so we can send you the Zoom link. Penny Raney – 770 551 8817
