First News Weekly Thursday, August 21, 2008
Sunday Sermon
August 24 at 9:30 am & 11:15 am: Blessed Beings - Rev. Cathie Stivers From the moment we awaken each day, until we fall asleep at night, we are both givers and receivers of blessings, what Celtic mystic John O'Donohue called "invisible forms of grace." Rev. Cathie Stivers will lead us into the exploration of the meaning of "blessing," its power and humility, its source and destination, and other aspects of this transforming form of grace.
Every Sunday for the month of August, we will have a special "Share the Plate" collection for th Knoxville Relief Fund. Checks should be made out to the "Knoxville Relief Fund". The UUA also has an on-line giving option, www.uua.org
Religious Education Program Topics
August 24 at 9:30 am and 11:15 am
Pre-K: The Life Cycle of the Frog, with focus on the principal of our appreciation for the interdependent web of life.
Elementary: Treasure Maps and N.C. Wyeth: A famous painter, illustrator and Unitarian. N.C. Wyeth was known for illustrating the classic children's book Treasure Island. Children will be introduced to his life and work, and participate in a treasure hunt.
Middle and High (meeting at 11:15 only) : Meet with Will Judd--our Interim Director of Religious Education, and be a part of program discussions. Let your voice be heard!
The Nursery will be staffed for both services. Pre-K and Elementary classes will be held at both services. Middle and High School Classes will meet at 11:15 only.
Gallery Sign-ups
Do you know Richmond's longest running premier art show will occur again in First UU Church this year? This year marks the 43rd anniversary of Gallery! The show will be in full force from Wednesday, October 15, to Sunday, October 19. Pickup of purchased art and last minute sales will occur on October 20. Aside from pledges, Gallery is the largest fundraiser for the church. Last year, Gallery had sales over $65,000 and donated $14,000 to the church.
Over 200 volunteers will be needed again this year to assist with everything from handling flats and platforms, to hanging, selling, invoicing, data entry, artist check-in, and checkout. Help from volunteers will be needed beginning October 9 through October 21. Those who have volunteered previously will be happy to tell you all about it. A signup table for volunteers will be in the lobby on Sundays beginning August 24. Don't worry that you have not done this kind of stuff previously, we'll be happy to train you!
To find out more, or to volunteer, visit the Gallery table on Sundays in September, or contact one of the Gallery Directors. They are: Ann Brooks (323-9399), Suzanne Jenkins (330-8787), Laura Hastings (755-7549), Evaline Jones (320-3143) and Howard Fabry (379-4355). You may also send an email to gallery@richmonduu.org to indicate your interest in volunteering and to get more information.
Be sure to visit Gallery on the church website: www.richmonduu.org.
Mending the Web Retreat
There will be a "Mending the Web" retreat after second service on Sunday 8/24 from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
This will be our chance to think through our goals, priorities, and budget for Mending the Web for the coming year and to decide where to focus our resources and energy.
Mending the Web offers a wonderful opportunity for our congregation to make a difference in greater Richmond by helping us focus on the social justice implications of the environment , the economy and how they are interrelated. Beverages and light refreshments will be served, but feel free to bring your own lunch or snack if you prefer. Please email src@richmonduu.org if you are able to attend.
Alcott Book Club
The next Alcott Book Club meeting is August 24 at 4:30 pm at the church. The book is Here if you Need Me by Kate Braestrup. “Here If You Need Me is the story of Kate Braestrup's remarkable journey from grief to faith to happiness. It is dramatic, funny, deeply moving, and simply unforgettable, an uplifting account about finding God through helping others, and the tale of the small miracles that occur every day when life and love are restored.”
Vespers
August 27 at 5:30pm: Poetry on recovery - Brign your own poem to give to someone else. Rev. Alane Cameron Miles
Book Discussion - The Power of Now
A discussion group on Eckhart Tolle's book The Power of Now will be led by Rev. Alane on August 13, 20, 27 and September 3. Discussion is from 6:15-7:00 PM. Copies of the book are available at most bookstores. The discussion will center on Buddhist ideas of mindfulness, attachment, and connections to Tolle's work. This is a great class for people interested in Buddhism, world religions, meditation, Eckhart Tolle, and Alan Watts. This class is open and free to all. You do not have to attend all sessions, although the experience will be more enjoyable if you do.
Teacher Training
To all who are interested in the life and well being of our church youth, there is an opportunity for you to contribute this fall! E-mail rhonda.hodder@yahoo.com or dre@richmonduu.org, or call 355-0777 and volunteer to teach. Remember, this will not be an every Sunday commitment (unless you want it to be). Our Fall schedule of classes for Pre-K through High School begins Sept. 7. Join now! Teacher Training Sessions will be held at the church on Sat., 8/30 and 9/6, from 3:30-5:30. RSVP to dre@richmonduu.org or rhonda.hodder@yahoo.com, or call 355-0777 by 8/27/08. You only need to attend one training date.
Food Bank
Donations to the Central VA Food Bank (www.cvfb.org) have dropped off recently because many groups, such as ours, slow down over the summer months. They are in dire need of canned goods (especially protein - peanut butter, canned meat and fish) and other nonperishable foods (rice, pasta, baby formula etc.). More details to follow in the next newsletter, but meanwhile thanks for your past and upcoming contributions.
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