CUCC Weekly eNews

I have to quibble with the way that the post below frames the issue between Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA and the YMCA of the Triangle. The account below suggests that to join the larger organization, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro group would be required to stop welcoming LBGT persons as staff and members. First off, I'm skeptical that the YMCA of the Triangle has a policy of discrimination against anybody. But I'm even more skeptical that they have "welcoming police" who would forcably prevent the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA from welcoming anyone they choose. What's seems to be at issue is that the Chapel Hill-Carrboro group wishes the Triangle group to modifiy it's anti-discrimination statement. And I certainly think it would be a fine thing if that were to happen. But this transfers the emphasis to the question of whether the smaller group can persuade the larger group to sign on to the same LGBT anti-discrimination oath that the Chapel Hill-Carrboro group has previou...

[I'm writing as me here, not as the blog voice of CUCC.] You might have read in today's News and Observer that the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA is considering joining the YMCA of the Triangle, but will do so only on condition that they be allowed to continue welcoming LGBT persons as staff and members.  If you are a member of the YMCA of the Triangle, prayerfully consider writing to the Board of Directors in support of this request. Urge them to make this the policy of the entire YMCA of the Triangle.  I have experienced the Y staff as deeply faithful people, so I hope you'll write in love and with respect for the Spirit at work in their lives. Address: Board of Directors, YMCA of the Triangle, 801 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27607-5073. Tell your story. Tell how your faith (and scripture) informs your welcome to LGBT people. Pray for the Board. Thanks, all.

Did you know you can no longer throw electronics in your trash can? Today's News and Observer (D1) article " Turning trash into treasure " by Eden Stiffman describes the law which goes into effect today. NEW offer from Jane (me):  I'll recycle your electronics (computers, cellphones, small televisions, cords & cables, printers, scanners, fax machines, telephones, radios).  Call/email me  to let me know what you have so I can decide if your item is too big for me to handle.  About every 3 months I'll take a load of  reusable computer components to Second Chance Computer Foundation and other electronics to Wake electronics recycling (along with florescents and batteries).  When I'm ready to take a load, I will call or email you back to let you know to bring them to church to load in my car the Sunday preceding.  We don't have room to store them at our home, so you'll need to hold them until I'm ready to make a run. Here's an update on what...

P 2 e , of course! Plan to linger after worship on July 3 for our annual watermelon seed spitting contest. Prizes are offered for distance in different ability groups*. So get busy practicing your technique. *  "Ability groups?" you ask. "I thought we used to compete by age and gender?" Great question.  We've learned from our transgender friends that sorting by gender is tricky for some folks.  So, we thought we'd try sorting a new way.  You decide your ability.  Two prizes will be offered in each category.

We are happy to welcome CUCC friend Jimmy Creech to the pulpit this Sunday.  Then we'll have an opportunity to catch up with him during Fellowship.  We've insisted he allow us to have copies of his new memoir Adam's Gift for sale to those who'd like one and Jimmy has graciously offered to sign them. Many of us met Jimmy when he was pastor of our neighbor church, Fairmont United Methodist.  Over time we worked together on peace, justice, and civil rights (including gay rights) initiatives.  If you've never met Jimmy, you can read about him in a recent article in The Independent .  Jimmy is one of those preachers who challenges us, grounding us in the Gospel of God's love.

Mark your calendar--Pizza and a Movie at 6:00 on June 24th. Pajamas and blankets welcome! Feature Presentation will be "Hoot" rated PG When the new kid in town discovers that a local population of burrowing owls are about to have their home destroyed he makes new friends to take on the town and save the endangered owls.   Here's the IMDB description .

Through the summer participants will be listening to these CD's by Richard Rohr followed by discussion of what's been heard.  All are invited.  Bradow Room, 9:15-10:15am Description from the publisher of "The Art of Letting Go:  Living the Wisdom of St. Francis": We often think of saints as rare individuals whose gifts far exceed our own, and the beloved St. Francis is no exception. But for Fr. Richard Rohr, a prolific author and renowned speaker, the life and teachings of this beloved figure offer an authentic spirituality we can all embody. On  The Art of Letting Go , Fr. Rohr gives us a six-session learning course that explores: the surprising richness we discover through simplifying our lives (without taking a vow of poverty); liberation from our self-limiting biases and certitudes; contemplation and action, two key steps toward communing more deeply with the Divine; and more.

I received this email from Global Ministries and was intrigued by the unusual ways we can support them.  See if any work for you! "Chances are, if you’ve had the opportunity to travel and meet people of other cultures, you’ve probably seen some incredibly innovative and unconventional ways of doing things. Well -- Global Ministries has taken their lead and has initiated someUnconventional and Innovative Giving/Fundraising Ideas.  …and YOU are invited to participate! Do you have a vehicle to donate? Do you sell or buy on Ebay? Do you seek out opportunities to recycle or “upcycle?” Are you looking for some new music? Do you search or buy on the internet? Do you use Facebook and have a birthday? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you can help!  Check out these opportunities and more by visiting:  http://globalministries.org/give/unconventional-giving.html  or contact Sarah Riester at  sriester@dom.disciples.org  or 317-713-2564."

Community UCC will hold their spring/summer congregational meeting at noon on June 5 in the Fellowship Hall.  Anyone is invited to attend and participate in the discussions, but, if something comes up for a vote, only members may vote. So far, here is what is on the list for mutual consultation. - an update on the renovations being done to RICH Park Housing , a low-income housing apartment community which CUCC owns and operates with four other congregations - a brainstorming session about knitting our congregation together with friendships, led by Welcoming, Fellowship & Growth Ministry - a call to ministry using our CUCC computer lab - assorted quick announcements

The next Earth Sabbath Celebration is Tuesday, May 24, at 7 -8:30pm at Community UCC in Raleigh. The program will consist of doing a Cosmic Walk Ritual together. It was created by Sr. Miriam MacGillis of Genesis Farm inspired by the teachings of Thomas Berry. It is a way of bringing our knowledge of the 13.75 billion year Universe process from our heads to our hearts. Spread the word, bring a friend and get ready for a wonderful experience ! Earth Sabbath Celebrations are held every 4th Tuesday, 7-8:30pm.  They are a joint project of NC Interfaith Power+Light and Community United Church of Christ.  All are welcome (including children who are interested in sitting quietly for prolonged periods while praying/meditating).

This is to announce two weeks in advance that we will be holding a congregational meeting on June 5 after 10:30 worship. Anyone who has any business to bring before the next congregational meeting, please let Peg Hulslander know prior to May 22nd. The Hulslanders are still staying with Marge, so contact her there in the evening. Thank you. - posted for the Council

A crowd enjoyed our "day at the beach" on Sunday, May 15, as we celebrated ministries within and beyond CUCC.  If you offered your talents to a ministry, expect some contact in the next month.  Meantime, look for yourself in one of these photos .  [Sorry so many are blurry - you were a crowd in motion!]

For those of you who missed the opportunity to hear Rev. Robert Parrish preach at the Community Sunrise worship on Easter morning, you can read the text of his sermon, Signs in the Midst of Doubt .

An energetic celebration of Sally Cook's 80th birthday took place in the fellowship hall on Monday, May 9. The theme of the party was "elementary school" in celebration of Sally's many years as an elementary school teacher. Photos by Lavon Page and Bill Lamb are available at Picasaweb. http://picasaweb.google.com/CUCC.Photos/SallyCook80thBirthdayParty#

Right in our own backyard (Shakori Hills, near Pittsboro), we have a chance to hear some of the most influential Christian writers, speakers, thinkers, innovators of our time.  Just down the road we have a chance to experience the Church as vital, exciting, life-giving, deeply spiritual, and faithful.  An hour away we can worship with people from all over North America, talk to them about faith and the arts, the arts and justice, justice and worship. Who might be renewed and energized by Wild Goose (finding something of themselves, seeing who they might become)? Taize folks & Tai Chi/yoga spiritual practioners Parents who hope their children will stay connected to the Church Children who love to explore God's world, dance & sing, and be artists Social Justice Ministry advocates who want to build coalitions Community Outreach Ministry life-changers who want to explore new practices that work Choir members who love new music and any opportunity to sing Book lo...