CUCC Weekly eNews

Dear Friends, We have been with you now three months! Even though we knew ‘bridge pastor’ would be a short term assignment, we have felt your warm welcome and embrace of our ministry. It has not been without challenges, of course. We are learning to work together and get to know you, while recognizing what a fleeting time this may be. We have discovered your wonderful energy in bringing people together and your continued commitment to reach out to the community and beyond as followers of Jesus. In other words, you have helped us to feel a sense of belonging, even in and for a very short time! As we talk with people who are our guests in worship, or who stop by the office, or even who are long- time members, one common theme is the need to belong, to be a part of something greater than ourselves. What helps you feel that you belong? How have you experienced that at CUCC? Where would you like to encourage our congregation to grow in creating a place of belonging? At our November Wednes...

Set your clocks back when you go to bed Saturday night.  You have an extra hour for sleep before coming to worship this Sunday, November 3.

If you drive to CUCC on Hillsborough Street or Dixie Trail from the south, check the route for the City of Oaks Marathon this Sunday, November 3.  Consider approaching CUCC from Wade Avenue.

Spend a few hours working with a team from CUCC and beyond to empty a crawlspace of a Raleigh home owner.  After we "preweatherize" the home, the family will receive a free weatherization from Resources for Seniors.  They will save on their electric bills and lower their carbon footprint. This is a feel-terrific activity for people who like to serve with their hands.  We'll meet at the Raleigh home on Saturday, November 16, at 9:30AM and should be done in about an hour.  If you happen to have a truck, even better! Contact Gary Smith for details.  smithgk@mindspring.com - a project of CUCC's Justice in a Changing Climate Task Force

On Oct. 27, thirteen CUCC members raised nearly $2500 to address food insecurity in our community and around the world.  Donations are still being accepted online .  Merrilee Jacobson mkjacobson123@gmail.com

Enjoy this photo essay of our gathered Community on Sunday, October 27.

Pastor Tony Hoshaw's October 27 sermon "The Message Fully Proclaimed" is available online in audio and written versions .

One of the joys of being CUCC's webmaster is that I see emails from CUCC's groups, formal and informal.  This one made me smile so much I asked permission to share excerpts.  On Oct. 27, Gabby represented the Oaxaca Team, telling the Do Justice Ministry what they have been doing since September 11 (yep, all of this in just 6 weeks)!   Read, celebrate, and get involved. Jane Smith smithjeg@mindspring.com  We want to share with you the actions we have taken in response to our Oaxaca Trip since our last meeting with you on September 11. • Our travel team met on September 29 for a dinner and planning meeting. • We decided to build two Ofrendas in October, one to remember our own loved ones, and one to remember those who have died in ICE detention. • We found a place to share our Ofrenda to those who died in ICE detention. (A Latinx Dia de Los Muertos festival in Durham organized by Comite Popular Somos - a grassroots immigration justice group.) • Do ...

Congregations for Social Justice (CSJ) is a coalition of faith communities committed to advocating for public policies that create a better Raleigh for all people. Bill Gretsch, Adrienne Little and Merrilee Jacobson are CSJ members, so you’ll see a familiar face or two at the meetings!  We hope you’ll join us at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 13 at Fountain of Raleigh, 9621 Six Forks Rd.  The program will be presented by the BWEL Foundation and focused on the shortage of affordable housing for students. For more information on CSJ, please contact Adrienne Little (919-781-0829) or Merrilee Jacobson (919-274-4539).

The group will be facilitated by Śānti Matthews and Bill Bryan, with support and participation from Rev. Carol Ripley-Moffitt (and also likely our next pastor). This course will support youth as they: ·  acknowledge their faith journey ·  share in discussions and activities that will encourage their commitment to deep questions ·  deepen their personal relationship with each other and with God ·  grow their understanding of our Christian and UCC heritage ·  fully celebrate and claim their part in our church community. We'll meet for about 12 Sunday classes (between November and April) two or three times a month (sometimes at 9:30 and sometimes at 10:30). We'll attend the UCC Winter Retreat in Blowing Rock January 17-20. We'll enjoy a chalice painting mini-retreat on a Sunday afternoon. Each youth will be supported as they create their own unique expression of faith. Confirmation will take place in worship in May or early June to celebrate the class and ...

Join hosts Dawn Koonce, Charles Coble and the Community Outreach Ministry at this week's Pop Up Gathering.  The Community Outreach Ministry connects CUCCers to opportunities to help in hands-on ways that make an immediate difference in the lives of those in our community and world. This fall's Pop Up Gatherings are each Sunday morning before worship from 10am - 10:20 am, starting in the narthex. Get a coffee and donut and follow a pastor and/or lay leader as we pop up in a different spot around our church building. We’ll get to know various aspects of what makes CUCC CUCC. New friends and long time members will learn what’s going on with our ministries, committees, and task forces, share some history, and do a little visioning for the future. Show up a bit early, connect with your Community, learn and share!

CUCC's Youth made this Ofrenda in 2018 Everyone is invited to bring a photo of a deceased family member, friend, or family pet to add to our personal Ofrenda by Friday, November 1. CUCC Youth have been expanding their knowledge of the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)  and specifically, learning about the Mexican memorials called Ofrendas. They have built two Ofrendas in our fellowship hall. One helps us remember our own loved ones, and one remembers those who have died in ICE detention. All are invited to experience a true Dia de Los Muertos celebration by joining a Latinx festival at 2000 Avondale Dr. in Durham on Saturday, November 2 from 6-8PM. This event is sponsored by Comite Popular Somos, a grassroots immigration justice group. Our Ofrenda to those who have died in ICE detention will be on display alongside many other memorials and Ofrendas. Questions? Want to carpool? Contact Śānti Matthews at education.cucc@gmail.com .

Gregg Museum of Art and Design 1903 Hillsborough St., Raleigh Tuesday, November 19, 1-2PM (optional lunch at 11:45AM at Neomonde Deli  on Beryl Rd.) CUCC adults and friends who are available during the day are invited to tour the free exhibits at this small but beautifully curated museum. The current exhibits include the show Southbound—Photographs of and about the New South , a joint mega-exhibition that seeks to reveal the South through the lenses of fifty-five contemporary photographers. Southbound:  Photographs of and about the New South Optionally, please consider going to lunch before at 11:45 at Neomonde Deli  on Beryl Road. To get a ride from the church to Neomonde and the museum, or for more information, please contact Śānti Matthews at education.cucc@gmail.com or 919-961-8814.

Please forgive us as we transition in the office.  This week's edition of the Weekly eNews should have stopped at the article "Life & Faith - new date for November."

How do the arts enhance our worship at CUCC?  Marty Lamb and the Arts in Worship Committee host this Pop Up Gathering (Sunday, October 20, 10-10:20AM). What are Pop Up Gatherings?  Sunday morning before worship join one pastor and/or lay leader to get to know various aspects of CUCC: our ministries, committees, and task forces, history, and then do a little visioning for the future.  Show up at 10am - 10:20 in the narthex (vestibule), get a coffee and donut and follow us as we pop up somewhere in the building to explore a bit of what makes us CUCC.