CUCC Weekly eNews

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...

If you volunteer for four hours to staff the Pilgrim Press and the StillSpeaking Ministry table, you get a free day pass to  Wild Goose Festival , Shakori Hills, June 23-26 ( http://www.wildgoosefestival.org/ ). There will be a neighboring booth (table) with literature from area UCC congregations. Volunteers will be asked to keep an eye on it, tidy it up, and, of course, speak with people if there are questions. If you wish to volunteer, please contact Richard Edens at United Church of Chapel Hill, redens@unitedchurch.org or call 919-942-3540. 8:30am-12:30pm:  needed June 23, 24, 25, OR 26 10:30am-2:30pm:  needed June 24, 25 12:30-4:30pm:  needed June 24, 25 2:30-6:30pm:  needed June 23 (on call:  festival starts at 4), 24, 25

The Rev. Geoffrey Black, General Minister of the United Church of Christ, has written a thoughtful essay on how we might respond to the events of this weekend.  He concludes by calling us to prayer. " Let us engage in prayer that we might have that kind of courage – a prayer that includes listening deeply and patiently for God to guide our thoughts and actions along the pathways to a just peace, healing of the human heart and reconciliation. I believe our prayers will be a fitting response to the violent death of an enemy, whose cause still lives as a challenge and a threat." Is there something we at CUCC are called to do in light of current events?  Are there those who would like to explore this?

  CUCC Ministry Fair Sunday, May 15, 11:45-12:45 I magine: a bazaar with each booth featuring people excited to tell the stories of the work they do through CUCC activities for people of all ages, engaging in ministry right now a chance to ask questions, to hear stories, to celebrate together    How is  the Spirit moving through the ministries of CUCC?  Are you seeking a way to combine your passion with the world's needs?  Do you feel a call to let go of a long-held commitment and to move into a different area of ministry?  Do you have some great ideas you'd like to help implement?  If by one action, you could support those deeply involved in ministry, would you? Plan to stay after traditional worship.