CUCC Weekly eNews

Did you know that there are adults-only long weekends for Appalachia Service Project?  If you've thought making homes "warmer, safer, drier" is something you would like to do but aren't sure you are ready for a week with our teens or you can't take off from work for a full week, this might be for you. CUCC friends Bill and Rosemary Pate (co-leaders on past CUCC ASP trips) lead periodic trips through their congregation, Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cary.  Here is the invitation from them. "Consider joining the Christ The King  Appalachia Service Project volunteers to Guyan Valley West Virginia to make homes "warmer, safer, drier" on January 28-31, 2016 (Group # 5412) and April 14-17, 2016 (Group # 5413). You can join one of the groups by going  here  and clicking on the "Join an existing group" button and by entering the appropriate Group #. Please contact us if you are interested in these trips. Bill and Rosemary Pate   919-303-7618 ...

December 24, 2015 Weekly News (PDF) - email December 27, 2015 Weekly News  (PDF) - bulletin insert The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive. Deadlines to submit articles to the church office (office.cucc@gmail.com): Weekly News email  and  Sunday bulletin  - WEDNESDAY by 9:00 AM. N ewsletter  - WEDNESDAY  following the Church Council meeting  by 2:00 PM.  (The Church Council meets the 3rd Monday of the month, so the deadline is the Wednesday following the third Monday of the month.  Check the  calendar .)

This morning (Christmas morning) I awoke and opened an email message from Karen Withem written at 3:44 AM. Her message said, "Hey Lavon, no urgency on this regarding this article from N&O... but it may be of interest to the interfaith committee at CUCC. Would it make sense to pass it along to the appropriate person(s)?" So I'm posting Karen's link as the top contestant for "first thought of the day" on Christmas Day (since most of us aren't up before 4 AM on Christmas Day). http://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/article51356155.html

TradeUP:  A Societal Simulation January 31 from 12:30 to 3:30PM Fellowship Hall Ages 12 years and older All spots are filled. Registration required (maximum of 24 players) - contact the office (919-809-8850) or  Śānti Matthews  (education.cucc@gmail.com) Sponsored by the Economic Justice Task Force This is your invitation to set aside the afternoon of January 31, 2016, to join in an intergenerational simulation game we are calling "TradeUP."  The game is a fun and informative way to understand some of teh contemporary dynamics of American society--its economic and political patterns and how power is appropriated.  The game is experiential in nature and requires a three-hour commitment to properly engage in and de-brief.  There is a maximum of 24 players ( all spots are full ) and those 12 years and older are welcome.  For more information, contact Mac Hulslander or  Śānti Matthews.

Every Epiphany Sunday, CUCC celebrates "our" babies born the previous year.  So whether the new baby is in your home or you are a loving grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc., we want to celebrate your baby's birth. Contact Cathy Marshall at the church office (919-809-8850 or office.cucc@gmail.com) BY DECEMBER 30th.  Provide the baby's name and relationship to you, the parents' names, the birthdate and place, and send a photo if you have one.  On Epiphany Sunday (January 3rd), we'll celebrate with a "Babies of 2015" display during our regular fellowship time.

On December 20, 2015, members of the church were led by Anne Moorman-Smith to sing carols at the retirement center across the street. Here's a 90 second excerpt. This video is also located in the CUCC Archive .

Community Outreach Ministry suggests that you give the perfect gift on behalf of people you love to people who need it the most. You can find people in need right in our own community. Please consider a gift to one of the organizations that COM supports: Urban Ministry Center Loaves and Fishes Method Child Development Center InterAct FIGS Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC Women's Center Emmaus House PLM Families Together From COM, a big, big thank you! 

On December 20, 2015, the CUCC Choir provided the bulk of the program for the 10:30 worship service. Six separate musical selections performed by the choir were spread throughout the service. They are merged here into a single video (18 minutes). Enjoy! This video is also included at a permanent location in the CUCC Archive .

December 18, 2015 Weekly News  (PDF) The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive. Deadlines to submit articles to the church office (office.cucc@gmail.com): Weekly News email  and  Sunday bulletin  - WEDNESDAY by 9:00 AM. N ewsletter  - WEDNESDAY  following the Church Council meeting  by 2:00 PM.  (The Church Council meets the 3rd Monday of the month, so the deadline is the Wednesday following the third Monday of the month.  Check the  calendar .)

(The Economic Justice Task Force sent the letter below to the Wake County Commissioners. This information submitted by Śānti Matthews.)

(This video has also been permanently placed in the CUCC Archive .)  The 2015 Christmas pageant was presented on December 13 by a large cast of children, a few adults, and one baby. The Christmas pageant is a long-standing tradition at CUCC, and the director for the production again this year was Anne Bailey Zschau. The production for this season ran about 26 minutes long, and is shown here in its entirety.

Having trouble reconciling what you are hearing on the news with your preparations for Christmas?  Joan McAllister asked me to post a link to this story with some specific suggestions for your Advent practice.   How to celebrate Christmas when everything feels wrong  by Lenora Rand Questions or want to discuss what you decided to do?  Talk to Joan.

December 11, 2015 Weekly News  (PDF) The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive. Deadlines to submit articles to the church office (office.cucc@gmail.com): Weekly News email  and  Sunday bulletin  - WEDNESDAY by 9:00 AM. N ewsletter  - WEDNESDAY  following the Church Council meeting  by 2:00 PM.  (The Church Council meets the 3rd Monday of the month, so the deadline is the Wednesday following the third Monday of the month.  Check the  calendar .)

December Newsletter  (PDF) The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive. Deadlines to submit articles to the church office (office.cucc@gmail.com): Weekly News email  and  Sunday bulletin  - WEDNESDAY by 9:00am. N ewsletter  - WEDNESDAY  following the church council meeting  by 2PM.  (The Church Council meets the 3rd Monday of the month, so the deadline is the Wednesday following the third Monday of the month.  Check the  calendar .)

Saturday, December 12, 1-3 pm Vaughan Fellowship Hall at CUCC Bring signs and wear green if you can! Join us as we gather the day after the Paris climate talks end in solidarity and with the energy of thousands of people across the world sending a message that the people are committed to a just climate future and leading the way to a 100% renewable transition! We will hear from speakers about solar energy and learn about actions we can take to help North Carolina move away from fossil fuels. There will be a time for reflection, when people will be given paper to write thoughts on: what are you doing to keep fossil fuels in the ground, or what are you doing to transition to renewable energy, or what are you doing for peace, or what are you doing for justice, for fair wages, for voting rights, for clean water, for regenerative food, for healthcare and more. We’ll take those pieces of paper and put them in a pot filled with dirt to be composted in the children's Plant-a-Row for the Hu...

The annual Children's Christmas Pageant will be presented during 10:30 worship on Sunday, December 13. To jog your memory of past pageants, you can check out the collection of past photos and videos at the CUCC Archive .

Tuesday, December 15, 7:00 PM, Sanctuary With quiet meditation available from 6:30-7:00. Pause and rest from the frantic holiday pace and settle into Advent waiting. Reconnect with the Divine—”Be still and know”.

Saturday, December 12, open from 10:00AM - Noon at CUCC. What does it mean to wait for the Divine to arrive? We no longer have to wait for much in this world, what are we missing when we don’t slow down enough to feel the Holy Darkness? Are we able to sense the birth of new Light?  Can we hear the Angels? What in YOU is waiting to emerge? Come to an open house style experience of Advent Waiting. Leave the frantic world behind for a little while and enter into the wonder of Advent through art, scripture, written word, silence, or discussion. Go at your own pace, and leave when you’re ready.

December 4, 2015 Weekly News  (PDF) The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive. Deadlines to submit articles: Weekly News email - TUESDAY by 2:00pm. N ewsletter  - WEDNESDAY following the church council meeting .  (The Church Council meets the 3rd Monday of the month, so the deadline is the Wednesday following the third Monday of the month.  Check the calendar .) Bulletin  - WEDNESDAY by 9:00am.  

Sunday, December 6 , 9:30AM   Intergenerational Forum “Fear Not" How did Mary manage to say "Yes" despite her fears? We will explore together what gifts and traits Mary brought, what gifts and traits we each bring, and how we can draw from them all, as we experience the mystery of Advent, and the uncertainties in the world. Come be encouraged, affirmed, and appreciative of the power of our faith, and the strength of our community. Sunday, December 13,  9:30AM In the midst of our "Fear Not" theme, we will continue our exploration of our biases and our privelege. Sunday, December 20, 9:30AM We will discuss ways we can best help individuals who have been recently released from incarceration. Sunday, December 27,  9:30AM Our own Carson Roach-Howell will show us some of the movies he has been creating while at UNC-W and tell us how they connect to his years growing up at CUCC.  To get a taste of what you will hear and see, read what Carson wrote Community UCC:  My S...

(Note: This post refers to the UU Fellowship in Raleigh, but the film will be shown at the UU Fellowship on Watkins Rd. which is located about midway between Wake Forest and Knightdale. The address is included in the poster you view when you click the link in the post.  -- Lavon) We received this invitation from the Unitarian Universalist Peace Fellowship in Raleigh. Greetings Rev Nowling Williams: I'm a playwright from Rocky Mount, NC--and a short film version of my play, You Wouldn't Expect , will be screened at the UU PEACE Fellowship on December 20th at noon.  This film recounts the horrific experiences of one of the almost 8,000 victims of the NC Eugenics Program. I would like to personally extend a welcome to you and any of your members to join us for the screening and discussion of the film. Thanks, and best to you. Marilynn Barner Anselmi

November 29, 2015 Weekly News  (PDF) The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive.

5-7PM, Fellowship Hall Come decorate the tree, share a pizza supper, and share Christmas Joy with other families.  All ages and any kind of family are welcome.

Joan McAllister will take your clean, in-good-condition blankets, heavy sweaters and coats to the drop off site.  The items will be given to refugees from Syria who are living the camps as the winter sets in.   She is collecting through December 4.  Bring them to her at church.

(from Gray Woodard) A huge thank you to the 22 volunteers who helped out at The Food Bank on Saturday, November 21. With the help of some community volunteers, we bagged 2,000 pounds of greens and 10,000 pounds of white potatoes for a total of 10,105 meals!  Some of that food will be on Thanksgiving tables, so you can feel wonderful about the work you did. We also got to spend some time with some church members we don't often hang out with and a good time was had by all. A special thank you to Santi for encouraging the youth to participate.

Welcoming, Fellowship & Growth is sponsoring CUCC’s Annual Adult Christmas Party on Saturday, December 5th, 7:00pm, VFH. WFG will provide desserts, drinks (including wine and beer), and entertainment. We ask you to provide a ready-to-eat/serve finger-food for 6 to 8 people. We’ll mingle and share holiday greetings and then gather in the fellowship hall to sing carols and share what the holidays mean to us.  Along with your dish to share, we ask, if you are able, to please bring a Food Bag for Urban Ministries. If you can’t bring a food bag, the Food Bag Piggy Bank will be available for any monetary donations (any amount accepted). RSVP to the church office (919-809-8850 or office.cucc@gmail.com) with the number of people coming and what dish you will bring to share. Hope to see you at the festivities! Food bags should include: 1 lb. grits; 1 lb. rice; 1 lb. dried beans; 2 cans tomatoes; 2 cans applesauce; 2 macaroni & cheese; 1 jar peanut butter; 2 1qt pkg. dry milk; 2 cans...

A memorial service for Vandy Bradow's mother Ida Klages will be held at Community UCC on December 1 at 3 PM. A preliminary obituary is available here .... http://www.tributes.com/obituary/show/Ida-Frances-Klages-103027744 Here are a few photos of Ida taken during the past 5 years at CUCC. You can click on any photos to obtain a large view of all the photos.

I have been trying to figure out how to extend a warm welcome to the refugees fleeing from the wars in Syria and Iraq. I don't agree with turning all of these families away because there might... just might... be someone among them who might do us harm.  I decided a first step might be to hang a welcome sign in the window of our home. Maybe you would like to make a sign, too? Or print mine , if you prefer. - submitted by Jane Smith, not representing any group

(from email sent today by Pastor Peg Williams) Ida Klages, mother of Vandy Bradow, peacefully passed away this morning at the age of 96. Arrangements are pending and we will share those at a later time. I know your prayers are with Vandy and her family at this time. Pastor Peg

Food Bank Service Project - Sat., Nov. 21 Arrive NO LATER THAN 1PM CUCC is on the volunteer schedule, Saturday, November 21, from 1:00pm - 4:00pm at the Food Bank. We need 25 volunteers and especially want to get the youth involved and need your help!  Volunteers must be 12 or older.  Contact Gray Woodard, or Śānti Matthews  (education.cucc@gmail.com). Bring your completed release form.   FORM Wear closed toe shoes.   Wrong shoes?  No participating. D ress warmly (unheated warehouse).  Parking:  Volunteers can park along the street as marked.   Directions :  3808 Tarheel Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27609 Please arrive by 1pm because we may be scheduled with another group.

November 22, 2015 Weekly News The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive.

November 15, 2015 Weekly News The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive.

All women of the church are invited to join us for a pot luck dinner and a lively game of charades at the next SIS meeting. It will be held at the home of Gray Woodard in Raleigh. For questions or directions, call Gray.

Adrienne Little (on behalf of our social justice ministry) sends these opportunities to work for justice from the Nov. 13 Congregations for Social Justice. 1 - CSJ Inventory of Resources for and Interest in Reentry from Prison The attached form gives us an opportunity to know what your congregation is doing or has available to meet the needs of persons coming back to our community after completing their sentences. Many of these persons need help accessing the resources for a successful reentry. The task of getting a job, housing, driver’s license, food and clothes before the first paycheck can be daunting, and some are seeking a welcoming faith community as well. Let us know what you are doing or want to do. We will let you know if any of your services or volunteers are needed by the newly formed Capital Area Reentry Council, a network of agencies and faith-groups working together to assist individuals. The form can be downloaded, filled in, and returned to stohler1@bellsouth.net . See...

All women of the church are invited to join us for a pot luck dinner and a lively game of charades at the next SIS meeting. It will be held at the home of Gray Woodard, 3131 Hemlock Forest Cir, Unit 201 in Raleigh. For questions or directions, call Gray at (919) 417-5411.

I'm not going to lie to you.  We're going to feel this one.  We're going to feel this pledge increase because in 2016 Erin will be going to college.  So we're staring at double tuition.  And of course tuition's twin brothers "room" and "board".  You get the three as a package it seems.  As you can imagine, our finances have been preoccupied with making the most of this sitution. But I write this with a huge smile on my face.  I'm reading Jane Smith's project blog posting about the solar panel project.  Not only are we currently generating carbon free electricity from the sun (cue applause sign).  But the small amount left over after fund raising has gone on to help seed new projects.  Like the mustard seed parable we read in sunday school.  The reality of today is that it's just too easy to get disheartened with the state of climate change inaction.  One can feel like our leaders are watching Rome burn.  Yet amid the macro...

Adrienne Little (for Social Justice Ministry) sends these ideas for your time and creativity as you join others to promote justice in our community and the world.   The list comes from Congregations for Social Justice (Nov. 6 email). 1 -  How Can Justice Heal: Restoring Humanity in the Wake of Murder The Capital Restorative Justice Project's 13th Annual Gathering Saturday, November 14th, 2015 - 10 AM - 3:30 PM  --- Lunch will be provided Blacknall Presbyterian Church,  1902 Perry Street Durham, NC 27705 Please join us for a powerful line-up of speakers from diverse backgrounds and experiences to explore the way violence harms individuals and the community and how we can engage and work together to restore and uphold everyone's humanity in the wake of murder. There will be an opportunity to participate in the restorative practice of Talking Circles, with dedicated Circles for family members of murder victims and for family members of those who have committed murder, o...

Presentations by CUCC  members on Stewardship Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015

Welcoming, Fellowship & Growth is sponsoring CUCC’s Annual Adult Christmas Party on Saturday, December 5th, 7-9PM. WFG will provide desserts, drinks (including wine and beer), and entertainment.  We’ll mingle and share holiday greetings and then gather in the fellowship hall to sing carols and share what the holidays mean to us. NEW THIS YEAR:   We ask you to provide a ready-to-eat/serve finger-food for 6 to 8 people.  Along with your dish to share, please bring a Food Bag for Urban Ministries. If you can’t bring a food bag, the Food Bag Piggy Bank will be available for donations. RSVP to the church office and let us know the number of people coming and what dish you will bring to share. Food bags should include: 1 lb. grits; 1 lb. rice; 1 lb. dried beans; 2 cans tomatoes; 2 cans applesauce; 2 macaroni & cheese; 1 jar peanut butter; 2 1qt pkg. dry milk; 2 cans navy, pinto or pork ‘n beans.

November 6, 2015 Weekly Email The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive.

Karen Bearden, a 350.org organizer, asked us to extend these invitations to CUCC folk.  Here is her email. 1)  One more reminder about the November 16 showing of This Changes Everything in Raleigh at the Regal North Hills movie theatre at 7:30 pm! Order your tickets here! Many of you have already ordered your tickets. THANK YOU! Even if you aren’t able to attend, can you help spread the word?  We’re getting closer to our threshold of tickets that need to be sold--20 more tickets by November 8th--to confirm the showing! Order your tickets here! You’ll find an announcement and flyer below. You can also find the announcement on the 350 Triangle Facebook page that you can share if you’re on Facebook. I’m delighted the Raging Grannies will be sharing their message with us through song before the movie begins. I’ll speak briefly about the 350 Triangle November 29th NC Virtual Global Climate March. The weekend before the Paris climate talks begin, people from around the world wi...

Have you ever felt surprised or ashamed of your gut-level reaction to a person you considered "different”? Perhaps it was someone that was Black, Gay, Poor, Asian, Republican, Muslim, Disabled, or Hispanic. Do you want to explore, in a safe environment, the invisible mental shortcuts that create biases that divide us and rob us of a truly just, diverse, and inclusive society? Community United Church of Christ will be offering a two-workshop series that will lead you on a journey of self-exploration of your hidden biases. Along your trek you will discover strategies to confront racial bias in yourself as you encounter it in your daily interactions. The two 2-hour workshops will be held in the Vaughan Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 9, from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Please plan to attend both sessions. Child care will be provided. To register, contact Joan McAllister.  Last day to sign up:  November 29. Silence does nothing to mitigate the effects of bia...

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Tuesday, November 24, at 7pm 2723 Clark Avenue, Raleigh Directions Holy Trinity Lutheran Church will host the annual Community Thanksgiving Service this year. Involved with this special worship will be the pastors, members, and choirs of Fairmont United Methodist Church, West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, and Community United Church of Christ. Pastor Sharon will be our preacher for the evening.

Finally! A Panel Discussion on LGBT Legal Rights in NC, for the LGBT Community Wednesday, November 4, 2015, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Community United Church of Christ, 814 Dixie Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607 Legal Topics: Adoption, Separation, Divorce, Social Security, Health Insurance,  Retirement Event Sponsors: Legal Shield, The Entrepreneur’s Source, and CUCC (ONA) Register here The Panel:         The Moderator: BJ Kilgore-Attorney at Marshall & Taylor, PLLC Rachel Beard-Attorney at Graber/Palme Law Firm Michael Burger-Attorney at Howard, Stallings From Hutson, Atkins, Angell & Davis,  P.A. Jeff O’Briant-Attorney at O’Briant Law, P.C., Eric Brei- Attorney at R. W. Bobholz Law, PLLC Additional Support Resources Tom Cornwell-CPA at Malvin Riggins and Company, P.C. Tommy Dwight-Independent Financial Advisor at T. Dwight Financial Alex Sutherland-Independent Fiancial Advisor at LifePlan Group(Social Security) Tony Kay-Broker/Agent Simplex Solutions Inc. (Health ...

Please join us Wednesday, November 18, 7:00pm, CUCC, in the Vaughan Fellowship Hall, for our special “Holiday” Potluck. The holidays can be stressful for everyone, but the members of the LGBTQ community may have additional stressors if they do not have supportive families. Join us as we share a meal and discuss various scenarios that may happen during the holidays. ALL ALLIES, FAMILY MEMBERS AND LGBTQ INDIVIDUALS ARE WELCOME. No pressure on sharing. You may listen and/or contribute as much as you wish. All PFLAG meetings are confidential and all are welcome! PFLAG is the United States' largest organization for parents, families, friends, and straight allies united with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. The mission of PFLAG Triangle is to: Support Families and Friends – by working to foster loving relationships, by helping them understand and affirm their gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender loved ones; Educate Ourselves and the Public – by working with educa...

SAVE THE DATE!!  Saturday, November 14, 2015, 7:00pm - 9:00pm Vaughan Fellowship Hall This will be a bang-up ending to a spectacular pledge drive and is one of the funniest, most side-splitting shows that you will see this year - sponsored jointly by the Stewardship Ministry and our Youth. It is an inter-generational party to be enjoyed by all. We’re looking for talent of all varieties, so please sign up soon so that you can be included in the program. Sign up in the Narthex for the next two Sundays (Nov. 1 and 8) or contact Śānti Matthews (education.cucc@gmail.com), who is scheduling the star groups. Don’t worry about being laughed at, because that is the point, but if you have a serious talent and want to perform, we promise to behave accordingly. Please come and join us. It helps us to plan the food if you RSVP; but if you forget, come anyway. Let us support the talented folks in our congregation and enjoy an evening with friends. Childcare will be provided if needed, as well as...

November Newsletter  (This  is the same as the Weekly News November 1, 2015.) The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive.

In a world becoming increasingly globalized, more people are leaving their homelands to seek better lives and opportunities in new countries. Their reasons for leaving are diverse and complex. The U.S. has long been a nation of immigrants and we are consistently conflicted about this. We gratefully welcome immigrants and their contributions; and we exclude them, discriminate against them and, at times, inflict grave harm upon them. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors. The Bible is clear in calling us to welcome aliens and strangers and to love them as we love ourselves. In these times, let us listen to the voice of the still-speaking God as we learn how to respond to these new sisters and brothers residing among us. (ucc.org) November 1:  Intergenerational Forum  Go around the world with us! Visit such places as India, China, Costa Rica, and Germany through the eyes and hearts of our friends who have recently returned from their travels. Be engaged, moved, and ...

Thank you all for the wonderful support you showed for the CROP Walk and the fight against hunger.  I have some amazing news to share. Donations kept coming in even after the walk, such that our total funds raised were $4553.68 as of Monday evening.  CUCC is the #1 team in Raleigh online -- and I suspect over all! The walk itself included 33 CUCC participants.  The youngest walker was 3 years old, donations began at $5.  One of our fundraisers raised over $1000! and was the #2 fundraiser in all of Raleigh! Again many thanks to all that participated and supported us in different ways.  You are such a giving group in so many ways. Sincerely, Maria, team captain

(This information provided by Maria Mayorga.) Thank you all for participating in this year’s crop walk.  I can tell you that we have exceeded our goal and it is all because of you! I will be near the registration tables there by 3:15 pm, please try to arrive by 3:30 to turn in your forms and register. This post contains the following important information. Location and time information Important detour information for those driving in Turning in your forms Costume information for those with children/children at heart Location and time information Broughton High School (723 Saint Mary’s St.) enter the back parking lot entrance off of St. Mary’s street.  There will be volunteers with signs. Activities will start at 3pm; the walk will start at 4pm.  Maria will be near the registration tables by 3:15 pm.  The walk route can be found here. Turning in your forms For those of you who have paper forms.  Please turn them in to Maria either at church on Sunday or when you...

Sunday, November 8, Noon, in the Vaughan Fellowship Hall This is  the time of year to be grateful - both for what we have received and for what we are able to give back to the community and the world.  If you wish to comment on any pressing items that need to be in the proposed 2016 budget, please contact Carol Kepler or come to our Budget Committee meeting on Sunday, November 8th, at Noon, in the Vaughan Fellowship Hall, and let the Stewardship Ministry know of any specific suggestions you have for the budget.  

Congregational Meeting Sunday, November 22, Noon, Vaughan Fellowship Hall At our fall congregational meeting, we will preview the proposed budget for 2016 and hear a progress report on recruitment of congregational officers, as well as chairs and members of our committees and our seven Ministries.   Pledge Sunday, November 15,  has come and gone, and the sobering news is that we are approximately $55,000 short of our goal of $230,000.  If you have not already made a pledge, please do so as soon as possible so that we can begin to seriously assign numbers to the budget lines.  If you would like to volunteer your services on any committee or ministry, or recommend someone for a position, please contact Geri Bowen, Marty Lamb, Peg Hulslander or Rev. Peg Williams.    

October 25, 2015 Weekly News The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive.

Karen Withem has launched a new film project. The name of the new film will be "Stand Up". The project was announced this week via the RocketHub website. Here's a quote from the announcement released via RocketHub ... “Stand Up” is an 8-minute short film about a successful comic living life in the fast lane – until he finds himself stuck in his worst nightmare. Hard drinking, fun-loving Lukas Baker is used to audiences howling with laughter, but one night at a luxe venue he suddenly bombs. He storms backstage to rip into his long-time manager -- who tells him he is not his manager at all, but a doppelgänger angel. This is how Lukas learns he is dead. Now... how did he die and what does he have to do to win back his fans? Full RocketHub article: rockethub.com/61353 In the video below, Karen explains what motivates her media efforts and talks about the upcoming new film. If you would like to participate in funding this project, you can do so via the RocketHub website. Early...

Sisters in Spirit (SIS) will meet on Tuesday, October 27 at 6:30 PM at the home of Vivian Hunter. We will start with a pot luck supper, then have fun playing a couple of games.  ALL women in the church are invited and most welcome. To find out more about SIS, call Gray Woodard.

When I was working at the St. Paul's fair restaurant, my new friends invited CUCCers to a fun evening of big-band style music and dancing.  This is a "FUN-raiser" for the great ministries at St. Paul's.  Maybe a group from CUCC would like to go together? St. Paul's Big Band Dance with Leon Jordan and the Continentals Friday, November 6, 7:30-10PM (doors open at 7) Fellowship Hall, 3331 Blue Ridge Road $10/person advance   $15/person at the door Includes light refreshments St. Paul's church office:  919-787-1278

Adrienne Little and CUCC's Social Justice Ministry invite you to make a difference int he world by participating in one of these events in our community. 1 -  “ The North Carolina/Moldova Partnership ” Thursday, October 29, 2015 - 6:30 pm - Temple Beth Or - 5315 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh 2 -  Alternatives to Violence Project [AVP] The Alternatives to Violence Project [AVP] is offering its first workshop in the Triangle November 20-22 in Raleigh at Raleigh Friends Meeting.  The North Carolina Department of Correction wants this fun, engaging and transformational program established in our prisons, but we need community volunteer facilitators to do this.  Anyone with an interest in making a meaningful contribution to transforming our prison system, and in experiencing this hands-on, fun, activity-based intensive weekend workshop, please let us know.  People who have taken the training report they have connected deeply with others, laughed, shared, listened, and have e...

UPDATE:  Nov. 2 There was very limited interest in sharing a Thanksgiving meal at the church so we will not being doing that at CUCC this year.  Of course, that doesn't mean you can't invite each other to dinner at home or a restaurant! ORIGINAL POST:  If you have no plans for Thanksgiving, contact the church office and let us know if you would be interested in participating in a Thanksgiving dinner here at the church.  Call 919-809-8850 or email office.cucc@gmail.com by November 1.

October 18, 2015 Weekly News (PDF) . (The print size of Weekly News online can be adjusted to whatever size you prefer. Check out this  one-minute video  if you don't know how to do that.) The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive.

October 11, 2015 Weekly News (PDF) . (The print size of Weekly News online can be adjusted to whatever size you prefer. Check out this  one-minute video  if you don't know how to do that.) The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive.

On Sunday, November 1, we will remember those persons we have lost in the past year by reading their names as part of our worship service.  If you would like to have a loved one's name read, please contact the church office by October 30.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered to work at the St. Paul's Fair Restaurant.  If you have any questions, call Mary Matthews or Joan McAllister who are taking over as contacts on this project. Signs ups are now closed. If you go to the fair, drop by the restaurant to say hi and grab a terrific meal.

Help CUCC raise $1500 to combat world hunger! What: The CROP Walk is organized through the Church World Service to raise money for hunger relief in our community. The walk is a family friendly event with 1 mile and 3.1 mile routes. When: The CROP Walk is held on October 25.  Registration begins at 3:00, the walk begins at 4:00. (Kids – or kids at heart- wear your Halloween Costumes!) Where: The routes begin and end at Broughton High School ( 723 Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh ).  Arrive by 3:30 to meet up with members of our church team so we can walk and fellowship together!  Click here to see the route . Why: Donations to the CROP Walk go to hunger relief agencies right here in our community! Who : Everyone is invited to walk with us!  This is a fun, easy walk for young and old alike.  If you can't walk the routes, please consider donating to our team or joining as a “Spirit Walker”! How: (1) Sign-up/donate online (2) Pick up a registration envelope/donate ...

October 11, 2015 Weekly News (PDF) . (The print size of Weekly News online can be adjusted to whatever size you prefer. Check out this  one-minute video  if you don't know how to do that.) The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive.

Here's the October 2 scoop on upcoming events from Congregations for Social Justice as submitted by Adrienne Litte for our Social Justice Ministry 1 - Save the Date - CSJ Annual Dinner Meeting - Monday, February 1, 2016 2 - Jesus in Islam - from the Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies You are cordially invited to Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies Speaker Series on Sunday, October 25th at 3pm. The topic is Jesus in Islamic Perspective. Prof. Zeki Saritoprak from John Carroll University will give the speech and sign his books. 3 - Moral Political Organizing Leadership Institute and Summit Annual Conference Join Pastors and Faith Leaders in strategy sessions on Social Justice Movement Building, Social Policy Analysis, and Scripture Exegesis. October 29-30, 2015.   Opening Welcome and Overview of Summit at 9:30 am. 4 - Come and Celebrate - Community Success Initiative is 11 years old        Come help us celebrate 11 years         ...

Due to a scheduling conflict, the instructors who were going to lead the Jobs for Life program starting next week won't be able to do so.  Instead, the program will be slated for after the first of the year and will be held at the Loaves & Fishes site on New Bern Avenue.  Thanks to all of you who volunteered to help with this mission:  we will be back in touch in a couple of months.

1. Land Trusts Offer Houses People With Lower Incomes Can Afford 2.  JustBeer will be held today September 24th at Tylers Restaurant and Tap Room, 18 Seaboard Ave., Suite 150, Raleigh, NC 27604 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Drop by to relax with good friends and make new friends concerned with Social Justice issues. - submitted by Adrienne Talbot for CUCC's Social Justice Ministry

October 4, 2015 Weekly News (PDF) . (The print size of Weekly News online can be adjusted to whatever size you prefer. Check out this  one-minute video  if you don't know how to do that.) The  online calendar  is always available and is always up-to-date. Newsletters from 2013 and 2014 may be found on the News blog.  Older newsletters  are found in the archive.

This past week was a crazy and joyful week here at CUCC. We baptized Cyrus William Nicholl, son of Laurel Powell and Richard Nicholl, and brother of Ella and Lola.   We gave Bibles to five young people: Samantha Burki, Anna Ellison Downey,Caroline Nkanda, Sarah Jane Sigmon, Dax Murray Welborn. We marched in Durham's Gay Pride Parade, a first for me. All of these were humbling experiences. Taking an infant from his parents and promising to be part of his village reminds us of obligations we have when people come into our churches.  Giving the children their Bible with their names inscribed on the cover brought tears to my eyes.  It is a powerful moment in their lives and mine, to be honest!  Whether infant or school-age, they come to be part of something special.  And we at CUCC are that something!  We will be able to walk with Cyrus, Sammi, Ellison, Caroline, Sarah Jane and Dax as they grow in faith.  We all come to Community United Church of Chr...