CUCC Weekly eNews

New opportunities keep popping up every day, so keep checking the CUCC Online Calendar .   October 1, 2020 edition Thursday, October 1 Deacons Ministry Jesus:  Uncovering the Life, Teachings & Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary Friday, October 2 Retirees’ Café – Merrilee and Bill co-host Saturday, October 3 Memorial service for Steve Koenning In-person tailgate supper Sunday, October 4 First Sunday is Food Sunday Taizé worship , then fellowship Sunday Morning Adult Bible study – Prodigal Son Worship for all ages with communion , then fellowship Caring Committee Blessing of the Animals Monday, October 5 Monday Lunch Group  Tuesday, October 6   Life & Faith Wednesday, October 7 Compost bin emptied today Lectionary Lunch with Lacey Wednesday Evening Bible Study Thursday, October 8 Jesus:  Uncovering the Life, Teachings & Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary Friday, October 9 Retirees’ Café – Merrilee and Bill co-host Current needs in the co...

We hope you will attend all of these upcoming events. CROP Walk and Oktoberfest - donate to support Team "Community UCC," and register to walk in our neighborhood & enjoy brats (meat and vegetarian), all socially distanced  Register and donate Tailgate Suppers either at CUCC or on Zoom - register to choose which in-person tailgate supper you will attend socially distanced at CUCC, or to attend the on Zoom virtual tailgate  Register to attend an in-person supper         Register to attend the on-Zoom supper Walk for Hope  - donate to support Team "Community UCC," and register to walk virtually (including a drive-thru at Angus Barn)   Register and donate

A memorial service celebrating the life of Steve Koenning will be held on Zoom this Saturday, October 3, at 1PM.  Zoom doors will open at 12:30; we invite you to arrive early to sign the guest register and add a story about Steve in the Chat box.  We will share these with the family. Look for this week's Saturday worship email for the Zoom meeting information for Steve's memorial service.

This month, Community Outreach Ministry invites you to address hunger in our community by donating to the CROP Walk.  If you like, you may designate your donation for CUCC’s team. Donate here  to team "Community UCC"

Blessing  of the  Animals Sunday, October 4 at 4:00pm St. Francis Day is Sunday, October 4th. He is the patron saint of the environment and  animals  because he loved all creatures and allegedly preached to even the birds. He called  animals  "brothers" and "sisters" while praising the sun and moon. St. Francis reminds us that we should walk in reverence and joy with the created world. Please join us in the courtyard at the church from 4:00-5:00pm on October 4th for the annual  Blessing  of the  Animals . Pastor Lacey will  bless  your pet. Please remember that all pets must be on a leash or in a carrier for the safety of all pets and people. We will practice social distancing and wear masks at all times. If there is rain the event will be canceled.

Don't forget to email Laurel Powell with your moment when you were your own Moses, noticing when discomfort is sparking hopelessness and grumpiness and instead, like Moses, you step forward, trusting that God is leading a way.  Email your reframe to Laurel at laurel.powell@gmail.com. In case you missed this week's Children's Time... Laurel Powell invited us to reframe those moments that are so uncomfortable that we lose our faith that things will be better or that we can make it.  Instead, let's imagine how wonderful it will feel when our need is met by God whose love is abundant. Instead of saying after a long day, "I'm hangry;  I'll never make it to dinner (whine whine),"  why not say "I'm so hungry, but when I finally eat dinner the food will taste soooo delicious!"?  Whether it is an annoying sibling, a boring day in virtual school or work, or a current event that has you focusing on your discomfort, how might you celebrate how great...

Life & Faith gathers on first Tuesdays to swap stories and questions about tough challenges when what one believes and real life collide.  Each month we discuss a dilemma on someone's mind; Jane Smith provides a back up in case none emerges.  Whoever shows up is the group for that night; what is said is held confidentially by those attending.  Friends are welcome. The October 6 back up question is the one in this title.  These are difficult times and people are openly expressing frustration, fear, exhaustion. But I have yet to have one friend ask me for help - for a listening ear, for a week of meals, for a night of laughter, for a loan.  I'm not asking, either.  So what is preventing us from asking?  And, for those of us who live at the intersection of Life & Faith, what prevents us from asking for help from our church?  The church is God's gift to us to bear each other's burdens and take care of each other practically as well as emotiona...

David Stonefield, a former member of CUCC, died September 20, 2020.  David and his wife Gail were commissioned to be part of a small group of CUCC members who began the church plant in Cary which became our sister congregation Good Shepherd UCC.  We offer our condolences to Gail and the family. Read more about David here 

What did you re-imagine last week? CUCC friend and Good Shepherd UCC member, Sophia Sands, submitted her response to last week's challenge. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. became All is your domain, eternal ruler of the known and the unfathomable. Here is the challenge for  Week 3 : Give us each day our daily bread. What is the Creative Challenge? Throughout the summer Pastor Lacey has been sharing different re-imaginings of the Lord’s Prayer in worship and on Facebook and Twitter.  Let’s see where creativity leads us at CUCC!  Each week we will post a section of the prayer.  Spend some time with it and share how you would say it for whatever is happening in your life and the world now. Post your version on Facebook or email it to Jane Smith for sharing in the next week’s eNews.  smithjeg@mindspring.com.

Dogwood in my garden by Jane Smith As you enjoy the photos you take this autumn, send a couple of your favorites to CUCC's worship team.  Share your creativity and wonder - whether a landscape from a walk, a close up or your fall harvest, or your jack-o-lantern.  Include the name of the photographer and the location (if you know it).  Photographers of all ages welcome. Email a couple of photos to Amanda Jost at ajost07@gmail.com.  Thank you from CUCC's Worship Team.

CUCC has a free piano looking for a good home. For more information, please contact Property Ministry Chairperson Merrilee Jacobson at 919-274-4539 or MKJacobson123@gmail.com.

The Thad and Alice Eure Walk for Hope will be a drive-thru event on October 11.  We would love to have you join our team by registering at walkforhope.com   Team name - Community UCC.  When you register, you select whether to drive-thru or walk virtually. If you would like to donate to our team, please contact Dawn Koonce, Team Chairperson, at outreach.cucc@gmail.comor 336-266-9372.  If you'd like to purchase raffle tickets, please contact Dawn about those, too.  Thank you so much for supporting this important event which funds mental illness research.  "100% of the money raised by participants directly funds local mental health research at the UNC-Chapel Hill Department of Psychiatry. And, as critically, it helps call attention to the stigma and significance of these often invisible illnesses, which now due to the pandemic affect as many as 1 in 3 American adults."  ( Thad and Alice Eure Walk for Hope 2020 ) - sponsored by Community Outreach Mini...

CROP Walk “Oktoberfest” – October 25, 3-5pm  This year’s CROP Walk has a new look, due to the pandemic.  Rather than holding a city-wide event, organizers have asked each congregation to creatively re-envision the walk.  CUCC members and friends have two ways to safely support this important fundraiser:  Donate in support of the Community UCC team Sign up here .   Sign up to take a 1-, 2- or 3-mile walk around the church neighborhood between 3-5pm on October 25 and enjoy a socially distanced Oktoberfest (complete with brats!) in the Dixie Trail parking lot.   Questions? Please contact Ken or Merrilee Jacobson at 919-274-4539 or mkjacobson123@gmail.com. Thanks!

New opportunities keep popping up every day, so keep checking the CUCC Online Calendar .   September 24, 2020 edition Thursday, September 24 Moderating Team Farm to Church CSA with black farmers Friday, September 25 Retirees’ Café – Bill hosts Saturday, September 26 Youth Service Project Sunday, September 27 Taizé worship then fellowship Sunday Morning Adult Bible study – Prodigal Son Worship for all age s then fellowship Do Justice Ministry Religious Education Ministry Stewardship Ministry Parent Happy Hour Monday, September 28 Monday Lunch Group  Tuesday, September 29 YA Parent Circle Wednesday, September 30 Lectionary Lunch with Lacey Thursday, October 1 Deacons Ministry Jesus:  Uncovering the Life, Teachings & Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary Friday, October 2 Retirees’ Café – Merrilee and Bill co-host Current needs in the community What you can do to help now Other important news in this edition A (COVID) Moment with Megan – September 14 Hammock Ha...

On a regular basis, Council Moderator Megan Fackler-Bretz will share emerging guidance from the “Path Forward” task force as CUCC responds to the pandemic.     The task force met on September 14 and recommended adjustments to CUCC’s current COVID guidelines. Those recommendations were then approved by the Council later that evening. The revised guidelines are below and will be continuously reviewed over the coming months in light of the Triangle’s COVID statistics. Please send any questions you’d like addressed at future meetings to mfacklerbretz@gmail.com. Thank you!   How many people can now meet on church grounds? Since COVID metrics are starting to move in a promising direction, the task force has increased the number of people permitted to meet outside from 10 to 25. Anyone wishing to schedule an event should contact Jane Smith (smithjeg@mindspring.com) to place the event on the church calendar and acknowledge a set of safety guidelines for which he/she will be ...

Middle School Youth had fun at the Hammock Hang-Out on the grounds on Sunday!  See more photos here Hope everyone can join in the next youth event - a service project THIS Saturday at 2 PM - also on the grounds. Bring your mask!  We will complete our social justice sign project and engage in creative actions to care for members of our church. For more information, contact Śānti Matthews Youth and Adult Education Coordinator, education.cucc@gmail.com

A meeting (happy hour) for parents of all youth grades 6-12 will be held on zoom this Sunday, September 27 at 5PM. Come learn about fall plans, share ideas, welcome new parents, learn about important forms, etc.  For Zoom meeting information contact Śānti Matthews, Youth and Adult Education Coordinator at education.cucc@gmail.com   

St. Francis Day is Sunday, October 4th. He is the patron saint of the environment and animals because he loved all creatures and allegedly preached to even the birds. He called animals "brothers" and "sisters" while praising the sun and moon. St. Francis reminds us that we should walk in reverence and joy with the created world.  2017 Blessing of the Animals Please join us in the courtyard at the church from 4:00-5:00pm on October 4th for the annual Blessing of the Animals. Pastor Lacey will bless your pet. Please remember that all pets must be on a leash or in a carrier for the safety of all pets and people. We will practice social distancing and wear masks at all times. If there is rain the event will be canceled.  Please invite your friends to come with their pets, too. For more information, contact Anne Bailey Zschau, Children's Education Coordinator, annebailey@mindspring.com.

What did you re-imagine last week? CUCC friend and Good Shepherd UCC member, Sophia Sands, submitted her response to last week's challenge. Father and Mother in heaven, hallowed be your name. became Beloved awe of every I am and everything I will be.  Here is the challenge for  Week 2 : Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What is the Creative Challenge?   Throughout the summer Pastor Lacey has been sharing different re-imaginings of the Lord’s Prayer in worship and on Facebook and Twitter.  Let’s see where creativity leads us at CUCC!  Each week we will post a section of the prayer.  Spend some time with it and share how you would say it for whatever is happening in your life and the world now. Post your version on Facebook or email it to Jane Smith  for sharing in the next week’s eNews.  smithjeg@mindspring.com.

Join co-hosts Merrilee Jacobson and Bill Lamb for a drop in every Friday from 1-2PM.  Let's laugh together, talk about your week, and catch up on news. Some of CUCC's retirees have found this an enjoyable end to their week, and they welcome people of any age to join them. Contact Bill if you need the Zoom meeting ID (the same one we have been using for the Cafes). william.e.lamb@gmail.com

In October we have two small group opportunities to dig deep into the lectionary readings for the coming Sunday:  a mid-day series and an evening series. Every Wednesday, 1-2PM - hosted by Pastor Lacey First and third Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30PM - hosted by the Wednesday Evening Bible Study group Both groups welcome new people - whether from CUCC or from the community. Those gathered choose which of the lectionary readings to consider for the discussion.  No homework required.  Click here for the lectionary readings .  If you are curious about how the lectionary readings were chosen, read here . To get the Zoom meeting information, contact office.cucc@gmail.com a few days before the group gathers.

Dear fellow CUCC'ers:   This email is a continuation of deacon outreach efforts in this time of COVID-19. Contained within this email is yet another devotional for our collective reflection, penned by Rev. Robert Parrish, along with a wonderful poem entitled Prayer During This Pandemic by David Isaacs.   Please remember if you are in need of support or assistance, then please don’t hesitate to call or reach out to one of us. We are happy to receive your prayer requests. We are also able to contact pastors or church staff on your behalf, should you require their support. We will strive to help any way we can.  You can find contact information by looking in the Breeze tag 2. Deacons .   Thank you for being in community with us. May we remain unified, loving, passionate and compassionate during this difficult time. Peace be with you! Paul Atkinson, chair Deacons Ministry   **************************************************** THE GIVING TABLE By Rev. Robert Parrish ...

New opportunities keep popping up every day, so keep checking the CUCC Online Calendar .   September 17, 2020 edition Thursday, September 17 Sermon recording team Book club Jesus:  Uncovering the Life, Teachings & Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary Friday, September 18 Retirees’ Café – Bill hosts Sunday, September 20 Taizé worship with communion and fellowship Adult Bible study – Prodigal Son Worship for all ages and fellowship - Just Peace Sunday Middle School Hammock Hangout Monday, September 21 Monday Lunch Group  Lift Your Voice and Your Vote for the Planet Wednesday, September 23 Compost bin emptied Lectionary Lunch with Lacey Choir practice Thursday, September 24 Jesus:  Uncovering the Life, Teachings & Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary Farm to Church CSA with black farmers Friday, September 25 Retirees’ Café – Bill hosts Current needs in the community What you can do to help now Other important news in this edition Just Peace Sunday ...

“Seeking Racial Equity and a Just Economy” The theme for Just Peace Sunday 2020 is based on the lectionary passage in Matthew 20 in which the owner of the vineyard suggests a form of economic relations not based on a transactional sense of fairness, but a deeper call to justice and restoration. “You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” (Matthew 20:4)  This year, Just Peace Sunday takes place at a time in which systemic racism is being exposed not only through the repeated examples of physical violence against black lives as witnessed in the shootings of Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so many others; but also through the generational economic violence that has come sharply into focus this year. The economic violence of slavery, white supremacy, and racism has had a generational impact on black communities and has created the racial wealth gap we see today, a gap in which the net worth of white households is about 10 times that of b...

Throughout the summer Pastor Lacey has been sharing different re-imaginings of the Lord’s Prayer in worship, in our community prayers, and on Facebook and Twitter.  Let’s see where creativity leads us at CUCC!  Each week we will post a section of the prayer.  Spend some time with it and share how you would say it for whatever is happening in your life and the world now. Post your version on Facebook or email it to Jane Smith for sharing in the next week’s eNews.  smithjeg@mindspring.com. Week 1 Father and Mother in heaven, hallowed be your name.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Steve Koenning will be held on Zoom on Saturday, October 3, at 1PM.  If you would like to attend, contact office.cucc@gmail.com. _____________ Stephen Robert Koenning, 70, flew away to the heavens on September 5, 2020. He stayed as long as cancer and age allowed. He was held to the earth as the adored husband of Diana; father of Amber Hester and Nathan Koenning; and grandfather of Corinne Hester. He dearly loved his brother Thomas Koenning and cherished Tom's family. He treasured his lifelong friends, and relatives who stayed in close contact.  His cat and dog companions gave him much joy and comfort. Stephen was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in his family’s homeland of Germany. He began his passion for travel during this time.  He obtained a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Arizona before completing a Ph.D. at NCSU, where he worked as an Associate Professor of Plant Pathology until partially retiring in ...

The Adult Bible Study will begin discussing Henri Nouwen's  The Return of the Prodigal Son on Sunday, September 20, 9:30-10:15AM. September 20:  Before class, read the parable ( Luke 15:11-32 ) and look at the Rembrandt painting at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg . If you have time, read the introduction in Nouwen's book (pp. 1-23). Google Art Project on Wikipedia Commons   For more information about the book or this informal discussion group, contact Ellen Beidler at ellen.beidler@gmail.com.

Come to the church grounds THIS Sunday, September 20 for a Middle School Hammock Hangout from 5-6:30PM! We'll have fun, ice cream bars, popsicles, and time to get to know each other better - all while practicing safe hammocking and safe social distancing.  Please bring: a mask a water bottle (beverages and frozen treats provided by the church)  a hammock - only if you already have one - extras will be provided! your enthusiasm - only if you already have some - extra will be provided! Contact Śānti Matthews for more details or with suggestions for games or activities: education.cucc@gmail.com. Hope to hang with you on Sunday!

CSA Information Session September 24, 7pm on Zoom Hi, friends.  We are working with Jarred White at the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI, see below) to form a community-supported agriculture (CSA) group between black farmers and Raleigh/Wake County churches.  The idea is for 10 to 12 churches (likely it would be individuals within the church) to commit to buying $100/month of produce.   This would give the farmer a solid $12,000 income per year from the group.   So far 12 Wake County churches have expressed interest!!   There is an information session about the CSA at 7 PM on Sept 24 on Zoom.  If you would like to come, let Gary or Lacey know, and we will send you the Zoom info.  If you have friends from other churches who might be interested, invite them to come, too.   There are more details below.   Blessings. Gary Smith and Pastor Lacey Brown Jarred White Program Coordinator Rural Faith Community ...

I'm soiled.  Compost me! If I were clean, recycle me. Thanks to one of our on-the-ball members, we know the answer to this question: Are soiled paper grocery bags (with or without paper handle) compostable?  Yes! As Sarah Worp of CompostNow said, "Compost on!" Here's the link to the list of things you can compost . Compost Now empties our bin sometime on Wednesday, September 23. - Jane Smith for Justice in a Changing Climate, smithjeg@mindspring.com

Have you been craving some in-person social time with your CUCC buds? (If you came to the Popsicle Blessing Pop-Up, you already know how fun it can be and how much it can help). We’ve got you covered. Religious Education Ministry invites you to join friends on one of four Saturdays in October for a tailgate dinner in the Dixie Trail parking lot! This is an opportunity to gather in small groups, safely, and outside. (Please see Zoom Tailgate Supper article for an online option). ·      Please bring your own dinner and drinks ·      If you have a camp chair - that might be a great addition ·      Please bring your own masks and hand sanitizer  ·      If you like, bring a check to contribute to the virtual CROP Walk and/or Walk for Hope Sign up soon! The tailgating dates are: October 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 5:00 pm  (you pick which Saturday works best for your family) Please sign up using this link . (Check your car box, then sc...

For those who feel it's important to stay home these days, please join some CUCC friends for supper on Zoom on Saturday, October 10 at 6PM.  Whether from your own driveway, backyard, or kitchen table, fill your plate and turn join us on Zoom to enjoy the company of church friends while you have your evening meal.  Religious Education Ministry is offering this event.  Contact Santi Matthews at education.cucc@gmail.com for the Zoom address or check your Saturday worship email on October 9.   We hope to see you in Zoom land on 10/10!  Rather tailgate in person?  Look here for in-person tailgate suppers.

After two cancelled church work days, 15 volunteers gathered on Sept. 12 to tackle a wide variety of projects. Bushes were pruned, weeds were pulled, pine straw was moved to walkways, the children’s playground was cleared of fallen branches and pinecones, woodwork was washed, the children’s restroom was scraped and painted, mulch was spread and one of our youth dug out sweet-potato-sized root balls of an invasive plant.  In addition, the Pilgrim House living/dining room walls and ceiling were patched and painted to freshen up that area.  All volunteers worked safely, keeping a 6’ distance or wearing masks when necessary.   A final 2020 work day is scheduled for Nov. 7, or you can contact Property Ministry Chairperson Merrilee Jacobson (919-274-4539) to take on a project before then.  Photo album here  

 Click here to see a photo story about Welcoming Weekend 2020

Dear fellow CUCC'ers: This email is a continuation of deacon outreach efforts in this time of COVID-19. Contained within this email is yet another devotional for our collective reflection, penned by Rev. Robert Parrish.  Please remember that if you are in need of support or assistance, then please don’t hesitate to call or reach out to one of us. We are happy to receive your prayer requests. We are also able to contact pastors or church staff on your behalf, should you require their support. We will strive to help any way we can. Thank you for being in community with us. May we remain unified, loving, passionate and compassionate during this difficult time. Peace be with you! Paul Atkinson, Chair of Deacons Ministry   patkinson@tfaraleigh.org  ***********************  IT’S AT THE WELL  By Rev. Robert Parrish We live in a time where people are protesting the unjust killings of African Americans by police.  This is also a time where people are examining ...

New opportunities keep popping up every day, so keep checking the CUCC Online Calendar .   Why are there meetings scheduled in the building on the calendar after September 15?  Council and the Path Forward Task Force will be deciding about "in the building" or larger "on the grounds" events on September 14.  Jane Smith will correct the calendar after that decision. September 10, 2020 edition Thursday, September 10 Jesus:  Uncovering the Life, Teachings & Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary Friday, September 11 Retirees’ Café – Bill hosts Saturday, September 12 Workday Welcoming Sunday:  Fun and Games Sunday, September 13 Taizé worship and fellowship Adult Bible Study - Proverbs Welcoming Sunday worship for all ages and fellowship Welcoming Sunday:  Popsicle Pop Up Blessing    Monday, September 14 Monday Lunch Group  Path Forward Task Force Council Wednesday, September 16 All staff meeting Lectionary Lunch with Lacey Wednesday ...

In Pastor Lacey's sermon on Sunday she invited us to consider these questions: Where in your relationships is there pain?  Where in your relationships is there tension? Do you need to ask forgiveness? Do you need to forgive? Where is there pain in the Body of Christ at CUCC? Do we have an appropriate space to have a healing conversation? Sermon+ is an occasional post in which our preachers pose a follow-up question to their sermon for your consideration.  

Mela Lugosi It’s practically here! Time to “make” a new friend and introduce them to us this Saturday night! Watermelons, peppers, squash, canteloupe — what’s been speaking to you lately? Since many of us have been talking to ourselves as our collective isolation drags on, here’s your chance to bring a new friend to life. Give them a name and a face. Give them personality traits that help you in some way. Do they listen to your stream of new ideas or just share silence with you? Do they help you practice what to say to someone who needs a good talking to? Do they dream of the Someday Times with you or listen to your stories of the Before Times? Introduce your new friend to your church friends. This challenge, like all those we face, only needs your imagination to get kick started. Prizes for best personality* and best looking*. (*Just like in high school, these awards are not indicative of any future successes.) Getting the whole gang together has never been so bounteous!  Welcomin...

New opportunities keep popping up every day, so keep checking the CUCC Online Calendar .   September 3, 2020 edition Thursday, September 3 Deacons Ministry Jesus:  Uncovering the Life, Teachings & Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary Friday, September 4 Retirees’ Café – Bill hosts Sunday, September 6 First Sunday is Food Sunday Taizé worship and fellowship Sunday Morning Bible Study - Proverbs All-ages worship and communion and fellowship Caring Committee Monday, September 7 Monday Lunch Group  Wednesday, September 9 CompostNow empties our bin Lectionary Lunch with Lacey Thursday, September 10 Jesus:  Uncovering the Life, Teachings & Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary Friday, September 11 Retirees’ Café – Bill hosts Current needs in the community What you can do to help now Other important news in this edition New book study Bring bread and wine* for communion An invitation from Pastor Lacey First Sunday is Food Sunday Help needed with church ma...