Apr 25, 2023 | Featured
Every day, after a UU Adopter fills the pantry, it is empty a few hours later. There is such a need for food in our community. Even if you have not signed up as a Sustainer, please give when possible. There is a bin in Sandburg Hall or the left cabinet outside at the back entrance of UU to drop contributions off. What is most appreciated always are pop-top canned meals, water, and fruit/applesauce in containers. If you have any questions, or want to get more involved in this project, email Anita Feldman at anitasfeldman@gmail.com .
Apr 19, 2023 | Weekly Message
Yesterday, as I was scrolling through the news on my handheld device, a beautiful array of blues and greens, swirls, and light caught my eye. The image magnificently danced with a spiral embedded within the aurora borealis in northern Alaska. The world stood still as I traveled through time and found myself reminiscing on my own spiritual journey while tramping through New Zealand. I felt magnetically pulled from within to lean in and learn more about Mãori culture. I discovered how the Mãori people, language, and culture are deeply intertwined with their natural environment and the abundance of outwardly symbols in the form of statues, jewelry, and pouwhenua ( land posts) visibly present throughout my travels in both the North and South Islands. A constant reminder of their connection to Earth and the spirit world. I found solace in nature and completed several of New Zealand’s Great Walks. This was a time of deep soul-searching, as I was at an impasse in my life journey. I realized how important and necessary it is to feel aligned, in balance, and within harmony of one’s surroundings. While tramping (backpacking), deep in the bush, I was incredibly fortunate to be moving through this space when the silver ferns began unfurling new fronds. The Mãori refer to these new fronds as Koru, translated as new beginnings. Suddenly, the impasse in my life was no more – I embraced what I realized was a time of new beginnings.
UU Asheville has been moving through a period of deep soul-searching as we look to call a new lead minister. As we embark upon Candidating Week here at UU Asheville, lean into the Koru, and relish in the excitement, hope, and infinite possibilities that await our congregation, and be curious and explore ideas and connections during this time of new beginnings.
And, while the spiral in the northern lights was magnificent, its source was not…let it be a reminder that beauty is not always what it seems, and we must remain steadfast in our search for meaning and purpose.
Wendy Motch-Ellis, Director of Administration
Apr 18, 2023 | Faith Development
Spiritual Deepening Groups
Covenant of UU Pagans – CUUPS. Contact: Sherry Lundquist sherry_lundquist@yahoo.com
Buddhist Sanhga: meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:30 pm in Sandburg Hall; Contact: Sequoyah Rich sequoyahrich333@gmail.com, or Stef Garvin stef@giftsintogold.com.
Calendar
NOTE: Taste of Soul scheduled for April 27 is CANCELLED
April 30: Beltaine Ritual sponsored by CUUPS; 5:00 PM;
Meet at E. W. Grove Park
April 30: Last day to Suggest Amendment Ideas for Article 2!
Any Unitarian Universalist may submit suggestions and ideas through an online form for ways they recommend modifying the Article II Study Commission proposal (PDF). In May, discussion groups will be organized to craft the amendments. Check the Article II webpage for more information and details! Submit your suggestions and ideas on the Article II proposal now!
May 5: Dinner 6PM & Vespers 7PM
May 6: Labyrinth Walk sponsored by CUUPS, Sanctuary, 4:00 PM
MORE OPPORTUNITIES
BOOK STUDY WITH THE REVS
Join Revs. Cathy and Claudia for an opportunity to discuss novels (and an anthology) that invite us into covenanted, deep listening conversations about challenging issues. We will meet at noon in Sandburg Hall (bring a bagged lunch) or join us via Zoom at 7:00 PM.
Contact Rev. Claudia for the link.
Next month: May 4 – On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel by Ocean Vuong
Apr 18, 2023 | Justice Ministry
UU Avl Events
May 4 – Embracing Discomfort Book Book Study: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, noon, Sandburg Hall, bring a bagged Lunch; 7PM Zoom (contact Rev. Claudia for link)
May 7 – 8th Principle Voting Basics and Q&A – Childcare Provided; 12:30 p.m. in Sanctuary
May 26th, 7:30 pm & May 27th, 3 pm – Womansong Concerts “Love Your Mother (Earth)”, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 20 Edwin Place, $20. Get details and tickets here.
Community Events
April 20 – Join Child for NC and others who are marching to support greater investment in child care in NC, 10 am, at Carrier Park. Get details here.
April 20 – “Transgender Issues: Legal & Cultural Competencies” with attorney, author and advocate Robyn Gigl, 7 pm, at Mullen and James Humanities Building, UNCA. Get details here including her brief biography and where to park. Free to all.
April 23rd – Earth Day Activist Party, 5 – 8 pm. Proceeds support the Southside Community Garden. Get details from this flyer. The event is at One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd, in west Asheville.
April 24th – Return of Moral Monday in Raleigh. Get details here from the NC Poor People’s Campaign.
April 26 – Join Partners in Health and Wholeness for the second through the fourth sessions of their Faith and Health series starting this day, noon. Get details here.
April 27 – Dining Out for Life in support of WNCAP (WNC AIDS Project). Get details here how you can participate and support this important work. Contact Chris Winebrenner should you have questions.
April 29 – Peace Gardens is celebrating their 20th Annual Spring Fling. A full day (11AM – 5PM) of food, music, plant sales, art sales, and more. They are currently looking for vendors at $25 per table, as well as musicians, who will be paid for their performances. Contact info@urbanpeacegardens.org for more information.
Next month…
May 6 –Beloved Auction (Justice Ministry Partner)
May 9-10 – Racial Equity Institute training. Registration is now open for those interested. Complete this form to express interest.
May 11 – “Private Plunder of Public Goods: The Threat of Medicare Privatization and the Need for Single Payer”, a presentation of Dr. Susan Rogers, 7 pm, at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak Street. Get details from this flyer.
