Gods of Space and Time
Sunday, April 23, 2023 11am
Rev. Audette Fulbright Fulson, Ministerial Candidate
Science. Story. Mystery. And us, in between.
Making Peace With Mother Earth
Sunday, April 16, 2023 11am
Rev. Cathy Harrington, Interim Lead Minister
Join Rev. Cathy, members of the Environmental Justice group, and Chris Rosser, singer/songwriter, for a special Earth Day service.
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” –Dalai Lama
The Adventure Continues
Spring is here. The mountains are coming to life with wildflowers and trees bursting into leaf. Mayapples, trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit and all the little white flowers that I looked up last year, determined to remember their names, whose names I have now forgotten! Winter coats are replaced by light jackets (or no jackets at all). The days get longer. It is a delight to eat outdoors and go for walks after dinner without rushing home to avoid the darkness. It’s an exciting time as we transition to warmer weather and anticipate summer.
There is also excitement at UU Asheville as you prepare to host ministerial candidate Rev. Audette, with a week full of activities, conversations, and shared meals. The schedule of events is shared weekly in the e-news.
There is excitement as our delegates prepare to attend General Assembly in Pittsburgh and represent our congregation in the association’s business meetings in June. Next month there will be a series exploring the proposed Article II changes and creating space for delegates to hear your feedback which will inform their vote. I hope you can join us.
And, we are also preparing for the congregational vote June 4 to adopt the 8th Principle as a collective call to action to deepen our commitment to racial justice and collective liberation. This Sunday, April 16 after the Earth Day service there will be a panel and Q&A about this important vote.
There is excitement as our youth prepare to travel to Birmingham and Montgomery for a memorable and challenging racial justice learning experience. They are grateful for the congregation’s support of their fundraising events especially the Taco & Trivia night. I am honored to be one of the chaperones accompanying them on this trip. I look forward to learning together as well as getting to know our youth better. I am also grateful for the work of our Religious Exploration staff who organized this trip and the many programs available to children and youth this year. They are already busy planning for next year and will begin recruiting facilitators soon.
There is so much happening in our community. How will you stay engaged and contribute to the new chapter in the story of UU Asheville?
With gratitude and anticipation,
Rev. Claudia Jimenez, Minister of Faith Development
Adult Faith Exploration – April
All our Soul Matters Groups will be exploring this month’s theme: Resistance. If you are new to UU Asheville, Rev. Claudia will be offering “A Taste of Soul” to provide an experience of a Soul Matters Group. Check out our calendar below for details.
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
April 13: Curious Conversations
The Case for Reparations; Sandburg Hall; noon; bring a bagged lunch
https://www.theatlantic.com/
Facilitators: Rev. Cathy, Rev. Claudia
April 16: 8th Principle Panel and Q&A (in person)
Childcare Provided; 12:30 p.m. in Sanctuary. All are welcome.
April 27: A Taste of Soul
Noon-1:00 in Sandburg Hall; bring a bagged lunch or 7PM via Zoom
Experience and learn about our Soul Matters Groups. These groups offer an opportunity for practicing deep listening and theological reflection using the monthly themes to explore meaning and purpose in our lives.
Contact Rev. Claudia for the link.
Facilitator: Rev. Claudia
April 30: Beltaine Ritual sponsored by CUUPS; 5:00 PM;
Meet at E. W. Grove Park
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
Suggest Amendment Ideas for Article 2!
Until April 30, 2023, 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!
Justice Ministry Calendar
SAVE THE DATE:
April 26 Side With Love” Zoom Workshop: Facing the Apocalypse with a Smile; 4PM, Zoom. Led by Rachel Myslivy, Side with Love Climate Justice Organizer Everywhere you look the world is on fire! Sometimes you just want to scream at the top of your lungs, “Everything is bad! Do something! AAUGH!!!!” That urgency is real, and also maybe not the best way to communicate about the issues – or to take care of yourself! Come together to learn some ways to manage yourself and engage others as you effectively advocate for justice and work for a thriving world for all.
UU Avl Events
April 13- Curious Conversations – The Case for Reparations; Sandburg Hall; noon; bring a bagged lunch
https://www.theatlantic.com/
April 14 – UU Asheville Justice Movie Night via Zoom “8 BILLION ANGELS” explores the conflict between the size of the global population and the sustainability of our planet. Immersive, emotional and inspiring.
April 16 – Earth Day Service, 11am
April 16 – 8th Principle Panel and Q&A – Childcare Provided; 12:30 p.m. in Sanctuary
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
Community Events
April 11 – 14 – “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo Festival” at UNCA. Get details here.
April 14 – 23 – “Faith Climate Week” sponsored by the NC Council of Churches. Get details here.
April 16 – The Ethical Humanist Society has invited Dr. Dwight Mullen to speak on Reparations, 2:30 pm. Get details here.
April 22 – 23 – Racial Equity Institute training. Registration is now open for those interested. Complete this form to express interest.
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.