Honoring the inherent worth and dignity of all people, we are a welcoming congregation and we seek to be a spiritual home for all people of free faith and in that spirit, we welcome you.

 
Daily News Items (in date order):
 West African Drumming   Just a reminder that West African Drumming will be held as usual on Tuesday from seven to eight-thirty. What’s not usual is that several of my most experienced players won’t be able to come for a couple of weeks. That means that it’s a perfect time for beginners. Let me know if you’re interested in attending. It’s really been successful for a cross-generational activity! West African Drumming sessions will resume Tuesday, January 3 at seven. Neither experience nor an instrument is necessary. I teach all the patterns in a rhythm and tell you where the rhythm originated and how it was used in the culture. I prefer students to be at least nine, but I must admit that an eight year old is doing a fine job right now. He attends regularly with his father and ten year old sister. Perhaps that might interest some of you parents who’d like something interesting to share with your child. Right now, those are the only children, but I’d love to see more parent/child participation. During early December, Claire Lawrence‘s RGL group will be exploring West African Drumming during church time, and, as part of their continuing studies of covenant and community, writing a profile of Hope Kopf. At the end of January, Jen Wakeman, an announcer on CATV Channel 8 would like to make a video about our West African drumming.  The video will be seen in the show called In Your Neighborhood which airs Wednesdays and Fridays at seven and Saturday and Sunday at one. IF you’re on facebook, a search for In Your Neighborhood will take you to a page where you can watch past episodes. One is about the Priestley House and two are about Camp Victory. I really think she does a terrific job. I’m hoping a few of you would be willing to join us fro the episode about West African Drumming.    The Dark Moon will be celebrated on the 4th Sunday of every month at 7 pm. This simple service of guided meditation, chant and reflection is open to all Women. Because of the guided meditation it is best if women have reached menarche. Even though the Dark Moon occurs ever 28 days, and the date is always changing, we have decided to fix a date to celebrate the energy that the moon represents and have a consistent meeting time.  The Wisdom of the Dark Moon is a reminder of the Wisdom that all women carry within them. It is not always visible, but it is always accessible. As with all beauty and all gifts, there is the responsibility to use your Wisdom in ways that strengthen you and enrich our world.  In many traditions each Moon had a name that reflected the activity to be done or simply observed. January's Moon was once called Wolf Moon in honor of the Wolves, which in their hunger, prowled close to villages. For years the Farmer's Almanac has used traditional names, but last year they had a "name that moon" contest. The original names follow the new names, which were designed to reflect the priorities of today's world. Even though the many of us have a relationship with the Earth and the Seasons which is more hobby than career, Nature still exercises her pull on us. Please come and celebrate. February: Sweetheart's Moon - Snow Moon March: Full Shamrock Moon - Worm Moon April: Fool's Moon - Pink Moon May: Full Bloom Moon - Flower Moon June: Firefly Moon - Strawberry Moon July: Independence Moon - Buck Moon August: Cricket Moon - Sturgeon Moon September: Summer's End Moon - Corn Moon October: Pumpkin Moon - Harvest Moon November: Thankful Moon - Beaver Moon December: Glad Tidings Moon - Cold Moon January: New Beginnings Moon - Wolf Moon   UUCSV Book Group - Next meeting DEC. 7th, 2011, I Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, 2009, China @ 7pm UUCSV Book Club Selections for Summer 2011 and 2011-2012 Season Discussion Date         Titles/author/publish date/category/setting (1st Wednesday) Sep 7, 2011     The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, 1905, classic, Chicago Oct 5, 2011     Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan, 2008, short stories, Africa Nov 2, 2011    A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Eagan, 2011, NYC Dec 7, 2011    Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, 2009, China Jan 4, 2011     God’s Bits of Wood by Sembene Ousmane, 2008, Africa Feb 1, 2012     God of Animals by Aryn Kyle, 2007, first novel, Colorado ranch Mar 7, 2012    Exiles in the Garden by Ward Just, 2010, Washington DC Apr 4, 2012     Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, 2010, England May 2, 2012   Cane River by Lalita Tademy 2005 , Louisiana Jun 6, 2012     The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht, 2011, first novel, Croatia    April 25, 2011 - What a day today! Steve went over to visit with me and drummed for him a while. Demian was awake, seems to be pretty much through withdrawal. They have adjusted his trach for a more permanent version; he wasn't completely happy about that, but he was dealing. But it was so fun — he was awake and checking everyone out. He reached up to hold my hand! He smiled at Steve! and he pulled his mamma's glasses off her face, which is apparently one of his old tricks. He has one of those goofy rotating fish things. He loves it! He reached up to hold on to that, too . All in all, a pretty banner day. Email from Ann.    Click here for a graphical representation of how people are involved with all aspects of the UUCSV           Mind_Maps.htmlMind_Maps.htmlshapeimage_3_link_0shapeimage_3_link_1