January/February 2010
To find out what is going on currently, the notes on the board meeting are your best bet. I try to keep them from being too dry… and they already contain everything that would have gone into a newsletter. I do want to give you a taste of Sustainable Reynoldsburg, however. They are a very small group here in Reynoldsburg.
http://groups.google.com/group/sustainable-reynoldsburg?lnk=srq
This is from their website:
Sustainable Reynoldsburg, a new community group started by six residents of Reynoldsburg, Ohio early in 2009. Much of the planning and development in suburbs like ours was based on the ideas that there are no serious limits to cheap fossil fuels and other natural resources, that our world will take all the greenhouse gas and other pollution we throw at it, that national chains are an adequate substitute for locally-owned businesses with a stake in the community. Many people see things differently and are keen to nurture a sense of community and to take better care of our local and global environment. Sustainable Reynoldsburg is simply a way for local residents to connect with each other for practical action, positive discussion and information-sharing to help make our community and homes resilient, liveable and healthful into the future.
Currently, our group is actively involved with Reynoldsburg’s Safe Routes to School program, a new initiative to help students to walk and bike safely to school. We are helping the City to start the new Livingston Community Garden, which will be opening this spring (2010) next to the Park and Ride at Brice/Livingston. We also want to explore ways of boosting recycling in Reynoldsburg…. and there are many other potential projects to pursue as time allows.
December 2009
Board meeting December 13 after services.
Want to hang out with the new choir? Come to Choir practice at 10AM on first and third Sundays… that is Dec 6 and Dec 20 this month. This month the newest Choir convert Kimberly Knight solos with “Let it Be”. The Choir takes on “Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells…” lead by Kimberly Knight on the 20th.
No word as of yet on the identity of the third Saturday potluck and movie… that would be December 19 this month.
November 2009
The church is raising funds by peopling the give wrap table at the Pickerington Barnes and Noble store on Rt 256 South of I-70 on the Sunday after Thanksgiving – Nov 29. We are responsible for the hours of 3 PM to 9PM. Sign up for an hour slot or for multiple hours of slots. We need several people at the table each hour for the sake of preservation of sanity.
CJ Soliday is recovering from her operation. The church signed a card that was one of Betty’s works of artistic generosity disguised as a get-well-soon-card.
Third Saturday movie and Potluck is showing the movie “I Know I Am Not Alone.” It is a documentary from musician Michael Franti showing the occupied cities of Baghdad and Gaza. It is not shown from the political point of view, but rather from the human point of view about the human cost of war. He goes to dangerous areas to show people and listen to their story.
Becca’s grounds committee has decided to establish regions on the grounds so that no one is overwhelmed by all the work of the entire grounds. People were aknowleged as leaders of certain regions on the grounds.
Becca wants you to save your tin pie plates from the holidays. She needs them for a project. Ahem, please wash them before turning them over to Becca.
New T-Shirt project is progressing but I didn’t have a chance to visit with Mary Woodward to get all the details. The design is still being considered.
Please consider bringing a donation to the mid-Ohio food bank. Perry says that your donations don’t have to be confined to food. Diapers and Q-tips and all manner of other similar items are also welcome donations.
Please welcome new member Kimberly Knight who signed the membership rolls Sunday November 8. She has also been coming to choir practices.
Oh yes, the Choir… everyone who can carry a tune in a bucket is welcome to join. If you can’t carrya tune in a bucket you are welcome to participate as one of the devoted fans. Practice (I have just been reminded) is on 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 10AM sharp… or thereabouts.
The general membership meeting was held after services on Sunday Nov 8. I won’t go into it here because if you were interested in knowing what happened you would have been in attendance… Oh, except that Kimberly Knight volunteered to fill out the Sue’s term in office of Secretary. A temporary setback occured when Betty pointed out that she had, in point of fact, not actually signed on as a member of the congregation. Mayhem ensued. Betty produced the book, Kimberly signed the book, Becca smiled, and all was put in order in our little world of the back porch. It was a grand day on the back porch for the congregation’s all membership meeting.
Remember the secret to self-forgiveness is to give up on the notion that you will have had a happy past someday.
And
The Golden secret to a happy household is Kindness.
Peace,
Rick
Practicing UU’s 7th principle very close to home
For urban living, having green space available has repeatedly been found in scientific research studies to benefit perceived health. For urbanized area, such as Central Ohio, spending time in green space supports individuals’ well-being. Whether through recreation, quiet contemplation, or servicing the land, activity in the natural environment stimulates the spirit and soothes the soul.
UUCE is fortunate to have its three acres of green space that runs from the building to Blacklick Creek. Being across from Reynoldsburg’s Huber Park enhances the natural surroundings, creating an oasis of simplicity among sprawling development in the general area.
The seventh principle of UU is “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” It offers a steady reminder of our responsibility toward caring for the environment. And caring for the environment is most readily accomplished close to home.
UUCE has a number of opportunities for caring for its green space that can be performed according to your own schedule needs. These include mowing the grounds, treating the poison ivy, cleaning the small pool, tending the firepit area, and other outdoor tasks. To become involved, simply sign up on the sheet posted on the bulletin board. Then, simply show up and follow through on completing this valuable service and receive a healthy infusion of green space time into your routine. You’ll be helping UUCE, benefiting yourself, and practicing UU principles all at the same time.
Speaking for myself, I know that working at the outdoor areas has been a source of great feelings of accomplishment. When we began, there were brambles and thigh high weeds. Now there is a new firepit and an area for us to celebrate the land. I can feel the garden rejoice as it is slowly brought back to its former glory! Sure, there remains a lot to still do, but we can all be proud of the headway we are making. -Shawn
Working with the land, especially maintaining the fire pit, is more than just service to the congregation for me. It’s a chance to commune with the divine in a direct way. The sense of acceptance one gets from the land while working is immediate. It reminds me that I am but one small part of the larger web of life, and that everything I do impacts that web, and comes back to me eventually.—Leesa
Author: Kalen
Groups Meeting Regularly at UUCE
The Three Cranes Grove, ADF (Web-site Three Cranes Grove, ADF) meets regularly the sixth day after the Full Moon. They have been a wonderful addition to our church, as they have brought a spiritual richness, along with helping to maintain and beautify our grounds. We welcome them and look forward to supporting each other in our growth efforts.
Also, Alcoholics Anonymous gathers here every Wednesday from 8 – 10 P.M.
We invite you to join our Meditation group at 10:30, prior to Sunday morning services in the Sun Room. Explore with us guided, music, silent, walking and other forms of meditation. These forms of mindfulness meditations encourage us to live in the moment and reinforce daily practice. Arriving early and participating in this practice will enhance your Sunday morning experience and, you will soon realize its many benefits.
