 Step number 8 of the 12 Step Program invites us to “make a list of all the people we have harmed, and to become willing to make amends to them all. “Become Willing”. Just to “become willing” is all that is asked of us in recovery at this point. (remember there were 7 steps prior). But then Step number 9 tell us to, “make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” This is a powerful way to be in the world....
Minister's Column continued
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Sunday, 1 May 2016, 11 am
Beth Maczka
“When spiders unite, they can tie up a lion: Advocacy at the YWCA of Asheville then and now.”
Beth Maczka is the Chief Executive Officer of the YWMA of Asheville. She will highlight the importance of advocacy and public policy work for addressing the YW’s mission of Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women. She will also share examples of past leadership in the desegregation of Asheville and the creation of the MotherLove program and more recent efforts around childcare vouchers, the ERA and school policies for Mother Love students
Sunday, 8 May 2016, 11 am
Rev. Michael Carter
"Angels"
UUCSV Choir
There is a resurgence of interest in some circles on the existence and the influence of angels in our lives. The word “angel” is derived from the Greek word “angelos,” meaning messenger. Our holy books talk about them. What does the word mean to you? Have you ever encountered an angel? Do they always have to be in celestial form? Are you or can you be one of them? However, the most important question seems to be, is our world in desperate need of angels on a planet seemingly in chaos and on the brink of self destruction? Let’s talk about it.
 Sunday, 15 May 2016 11 am
Imam Mohammed Taha
"We Believe the Same"
Imam Mohamed Taha of the Islamic Center in Asheville will speak on what we have in common with Muslims. His topic is “We Believe the Same.” Imam Taha studied at Cairo University where he received two bachelor degrees, one in Islamic studies and the second one in languages. Imam Taha is an active Imam and a public speaker. (Note: out of respect for Islamic custom, women are asked to refrain from shaking hands with the Imam.)
Sunday, 22 May 2016, 11 am
Religious Education Program
"The Inherent Dignity and Worth of Every Person"
Our first Principle speaks to the very basis of our beliefs and is the first thing we learn as Unitarian Universalists. For those of us who came to UU as adults it may even be what attracted us in the first place. In this service we'll talk about how different people interpret the UU First Principle. This is our annual Intergenerational Service prepared and presented by our Religious Education students and staff.
Sunday, 29 May 2016, 11 am
Rev. Michael Carter
"Armed Forces"
UUCSV String Band
Dr. King reminded us in the 1960s that a nation that continues to spend more money on military defense than social uplift is approaching spiritual death. Nevertheless, we barricade ourselves behind a missile defense system, fight wars that protect no vital national security interests, and post over 150,000 men and women overseas. We ask our talented young men and women to risk death, while we deploy our military primarily to support foreign policy rather than to defend our borders and people. US corporations dominate the sale of military hardware. We rely on our military to pursue foreign policy objectives rather than diplomacy. This madness must stop! This Memorial Day service will explore the sorrows of Empire, the futility of war as a continuation of politics by other means, and the dangers of this insane notion of endless war
Sunday, 5 June 2016, 11 am
Rev. Scott Hardin-Neiri"Seeds of Collaboration while Walking with Wolf."
Prior to living in Asheville, Scott and his family served in the vulnerable cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica. There he learned to how to climb Fig Strangler trees, spot Two-toed Sloths, distinguish the call of a Three-wattle Bell Bird from a Black Face Solitaire and listen to people and nature in a new way. He will share his Costa Rican experience in this service.
Scott is an ordained pastor with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and has served as a pastor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Fort Collins, Colorado as well as in Spring and Houston, TX. Scott has a degree in Business Management from Texas A&M University and holds a Master of Divinity and a Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
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As our annual pledge drive and canvass draws to a close, It is almost certain that we will fall several thousand dollars short of the $88,132 goal we had set for the upcoming year's budget. The Board has worked hard on allocations with this in mind and has made cuts to the initial budget proposal. We have made the reductions as painless as possible, while keeping with our duty to keep UUCSV financially solvent and still able to serve the congregation. If you have not yet made your pledge, please contact Lee Reading or any member of the Board. We thank those that have pledged, and also thank those that support UUCSV with their time and service.
David Groce
Board President
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Our program year is winding down in RE. The elementary school-age class has learned so much from Denton, the preschool/nursery class has learned about making new friends and taking turns and the teens' class has participated in the Our Whole Lives curriculum. It's been a busy year full of fun as well as all that learning.
The RE committee has planned a Spring Fling event that will be open to the community and will introduce new families to the Unitarian Universalist 7 Guiding Principles. Current families will be able to share their experiences and committee members will be on hand to answer questions and mingle with the kids and adults alike. At the last committee meeting, we finalized activity plans and made the supply lists for the Spring Fling. The RE service was also planned with names suggested and confirmed for key parts for that service. Finally, the RE garden space (on either side of the church sign) was discussed and plants to grow were determined.
Finally, the schedule has opened up for our Summer Sundays program! What is it that the kids should know? Which Sunday is best for you to teach it to them (or at least facilitate their discovery)? There is a calendar in the big RE room on the bulletin board to the right of our chalice. If I'm not available when you need to claim your Sunday, just grab a pen! Summer Sundays run Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Beata Ball
Director of Religious Education
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Highlights of the meeting of April 25. Financially we are on track, and we received an insurance check for all but $10 of our break-in expenses. Our total fundraising year to date has netted $2300.
-A great deal of time and thought went into next years budget, taking into account we will not make our canvass goal of $88,132.
-It was decided that Tina R. and David W. will review our bylaws and make suggested improvements/changes to bring them up to date.
-The possibility of new church management software was raised by a member of the congregation. The Board agreed that it would be worthwhile to research possible benefits and costs.
-A yard sale sponsored by the Women's group was approved for September 10th, with thanks for their efforts.
-A brief discussion of a replacement board member for the upcoming year was held, and possible candidates will be asked if they are willing to serve.
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Minister's Column continued
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No doubt the 12 Steps are a powerful spiritual tool. To Err is Human. Mistakes are our greatest teachers. Because of the human ego need to be right, it is sometimes difficult to say or acknowledge a mistake. Pencils have erasers. It has been said that the game of baseball is the greatest sport know to human beings because it realizes that human beings are playing the game and it makes room for runs, hits, AND ERRORS. Tests can be taken again and wrong sizes can be exchanged. These reasons and many more may be why it is difficult for so many of us to admit an error.
Perhaps as children we were spanked for breaking things or criticized for our shortcomings, leaving little room for error. Yet there is a profound and spiritual maturity and power in being able to say, “I did It. I made a mistake.” There is power in taking responsibility.
A mistake is a great opportunity for learning and healing. Mistakes remind us that no matter how much education we have, no matter our accomplishments, we are human beings. A mistake is a lesson in humility and the world is not suffering from too much humility, that I can assure you.
Mistakes teach us our limitations. Humility teaches us compassion for our self as well as others. This compassion causes us to heal our judgments. Until today, acknowledging a mistake may have caused you fear, anxiety, or even shame. Let’s begin today to embrace our humanness. Let’s begin to make amends with each other and admit our mistakes. Let’s join the human race.
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 Save this date: Saturday, July 2nd, 2016 and get ready for an evening of music that will delight your ears, touch your heart, and soothe your soul and tickle your funnybone. We have managed to book renowned singer songwriter David Roth on his way to the Swannanoa Gathering! Ginny Moreland will be coordinating the concert and is looking for a few volunteers to help with putting up flyers, refreshment, and concert logistics. Please contact her if you'd like to be involved at ginnymoreland@gmail.com.
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May 1st at the White Horse: Black Mountain Stand Against Racism presents Kat Williams, David LaMotte, Rev. Hilario Cisneros and Drew Reisinger in a provocative dialogue as they dig deep into ways we can “Stand Against Racism”!
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The Women's Group will meet on Friday, May 13 at 1 pm at the clubhouse of the Lynx Condominiums, located across from the golf course on North Fork Road. Planning continues for the September 10th yard sale and the sale of UU themed reusable shopping bags. For more information call Mary Soyenova at 828-216-7511
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Following their monthly meeting, members of the UUCSV Women's Group will be sprucing up the beds around the church building. We invite you to join us on Friday, May 13, at about 2:30 pm! Please bring your own tools and gloves, and any plants you'd like to donate. Hope to see you there!
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The topic for May's Lunch Bunch will be "Dreams and their Symbolism." We meet on Tuesday May 3rd at noon.
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This month, the UUCSV Choir will sing on the second Sunday (Mother's Day) instead of the usual fourth Sunday. We will be singing two lovely pieces, "Down to the River to Pray," and "Irish Blessing," in honor of our Mothers and the women in our lives. We will meet first on May 1st at 12:15, then on Wednesday the 4th at 7 PM, and then at 10 AM on May 8th. Come sing with us!
Linda Metzner,
Choir Director
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May’s Friday Fling, a fun party for grown-ups, usually every third Friday of the month, will be held on 20 May at the church. Red and white refreshments will be provided; please bring a potluck dish to share. First movie choice: La Cage aux Folles (1979; the original French version, supposed to be much better than the later English version, The Birdcage). Second movie choice: The Secret Life of Bees (2008; Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning; based on Sue Monk Kidd’s novel). Potluck begins at 6:30. For further information call Norm Kowal (458-4537).
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We need volunteers to prepare sandwiches, desserts, etc. for our annual luncheon for the women prisoners workday at the Lake Tomahawk Pavilion on Thursday, May 19 from 11 am to 1:30 pm. Volunteers are also invited to attend the luncheon and help with setting up and cleaning up. Please contact Emory Underwood at webmaster@uusv.org.
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The next UUCSV congregational meeting will be on Sunday June 5th, 2016, following the service. In this meeting we will discuss and approve the 2016-2017 budget and fill any vacancies on the Board.
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SUUSI Registration is now open; Ginny Moreland and Helen Bell are signed up. Consider joining us!
Registration is at SOLIS. The basic cost is only $530 for a full week of UU fun, including all meals and AC housing! Great programs for children and youth, teen dorm, etc.
 July 17-23, 2016, Western Carolina University, Culowee |
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Thanks to all who attended the Cuba trip talk on April 24th. The slide show running that day was very incomplete, so we are sharing this link again:
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The deadline for the June issue is May 25th. Please submit items to newsletter.uucsv@
gmail.com The best format is simply in the body of an email.
Thanks,
Ginny and Jackie
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Board of Trustees:
Jim Carillon
Diane Graham
David Groce, President
Sarah Kirkpatrick
David Reid, Vice-President
Tina Rosato
Carol Sheeler
Dave Wells
Minister, ex-officio,
non-voting Board Member:
Rev. Michael Carter
Treasurer:
Lee Reading
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