Please remember - UUCNH is now an active construction site, so we must all be alert to ensure the safety of our members and children. Please move about carefully and watch the children.

Many of you know that I sing in the Renaissance City Choir, Pittsburgh’s GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, & transgendered) choir committed to “creating change through the power of music.” The RC Women’s Choir sang a stunning a Capella piece for our Holiday concert this year entitled The Gate of the Year. This work was composed by Eleanor Daley, a prolific Canadian composer with an amazing gift both for melody, and for interweaving text and music in ways that give powerful expression to the lyrics.

The text for The Gate of the Year was written as part of a larger work in 1908 by Minnie Louise Haskins, an American lecturer at the London School of Economics, who wrote as a hobby. Queen Elizabeth drew the poem to the attention of her husband, King George VI, who read the poem to close his 1939 Christmas message broadcast just as World War II began. After her husband’s death, Queen Elizabeth had the poem engraved on bronze plaques at the entrance to the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor, where both are now interred. The poem was also read at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.

At the dawn of 2008, let me share the lyrics for The Gate of the Year with you. How I wish I could also share the melody, for Daley’s composition is powerfully moving, vocally at once brilliant and haunting.

The Gate of the Year
Lux aeterna. Lux aeterna.
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year,
"Give me a light, give me a light, give me a light
That I may tread safely into the unknown,
Tread safely into the unknown.
Go out into the darkness. Go out into the darkness.
Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light,
And safer, safer, safer than a known way!
So I went forth and finding the hand of God
Trod gladly, gladly, gladly into the night.
Lux aeterna. Lux aeterna. Lux.

We all stand poised at the gate of this new year, facing the unknown, a metaphoric darkness. This is the human condition. In every year and day and moment, we face the unknown unfolding of life with all its joys and sorrows and surprises. It takes courage to enter and live fully into that unknown. We need faith, some kind of light to illumine our way and help us feel safe.

What will be your light? What will illumine your way, help you to see and to find the courage to venture forth fully into the unknown awaiting you this new year? What meaning will you give to the word “God” in this poem? With what or whom will you join hands and partner? Will “God” be for you a metaphor, perhaps of life itself? Or does your faith embrace a more literal understanding of this symbol? What helps or empowers you to tread gladly into the unknown adventure of each new day and moment? How does your faith help you to feel safe, safer even than you would if life always unfolded without surprises according to some known plan?

May the eternal light of faith shine in you now and forever. May it light your way, helping you to step gladly into the unknown adventure of this new year!

A Free and Responsible Search

Rev. Carol Meyer preaching

The fourth in our year-long consideration of our UU Principles focuses on our UU covenant to affirm and promote “a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” How does the adjective “responsible” color our search? How do we practice this principle as individuals, and collectively as a religious community?

Losing Faith in Faith

Dan Barker, co-president

Freedom From Religion Foundation

Dan Barker is the author of a personal narrative titled Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist. It is the story of his transformation from an ordained Christian minister, touring evangelist, Christian songwriter, performer and record producer, to outspoken advocate of free thought, a rational alternative to religious dogma. We'll hear Dan's story and music, as well as thoughts about the work of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Expect stimulation ideas, fun, music and maybe even fireworks.

Who Are the Peacemakers?

Rev. Carol Meyer preaching

At our local UU Peace Palooza last spring, Art Gish shared the inspiring story of how Christian Peacemaking Teams support non-violent resolution of conflict throughout the world. This Martin Luther King Sunday, we’ll look at how these teams are making a difference, as well as at how Muslims are building peace.

Table Talk Continued

So many loved the “table talk” format of the Thanksgiving service that we’re going to experiment with using this format again, this time for a non-holiday service. Here is your opportunity to write your own sermon by talking with others around your table. Want to know the theme? Come to the service on January 27!

From time to time, especially since my sabbatical, I hear that some would appreciate more lay sharing in Sunday services. Here’s an opportunity! Please consider sharing in either (or both) of two services tentatively being planned for February and March of this year.

The Power of Love (in February, of course) invites you to share a personal experience of the transforming power of love in your own or someone else’s life. How does love change people? Lives? What witness to the transforming power of love is yours to share?

Embracing Life’s Lessons would be a service about facing the challenges that life brings our way and growing from those experiences. Life itself is, after all, our greatest teacher. So what has life/living taught you that feels important to share? How did life teach you this great lesson? What life experiences have proven to be truly memorable, even transformative, growth opportunities for you?

Something come to mind around either theme? Then please be in touch with Rev. Carol about possibly participating in one of these lay sharing services. No guarantees, but I’m betting you’ll find sharing your life experience in a Sunday service not only meaningful and worthwhile, but also enjoyable. So don’t be shy. Be in touch!

A BIG thanks to Tassi Bisers, who stepped forward to host coffee hour on Dec. 2 and did it all by herself. We appreciate it!

I'd like to thank all of the very generous folks at UUCNH. There are people who put in hours of work, some of it is recognized but much of it is not. A lot of what happens at the church is due to the generous donations of time and talent of its members. The loft has been wired, older folks brought to church, younger folks taught, computers rebuilt, coffee served, sound system manned, folks greeted, rooms painted, stuff moved, paper recycled, trees trimmed, social action taken, steps repaired, bills paid, crafts made and sold, newsletter written and sent...

We are also generous with our money. We've raised $650,000 dollars for our huge renovation project. On the spur of the moment, we collected $480 for the Findlay church damaged by floodwaters. We donated $1300 to the North Hills Community Outreach to help our neighbors in need with food and utility bills this winter. We also need to be generous with ourselves.

We have a shortfall in our regular operating budget. We voted for this budget at the annual meeting in May. We used the best estimate we had for our pledge income. Unfortunately we estimated wrong. We are ~$9,000 short on pledge income. We need to keep the lights on and pay our staff! I feel confident that those who are able will be generous and help fill this gap. You can write an additional check to UUCNH. You can talk to Susie Wood or Dennis Doubleday about making an additional pledge.

I hope each of you has a blessed holiday season. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of shopping, baking, wrapping and partying may it be boisterous and joyous. If you seek peace and quiet, may you find the still, silent night. Be generous and take care of yourselves this holiday season.

Even though our remodelling isn't finished, it's time to form a Committee of folks who would like to plan a celebration/dedication of the new space. If you have ideas that you'd like to share or if you'd like to help to implement the ideas of others, please send an email to Carol Meyer to let her know of your interest.

When we celebrated/dedicated our East and West rooms, it was a week of events that included an open house for the neighbors (both residential neighbors and church neighbors), a quilt show, a party for the children/youth, and a party for the adults. The week ended on a Sunday in which one former minister gave the Sunday sermon and another spoke at the afternoon dedication service. Neighborhood ministers and regional UU ministers attended as well.

Our new/remodelled space will be something wonderful; please volunteer to celebrate/dedicate it!

Welcome the new year by welcoming New Members into our church community on Sunday, January 27, 2008.

It is always uplifting to see our community grow in size and vitality. It means that the wonderful principles of Unitarian Universalism continue to reach an ever-widening audience. It means that seekers of truth have found a stimulating environment in which to continue their search. It means that we have more opportunities to extend our loving arms to new friends.

Let us all open our hearts and minds to the transforming power of these new relationships.

If you would like to become a member of UUCNH on New Member Sunday, please contact:

The theme for this year’s North Hills 11th Interfaith Gathering Meeting to be held on April 13th (mark your calendars…) is “Feasts, Fasts, and Festivals” Celebrating Our Diversity

The gathering this year will begin with an audio visual of music and photos from the various groups at worship, education, festivals, etc. Ben Kepner has agreed to produce the audiovisual. To make certain that UUCNH is represented, we need several pictures of UUCNH celebrations, services, RE etc… If you have photos that are appropriate to include please consider sharing them. Digital Photos can be sent to Ben. If you have photos that need to be scanned in, please give them in an envelope with your name on them to Greta or Carol. The photos are needed by January 6th. Photos that are to be scanned in will be returned.

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) invites us to engage our diversity by gathering in small groups for structured dialogue. It creates opportunities to make new friends and deepen relationships while exploring who we are, what we value, and our visions for our church. Sign up on line by sending an email to the church (uucnh@nauticom.net) containing your name, meeting times that generally work for you (day of the week, day or evening), a few key words describing your religious identity, and about how long you've been coming to UUCNH. Or put the same information on paper and bring or snail-mail it to the church. Get in on the conversation!

* Call Janine Brobst to be sure no one else has offered flowers for that Sunday. Otherwise she will provide them.

* Call the church secretary (412-366-0244) by the preceding Thursday morning so that your name can be printed in the Order of Service. If your flowers are in memory of a loved one or a special event, tell the secretary.

*Flowers may be home-grown, or purchased or wildflowers from nature’s bounty or artificial arrangements. Branches trimmed from blooming shrubs are nice, too. Large vases are available at the church.

* Have your flowers in places before the pianist starts playing the prelude. The prelude starts at 10:55am.

North Hills Community Outreach has a program for distribution of donated cars to people of low income. NHCO will accept cars in any condition. Those that are drivable are sold to clients for a purchase price typically between $1500-$2200. If you have a car you wish to donate (and receive a tax credit for charitable donation), please contact Randy Murchak at Community Auto in Gibsonia at 724-443-8300. See Diane Hutchins if you have any questions.

“I was bold in the pursuit of knowledge, never fearing to follow truth and reason to whatever results they led, and bearding every authority which stood in their way.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

ADULT RE WINTER 2008

PSI is taking a winter’s break for January, but will be back in February to continue the discussion of How'd We Get Here.

With sufficient interest, we'll be starting another edition of the group, beginning with the evidence for the physical existence of Jesus and moving to the nature of the gospel accounts [fact, fiction or what?]. From there, we'll take an in depth look at the very different presentations of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke & John and then to the development of the ideas of Jesus' divinity. We'll also take side trips into the thinking of Paul, the earliest writer in the Christian scriptures, and the notion of Eternal Life. Finally, we'll consider the philosophy of Jesus in a context of the World's philosophers. Our source material will include works by Christian & non-Christian scholars, including John Dominic Crossan, John P. Meier, Raymond Brown, John Shelby Spong, Burton Mack, Elaine Pagels and Stephen Mitchell. This is meant to be a free flowing, respectful group discussion of concepts. No beliefs, preconceptions [or even knowledge] are necessary. Reading material will be provided. Sessions will run 1 hour, after the service, 3rd Sunday of each month thru May [room to be announced: watch the Order of Service]. There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. See Tony Palermo for details.

This class is for anyone interested in meeting other newcomers and learning more about our church and Unitarian Universalism. Sessions will include an introduction to UUCNH; exploring our spiritual journeys with our minister, Carol Meyer; developing our own personal ministries; and any other topics in which the group has interest.

We are planning to start David Gershon's "Low Carbon Diet" in February. This program will be open to everyone. There is a workbook to purchase. If you are interested in becoming part of the global warming solution, join us in going on a low carbon diet!

Please come and join us for our post holiday recipe exchange/ potluck dinner. Just bring your favorite dish and the recipe and or whole cookbook to share. Get new ideas for meals while we feast on everyone's favorites. Look for announcements of where we will be holding this months meeting.

“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence” ~ John Adams, Dec. 1770

sun

The DownUnder Coffeehouse

Jan 19, 2008, 7:30-9:30pm is a night of international music with Pittsburgh's best belly-dance band, Ishtar, featuring Melissa Murphey - clarinet, Jeff Chmielarski - bass, Mark DiFilippo - doumbek, Beth DiFilippo - percussion and Rob Metil on Fender Strat guitar. Ishtar plays folk songs from all over the Middle East and Mediterranean; songs that were popular in the belly-dancing club scene during the mid-20th century. And, who knows what dancers might appear when the music gets hot on a cold winter's evening?

The DownUnder Coffeehouse is open the third Saturday of each month in the basement of Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church, 416 West North Ave, North Side. Seasonal desserts and warm beverages will be available. Suggested donation is $5. Call 412-322-4261 or go to www.alleghenyuu.org for more details.

An extra offering basket was passed around at the pre-Thanksgiving service on Nov. 18th. We raised $1364 for the North Hills Community Outreach “Sharing Holiday Warmth” program. Way to go, folks! – Dennis Doubleday, Treasurer.

SAVE THE DATE!

PITTSBURGH INTERFAITH IMPACT NETWORK (PIIN) BANQUET,
APRIL 24, 2008.

This traditional season of giving allows us to see the blessings with which each of us has been gifted. And how many opportunities we have to LIVE OUR FAITH every day through the year. Here is the tentative list of opportunities for January - June '08. Some of these may change throughout the year and the specific dates will be forthcoming:

v June - The Woodlands - possibly helping the staff get ready for their summer camp.

I encourage you all to participate in at least one of these! Details will follow in upcoming Intercoms, Service announcements, Orders of Service, or emails so stay tuned and let's LIVE OUR FAITH!!!

This season my wish for all of you is to reflect on what you are thankful for and how YOU can give back to those in need.

Once again, you have a great opportunity to treat yourself and help a neighbor in need at the same time! You can do this by ordering citrus in North Hills Community Outreach's (NHCO) 2008 Sale. NHCO provides services to families in Northern Allegheny county who are experiencing crisis, hardship, or poverty. Last year, NHCO made a difference in the lives of over 3,680 local families through their Employment, Food & Emergency Services and Support & Resources programs. Satellite offices in Millvale and the North Boroughs augment NHCO's main office located on Ferguson Road in Allison Park.

The 2008 Citrus Sale offers Florida oranges and Ruby Red Indian River grapefruit in small ($18) and large boxes ($24). A box of Honey Tangerines costs $18. There are two specialty mix boxes containing 36 fruit pieces offered for $26 each. The Citrus Sampler contains 24 naval oranges and 12 red grapefruit. The Fresh Trio contains 12 each of naval oranges, red grapefruit and Anjou pears. The fruit is picked and loaded onto a truck for direct shipment to Pittsburgh.

Order some fruit for yourself, your family, friends, neighbors and fellow employees, to help UUCNH support the mission of NHCO. You can also order extra boxes and donate the fruit to NHCO's food pantries. Order forms will be available soon on the table under the office window in Friendship Hall and orders will be accepted through February 3rd.The fruit will arrive the weekend of March 1/2, with delivery on Sunday, March 2nd to UUCNH (other locations upon request). For questions or more information, please contact Sue Luebbert or Chris Hill during Coffee hour, or by email.

It's cold again, so it feels great to come inside and have a warm cup of coffee or cocoa-especially when those products come with a social conscience. We have Equal Exchange Fair Trade Cocoa for drinks or baking ($6 per can), and Coffee in French Vanilla, Hazelnut Crème and Toffee Caramel flavors ($8 for a 12 oz. bag of drip grind). We also have our regular assortment of Coffee (French Roast, Breakfast Blend, Mind Body & Soul, and Decaf). Don't forget our Chocolate Bars in Milk, Dark, Dark with Almonds, Dark/Mint, Espresso Bean, and Cocoa Nibs (only $4 each or 2 for $7),

You can pay cash, or by check made out to UUCNH (write Coffee Fund on the memo line) and leave it in the black lockbox by the chocolate in the office. Thanks for supporting small farmers while you enjoy great products!

We can recycle almost all types of paper products, as long as they go in the proper locations:

v Paper - all kinds, like newspaper, magazines, ad inserts, soft-bound books, etc., can go in our PaperRetriever bin (green and yellow) in the parking lot.

v Paperboard (non-hollow cardboard, like cereal boxes, etc) goes in the plastic bins in Friendship Hall-check toward the RE hallway during construction

v Telephone books - Please use the special dumpsters put out by the phone companies during the distribution of new ones. They can also be taken to Construction Junction.

The Guest At Your Table program is the primary fundraiser for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). The UUSC is an independent human rights organization, founded in 1939 to rescue victims of Nazi persecution, whose work is grounded in UU Principles and supported by more than 39,000 members. Place your Guest At Your Table box where you have your meals. As often as you sit together for a meal, insert some coins or bills in the box, while thinking of the many things we take for granted that many others around the world do not have.

We started to distribute the Guest At Your Table boxes on Sunday November 18th. If you didn't get one, look for them in the hallway to the West Room. Please plan to return them in early January. If you can count the money and write a check to UUSC, that would be really helpful. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Gorka, Greg Jarold or Greta Porter.

For January: Cereals and Oatmeal

Please don’t forget to contribute to the "Donation Station" for the NORTH HILLS COMMUNITY OUTREACH (NHCO) Food Pantry, now located near the church entrance. The January NHCO request is to bring Cereals and Oatmeal to the church. AND laundry detergent, toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo and bar soap are always needed. Thanks to all who have contributed lately.

Plastic bags needed by North Hills Community Outreach: If you bring your extras to the church, drop them off at the NHCO Donation Station where they can be used to sort food at the food pantry.

Dates available now for 2008!

The Pleasant Valley Men’s Shelter will shortly release a list of dates available in 2008 for all UUCNH members and friends able to prepare and serve dinners to shelter residents. Please consider planning ahead for one of these dates. If interested, contact Greg Jarold.

The UUCNH Social Action Committee sponsors our participation in this worthwhile program.

You can help balance the church budget by buying groceries! If you shop at Giant Eagle, Festival or Kuhn’s, consider joining your fellow church members by purchasing gift cards for these stores. For every $100 in groceries you buy using the gift card, the church gets $5. If you are interested in purchasing the cards, please see Jim Noel or John Brobst during coffee hour.

This is your December notice requesting your January submissions for your February's Intercom. Got that? Good. Explain it to me, okay? Our next Intercom will be published on January 20, 2007. That will make Wednesday, January 16, 2007 the DEADLINE for the February Intercom. If your material isn’t in by the deadline, it will NOT be included in the next Intercom unless you have contacted me to make arrangements.

If you email your submissions, please do it IN PLAIN TEXT ONLY; please, do not format the article in any way. Submissions may be submitted in the office mailbox in written or diskette form, or emailed (preferred) in plain text to me.