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The Unitarian Universalist Church of the North Hills
Telephone: 412-366-0244
Fax: 412-366-4389
Email: uucnh@nauticom.net

Carol Meyer
Minister

April 22 2007
Volume XLVI, No. 9

Marsha Albright,
Board President

Dawn FitzGerald-Swidal, Editor, email

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Carol Meyer, Minister:
10:30 - 12:30pm, Thursday; Any other time by appointment
Greta Porter, DRE:
T, TH:  10:00 am - Noon
Sheila McCall, Secretary:
9:00 - noon, Monday through Friday 
Website:
www.uucnh.org,  contact the website manager

Beginning September 10, Sunday Services run from 11:00 A.M. to 12:15 P.M.  Nursery Care is provided and the religious education program is held concurrent with the service.  Coffee and conversation for adults and children immediately follow the service.  Parents should supervise their children during coffee hour.
Church
Stewardship Plea
Celebration Sunday is over and the 2006 Stewardship Campaign is well underway.  As of April 17, we have pledges for just over 60% of our goal, or about ⅔ of the total amount we raised last year.  In order for us to complete our Church budget for the 2007-08 fiscal year, we need to wrap this up quickly.  We ask that you forward your pledges, posthaste, to John Brobst.  You can mail to him or deposit at the church.  If you mail, please consider emailing as well to John at jrbrobst@connecttime.net, so we have the numbers as early as possible.
 
Stewardship plans to call all of you who have not submitted a pledge card.  Please help us avoid the need for these calls.  We don’t wanna make ‘em, you don’t wanna get 'em.  Please PLEDGE generously now!
 
Ed Rockman
For the Stewardship Committee

Image of Rev. Carol Meyer Carol’s Column:

THE TIME IS NOW!



It doesn’t get much more exciting than this, folks!  An anonymous donor has stepped forward and offered UUCNH a $100,000 loan, interest-free for five years with no requirement ever to pay back the principle, if the congregation will just come up with another $50,000 in pledges to our capital campaign.  That’s the $150,000 we need in order to move forward with a project that will satisfy all three of our key objectives: more and better RE space, a new kitchen and a larger social hall.

 It’s also the $150,000 we need to raise for some other mighty important reasons.  There’s so much more in a church building than space.  Like individuals, religious communities have a spirit, even a soul.  The soul of our congregation is strengthened, grows and flourishes, when we come together to accomplish great ends that none of us can do alone.  When we make our collective power real and visible.  When we demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that our faith in ourselves and each other, our church’s mission and vision is well placed. 

We have been working on these facilities improvements for some seven years now.  We have invested so much time, energy, and money in defining our project and raising the money needed to “rise to a new level.”  We are so very close to where we need to be in order to sign a contract for construction of new facilities of which we can all feel proud.  Proud because we’ve created aesthetically pleasing space that says to all:  We believe in Unitarian Universalism
  • We love our church
  • We’re committed to being a vibrant center of liberal religion in the North Hills
  • We’re a growing congregation, a happening place, an inspiring community
  • We can do amazing things together
  • Come join us–you’ll be glad you did
For the sake of our collective spirit, we simply must move forward at this point in time with a project that we can all feel good about.  Even as I write, the $50,000 gap between the money required for us to realize our vision of rising to a new level and the money already committed to this project is diminishing.  The money needed to make the gap disappear altogether exists among us.  There’s no doubt at all about that.  As a congregation, we are wealthy enough to come up with well over the 50,000 additional dollars that our donor has challenged us to raise.  With all of us contributing what we truly could in a spirit of genuine generosity, we could even raise enough to put back some of the wonderful architectural features currently in danger of being eliminated–such as the full window at the Bellwood end of the loft. 

It’s not every day that those of us who are not truly wealthy have an opportunity like the one UUCNH is giving each of us right now–an opportunity to make a real difference for so many today, even while helping to create a wonderful legacy for generations to come.  So be a part of it!  Let your generosity flow, and know the joy that comes with helping to make dreams come true.  I promise you–this opportunity is waaaay too good to pass up!

Blessings,
Carol
Upcoming Services
Upcoming Services
May 6:          
The Bugs Bunny Phenomenon
    Rev. Carol Meyer preaching

Bugs Bunny could throw out a hole and step into it to create his own reality.  This morning we look at this phenomenon from the human standpoint.  To what extent can and do we humans create our own reality? 

May 13:            
Ode to Mothers
    Rev. Carol Meyer leading worship

This Mother’s Day we remember, honor and celebrate mothers and mothering.  Please contact Rev. Carol if you would like to participate in this service by sharing something about your mother, your experience of mothering or being a mother, poetry, music, or anything else that might be appropriate for this service. 
May 20:              
Deeds, not Creeds
The Religious Education Community

We’ll be focusing on RE’s Social Action this year and honoring of our Graduating Seniors.
May 27:
Who Are Our Heroes?
Rev. Carol Meyer preaching

Members of the military who die in war have long been considered heroes in our culture, but what actually qualifies someone as a hero in your mind?  And what do the hallmarks of heroes say about who and how we aspire to be ourselves?
May Coffee Hour
May 6:
Strayhorn Family
TBA
May 13:
Cox Family
Jan Davis
May 20: Frampton Family            
Coyne Family
May 27:
Vondra & Chang Family
Powers Family
CHOOSE YOUR COFFEE HOUR DATE

For the past two years, the hosts for coffee hour have been assigned to ensure we have food and drink for our time together after service.  If you would like to choose which Sunday you host coffee hour or which household you partner with, sign up on the yellow coffee cup sign hanging in Friendship Hall.  We need two households per Sunday, except during the summer months, when we need only one.  If everyone does his/her part, it works out to less than one Sunday per year for each household.  Coffee hour is a vital part of our church.  It has been de-scribed as "UU communion."  Thanks for doing your part!
Marsh's Musings
It is with mixed feelings that I write my last column as President of the Board, as my one-year term ends on May 20, following our Annual Meeting.  It will be good to have a little more time and a little less paper all over my desk but I will miss working so closely with so many of you in such a productive way.  Have no fear, I will find something to do to fill the void and much of it will most likely involve UUCNH as there is always something to be done. 

It has been a productive year beginning with Rev. Carol Meyer leaving on sabbatical, the challenge of planning and carrying out our time on our own, followed by Carol’s re-entry upon her return.  During this same year, we conducted a Capital Campaign to improve our space, a congregational survey to learn more about who we are and what we want and had some outstanding Religious Education offerings for both our young people as well as for our adults.  Some of us attended General Assembly in St. Louis, Summer Institute in Gambier, Winter Institute at Salt Fork and several Youth Conferences throughout the District.  We started a paper-recycling program and got a recycling bin to simplify our efforts.  We trained ten new people in CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which has qualified our church to receive an AED from the St. Margaret Foundation.  We have had several meetings with our Acting District Executive, Tom Chulak, and have benefited from this valuable district resource.

These are just a few of our accomplishments for the year and each of them is just a beginning.  We have learned and grown from each of them.  There is more to be done and more to be learned.  I feel that we are prepared to move forward in the area of Social Action and ready to become more involved in the larger UU community.  To paraphrase a popular saying, “If you are not excited, you have not been paying attention.”  

The results of the congregational survey are being mailed today and by the time you read this you will probably have already received them.  This is a starting point for us to determine the direction that we want to move.  There is still much work to be done to determine the answers to the questions, “Who do we serve?” and “Why do we exist?”  We need to design a process to combine our strengths, our energies and our passions to move us forward together into the future.

We will be voting on the details of our renovation project to prioritise the items that are most important to us as we move toward the launch of our project this June.  We will also be deciding how green we can afford to make our building.  I am envisioning a space that will minimize our impact on the earth and maximize our use of the space.  With all of our talents and good will, I am convinced that we will make some good decisions.  I look forward to seeing everyone at the annual meeting to assist in this process and look forward to another GREAT YEAR at UUCNH. 

Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your 2006-2007 Board President. 

Peace,.  Marsha Albright
UUCNH Board President
(Board meetings are the Third Monday of month at 7 PM in the East Room.  Input is always welcome.)
Annual meeting
Once a year we gather as a group to conduct the business of the church.  This year the annual meeting will take place on Sunday, May 20, at 12:30 PM in the West Room following the service.  Food will be provided so that you will have the strength to vote on several important issues such as who will serve as your new Board Members and Chairs of Committees, the annual budget and more.

 We will vote on whether to accept the gracious loan of $100,000.00 offered by anonymous to be put toward our building campaign if we can match it with a $50,000.00 challenge from the congregation.  The terms of this loan are as follows:  the loan is to be interest free for the first five years, with interest only payments at a market rate thereafter. 

We will also be deciding on what we will build and not build, depending on the funds available after we see if we can meet the above challenge and whether or not we vote to accept the above offered loan.  If you were not able to attend the congregational meeting held by the Facilities Planning Committee after the service on Sunday, April 22, 2007, you may want to talk with someone who did to become familiar with some of the choices that we will be voting on.

Achievement Awards will be presented in recognition of outstanding service to UUCNH over the past year or more.  If you would like to nominate someone for a certificate of recognition, please e-mail me or call me with their name and the reason for your nomination by the end of April.  Your input is very welcome.

Please plan to be present at the meeting so that we have a quorum and can complete our business on this day.  Without a quorum, votes cannot be taken.  Our June start date for construction for our renovation depends on us making some very important decisions by this date.  Just like voting is an important privilege and responsibility as a citizen of our country, voting at the annual meeting is an important privilege and responsibility of being a member of UUCNH.

I look forward to seeing an overwhelming number of members at our meeting this year.  Mark your calendars now so that you don’t inadvertently forget to plan on it.  I would hope that we could finish the business of the day by 2:00 PM if we are efficient.  See you there. 

Sincerely,
Marsha Albright, Board President.

Stage lights graphic
THE UUCNH YOUTH PRESENTS…

A TALENT SHOW
      . . .AND DINNER

May 12, 2007
Dinner at 6:00pm
Talent Show at 7:00pm

Adults: $5 in advance, $7 at the door
Kids up to 12: $3 in advance, $5 at the door
Children under 5: free
Sign up to be a part of the talent show.
And a DVD of the talent show may be available later for $8.
(A fundraiser for our youth group’s projects)

FACILITIES PLANNING
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
APRIL 22, 2007

The Facilities Planning Committee and the Capital Campaign Committee hosted a congregational meeting after church April 22 that was attended by 51 members and friends.

Our architect, Ken Doyno presented revised plans.  Ken presented a spreadsheet of a Construction and Contingency budget that began at $708,646 total construction cost.  During the week prior to this meeting he and the representative from Sota Construction met and identified groups of items that would reduce the cost of the project and still allow us to accomplish our three goals of more and better RE space, a better kitchen and expanded social space.  Our architect presented a list of items that get us to our current pledged amount of $501,420.  This affects a reduction in the scope of the project that, among other things, would eliminate 2 of the classrooms on the second floor.

A member of the congregation has offered a $ 100,000 loan, interest free for the first 5 years, with interest only payments thereafter if we, as a congregation, can raise an additional $ 50,000 by the annual meeting, May 20.  Several members submitted their pledges to this challenge at the close of this meeting.

Please consider increasing your pledge so that we can meet the challenge.  You could also increase the term of your pledge to a 4th year.

Tassi Bisers, Chair Capital Campaign Committee
Dorinda Depp, Chair Facilities Planning Committee

SUMMER INSTITUTE

Now is the time to start thinking about signing up for Summer Institute.  The scholarship application deadline is April 30; register before June 1, you are guaranteed a spot and the $75 registration fee is waived.  If you pay in full by June 1, you get a free SI T-shirt.

This is a great opportunity to spend some time with your family and/or other UU’s in a peaceful setting on the Kenyon campus in Gambier, Ohio.  It is a great way to expand your UU family and connect with the larger UU community.  It all begins on July 15 and ends on July 21, 2007. 

Adults can choose 3 of the 14 morning workshops being offered.  The sooner you register, the better your chances of getting your first choice.  You will spend five mornings in your chosen workshop or you can just sleep in every morning if you wish.  The youth and children have their own morning workshops.

The afternoons are open for various workshops that you can choose from on a daily basis as the spirit moves you.  Many of the afternoon workshops are intergenerational.  Or you may wish to spend your afternoon sitting in a lawn chair under a tree, reading a book or taking a nap.  .  Do you remember how you wished that you had had the time to just sit and relax under a tree when you were in college?  Well now is your chance.

What are you waiting for?  Register today.  Booklets are available at the church now.  More information can also be found at www.omdsi.org or ask someone who has already been there.  Hope to see you at SI.

RE classes
Sunday classes:
Facilitators:  Kathy Ke
Sunday evenings 7-8:30pm at UUCNH. 
Dates:  May 20, June 3, June 10, and June 17.
Childcare provided!

The class is for anyone interested in meeting other people within the community and learning more about our church and Unitarian Universalism.  Participating in the series does NOT imply a commitment to join the church, only an interest in learning more.

Facilitator:  Tony Palermo
First Sundays of Month after service:
Next:  5/6
 
On a summer night in 1963, 40 people listened for one hour to Kitty Genovese’ cries for help.  She was being attacked on a New York City street.  Not a single person called for help.  As we’ll find out in this last installment of Roy Baumeister’s Evil: Inside Human Violence & Cruelty, a bystander – singular, plural or institutional – might be innocent, but is rarely without responsibility.  Looking the other way cost millions of lives in the last Century.  As the 21st Century opens with more of the same violence, we’ll discuss what our roles as Today’s observers should be.  First Sunday in May after the service, East room.  See Tony Palermo for details.
Facilitator:  Tony Palermo
Third Sundays of Month after service
Next: 5/13

This class is a continuing discussion regarding Jesus.  We’ll keep you posted on each monthly topic  See Tony Palermo for details.
Facilitator:  Karen Bryant
Sunday evenings 7-8:30pm
Next: TBA

Every woman is on a journey, no matter her age or life situation.  We each have much to learn and much to teach.  Come together with others to celebrate and explore important issues from a woman's perspective - relationships, parenting (and grandparenting), creativity, spirituality, our place in the world, our place in the universe, and more.  We'll explore through discussion, activities and field trips and draw from movies, books and the combined wisdom of the group. 

Co-facilitators:        Rev. Carol Meyer
Barry Tupperman.
Contact:   412.366.0244
Sundays - 12:45 pm.  TBA due to Annual Meeting

This program is open to anyone in the North Hills interested in being part of such an NSP Study Circle.  We'll use Michael Lerner's study guide.  Participants need to get their own copy of the book and commit to reading appropriate sections for each circle.  The circle will meet monthly through May.

Facilitator:  Rev. Carol Meyer
Third Sunday evening of the month from 7-8:30pm.

A uniquely UU spiritual practice called Living By Heart, a "devotional practice" created by UU minister Harry Scholefield.  "Sitting attentively" and "wisdom words" (sayings, poetry, etc. that you personally have found especially meaningful) are key elements of the practice.  If you love words and have struggled to find a spiritual practice that works for you, this just might be exactly what you've been looking for.  Come, and see.

  • Everything You Know is Wrong EYKW
Facilitator:  John Bernhard

EYKIW meets after service in the library.  We discuss Tellinger’s book Slave Species of god.

Header
Non-Sunday classes:
Facilitator:  Carol Ballance
Monday evenings 7-8
Dates: 5/7

We are a group of like-minded folks who are trying to reduce the clutter in our lives!  Clean out the physical, mental and spiritual mud!  If you find it difficult to reduce your impact on the earth and would like support in living simpler please join us.    Please see Carol Ballance if you have question.  (email)

Facilitator:  Carol Ballance
Friday evenings, 7pm at Members’ Homes:
Next:  5/18

Members pick the books a month or two in advance.  Our interests vary widely so keep watching to see what we're reading next
Camping trip
Mark your calendars for the annual camping trip to the Allegheny National Forest, which will take place August 1-5.  Come for all or part of the time – a good time is always had by all.  Please sign up with Kathy Ke.
THANK GOD FOR EVOLUTION:
HOW SCIENCE WILL USHER RELIGION INTO ITS GREATNESS

Michael Dowd, former pastor,
& Connie Barlow, scientific author

Presenting THE GREAT STORY, a way of telling the history of everyone and everything that honors and embraces all religious traditions and creation stories.  It is the sacred narrative of an evolving universe that offers each of us the opportunity to find meaning and purpose in our lives and our time in history

WHAT:
SUNDAY SERVICE APRIL 29 10:30AM, Connie Barlow

WORKSHOP by Michael Dowd
TUESDAY, MAY 1 7:00PM -9:00PM
Adults and Youth Encouraged to Attend!!

WHERE: 
Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church
416 West North Ave. (North Side) Pgh 15212

Join Us In Sharing Their Scientific Spiritual Vision Of The Past And Future Of Our Planet

WHY:
To understand your place in co-creating the evolution of all life.  Using scientific information for their conceptual model, Dowd and Barlow use spiritual beliefs to bring it all together.

COST: Free, sponsored by Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church Refreshments available.  OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY

For more info: Go to www.alleghenyuu.org.  For child care, call Kathy 412-882-9050

"Way beyond cool!  This was the best presentation I have ever seen in my life...A logical and inspirational description of how science and spirituality intersect in the common plane of humanity."

Book sale
Now is the time to put those dust collecting used books, videos, cassettes, CDs and DVDs you have sitting around to good use.  The North Hills Youth Ministry is having their 32nd.  Annual used book sale the first week of June at the Clayton Center, Memorial Park Church, Allison Park.  This book sale provides them with operating funds to support their non-denominational Counseling Center for youths and families.  Go to www.nhymcc.org for more information concerning this superb community resource.

Please bring your used items in boxes or bags to church and leave under the main entrance coat rack next to the east room.  We will take it from there.  The books need to be at the NHYM office by May 4th so have them at the church by May 3rd. at the latest.  If you have any questions please contact Gordon Higgins.  Sorry, no magazines, encyclopedias, textbooks, or records please.

May Social Action
  • MAY 7th IS THE DEADLINE!
TELEPHONE BOOK RECYCLING

 North Pittsburgh Telephone Company (NPTC) is collecting old telephone directories through May 7, 2007.  The directories get recycled as raw materials for the production of ceiling tiles by Armstrong World Industries of Beaver Falls, PA.  NPTC has placed recycling containers at nine locations:

* Cranberry Twp. Municipal Center,
   Rochester RD, Cranberry

* Cranberry Commons Shopping Center,
   Rt 228, Cranberry

* Bauerle Greenhouse & Garden Center,
   Rt 19, Wexford

* Giant Eagle, Northtowne Square,
   Rt 8, Gibsonia

* Friedman’s Supermarket.
   270 West Water St, Saxonburg

* Giant Eagle,
   Buffalo Plaza, Rt 356, Sarver

* First Commonwealth Bank,
   744 Little Deer Creek Valley Rd, Russelton

* Mars Middle School,
   1775 Three Degree Rd, Mars

* Pine Richland Middle School,
   100 Logan Rd, Gibsonia

NPTC will accept directories from ANY company, but they cannot accept plastic bags, cardboard, newspaper, cans, trash, etc.  So please take them out of any plastic they may come wrapped in.  THANKS for Recycling!!

  • NEW RECYCLING OPTION FOR BATTERIES!!
Several of you have asked about recycling your household batteries, including alkalines, button cells, and rechargeables. 

The E-house on Carson Street on the South Side will take all kinds of batteries.  They collect them as a public service.  So, we'll set up a box in friendship hall to collect them and take it down to E-house whenever it gets full.  We can take any kind of household batteries except leaking ones or large car batteries (i.e. no lead acid).  Since they must pay $1 per pound to send them out, E house would appreciate a contribution, but it's not required. 

For reference, 1 lb is 3 D cells or 6 C cells or 15 AA cells or about 25 AAA cells.  If you have questions, or could help with a monthly (?) run down to E house, contact Chris Hill.

  • FAIR TRADE MEANS COFFEE

Mother’s Day is coming - perhaps Mom would like to try something new and delicious

Try some of our coffee - whole bean or drip grind; from Breakfast Blend to French Roast to Decaf and flavored.  Only $8 per bag.  How about some cocoa to ward off the cold of this resurgent winter?  Only $6 for a can of Baking or Drink Mix. 

Or try some of our chocolate in six (6) flavors (Milk, Dark, Dark with Almonds, Dark with mint, Dark with espresso beans or Dark with cocoa nib chunks) - $4 per bar, $7 for 2 or $10 for 3.  Look in the church office or talk to Chris Hill at Coffee Hour.

  • NHCO FOOD PANTRY "DONATION STATION”
For May: Fruit Juice

Please don’t forget to contribute to the "Donation Station" for the NORTH HILLS COMMUNITY OUTREACH (NHCO) Food Pantry, located in Friendship Hall near the entrance to the RE Hallway.  The May NHCO request is to bring Fruit Juices (cans, bottles or boxes) to church.  AND laundry detergent, toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo and bar soap are always needed.  Thanks to all who have contributed lately.

Globe
  • PLEASANT VALLEY MEN'S SHELTER
The shelter has a list of dates available for 2007 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 TEN MOST FAQ’S ABOUT THE DINNERS
AT THE PLEASANT VALLEY MEN'S SHELTER

Many of you may be wondering what exactly happens when UUCNH members and friends volunteer to serve dinner at the Pleasant Valley Men's Shelter.  Well, here are the ten most "Frequently Asked Questions" from the past few years about the program:

1.  Where is the shelter?  The shelter is located on Brighton Road on Pittsburgh's Northside near the Mexican War Streets neighborhood.

2.  How many volunteers are needed?  Three or four people are needed to serve dinner but sometimes more volunteers help with food preparation at home.

3.  What dates are available for dinners?  Volunteers serve dinner almost every day of the year.  Many churches volunteer for a regular day or days every month.  Those days not regularly reserved are available for UUCNH and others.

4.  How many shelter residents will be there?  There are usually about 35 to 40 men at the dinner.  They are all temporary residents who stay about a month and take advantage of the services of the Northside Common Ministries.

5.  Where do I prepare the food?  Although the shelter has a full kitchen, it usually works best to prepare the food at home and warm things as necessary at the shelter.

6.  What time does the dinner start?  Dinners start about 9:00 PM but volunteers should arrive between 8:00 and 8:15.  The residents have usually already set the tables.  Dinner is served buffet style.

7.  What do they like to eat and how much?  The men at the shelter are always graciously appreciative of our help no matter what we bring and some have big appetites.  A meat entree, perhaps potato or pasta, a vegetable or salad, bread and butter and of course dessert can be included in the meal.  It's best to keep in mind that there may be someone with a dietary restriction so variety is good.  There doesn't seem to be a formula for how much should be prepared.  "Suggested" serving sizes aren't always trustworthy.

8.  Who pays for all that food?  Many times the volunteers donate the food but there may be some money available in the Social Action Committee budget to reimburse purchases.  Please confirm that first.

9.  Do I have to clean up and do all the dishes after dinner?  Not at all!  The men cleanup, do the dishes and will even wash any pots, pans or serving plates that you may have brought with you.

10. How can I get involved?  Call Greg Jarold  to get things started or to ask any questions that didn't make the top ten.

The UUCNH Social Action Committee sponsors our participation in this worthwhile program.
~SUPPORT UUCNH ~
BUY GROCERY GIFT CARDS

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.  They are simple to use, convenient and cost you no extra money.  If you are interested in purchasing the cards, please see Jim Noel during coffee hour.
June Intercom
The next Intercom will be published on May 20, 2007.  Thus, Wednesday, May 16, 2007 will be the DEADLINE for the June Intercom.  This is a HARD deadline - if your material isn’t in by the deadline, it will NOT be included in the next Intercom.  If you need a deadline extension, contact the editor (email) to make arrangements.

If you email your submissions, please do it IN PLAIN TEXT ONLY; NO HTML emails - they are NOT compatible with the Intercom format Submissions may be submitted in the office mail box, or emailed (preferred) to the editor (email).

HOW TO EMAIL IN PLAIN TEXT: To go your format box on your toolbar in your actual email and choose plain text.  PLEASE, do not format the article in any way.  Thank you!