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New at our church — “Change for Change”(every week!)

The Social Action Committee is excited to introduce a new initiative, “Change for Change.” Each week the loose change that is collected in the Sunday offering will be dedicated to a social justice cause. The Social Action Committee, with the approval of the board, will choose the recipients. This year we will focus on agencies that support our families and children.

      With the success of this initiative, future years will bring other focuses in areas that we as a UU community hold dear in our hearts and that are consistent with UU principles. 

      This initiative has been a success in many congregations.  We have no doubt that with the hearts and generosity in this UU congregation, this initiative will be a success and make changes with our change!

      So, each Sunday, get ready to empty your pockets and dig in your purse when the offering plate comes around.

—Lynn Richardson, Social Action Committee member, Social Action Family and Children Subcommittee, chair

Where is the money going and what else can we do to help?

This year our focus is local agencies who make changes for our children and families. We are currently collecting for Head Start and Early Head Start.   

      Who are these agencies in our community, how can we help and what volunteer opportunities are there? Without question, the first five years of a child’s life have a tremendous impact on his or her overall development as a person. For children from families with limited incomes, the time leading up to their first day of school can leave them void of self-confidence and a will to learn.

      The Lafayette Head Start and Early Head Start Programs give pre-school children the support they need to meet their emotional, social, educational, health and nutritional needs so they can succeed in school and in later life.

      The Lafayette Head Start/Early Head Start Center educates and provides tools for parents so they can succeed at being their child’s most important teacher.

Volunteer opportunities:  Reading to children.  Share your experience to mentor a young parent. Material needs:  Money to purchase Parent Reading Kits so each child can have their own kit.  Currently families share these kits. Also, gently used books.

Contact Number:  449-0487 or  phoulton@cfrc.org

 

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UUSC founders receive international recognition

Two of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s founders are being honored posthumously as “Righteous Among the Nations” by Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’  Remembrance Authority in Israel , for their work helping Jews excape Nazi persecution during World War II.

The Rev. Waitstill and Martha Sharp are only the second and third U.S. citizens to receive this international distinction. Martha Sharp is the first woman from the United States to be honored.

        from Volunteer Network Update, December 2005

            Your contributions to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee will help the UUSC continue the work that was started by the Sharps. 

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Time to return your “Guest” boxes!

Thank you all for hosting a “Guest at Your Table” this year!  This project supports the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, a nonprofit human rights organization that puts our faith into action.

      It is time to return your boxes!  Even if you did not take home a box, you can still contribute to this fundraiser.  It is helpful if you convert your coins to a check payable to the UUSC and remember to fill out the form on the box and indicate if you wish to become a member of the UUSC.  As a member, you will be kept up to date on human rights issues through regular mailings, action alerts, and the UUSC newsletter. 

            Those contributing $75 or more will have their contributions matched by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset , NY .  We will be collecting through the month of January.  Please either put your box in the basket in the back of the sanctuary, or put your donation in Sarah Boulac’s mailbox.  Thank you!

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Friendly reminders about TLC for our church building

View from the hall. Many people come into the church during and after regular hours, for services, meetings, and special events.  As a friendly reminder, there are some things to keep in mind when coming into your church building — this shared, welcoming, and sacred space. 

Kitchen. The kitchen is well used — we have no maid service and our cleaning person does not do the dishes, so please respect others who use and work in this space, and clean up after yourself or your designated little ones. 

Secretary’s office.  The Church Office computer in the hallway is for Staff Use, as the sign on it denotes.  Only designated staff should have access to this area, including the computer; please do not twist the lights, move the pictures, play with the chair, or leave food and beverages at this space. This our work area, and to find it left with crumbs, beverage cans, frosting and papers moved is difficult and can interfere with work. 

Closing up. Please be sure all lights are off before you leave. And for general security: make sure that the front and side doors are locked.  After turning the key, try the door knob just to be sure that it’s closed.  If you are here during off hours and see someone lurking about the outside, please call the police; lately there have been cigarette packs and beer cans found directly behind the kitchen door outside; and people have been coming in during work hours to request money.  Thank-you for your consideration and cooperation.

 —The Staff

 

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Choir rehearsal moves to Wednesdays

Beginning Jan. 11, the church choir will rehearse on Wednesdays from 7:30-9pm in the sanctuary. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Choir Director Denise Gilliland.

 

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IRCRC (In. Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice) news

• “What’s happening at the statehouse: proposed  legislation on reproductive health and what we  should do about it.” Thursday, Jan. 26, 7-8:30 pm  at the Lafayette YWCA. 

Guest speakers Michael  McKillip, Dir. of Public Policy and Legislative  Affairs, Planned Parenthood of Indiana , and   Lindsey Mintz, Dir. of Government Affairs,   Jewish Community Relations Council

• On Nov. 30 Planned Parenthood of Indiana  presented the 2005 Margaret Sanger Award to Kaye McSpadden, president of IRCRC, for  “dedication to the promotion of religious and reproductive freedom.”

Religious Education Happenings

 

RE Co- Directors Sarah Boulac and Michele Tomarelli

Upcoming Events/Announcements

Snacks and Juice – RE is in need of unsweetened fruit juice and non-perishable, low-sugar snacks for Sunday morning classes.  Please mark your donations “RE” and leave them on the counter in the kitchen.  Thanks!

 

Teacher                                  Jan 15          Jan 22

Preschool Tchr                        C. Frye          C. Frye

Preschool Helper                     K. Reynolds    K. Reynolds 

K-1st Gr. Teacher                     K. Harden       K. Harden

2nd-4th Gr. Teacher                 K. Schroth      K. Schroth