(This listening session was postponed from December 9, due to the snow storm.) A light lunch will be served, thanks to folks participating in the Sacred Conversations on Race (SCOR) class. The meeting will include an update on the current status of the 2019 budget process, solicit input to help the Council finalize the budget in the coming weeks, and provide time for you to share your hopes and concerns. We recognize that not all of you will be able to attend Sunday’s meeting. To facilitate communication, notes from the Listening Session will be sent to members of the congregation. We invite you to share your thoughts about the future of UCCH by answering the questions included below. You may respond using one of these 3 options: click THIS LINK to answer online send an email to this address: Churchcouncil@unitedchurch.org or fill out a paper handout which is available in the Narthex on Sunday. These responses will be used to inform the Council planning retreat on January 26. To ensure that your thoughts can be incorporated, please respond no later than Sunday, January 20. Within the context of our two aspirational goals (a more connected community, and racial justice, inclusion, and diversity) my hope for UCCH is… My concern and/or lingering question is… How it is best to communicate with me… How I currently get my UCCH information… How can UCCH strengthen our communication (Pastors, Council, and Boards with the Congregation and the Congregation with the Pastors, Council, and Boards)? United Church is in the midst of an exciting period of growth and change. This meeting and the survey questions are just part of many steps already taken and to be taken to involve members of the congregation in learning about what is ahead and guiding what is to come.
Taizé is a style of Christian worship that originated in Taizé, France, some 75 years ago. It is woven with Christian song and chants, interspersed with prayerful silence, scripture reading, more song, more prayer, and more silence. The effect is profound and takes one deeper, beyond intellect, into the very heart of worship. Be prepared to walk away from the experience refreshed, renewed, and at peace. You will find that Taizé worship will satisfy the longing of your heart to be filled with God’s presence.
Wanna light a fire in your belly? Our annual Chili Cook-Off will kick off our Light Up Your Winter dinner and program series. You are invited to submit a chili for the cook-off. This year, we are calling for chili's in the following categories: Vegetarian Meat Green or White chili's Prizes will be awarded for all three chili categories!
January 16, 23, 30 & February 6 Fundraiser Dinners at 5:45 pm, 6:30 pm programs Sacred Space Art Studio Painting with artist Claudia Galvez. We'll spend the first 3 weeks recreating this beautiful painting by Claudia Galvez. On the 4th week of the series, we'll have a speed painting class led by Rinnie Orr. Limited to 10 people, and a charge of $30 per person for supplies and artist stipend. Sacred Space arts will also offer 4 Wednesday night art classes especially for children! We will do a pottery project the first week then make a winter painting and sew a pillow. Book Discussion of “Reconstructing the Gospel” led by Bill Murray: This class is a prelude to having the book author, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove come to UCCH for 5 sessions in March. He will assist our church to grow in the directions described in his book. Get more out of these five sessions by discussing his book now. Our facilitator, Bill Murray has known and admired Jonathan for many years. Books are on sale through the church office. Open to All! The Gospel as Story Telling led by Mike Shannon: Storytelling creates community. Persons who tell each other stories become friends. Good stories get retold because there is something about a good story that virtually compels retelling it. Every human community has its stories, but the stories of the Bible have a special distinctive meaning. When our stories are connected with the stories of God, there is revelation. By telling these stories, God and Christ not only become present and speak to us, but they become present and speak to others. Class is full. Peacemaking Close to Home led by Jack Denniston and members of the UCCH Peacemaking Scholarship Committee: Topics: how UCCH is recognizing and encouraging young peacemakers through the Chapel Hill Carrboro Peacemaking Scholarship initiative, national initiatives currently working successfully on a critical and timely aspect of peacemaking – depolarization, and strategies and skills for having productive conversations across the political divide. Members of the Better Angels organization will be on hand for these discussions. These discussions are open to all.