6/30/13 the week at horizon uu

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the_week@horizonuu a publication of horizon unitarian universalist church V

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horizon unitarian universalist church • 1641 w. hebron pkwy. • carrollton, tx • 75010 6334

t: 972 492 4940 • f: 972 394 05 • email: [email protected]



Contemplations * Rev. Dennis Hamilton * [email protected]

This week has been a roller coaster ride in politics. While progressives can celebrate the end of DOMA and the return to the lower court of California’s Prop. 8, it was only a partial victory for human/LGBT rights. You still can’t take your rights with you from, say Massachusetts to Texas if you are gay. Twelve states recognize same sex marriage. That leaves thirty-eight to go, unless the Supreme Court finally recognizes the unconstitutionality (as well as the inhumanity) of discriminatory laws against the LGBT community. The soonest correction seems to be another year away. I hope we have

some replacements on this disastrous Supreme Court by then but that is not likely. In my hay day as an activist, we thought we had secured a Voting Rights act in the 1960s. Fifty years ago we thought it was a done deal, America’s soul redeemed, justice institutionalized. In 2006 it was re-passed and approved by George Bush. But this year SCOTUS made it clear the issue of civil rights for all of our citizens is not a done deal. Sure, they sent it back to congress to re-write. They voided the section 4, on a narrow interpretation of the law. It is typical of conservative politics that legalism takes precedence over justice. The real travesty of justice here is that many people will be deprived of their right to vote. Justice Scalia commented that since ALL poor people were negatively affected by the voiding of the law, but not any particular poor group, it was OK. Needless to say, the poor are most likely to vote for progressive candidates. This was a highly political decision matching the earlier fiasco by SCOTUS of granting individual rights to corporations. Very sad. In the meantime Wendy Davis stood up to the patriarchs in the Texas Senate with her heroic filibuster of the anti-abortion/anti-women’s rights law they are trying to push through. She is an inspiration. Around 1850 Unitarian minister and abolitionist Theodore Parker, in referring to the problem of Biblical fundamentalism and its apology for slavery and other injustice said, “The arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways; I cannot calculate the curve [but] from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice.” Martin Luther King, Jr. rephrased it saying, “The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” Having seen a few historical cycles during my seven score years, I have faith that history does bend toward justice, but far too slowly. In the meantime we must live in an unjust system, and America still seems undecided as to whether it wants to be rich and powerful or truly great. Just FYI, I am a happy person most of the time, reconciled to the inevitable foibles of politics. But sometimes I just get upset when I see injustice in America. I need a dose of Molly Ivins from time to time, like this quote, “So keep fightin' for freedom and justice, beloveds, but don't you forget to have fun doin' it. Lord, let your laughter ring forth. Be outrageous, ridicule the fraidy-cats, and rejoice in all the oddities that freedom can produce.”

Faithfully, Rev. Dennis



President’s Corner * By Bruce McClung * [email protected]

2013 – 2014 Board Retreat President’s Report

June 7 – 9, 2013 was Horizon’s 2013 – 2014 Board Retreat; again held at the Briarwood Retreat Center in Argyle, TX.

RETREAT OVERVIEW: Attendees included: Bruce McClung, President Kent Darwin Sandy Steele, Vice President David Cassard Nikki Henderson, Secretary Dennis Hamilton, Sr. Minister Jan McDowell, Treasurer Lauren Daniell, Director of Lifespan RE Elizabeth Gustwick Lyssa Jenkens, Intern Minister John Gill Marianna Seaton, Director of Lay Ministry Betty Andrade (Marianna: Saturday Only) (Six of the nine Board Members are experienced, having previously served on the 2012 – 2013 Board. New Board Members include: Bruce McClung, Betty Andrade, and David Cassard.)

Retreat Goals: (In support of Horizon’s 2013 – 2014 Church Goals)

1. Build a Team with shared vision and mission 2. Understand the roles, duties, and responsibilities of the Board, Council, Minister, DLRE, DLM,

and Office Staff 3. Establish a covenant of behavior 4. Establish and prioritize Board Goals for 2013 – 2014 5. Review church calendar

Horizon 2013 – 2014 Church Goals:

1. Prepare Horizon for an informed, intentional ministerial transition 2. Finalize our congregational-driven Strategic Plan 3. Use available media to more effectively communicate our efforts and opportunities, both

internally & externally 4. Formalize leadership development across church ministries 5. Engage entire congregation in lifespan religious education



Board Retreat Schedule: Agenda Overview: Friday, June 7th: Arrival between 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM 6:00 PM - Dinner 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Back-to-back Agenda Items conducted primarily by Senior Minister Saturday, June 8th: 7:30 AM: Morning Meditation 8:00 AM: Breakfast 9:00 AM: Chalice Lighting; Opening Worship 9:15 AM – 12:00 Noon: Back-to-back Agenda Items 12:00 Noon: Lunch Break 12:55 PM – 5:55 PM: Back-to-back Agenda Items 6:00 PM: Dinner Break 6:55 PM – 7:55: Evening Agenda Items 8:00 PM: Evening Walk – Relaxation Sunday, June 9th: 7:30 AM: Morning Meditation 8:00 AM: Breakfast 9:00 AM: Chalice Lighting; Worship 9:30 AM – 11:55 AM: Back-to-back Agenda Items 12:00 Noon: Adjourn The Schedule was packed and intense. We worked hard to address all the Agenda Items within the available time… while achieving the Retreat Goals.

Best Regards, Bruce McClung



SPECIAL NOTICE: Classes Rescheduled for Saturday, June 29

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the How Do U Fit into UU class scheduled for this Saturday has been moved to Saturday, June 29th (directly after the New UU Class) from 12:30-3:30. I hope those of you who signed up for Saturday can come and join us! The class will begin with lunch from 12:30 to 1:00. Come hear about all that Horizon has to offer, how the church is financially supported by its members and friends, where our money is spent and other ways you can enhance your personal, spiritual and family experiences at the church. Right before the “How Do U Fit into UU”, Reverend Dennis Hamilton will facilitate “New to UU” class with Marianna Seaton and Sandy Steele--a great session on Unitarian Universalism—its value, covenants and history. Get to know our Senior Minister! This class is from 9:00 a.m. to noon on June 29th. Join us for either or both—we’d love to have you! Just email [email protected] or look for the sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center. Childcare can be provided by emailing [email protected] at least five days before the class—or let me know and I’ll make you a reservation. For those who feel ready to join the church after the classes, Reverend Hamilton is planning a New Member Induction during the church service on Sunday, June 30th and a reception at his home that evening at 6:00 p.m. Please email him at [email protected] if you are interested in joining Horizon! I sincerely hope you will accept my invitation to “explore Horizon”! This will be the last set of classes offered until August. Cindy Scott Treece Co-Chair Membership Committee



A Note from the DLRE * By Lauren Daniell * [email protected]

General Assembly in Louisville

I attended General Assembly in Louisville last week and had a

wonderful experience! It began with the LREDA (liberal educator’s)

Professional Day all day Wednesday, and then included six

workshops, six worship services and a myriad of meetings with

other religious education professionals and UUA staff. Two of the

workshops directly dealt with supporting and strengthening UU

families. Highlights included attending the Youth Caucus where 250

teens from all over the US and Canada met to worship and network,

an Adult Religious Education meeting where we exchanged ideas

and heard about the newest curricula for adults from the UUA, and

the Bridging Ceremony for 50 UU high school seniors on Friday night after Eboo Patel’s lecture. Nancy

Foreman was my roommate and it was wonderful getting to know her.

I have already begun putting new ideas gained from GA into action. Please watch this space and our Horizon Facebook page for more resources for Lifespan Religious Education. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend GA this year and was proud to represent Horizon in Louisville. Yours in Faith, Lauren ======================================================================================== This Sunday in Children’s RE - Celebrate NatUUre! June 30th: A Forest Home Through the wonderful story The Salamander Room by Ann Mazer, the children will learn about a boy’s kindness to a little salamander and explore the first and second UU Principles. They will recreate scenes from the book by designing a forest habitat in their classrooms to learn how to make others feel at home. No RE classes Sunday, July 7th Due to the Fourth of July holiday, there will be no classes for children or youth on Sunday the 7th. After the Conversation with the Children, children 5-12 years old can play on the playground and do art activities during the service with Lauren Daniell. Attending U-Bar-U this summer? How about SWUUSI? Let us know! What fun activities did your family do? If you or a family member participated in any UU events over the summer, please let Lauren know: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



Find Horizon on Pinterest! A page just for Horizon families has been created on the popular idea exchange site, Pinterest. Categories include children’s character development, promoting peace, books for families and spiritual practices. Please see http://pinterest.com/horizonuu/ to access the boards. Two liter bottles still needed for Children’s Summer RE by July 28th Thank you so much for all the donations of craft items so far. We now have enough of almost everything for the entire summer except clear, two-liter soda bottles. Donated bottles can be dropped off in the box in the Horizon lobby. Volunteers still needed to staff Summer RE classes for children Volunteers will be needed throughout the summer to lead the children’s summer RE classes. Each session involves a story and a fun craft project. Please look for the signup sheet in the lobby and volunteer for July and August.

Upcoming dates for Children’s and Youth Religious Education June 30th: Summer RE for rising 9th-12th graders begins. Students who attended YRUU in 2012-13 may also attend. Please contact Frank Vaughan for details. July 7: No RE classes for children or youth. Nursery care is still provided. Playground and craft activities for children 5-12 years of age. August 17: Teacher training in Dallas, 9:00am-3:30pm September 8: Ingathering and Water Day for children September 15: Regular RE begins ========================================================================================

Leadership Retreat Coming Soon to Horizon Please put August 17, 9:30 to 3:30 pm on your calendar. We are planning a wonderful leadership retreat for all interested members. We hope to get 30 or so participants. The Board and Committee on Ministry will participate, but it is for members who will be our future leaders in particular. There is no obligation associated with the retreat, but we do hope to encourage everyone to discover your leadership style. It will be packed with information on the coming year, calendar, plans, ministerial transitions, Interim Minister Plans, Strategic Plans, but we have also built in the programs that have made Horizon such a great church. It is the healthy church practices that your leadership has incorporated into their culture that keep us healthy. Come learn about your Myers Briggs style and how you fit into the leadership picture. Lunch will be provided.

Sandy Steele and Rev. Dennis Hamilton

http://pinterest.com/horizonuu/



Lay Ministry News * Marianna Seaton * [email protected]

SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

“In all our searching, the only thing we've found that makes the emptiness bearable is each other.” ― Carl Sagan

Its summertime and many of our friends are travelling to points around the globe to visit with family and friends, exploring new opportunities, and living outside their normal routines. After an arduous year, our Coming of Age class made their pilgrimage to Boston, our Wellspring covenant group celebrated a year of study, reflection and taking their faith into action, several of our youth have prepared themselves to enter college in the Fall, and Leland Mebine celebrated his 100th birthday. We commemorate and make holy these turning points in our lives when we take the time to be present with one another, and to recognize all the work that had to take place to get to where we are today. June’s church theme is emptiness. We are invited to take all that we have done to fill us up in preparation for our changes, and empty ourselves to the experience. The doing is done; now we turn our attention to the practice of being. We have arrived and we did it together, it’s more than bearable, it’s time to celebrate, appreciate and give thanks, to rest, and to once again make ourselves ready to receive. Many programs continue throughout the summer; some small groups choose to take a rest and reconvene in the Fall. If you are interested in learning more about small group opportunities for fellowship and spiritual practice, contact the leader of the group or let me help you find the information you seek. As always, we hold in our hearts those suffering with chronic and acute illness, those struggling to balance the care of their families with the care of their parents or other loved ones, those looking for sustainable employment, the forgotten or abused, and those who are bearing their burdens in silence. Our condolences go to John Bloomer and his family, who grieve the death of both of his parents this spring, and to Bobbi Myers, Susan Powell and Bob Barger who are recovering from illness. Our Pastoral Caregivers work with the Minister, the Director of Lay Ministry and the Neighborhood Groups in a spirit of cooperation to cherish and care for the members of our congregation. If you or your loved ones are in need of a sympathetic ear, the Pastoral Caregivers are available. Call Rev. Dennis Hamilton at 972-519-8187, or Marianna Seaton, Director of Lay Ministry at 972-743-1599 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10538.Carl_Sagan



Share the Plate for Sunday 30 JUN 2013

Horizon has a collection for non-profit organizations once a month during our worship service. This month's collection plate is for THE WATER PROJECT

Every day in rural communities and poor urban centers throughout sub-Saharan Africa, hundreds of millions of people suffer from a lack of access to clean, safe water. Women and girls especially bear the burden of walking miles at a time to gather water from streams and ponds - full of disease that is making them and their families sick. These illnesses and the time lost to fetching water rob entire communities of their futures. Hope is put on hold in over half of the developing world's primary schools without access to water and sanitation. But it doesn't have to be this way. For a small investment, inexpensive and long-lasting water projects can be constructed to serve villages and schools. Wells, dams and rain catchment systems can provide a reliable source of drinking water. Sanitation facilities and hygiene training then help multiply the impact. Communities become far better able to grow themselves out of poverty.

You can help restore hope Give water and help rescue some of the 440 million school days lost every year to water-related sickness. Put an end to the nearly 1 in 5 deaths under the age of five that occur due to dirty water. The Water Project brings relief to communities around the world who suffer needlessly from a lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation. Providing access to clean, safe water helps capable and determined people realize the hope they have for their own futures. http://thewaterproject.org/how-to-give-clean-water.php ________________________________________________________________________________________

http://thewaterproject.org/how-to-give-clean-water.php



After Church Lunch Locations

June 2013

Visitors and members welcome! Directions available at the Welcome Center. When we go to a restaurant, we meet there approximately 20

minutes after the service ends. First ones there please get a table for 10+ under the name “Horizon”.

June 30th: Logan’s Roadhouse: 2513 S. Stemmons Fwy, Lewisville, TX

75067. Steaks, chicken breasts, grilled salmon and catch-of-the-day,

salads, yeast rolls, bottomless buckets of in-shell peanuts. $ - $$ __________________________________________________________

Young Adult Chalice Circle will be on Hiatus through the summer. We will keep you informed when they regroup.

__________________________________________________________

Help support our community partner, Metrocrest Social

Services (MSS), by volunteering with other Horizon members on

Saturday July 13th, shifts available from 9-11am or 11am-1pm.

Horizon members help stock pantry shelves and assist customers

with their grocery shopping. For more information on this opportunity

and others available through MSS contact Victoria Simmons at

[email protected]. To learn more about MSS’s mission to fight

homelessness visit metrocrestsocialservices.org.



What’s Going On At Horizon?

Sunday June 30

8:30 AM - 10:15 AM Sunday Morning Journey Group - P2 - Couch 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Adult Religious Explorations - E3 - Library 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CAYRE - Child Care - S1 - Nursery 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM Library Ministry - Open for Browsing - E3 - Library 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Main Worship - SH - Sanc. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM After Church Lunch Bunch -- All Are Welcome! - Offsite

Monday July 1 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Yoga - P1 - Lg 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM SMART Recovery - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Pastoral Caregivers Meeting - MO - Minister's Office

Tuesday July 2 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Buddhist Sangha - P1 - Lg, P2 - Couch 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Tuesday Wisdom Circle - E3 – Library

Wednesday July 3 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Library Ministry - E3 - Library 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Trailblazers Education and Support Group - FH - Fellowship Hall 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM WFIG (Women's Friendship in Growth) Chalice Circle - E3 – Library

Thursday July 4 Happy Independence Day; Church office is closed

Friday July 5 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Candlelighters are not meeting today.

Saturday July 6 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Men's Support Group - E3 - Library 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM UDV group, Church Rental



Special Groups

If you are considering attending one of these groups for the first time, it is a good idea to contact them via email for more information and to get an orientation of what to expect in your first visit!

NEW BEGINNINGS A Chalice Circle Exploring the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism For newcomers and longer-term attendees who are making any kind of new start in their lives WHEN: Sundays 12:15 – 1:45 pm * DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

WHERE: Portable – couch room * You’re invited to bring a sack lunch. *Join us any Sunday.

Facilitated by Marianna Seaton, Director of Lay Ministry. For more information e-mail [email protected]. .

CURIOUS ABOUT SCHEDULE? You can check the calendar at http://calendar.horizonuu.org/

Horizon Book Group: 4th Tuesdays 12p. ([email protected] )

The Horizon Book Group meets at 12 Noon on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the church Library. Every June and November the group decides on the books for the following six months. Bring a brown bag lunch and join in this fun group that is open to women and men. You’ll be able to share in an invigorating conversation on the session’s book. Current selections are found in the Library information niche in the lobby/narthex. For more info, you may contact [email protected] .

Buddhist Sangha: Tuesdays 7 PM -9:00 PM. ([email protected] )

Buddhist Sangha ("Sangha" is equivalent to a covenant group) is a weekly gathering that studies the Dharma (the teachings of Buddhism.) This is an ongoing exploration of the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path, the essential teachings of Buddhism. It is participatory and although consistency is encouraged, sessions can be attended on a drop in basis. We welcome anyone interested in a meditation practice. If you wish to come for an orientation, please arrive by 6:30. If you wish to view materials, e-mail Dennis Hamilton at [email protected] or call 972-529-8187. You may also contact [email protected] .

The UU Christian Chalice Circle ([email protected] ) The UU Christian Chalice Circle provides a forum for enriching our spiritual lives through personal discovery of the heart, meaning, and tradition of Christianity. We gather monthly on the 1st Sunday at 9AM in the library for discussion, fellowship, and exploration. All those seeking to connect (or re-connect) to the beauty and wisdom of Christianity are welcome to attend. Email [email protected]

The CineMat Group ([email protected] ) The CineMat group will be meeting on the 4th Saturday every month. And it’s now a Chalice Circle!.

This Chalice Circle gets together to see a movie and then goes to a coffee shop or restaurant to discuss and comment on it in a friendly circle over a cup of coffee or drink. People should call Meg Reed or

Marga Gordon for more info, or email [email protected].

Craft & Chat Chalice Circle ([email protected] )



The Craft and Chat Chalice Circle is an opportunity to share your favorite crafting skills or learn a new one from somebody else, in a warm circle of fellowship! Contact Marga Gordon or Dale Gaskill at [email protected] . The C & C Chalice Circle meets 2nd and 4th Sundays from 1:30p

Earth Centered Spirituality Chalice Circle ([email protected] ) The Earth-Centered Spirituality Chalice Circle is a social/support group for people who are interested in, or already know they are following, an Earth-centered spiritual path. They meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month, at 2:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church. We love visitors, so please, come check us out! They also co-host the monthly Free Movie Night on the last Friday of each month. For questions or more information, e-mail [email protected].

GAMERS: 3rd

FRIDAY FUN AT HORIZON! ([email protected] ) Come join us for adult level games on the 3rd Friday of every month. We meet in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m. Bring a snack or drink to share.!

Healthy Women Chalice Circle ([email protected] ) A woman’s support group to help achieve their goals of health and fitness. Sharing of ideas and experiences in nutrition, weight loss, exercise and stress management.

Men’s Saturday Support Group ([email protected] ) A men’s support group that includes a check-in and informal discussion of men’s issues regarding family, health, workplace, and relationships. Starts at 8AM

The 2

nd Tuesday Potluck Chalice Circle ([email protected] )

This group meets for food, fellowship, and deepening friendships. They meet in the library 2nd Tuesday of most months at 12 noon. Occasionally we take a field trip instead of having a potluck lunch.

Tuesday Wisdom Circle ([email protected] ) A chalice circle that offers a check-in and discussion of a weekly life issue topic selected by a group member.

Parents – Forget Red Bull, WE’LL give you Wings! (every other Mon, 9a) ([email protected] )

WINGS Chalice Circle is a fun and friendly group whose purpose is to support the person within each parent by creating friendships and nurturing our intellect and creativity. Each meeting begins with a check-in, and while we listen to each other's stories, we eat breakfast. Then we move on to our topic or event. Popular past topics include Parenting UU Style, Book Swaps and Movie Days.. Child care is provided. For more information, email [email protected] or call Sandy Morris at 214-952-2243.

Women Alive 55+ ([email protected] ) - Women Alive 55+ has very recently been renamed “Senior Women’s Chalice Circle”. The group meets on the second and fourth Saturday of each month in the Horizon Library.

WFIG WELCOMES WOMEN! ([email protected]) The WFIG (Women's Friendship in Growth) Chalice Circle is a covenant group dedicated to deepening friendships among and providing support for women of all ages. We meet on the first & third Wed. of each month at 7:30 p.m. Whether you are a new visitor to our group, a returning member, or someone who has been thinking about joining us for some time, we would love to have you. Just email us or call Nancy Foreman at 972-965-0940 or Sarah Roye at 214-228-3397.



contact: [email protected] * Sundays 9 - 10 am, Horizon Library

June 30, 2013

Forum. Facilitated by Daniel Polk, Executive of NTAUUC. His topic will be “Breaking through the Barriers to Growth". We want to grow, but not just for growth's sake. We will look at common obstacles, and what in particular might be holding Horizon back.

Buddhist Sanga Tuesday evenings - weekly 7:00-9:00 pm Portable, Rm 8

Buddhist Sangha. Facilitated by Senior Minister, the Rev. Dennis Hamilton. This is an ongoing exploration of the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path, the essential teaching of Buddhism. Rev. Hamilton’s email contact: [email protected] , in case of changes.

And… Always check the weekly newsletter for short profiles on classes and late-breaking announcements. If you email [email protected] you will get a quick response from one of the committee chairs – Kay Darwin, Kent Darwin, or Charles Frugé.

6/30/13 the week at horizon uu

Documents

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justice scalia

horizonuu page

individual rights

humanlgbt rights

horizon v05

real travesty of justice

issue of civil rights