Midwinter Wednesdays - Emerson Unitarian Universalist

A Monthly Publication for Members and Guests
of Emerson Unitarian Universalist Congregation
JANUARY 2016
Midwinter
Wednesdays
Come warm yourself around the fire of friendship on these cold midwinter evenings. The ARE Committee
presents Midwinter Wednesdays, a series of adult explorations of fellowship and faith. Supper and childcare
are provided, RSVP required by 5:00 pm the Sunday before. For each session, we ask for a contribution of
$3 per person, $10 maximum per family. RSVP
Socrates Cafe (Wednesday, January 20, 5:30 - 7:30 pm)
Is justice subjective? What is art? What does it mean to be successful? What is the nature of patriotism? Join us for a
Socratic dialogue to exchange thoughtful ideas that help us better understand ourselves, one another, and the nature of the
world. A simple supper of beans and rice (with sausage on the side) will be served, and childcare will be provided. Fellowship of Song (Wednesday, January 27, 5:30 - 7:30 pm)
Song pre-dates even language itself as a means of communication, and new research has proclaimed that there is no better
way to build fellowship then to sing together. Join us for a casual, a capella evening of song. Feel free to bring a song you
love to share with the group. A simple supper of vegetable fried rice will be served, and childcare will be provided. Grown-Up Board Games (Wednesday, February 3, 5:30 - 7:30 pm)
There’s so much more to board games than Parchesi or Risk! Join us to immerse ourselves in a collaborative board game
together. If you have a favorite, bring it along and we’ll vote on what to play as a group. A simple supper of spaghetti will be
served, and childcare will be provided. Social Justice (Wednesday, February 10, 5:30 - 7:30 pm)
We are all working in our own lives to bridge the gap between good intentions and meaningful change. Join us for a film
screening followed by a discussion about what we can and should do as people of conscience and as UUs. A simple supper
of soup and bread will be served, and childcare will be provided.
Emerson’s original church home at 2799 Holly Springs Road was sold in
December. The snowflake glass sanctuary windows and pews were saved
for future projects at our new building on Canton Road.
Items in this newsletter are subject to change. Please check the website calendar for the most up to date information.
Sunday
Worship Services
Service at 9:45am
See the Calendar for more detailed
service description
January 3
A Magi’s Journey
Rebecca Edwards
Adult Religious Exploration
11:15am-12:15pm
Contact Ginger White for more information on ARE
See the Calendar for more detailed descriptions of each ARE class
DATE
January 3
Rev. Jeff Jones
During my sabbatical in Mexico City,
I lived in Casa de los Amigos, founded
by the Quakers sixty years ago and still
deeply committed to Quaker values. I am
looking forward to sharing what I learned
about this liberal religious group.
January 17
Institutional Racism
Rev. Jeff Jones
We most often think of racism as stemming
from individual prejudice. More insidious
though are the institutions that perpetuate
racist practices.
There are no ARE after-servicemeetings this Sunday
January 10 Sermon Reflections - facilitated by Rev. Jeff Jones
Building Your Own Theology - facilitated by Lindy Moot (1 of 10)
Based on the assumption that everyone is their own theologian, this
classic UU adult educ. program invites participants to develop their own
personal credos.
Common Read - facilitated by Linda Johnston (1 of 3)
Reclaiming Prophetic Witness by Paul Rasor, the UUA 2014-15 Common
Read. In this clarion call to action, leading Unitarian Universalist theologian
Paul Rasor dispels the myth that conservative Christianity is the only
valid religious voice in the national debates on social policy.
January 10
The Quakers
TOPIC
January 17 Sermon Reflections - facilitated by Rev. Jeff Jones
Building Your Own Theology - facilitated by Lindy Moot (2 of 10)
Buddhist Meditation - facilitated by Rachel Werenenski
upstairs at Emerson
Common Read continues - facilitated by Linda Johnston (2 of 3)
Hand Work as Soul Work - facilitated by Leona Thompson
Bring your knitting, crochet or handwork project or use our materials with
some basic instruction, to spend an hour creating handwork while
exploring the ways that busy hands open spaces for intentional UU sharing.
January 24 Sermon Reflections - facilitated by Rev. Jeff Jones
Building Your Own Theology - facilitated by Lindy Moot (3 of 10)
Sabbatical Reflections
Common Read continues - facilitated by Linda Johnston (3 of 3)
Rev. Jeff Jones
January 31 Sermon Reflections - facilitated by Rev. Bec Cranford-Smith
This month, I am returning from a five
month sabbatical in Mexico City. What
did I learn, and what do I bring back to
Emerson?
Building Your Own Theology - facilitated by Lindy Moot (4 of 10)
Great Decisions - facilitated by Nick White (11:15am-1:15pm)
Middle East Alliances: From a proxy war in Yemen to an ongoing civil
war in Syria, a number of ongoing conflicts have shaken the traditional
alliances in the Middle East to their core. As alliances between state and
non-state actors in the region are constantly shifting, the U.S. has found
itself between a rock and a hard place. In a series of conflicts that are far
from being black-and-white, what can the U.S. do to secure its interests
in the region without causing further damage and disruption?
Imbolc - facilitated by Jas Darland
Imbolc (pronounced IM-ulk) is an ancient Celtic celebration that falls
midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Join us in
the woods, where we will contemplate the midpoints in our own lives
and make candles in the earth to symbolize the eventual return of the
sun’s warmth.
January 24
January 31
Moving from Tribalism to
Radical Hospitality
Rev. Bec Cranford-Smith
We will move from Levitical codes
through the prophets, the message of
Christ, and New Testament church to
dismantle legalistic attitudes and show
the universal table and message of radical
hospitality.
Religious Ed Family Commitment
Volunteer Schedule for January 2016
Emerson’s childcare and RE programs are cooperatively staffed by paid caregivers assisted
by volunteers each Sunday. All families with children and youth participating in our programs are
needed to volunteer at least 5 Sundays each year by signing up using our on-line SignUp Genius.
Many families fulfill their volunteer commitments by serving as RE teachers and class assistants on Sundays. If you have any questions or concerns regarding family volunteer commitments,
please email the RE Committee chair.
Volunteers and OPEN VOLUNTEER POSITIONS for January include:
DATE
NURSERY
& PLAYTIME
10:05-11:15am
UPSTAIRS
COFFEE “HOUR”
10:45-11:15am
Jan 3, 2016
Sara Allman
Need 2nd Volunteer
Need 2 Volunteers
Jan 10, 2016
Paulyna Rivera
Shelley House
Need 2 Volunteers
Jan 17, 2016
Sara Allman
Need 2nd Volunteer
Need 2 Volunteers
Jan 24, 2016
Angie Meeks
Maggie Baker
Lauren Crigler
Need 2nd Volunteer
Jan 31, 2016
Maggie Baker
Christina Seidel
Emilie Toufighian
Need 2nd Volunteer
Nursery or Playtime Volunteers
Volunteers will assist our paid caregivers in caring for children and youth either in our nursery or during
playtime. Volunteers should check in with Christine, our lead caregiver, by 9:30 am for instructions.
Upstairs Coffee “Hour” Volunteers
Volunteers will supervise children and youth as they use our Youth RE rooms upstairs immediately
following service, including Basketball, Ping-Pong, and Air Hockey. Volunteers will also ensure
students arrive at RE classes at 11:15 am.
Children & Youth Activities
Family Camp-In
Fri Feb 26 5:30pm - Sat Feb 27 11am
Laser Tag & Bowling
Sunday, Jan. 17 5:00-9:00pm
Adults and youth are invited for a night
of laser tag and bowling at Brunswick
Zone XL Kennesaw
(775 Cobb Place Blvd NW, Kennesaw)
Emerson families are invited to bring
their tents for indoor camping! We’ll
roast hot dogs and marshmallows at
an outdoor fire and then come in to
sleep. Children and youth must have
one parent present to attend. Please
bring food for
the potluck
campfire dinner!
RSVP to
Angela
Emerson Finds Out
What Hungry Really Means
Emerson’s Junior Youth class hosted a
Hunger Banquet in the sanctuary on Sunday,
December 13. The fourteen students who led
the event served 60 guests a free lunch and
an opportunity to learn about hunger and
poverty issues. The students also collected
$260 in donations for Oxfam America.
See photos from the event. Many thanks to
all the students and adults who made this event possible!
Gender Sexuality
Alliance
High School Students Meet
at Emerson Every Month!
Next Meeting Date TBD
The Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
is a club that brings together LGBTQ
and straight students to support
each other, provide a safe place to
socialize, and create a platform for
activism to fight homophobia and
transphobia.
For more information
contact the group at:
[email protected]
What Is OWL?
OWL Corner
OWL is a series of sexuality education
curricula for 6 age groups ranging
from Kindergarten to adult.
4th, 5th and 6th Grade OWL
OWL helps participants make
informed and responsible decisions
about their sexual
health and behavior.
This 8-session class is scheduled to meet in January - March 2016.
More information:
Click Here
The class for 4th-6th graders helps children learn about and discuss the physical and
emotional changes of puberty.
See Flyer for more information.
If you’re interested in your son or daughter taking the class or have questions about the
course content, please contact Angela.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Sunday, Jan 10 - Mandatory Parent Meeting and Student/Parent Orientation
11:15am-12:15pm - Parent Meeting
12:15pm-12:45pm - lunch together for parents and students
12:45pm-2:00pm - Student/Parent Concurrent Orientations
Eight 1-hour classes 12:45pm-1:45pm
Jan. 24, 31; Feb. 7, 21, 28; March 6, 13, 20
(No class Feb. 14 due to Cobb Co. Winter Break Feb. 15-19)
RE for Kids! Welcome Back For 2016!
Religious Education classes start up on Sunday, January 3rd at 11:15 a.m. for children and youth faith development classes.
Beth Kline is out of her office until January 4th with Jenn Chris Thaiss as Acting DRE on January 3rd.
Save the Date for New To Emerson UU Family Orientation
Mark your calendar for Sunday, January 17, from 11:00 – 11:50 a.m., for an informative gathering for new parents and
guardians with children and youth in Emerson’s RE program or our childcare program. Beth Kline, Director of Religious
Ed for Children & Youth, and a member of our RE Committee will lead a discussion and answer questions about Emerson’s
RE philosophy, policies, and priorities for kids and families! Questions, contact Beth.
Jump into 2016 with RE Parent Stakeholder Meeting
All parents and guardians of Religious Education and Childcare students are invited to meet with our Director of Religious Ed, Beth Kline, and the RE Committee for a program update and discussion groups on Sunday, January 24, 11:10
a.m. to help shape the 2016-17 RE program year.
We’ll talk about church security for families, volunteer opportunities and areas of curricula focus in RE for the next school
year. Don’t miss this informative and interactive meeting. Questions? Contact Beth Kline, DRE.
Reminders For A Healthier Faith Home
As we gather for worship, learning, fun and fellowship at Emerson UUC, please join in a renewed effort to wash hands
before all snacks and meals, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers liberally when soap and water are not available, not share
drink, food or utensils, not put food and drink container in mesh wastepaper baskets if they don’t have plastic liners, avoid
touching eyes, nose, or mouth, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing by using an elbow or a tissue and
discard the tissue in the trash. Alert our Director of RE immediately when a childcare or RE participant exhibits symptoms of
illness like sneezing, coughing, sore throat, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, body ache, fever, rashes, chills, or colored
mucous discharge so a parent/guardian can attend to the sick child.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, children and adults with any of the symptoms listed above should not go
out in public. As much as we miss you when you aren’t at Emerson, please stay home if you have been ill until all symptoms
subside and you are no longer contagious. If you have compromised immunity and want to be contacted in case of possible
exposure to viral illnesses while at Emerson during the winter, please email your name and contact information to
Beth Kline, DRE. No explanation of your personal medical situation is required.
The flu is contagious one day before active symptoms start and one day after fever resolves. Please consider contacting
Emerson if you get sick immediately after being at church activities so a confidential alert can be sent to the group who
may have been exposed.
Medically vulnerable persons with chronic illnesses or who are undergoing chemotherapy can opt to secure anti-viral
medications to safeguard them to some diseases with advance notice. Hand sanitizer and tissues have been stocked in the
church. Thanks in advance for being respectful of everyone in our faith community by making health decisions that are in
everyone’s best interests.
Touching Silent Memories
through Singing
submitted by Susan Jordan
Hazel Evans is a long time member of Emerson who is currently
in a memory care facility in Woodstock. I want to start this
story by sharing a little about who she was earlier in her life.
Hazel was from Philadelphia and moved to Marietta to be close
to her daughter around 1997. One of her passions was Peace.
She began working with the Women’s International League
for Peace and Freedom in Philadelphia and during her years of service, she advanced to a leadership role. In Marietta, she
was active with the Cobb Democratic Women organization and the NAACP. At Emerson, one of her roles was with the
Welcoming Committee.
Later in her life, as illness progressed, memory loss became too problematic for her to live independently. About 5 years
ago, she was moved to an assisted living facility with a memory care unit.
Anne Atherton and Hazel have been friends throughout their time at Emerson. When Hazel could no longer move about
freely, Anne began making regular visits. Hazel’s daughter says, “I can always tell when Anne has visited because there are
cookies and a card in her room.”
I began going with Anne for visits earlier this year. On my first visit to Hazel, although her eyes were open, there was no
acknowledgement that we were present. I found it difficult to be with someone who seemed not to be there, and to carry
on a monologue. I honestly was not looking forward to another visit. I also knew there was the possibility that some comfort
was seeping through to Hazel in these visits. Checking in with my “higher self,” I helped Anne plan our next visit.
Having had some musical success with my 92 year old aunt who
is in a memory care unit near St. Louis, I carried a UU Hymnal
on our next visit with Hazel. When Anne and I began singing
poorly, a wonderful thing happened. Hazel tried to turn her
head in our direction. We moved closer to the wall she was
facing so she might see us. Then she smiled. Anne and I were
thrilled. We sang even more enthusiastically. Hazel WAS still
in there!
During a pause between songs, I asked Hazel if she had ever
sung in a choir. The answer came immediately, “NO!” We left
that day feeling excited about our next visit, knowing we had
produced a bit of joy for Hazel.
In early December, a family emergency caused me to make a trip to St. Louis to be with family. While there, Debby
O’Neil (my traveling partner), and 5 other family members visited my Aunt Ginny in her memory care unit. This time, we
were armed with Christmas Carols.
Aunt Ginny was a singer in her earlier days. Not professionally, but she frequently sang beautiful solos in her choir. Like
Hazel she had passion for many things. Ginny changed the lives of failing teenagers from an inner-city high school, by
teaching them how to read. One parent sued the school saying,” You had 10 years to teach my child to read. Mrs. Watkins
did it in 2 years.”
Ginny’s wisdom and brilliance is not so apparent at 92, as she has significant memory loss. She still remembers close family.
But she cannot put together a whole sentence. She begins, but loses her way before she gets to the end of her thought.
During our visit in December and on previous visits, my Aunt Ginny often quoted snippets from poems including pieces
from Shakespeare. When we pulled out our hymnals to sing Christmas carols to her, she joined in the singing (without a
hymnal), sang the correct words, and to our amazement, sang HARMONY!
Back at home a few days later, Anne and I were ready for our visit with Hazel. We would sing carols to her also. Vickie
Ecklund, Claude Fravien, and Susan Ullman (who brought Santa hats for us to wear) all joined the chorus.
Again, there was a response from Hazel. This time she gently moved her mouth in rhythm with the music and smiled
broadly. After many standard carols, we were invited to join a group of residents from the unit who were sitting outside
in the sun (-- in December!). A similar reaction occurred. These residents also sang with varying degrees of enthusiasm
and success. Our choir left the memory care unit feeling we had brought joy to residents whose lives are generally not very
exciting. We tweaked a memory locked away in silence. And we all had a great time doing it.
Before these events with Hazel and my Aunt Ginny, I’d only been distantly aware that music is often an excellent therapy
for those with memory loss. Seeing their reactions was thrilling. I saw clearly that the part of the brain that produces
speech is different than the part of the brain that produces poetry, rhyme and song.
This insight allowed me to see another important fact about the other end of life; the beginning.. I have taken care of preschool children for the last 17 years. At age zero, I begin telling them what I am doing. (I’m going to heat water in this
cup. Now I’m going to put your bottle in the water so you can have some warm milk.) I also read stories, poems and sing
standard and made-up songs to those in my care. Non-verbal responses start early with head turning in the direction of the
sound, giggles, crying comfort, and so on. It is some time before these monologues, poems and music create a true verbal
response, however. It is easy to believe no response means these communications are not so necessary.
My adventure with these two wonderful women in memory care taught me the special
importance of music and poetry at an early age. Just talking or reading to children is
not enough. It has become clear to me that if stimulated, music and poetry develops a
different area of the immature brain. Even singing poorly to our children is important.
It is possible as we and our children enter our end-of-life days and have lost our words
and sentences, that music and poetry will be our only way to reach out of our confusion and silence.
So if you want a delightful experience, come sing with us. Anne and I are planning another visit for Hazel in March for
her birthday. We haven’t decided what we will sing, but we might sing carols again. Since I can’t remember what day it is
much of the time, I suspect those in memory care might not know it isn’t Christmas.
To receive information about our March visit, send me an email.
Emerson
Snapshots
Adult RE session, Handwork as Soulwork kicked
off in December. Watch for this continuing series
this winter on Sunday mornings. Bring your projects. Pictured from left to right: Emerson guests,
Leona Thompson, Aleka Mayr, Sara Allman, Bobbi
Wells and Jenn Kunz.
Helen Hobson and student share a giggle while
students wrote their own original jokes in RE recently.
Recent Hunger Banquet event was sponsored by Emerson’s
Jr. Youth RE class to educate the congregation about world
hunger. The event benefited Oxfam America, a non-profit
focused on relieving world hunger. This is an actual suggestion box note that
was dropped in the Idea Sparks box recently in
the narthex. Emerson’s RE students at work.
Special thanks to Chipolte Grill on Johnson Ferry Road and
Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant on Roswell Road for their
food donations for the Banquet.
Hunger Banquet
Emerson News
January Moms’ Night Out
On Saturday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m., join the Mom’s Night Out crew for an evening of light snacks, drinks and crafts at
Julie Sonnenberg-Klein’s house. We won’t have any set activities, but we’ll have lots of available craft supplies in varieties
too numerous to mention here. RSVP for the full run down of what Julie has to share. Feel free to bring your own project
or supplies as well!
Waldo’s Coffeehouse at Emerson
UUC Presents Paige McCauley in January, 2016
The next Coffeehouse at Emerson will be Saturday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m. and features Paige McCauley,
a national award winning singer and songwriter. Suggested donation, $10. Emerson will provide coffee and
snacks. Adult beverages will be available for an additional donation. Contact Uwe Neitzel for more info.
FromThe Sabbatical Committee
Although it seemed like a terribly long time to miss Rev. Jeff when we first started counting days in August, it’s already
time for him to re-appear in his pulpit. We’ve managed to not only weather his absence, but to do so with grace, we think. Welcome back, Jeff ! We’re eager to hear of your learning and adventures. And a heart-felt thank you to all the Emerson
staff, volunteers, and members of our growing congregation for all your hard work and dedication over the last months. It
seems that we’ve met his challenge for congregational growth and then some.
We will have a reception following the worship service on January 3 to welcome him back. Rev. Jeff will return to the pulpit on January 10. Click here for Jeff ’s returning article.
From The Mountain
Now hiring, Development Director:
We are looking for a creative and resourceful person with strong communication skills to lead the planning, organizing,
and facilitation of fund development for The Mountain. Experience in grant writing is preferred. To apply, send your
resume to Miriam Witzl.
2016 Summer Camp Staff:
Are you interested in changing the life of a young person by being a positive Unitarian Universalist role model? Do you
want to motivate and inspire a camper to be the best that they can be? If you are, then you may be a good fit for a Summer
Staff position for MountainCamp 2016. This is a paid position, go to our website to apply. Application must be received
by February 15, 2016.
Farm Internship:
We are accepting applications for our Fall Sustainable Agriculture and Experiential Education internship. Lean about
farming techniques, group facilitation, and more. Click here for details and learn how to apply.
2016 Programs at the Mountain…
Work Weekend: March 25 – 27, Spring Youth CONferences - Elementary: March 11 - 13; Intermediate: March 18 20; Senior High: April 1 – 3, SEUUMA Spring: April 4 – 7, UUWomenspirit: May 11 – 15, Appalachian Spring: May
22 – 27, Homecoming Weekend: May 27 – 29, Annual Meeting: May 28th, MountainCamp: June 12 - July 23 *see our
website for camp session dates*, Family Camp: July 24 – 31, Southern UU Fall Institute (SUUFI): October 2 – 7, UUWomenspirit: October 19 – 23, Thanksgiving: November 23 – 27.
Mystery Friends Return in February
The Mystery Friends program returns in February to match RE students with adults from the Emerson community for
four Sundays of friendly, mysterious note-writing correspondence. Each participant will be assigned a UU alias to use.
Friends exchange notes for four 3 Sundays in February and meet at the Unveiling Party on Sunday, February 28. You can
leave a hand written note at your friend’s “mailbox” or email a note to Angela Miles who will serve as your mail courier.
Please sign up here to participate as an adult or have your son or daughter participate.
Welcome a Guest at Your Table
continues through January 10
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) champions human rights on many fronts: economic, environmental,
political, and social. UUSC is an independent human rights organization and receives no financial support from the
Unitarian Universalist Association or the federal government.
Each year at this time, friends and families in our congregation participate in Guest at Your Table, a decades-long UU
tradition. Guest at Your Table is an annual fundraising and education program that supports UUSC’s human rights work.
By bringing home the Guest at Your Table box and Stories of Hope Booklet, which will be collected on January 10, 2016,
families and individuals will learn about how the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee puts our shared values into
action in the United States and around the world. Through a potent combination of advocacy, education, and partnerships
with grassroots human rights leaders, UUSC promotes workers’ rights, rebuilds sustainable communities, advances civil
liberties, and heals people affected by disasters.
In each household, the Guest at Your Table materials are placed in a prominent spot where the household gathers. When
family and friends gather to enjoy their blessings, they can reflect on the contributions of these “guests” to the movement
for universal human rights and share generously. Each week, we can choose a different story to read, bringing our guests to
life and helping celebrate our own rights.
Sharing our blessings through Guest at Your Table ensures that UUSC’s human rights work continues. Please consider
making a contribution that meets member benefit levels ($40 or more). Since UUSC is an independent organization
that receives no funding from any government or denomination, your support and membership are vitally important.
Contact Karen Cox.
Please Remember Food Donations
Now that the holiday season of all our generous collections of food have been distributed, the need
continues throughout the year. Please bring shelf-stable food to the collection box in the left front
foyer for the Center for Family Resources Food Pantry serving Cobb and Cherokee counties. Thank you for your continued support, Debby O’Neil and the Leslie McClane Listening Circle and
the Faith in Action Committee
High Notes
…from the Emerson Choir
submitted by Melanie LeMay
There are definite perks to being a member of Emerson’s choir.
One is the opportunity to join each year with singers from churches
throughout the Atlanta area for the annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving
Celebration. Though it’s not required for singers to be members of
Emerson’s choir to participate in the ecumenical service, many of
Emerson’s choir members consider it a tradition they never want to miss.
“It’s inspiring to sing with so many other talented musicians,” said Patty
Haynes, one of the more than 20 Emerson singers who participated.
“We learn new music, that’s true, but we also get the chance to work
with outstanding vocal coaches and directors. Because the service is
always so diverse, our singing is part of a larger performance that can
include a variety of instruments, dance, and speaking parts.”
The celebration, now in its eleventh year, won Cobb County’s first
Creating Community Award in 2011, and this year was held on
November 19 at Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta. Eighteen different
faith organizations participated, including Jews, Muslims, Baha’is,
Sikhs, Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Unitarian
Universalists, and others. More than 800 people were in attendance
and many more live-streamed the event.
Emerson’s Kathy Mittelman coordinated the musical offerings this
year and played piano for the celebration. With the help of other
music directors, she assembled a mass choir comprised of more than
80 singers from 15 different congregations, and coordinated the
service’s diverse musical offerings: a drum circle with drummers from
both Unity North and Emerson, an Islamic solo call to prayer, a Sikh
duet featuring the dilruba and tabla, a meditation of singing bowls,
and a feature performance by the Georgia Spiritual Ensemble. From
Emerson, the celebration also included a guitar solo by Vince Teeter
(who served as Emerson’s liaison to the planning committee) and the
addition of the cajòn by Russell Puffer to one of the mass choir pieces.
Friend of Emerson, Alex Pietsch, served as rehearsal accompanist, and
former Mountain Choir Workshop clinician Eileen Moremen also
conducted the choir.
“It’s a challenge to put together a service of this magnitude and this
much diversity,” said Kathy. “But it’s also a great honor to work with
so many different people, all sharing such an important goal. Two
days after the Paris attacks, 80 voices came together to rehearse our
songs of peace and hope. It felt poignant and heart-wrenching and
healing and hopeful all at once. And that’s what this event is all about.”
Emerson Covenant of Unitarian
Universalist Pagans (CUUPS)
Mission Statement - To create a welcoming
circle that celebrates the divine light that
exists in everything by honoring the balance
between God and Goddess, the cycles of
the seasons, and the death and re-birth of all
that lives to inspire the best in each of us and
serve the world. For more information on
this Emerson group contact Kathee Tomlin.
The Buddhist Sitting Group
The Buddhist Sitting Group meets on
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in room 217. Our
meetings include meditation, study, and
discussion of Buddhist teachings. Join us
for a session of mindfulness practice and
dharma study. All are welcome. Contact
Rachel Werenski, or Richard Skoonberg
for more information.
Emerson Men’s Group
The Emerson Men’s Group meets on the
1st and 3rd Sundays from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
at Emerson in the fellowship hall. Contact
Joe Tomichek for more information on the
Men’s Group.
Emerson Book Group
The Emerson Book Group usually meets
the last Monday of each month at Emerson
UUC in room 125, at 7:00 p.m. and all
are welcome. This month we are meeting
on January 25 and are reading, Reclaiming
Prophetic Witness by Paul Rasor, hosted by
Linda Johnston. This book is the Common
Read from UUA. Contact Joe Tomichek
for more information on the Book Group.
Community News
News from the Mid-South District (MSD),
the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
and Other UU Congregations
The bulletin board located outside the Emerson office (down the hallway to the left as
you enter the front of the building) contains all the information we receive from the UUA Southern Region, the UUA and other UU Congregations located in our area
and around the country. Please check this bulletin board frequently for information on activities including
travel options with fellow UUs, coffee houses at neighboring congregations,
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, UUCA, Unitarian Universalist
Metro Atlanta North, UUMAN and Northwest Unitarian Universalist, NWUU;
and all the information on happenings at The Mountain. Contact the Emerson UUC
church office with questions.
January Share the Baskets
at Emerson UUC
The recipient for the Share the Basket, to be collected on
Sundays, January 10 and 24, is Must Ministries’ Elizabeth Inn.
Share the Basket is ½ of the non-pledge offering donated to a charity.
The Elizabeth Inn shelter on Cobb Parkway provides a 65 bed safe sanctuary of rest
for those who find themselves in distress. Open to men, women and children, the
Elizabeth Inn provides three meals a day and extensive support services including case
management, education and employment, computer lab, recovery meetings and
assessments. The Elizabeth Inn provided 72,111 safe nights in 2014. Wig Project
A few seriously fun loving women
from Vickie Ecklund’s and Leslie McClane’s Listening Circles had a wonderful time brushing out wigs with
Donna Serog of Oasis Hair Salon,
Route 92, Woodstock, for donation
to the American Cancer Society,
a charity that provides free wigs to
patients undergoing cancer treatment
to ensure that every one who needs a
wig can get one.
We enjoyed good conversation while
brushing, so it didn’t seem like work
at all, and we prepared 70 wigs in one
morning. There’s no end to the good
times and good works of the Emerson
community.
Visit Must Ministries for more information and how to volunteer your services or give
material donations.
Thank you for your generous support, Debby O’Neil and the Faith in Action Committee.
We wish our January Birthday Folks
a month of celebration!
Transgender Day of Remembrance was
observed at Emerson with 100 tea lights
lit for those who lost their lives.
Brady Mittelman 1/1
Emma Thompkins 1/1
Andrew Meeks 1/2
Anne Atherton 1/4
Flynn Miles-Threatt 1/5
Karen Butler 1/7
Marianne Cox 1/10
Blake Hakimian 1/10
Susan Tiedtke 1/10
Colleen Haverkorn 1/11
Andrea Schorr 1/12
Alex Spitzer 1/15
Gary Diffley 1/16
Rebecca Edwards 1/17
Ben Story 1/18
Erik Skow 1/20
Aidan Carver 1/23
Kathy Rickey 1/27
Clay Fambro 1/29
Damian Robertson 1/29
Audrey Piekut-Thaiss 1/30
Laurel Wickman 1/31