First News Weekly          Thursday, August 14, 2008

Sunday Sermon

August 17 at 9:30 am & 11:15 am:  Ask the Minister- Rev. Jeanne Pupke   Do you have a question you would like to ask our Sr. Minister?  The congregation has a chance to co-create this sermon with their questions as Rev. Jeanne offers her response.  The Russell Wilson trio will perform  -  Russell Wilson, piano; Jonathan Gibson, saxophone; Evan Sarver, bass.

Share the Plate

Every Sunday for the month of August, we will have a special "Share the Plate" collection for the Knoxville Relief Fund.  The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) in collaboration with the Thomas Jefferson District has established the Knoxville Relief Fund to bring ministry, spiritual care, and practical financial assistance to those affected by the tragedy in Knoxville, Tennessee. Your gifts will assist the Tennessee Valley UU Church and the Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and their members, and will show them that they are not alone during this time of shock and grief.  Checks should be made out to the "Knoxville Relief Fund".  The UUA also has an on-line giving option, www.uua.org.

Religious Education Program Topics

August 17 at 9:30 am and 11:15 am

Pre-K: Focus:  The Life Cycle of the Butterfly.  Reinforcing the UUPrincipal of respect for the interdependent web of life.  

Elementary:  Chalice Lighting and Call to Worship, followed by Let's Get Acquainted games.

Middle and High (meeting at 11:15 only) :  Chalice Lighting and Call to Worship, followed by Let's Get Acquainted games.

The Nursery will be staffed for both services.  Pre-K and Elementary classes will be held at both services.  Middle and High School Classes will meet at 11:15 only.

New UU Classes

New UU classes will be offered Sundays, August 17, 24, 31 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. This three-part orientation provides an overview of the religion and this congregation. Lesson one: participants share their spiritual journey and are introduced to UU theology and seven principles. Lesson two: UU and congregational history and opportunities to become involved. Lesson three: meaning of membership and next steps. The instructor is Rev. Alane Cameron Miles. Childcare is provided. Please email adultre@richmonduu.org to sign up for this free class.

Vespers

August 20 at 5:30pm:  Warmth - led by Rev. Alane Cameron Miles

Book Discussion - The Power of Now

A discussion group on Eckhart Tolle's book The Power of Now will be led by Rev. Alane on August 13, 20, 27 and September 3. Discussion is from 6:15-7:00 PM. Copies of the book are available at most bookstores. The discussion will center on Buddhist ideas of mindfulness, attachment, and connections to Tolle's work. This is a great class for people interested in Buddhism, world religions, meditation, Eckhart Tolle, and Alan Watts. This class is open and free to all. You do not have to attend all sessions, although the experience will be more enjoyable if you do.

Alcott Book Club

The next Alcott Book Club meeting is August 24 at 4:30 pm at the church. The book is Here if you Need Me by Kate Braestrup. “Here If You Need Me is the story of Kate Braestrup's remarkable journey from grief to faith to happiness. It is dramatic, funny, deeply moving, and simply unforgettable, an uplifting account about finding God through helping others, and the tale of the small miracles that occur every day when life and love are restored.” 

Teacher Training  

To all who are interested in the life and well being of our church youth, there is an opportunity for you to contribute this fall! E-mail rhonda.hodder@yahoo.com or dre@richmonduu.org, or call 355-0777 and volunteer to teach. Remember, this will not be an every Sunday commitment (unless you want it to be). Our Fall schedule of classes for Pre-K through High School begins Sept. 7. Join now! Teacher Training Sessions will be held at the church on Sat., 8/30 and 9/6, from 3:30-5:30. RSVP to dre@richmonduu.org or rhonda.hodder@yahoo.com, or call 355-0777 by 8/27/08.

Food Bank

Donations to the Central VA Food Bank (www.cvfb.org)   have dropped off recently because many groups, such as ours, slow down over the summer months.  They are in dire need of canned goods (especially protein - peanut butter, canned meat and fish) and other nonperishable foods (rice, pasta, baby formula etc.).   More details to follow in the next newsletter, but meanwhile thanks for your past and upcoming contributions.