9:00 AM: Board meeting - all members are welcome to attend.

 10:45 AM: “A Perspective from the Deaf and Interpreting Communities” (Karen Petronio) Dr. Petronio will share with us her perspective on the dynamics of the deaf and interpreting communities, based on her many years of working.  Specifically, she will discuss the ins, the outs, and the in-betweens of how membership in that community is structured.  Are there parallels to our UU community for us to consider?

Sunday, August 14:  

10:45 AM: “Sweat Equity” (Mark Konty) The new addition is nearly done!  It is time to organize our sweat equity efforts.  There are many different types of work to choose from, both skilled and unskilled.  There is painting to do, cabinets to hang, and classrooms and nursery and kitchen to organize, among other things.  Come share in doing this as a community effort.  On this Sunday, Mark will describe sweat equity opportunities, set up teams, and plan schedules. 

Sunday, August 21:

10:45 AM: “Community Writing Workshop” (Linda Frost) Come join your pen (or pencil or crayon or quill) to the efforts of our Community Writing Workshop at the Madison UU Fellowship. Linda Frost will lead the group in writing that is free, easy, and never corrected! Bring your writing utensils (laptops are ok too, if you want to do that, but pens, etc. and paper is best) and your open energy.  Some will remember the last writing session that produced a collection of writings. 

Sunday August 28:

10:45 AM: “Water Ceremony” (Marianne McAdam) The Water Ceremony is the start of our Fall program. It is a time when we share our significant summer experiences particularly concerning water/nature.  It’s a wonderful time to get to know more about one another and catch up on our summer travels.  One of our traditions has been to bring a sample of water from the place you wish to speak about.  This year we thought we would also give you the option of bringing back a small rock or a flat stepping stone.  Ron Taylor thought we might be able to use the flat stepping stones in our landscaping around the new building.  So don’t forget- collect water, rock and/or stone to share with your fellow UU’s as your reflect on your travels.

Choir Notice

The UU Choir will commence rehearsals on Wed., Aug. 17^th and Wed., Aug. 24^th in preparation for Water Ceremony on the 28^th of August. Practice is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. We will also begin rehearsing music for the New Addition Ceremony later in the fall. New voices are welcomed. Come make a joyful noise! Joan Boewe, Music Director

The theme for the 2011 Madison UU Summer Program Summer is Community Building.  Summer sessions will be casual and conversational, taking place over coffee, tea, and light fare in the sanctuary.  Come join us for a relaxing, shortened, and experiential summer Sunday service as we explore together what it means to build community.  Also with the building of the new addition, things are a bit cluttered, but all is well as the new addition will likely be finished by summer’s end.

Sunday,  July 3:

10:45 AM: “Building a Fellowship, Literally” (Mark Konty) Take a tour of our new facilities and find out how a fellowship is held together.  Also, for those interested, painting squares for additional UU caring quilts will continue in the sanctuary. 

Monday, July 4:

1:00 PM: Fourth of July Party (see below)

Sunday, July 10:  

9:00 AM: Board meeting

10:45 AM: “Read To Me about a Place in Kentucky” (Kate Egerton) We will enjoy the pleasure of having Ron Rash’s story, “Blackberries in June,” read to us by a master, followed by discussion of the influence on our lives of place and feelings for place.

 Sunday,  July 17:

“The Co-evolution of Plants and Humans” (Edmund Pendleton) Plants and humans have been companions since before we were really humans. We will look at how plants and humans have evolved and how this might lead to a deeper connection with the world around us.

 Sunday July 24:

10:45 AM: “It’s Just Psgetti, Folks!” (Kaye Dalton) Life crowded and cluttered?  Sitting down and sharing food helps maintain friendships and builds strong bodies 12 ways.  The Secret will be revealed!  Find just how many opportunities to grow fellowship and build community (in the most natural way possible) can come out of a box of pasta and a jar of the cheapest sauce on the shelf!!

 Sunday, July 31

10:45AM: Creating a UUFMC Community “Botanical” Garden (Jean Horrar & Ann Stebbins) In keeping with our 7^th principle, this will be an opening discussion to explore ways we might create an interdependent web of native plants and their important pollinators in our garden(s). Jean Horrar is a long-time native plant gardener, and Ann Stebbins is a USDA Master Gardener with a special interest in garden design.

Please note finishing our new addition will be done with ‘sweat equity’.   This means a chance for everyone to get in on helping with the finishing touches.. First off  U yes  YOU can help with the painting fun taking place  around the end of July and early August!

 July Fourth Party

Come join us for a Fourth of July party at the home of John and Carol Hanley

Sunday, April 3:

9:00 AM: Board meeting

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: UU Principles 5 and 6 (Mark Konty): Mark will discuss UU Principle #5, “the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations” and Principle #6, “the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all. This is the third in the series learning more about UU principals.

Sunday, April 10:  

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “So You’re a  Humanist?  Tell me More?”  (Esther Hurlburt): Esther will look at the history of Humanism and ‘different type of humanism in our culture today.  There will also be information on  secular, religious, Rationalist,  Democratic, and Conservative Humanism to name a few.  

12:00 PM: Potluck after the service. Bring a dish and join the fun.

Sunday, April 17:

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “The Democratization of Art” (Ron Taylor): a brief history of how art found its way from the caves and tombs of the ancient world to our homes. Ron Taylor will then lead a discussion with the lenders of the art that found its way from our homes to the Fellowship Hall. These works represent art that has meaning and importance to our members and friends, including some art created by our members and friends. Come and let’s learn about each other! 

Sunday April 24:

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “Flower Ceremony” (Marianne McAdam): The Flower Communion as it was originally called, was first done in 1923.  Over time it has often been done on Easter Sunday, replacing the usual Easter message with a special service that celebrates our loving community and the joy of spring. Many of the rituals traditionally done at Easter including Easter eggs, originally came from the pagan celebrations of the spring  equinox. Therefore we will ask you to bring a colored Easter egg and a cut flower to share with each other as part of the ceremony.   Don’t worry if you can’t bring eggs or forget  your flower because many of us will bring extras.  Come and enjoy this colorful and joyous celebration

Annual Meeting

the fellowship annual meeting is now set for May 8, not the 15th.  It will be at the regular service time.

Sunday, March 6:

9:00 AM: Board meeting

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: What about solar options? Joshua Bills  Our speaker will discuss possible solar options for the new  addition to our building.  You may learn how it could help your home , too.

4:00 PM:  Ordination clebration  for Esther Hurlburt .

Sunday, March 13:  

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education  Chapter 10 of a Chosen Faith.

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “The House of Psychiatry” (Kara Stebbins)  Finding UU values in psychiatry

12:00 PM: Potluck after the service. Bring a dish and join the fun.

Sunday, March 20:

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “Human Rights and Radical Hospitality” (Esther Hurlburt)    Esther will discuss what it means to be truly hospitable.    This Sunday will also be the kick-off for the “Standing on the Side of Love” campaign and consideration of where you want to stand in the efforts for  the Richmond Fairness Amendment. 

Sunday March 27:

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education  Chapter 11  A Chosen Faith

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “Women’s History Month” (Meg Mclean)  EKU women & gender studies.  Meg will look at women today who are making the history of tomorrow. She will discuss how environmental problems impact women, and efforts of women proactively working toward solutions

Religious Education for children available.  

10:45  Ever wonder what the authentic Transcendental Meditation technique is all about? ( The one started by Maharishi Mashesh Yogi) Mary and Jeff Murphy certified teachers of the program  live at the Peace Palace in Lexington , KY.  They will be here to disscuss the program and it’s many uses in all walks of life. The technique is simple and effortless yet it has been reported to  produce many wonderful effects for people. 

Sunday, December 12:

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education  Chapter 3 and 4 of A Chosen Faith- Deeds not creeds will be discussed, and also the author doesn’t understand Einstein but oh well , that’s theology, eh?   led by Debbie Tussey

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “Presence“: (Esther Hurlburt)  Esther explores the necessity of ‘presence’ during the holiday rush.

Sunday, December 19:

9 am  Adult Religious Education Chapter 4 and 5 of   A Chosen Faith  led by Debbie Tussey 

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “The Christmas Card”: (Chris Taylor) Join us for a special holiday program featuring music of the season and a readers’ theater production of Paul Theroux’s A Christmas Card.

A  Holiday Potluck  will be held at the home of Marrianne, Katrina, and Brandon – at 160 Smith Ballard immediatly following the service today.  Please join in with a dish and enjoyable conversation.

Sunday December 26:

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “The Story of Stuff” (Bob Stebbins) A 20-minute animation about the consumerist society with a discussion led by Bob. Just in time for all the after-Christmas stuff so many of us accumulate.

Covenant Group Starting

Doris Pierce is seeking interested participants to start a small covenant group within our UU.  Also called small group ministry, these “spiritual relationship” groups are happening throughout UUs.  You can read more about them at http://www.meadville.edu/journal/2000_turner_2_1.pdf (flip to later pages for details) OR http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/smallgroup/  Basically, these groups are 6 to 10 people from a congregation who gather at minimum once a month, often over food, to know each other better and to explore a shared interest.  Groups are open to all but kept small.  Meetings begin with some conversation about what is going on in group members’ lives, and then a topic or article is discussed.  The groups have an ongoing topical theme.  Doris is interested in the themes of community-building and spirituality, but the theme will come from the shared interests of the whole group.  If you are interested in being included, please email Doris at doris.pierce@eku.edu.  In the new year, an organizational first meeting will be set up for mid-January, at the time that works for the most people on the list, in order to establish the group’s membership, theme, facilitator and assistant, and meeting frequency, location, and other details. 

Sunday, December 12:

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “Presence“: (Esther Hurlburt)  Esther explores the necessity of ‘presence’ during the holiday rush.

12:00 PM: Potluck after the service. Bring a dish and join the fun.

Sunday, December 19:

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “The Christmas Card”: (Chris Taylor) Join us for a special holiday program featuring music of the season and a readers’ theater production of Paul Theroux’s A Christmas Card.

Sunday December 26:

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “The Story of Stuff” (Bob Stebbins) A 20-minute animation about the consumerist society with a discussion led by Bob. Just in time for all the after-Christmas stuff so many of us accumulate.

Covenant Group Starting

Doris Pierce is seeking interested participants to start a small covenant group within our UU.  Also called small group ministry, these “spiritual relationship” groups are happening throughout UUs.  You can read more about them at http://www.meadville.edu/journal/2000_turner_2_1.pdf (flip to later pages for details) OR http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/smallgroup/  Basically, these groups are 6 to 10 people from a congregation who gather at minimum once a month, often over food, to know each other better and to explore a shared interest.  Groups are open to all but kept small.  Meetings begin with some conversation about what is going on in group members’ lives, and then a topic or article is discussed.  The groups have an ongoing topical theme.  Doris is interested in the themes of community-building and spirituality, but the theme will come from the shared interests of the whole group.  If you are interested in being included, please email Doris at doris.pierce@eku.edu.  In the new year, an organizational first meeting will be set up for mid-January, at the time that works for the most people on the list, in order to establish the group’s membership, theme, facilitator and assistant, and meeting frequency, location, and other details. 

Religious Education

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “The Story of Stuff” (Bob Stebbins) A 20-minute animation about the consumerist society with a discussion led by Bob. Just in time for all the after-Christmas stuff so many of us accumulate.

Covenant Group Starting

Doris Pierce is seeking interested participants to start a small covenant group within our UU.  Also called small group ministry, these “spiritual relationship” groups are happening throughout UUs.  You can read more about them at http://www.meadville.edu/journal/2000_turner_2_1.pdf (flip to later pages for details) OR http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/smallgroup/  Basically, these groups are 6 to 10 people from a congregation who gather at minimum once a month, often over food, to know each other better and to explore a shared interest.  Groups are open to all but kept small.  Meetings begin with some conversation about what is going on in group members’ lives, and then a topic or article is discussed.  The groups have an ongoing topical theme.  Doris is interested in the themes of community-building and spirituality, but the theme will come from the shared interests of the whole group.  If you are interested in being included, please email Doris at doris.pierce@eku.edu.  In the new year, an organizational first meeting will be set up for mid-January, at the time that works for the most people on the list, in order to establish the group’s membership, theme, facilitator and assistant, and meeting frequency, location, and other details.

Sunday, November 7: (Daylight Saving Time has ended- plan accordingly) 

9:00 AM: Board meeting

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “Why Chautauqua?” Dr. Bruce MacLaren founded the Chautauqua Lectures series at EKU in 2000; since that time, each year a run of nationally and internationally recognized scholars, public intellectuals, artists, etc. have, along with EKU instructors, come to EKU to share their thoughts and expertise with our Richmond community (and beyond!). As he now steps down from his position as Director of the EKU Chautauqua Lectures series, hear Bruce explain the reason for these seasons of intellectual expansion and cultural celebration.

12:00 PM A vote will be held concerning the request by Esther Hurlburt for ordination. This will take place  immediately following today’s service. All members  are encouraged to attend or send in your absentee ballot.  Absentee ballots can be received by contacting Joann  at JLBoewe@att.net.

Sunday, November 14:

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education: Our group rejoins to discuss  Chapter two of  A Chosen Faith.   Dave Oldham leads. 

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “Why We Find Iran So Puzzling”  by  Mick Lewis

12:00 PM: Potluck after the service. Bring a dish and join us for fellowship and fun.

Sunday, November 21:

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “Stuff” Esther Hurlburt; Given her experience with cleaning out the homes of her aged clients and her own parents, Esther will explore  the concept of attachment. She asks you to consider your attachment to “stuff.” 

Sunday November 28:

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education: Chapter three of  A Chosen Faith will be discussed. Debbie Tussey leads. Join us for lively conversation and understanding of what it is to be a Unitarian.

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “The Middle Way” by Kosensho: Buddhism is described as the “Middle Path” or “Middle Way”.  In one traditional Buddhist story, the Buddha realizes the “Middle Way” on hearing a lute player and understanding that a harmonious sound only appears when the lute is strung neither too tight nor too loose.  What does “taking the Middle Way” mean for spiritual practice, and for our daily life? Kosen is Vice Abbot of the Furnace Mountain Zen Center and a Buddhist Teacher.

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9:00 AM: Board meeting

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education  

10:45 AM: “Our UU Saints” (Ron Taylor)

Sunday, September 12:

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education/  We will begin discussing  A Chosen Faith. Come ready to share which  of the seven UU principles you like best.   There are copies of the book to borrow or purchase at the fellowship so that you can read the Forward, Preface and Intro before the first meeting.  Debbie Tussey leads this session.

10:45 AM: Children’s religious Education 

10:45 AM: “The Elixir of Hate” (Bob Miller) EKU professor  –a lively look at the given topic

12:15 PM: Open Forum to discuss Esther Hurlburt’s request for ordination following the service.

Sunday, September 19:

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “The Cost of Loneliness” (Esther Hurlburt):  Esther will discuss the phenomenon of loneliness and its affect on individuals as well as the community.  Her discussion will include how church community can minimize the effects of loneliness.

 Sunday September 26:

9:00 AM: Adult Religious Education (Book discussion of “Chosen Faith) Chapter 1  David Oldham leads this session.

10:45 AM: Children’s Religious Education

10:45 AM: “Mindfullness” (Joe Rembold, LCSW) Joe has spent twenty years as a licensed clinical social worker at a forensic mental health hospital, where he used mindfulness therapeutically with criminally committed psychiatric patients.  He will talk about his experiences with these patients and lead us in a mindfulness experience. 

Capital campaign Party

UU members and friends are invited to celebrate the final stage of fund raising for our new addition at a Capital Party on Saturday, October 2, 7:00 – 9:00, at Barbara Prairie’s house in Berea.  Look for details in the mail & info about it at the fellowship.

UU Choir

The UU choir will recommence Wed., Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. after the Boewe’s return from their Germany trip.  New members are encouraged to join their voices in our anthems and hymns.  Director Joan Boewe will also incorporate good breathing exercises and other information concerning effective singing.  We’re not professionals, so don’t be shy!  We have enough stoles for a BIG group of music lovers.

10:45 AM: “Shaped by Water”-Pat Banks.  Pat is the designated Riverkeeper, and her organization works for the preservation of Kentucky rivers.  She will speak about the “Shaped By Water” art project which has traveled to three venues in Central Kentucky and will be on display at Madison County UU until the end of Sept.

July 4-   No service at the Fellowship.  However, there will be a gathering at the home of Jon and Carol Hanley in Mt. Sterling, Ky. Please use your fellowship directory, or contact our president, Dave Oldham, for directions. 

July 11 – UU Uniqueness (Dave Porter)
 
All religions are unique but UUism may be the most unique of all.  Our focus on orthopraxy rather than orthodoxy means that each member of our fellowship is likely to have followed a different path to a chosen set of values and beliefs.  This service will be dedicated to celebrating the uniqueness of each of our journeys.  To prepare for the service, please think of a value or belief that you feel characterizes your own Unitarian Universalism.  Now think of an anecdote or artifact that relates to this belief.  We’ll share these stories and things with one another and then save a little time at the end for reactions and reflections about what we’ve learned.

July 18 – The Joy of Folk Dance!(Marianne Mcadam)

July 25 – Ten things they don’t Teach You in Medical School (Stu Tobin)
     
Come and enjoy the humor.  

  You’ll find our chairs in a circle.  We will also be circling in various directions in thought and actions.  We will continue to have adult Religious Education on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 9 am. Concerning the children’s program, please note that if your child is 5 and under they will need to be with you. If your child is 6 or older, they can be led in games ( not youth R E classes).These will be conducted  by Brandon Shale and occassionally also by Casey Rembold. 

 Saturday June 5-A gathering at the home of Marion Ferguson.

June 6- 10:45 am Elders as mentors – Esther Hulburt

June 13-  9 am.   Adult R E class-                                                                                                                                                                                              10:45 am  Fooling With Words  – Linda Frost  will take us in circles with poetry–literally, we will look for the poetry around us, do some poetry in the round, and run around in poetic circles.  Come ready to write, read, and listen!

June 20- 10:45am  Creek Clean Up -Ellen Thompson    We will begin at the Fellowship where we will get directions and trash bags and water for drinking.  Then we will proceed quickly to the job at hand.

June 27  9am Adult Religious Education  led by Cyndi Hall                                                                                                                                          10:45 am  Our two sided Brain- Dave Porter “The mind is what the brain does!… and because our brain has two separate halves, our mind itself is often divided.  Recent neuro-scientific evidence suggests that this division supports distinctly different alternative modes of processing information.  Come join the conversation on the socio-spiritual implications of this neurological curiosity.”

July 4 will bring a gathering at the home of  Carol and John Hanley in Mt Sterling.  Check your UU directory or contact Ann Stebbins or Dave Oldham  for the street address.