June 2

Rising Up

Led by Marion Hirsch, Kat Good, and Rev. Thom Belote

Join us for a worship service as we honor our children and youth who are “rising up” to the next grade level. The service will also include our traditional UU Flower Communion.

Please bring a cut flower to service this morning.

June 9

“Taking a Sacred Pause”

Jenn Kapranov, Intern Minister, preaching

A pause is a time to rest, and reflect on what has been done. It offers a chance to grow and develop in new ways. In this service we will honor the congregational year that is closing, reflect on our need for a pause, and consider the work ahead of us in the coming year. We will hold a ceremony recognizing new members during this morning’s worship services.

June 16

“Reflections on Fatherhood”

Led by Eric Bannan & Members of the Silvering Chalices

Join us for a Father’s Day worship service weaving together music and reflections by men of the church about their experiences as fathers. The Silvering Chalices Men’s Group is for men 35ish to 55ish and is one of four active men’s groups in our church.

June 23

" Bring Out Your Inner 'Tacky' ”

Led by Jenn Kapranov & Kat Good

This multi-generational service will bring the story of “Tacky” the Penguin, a beloved annual tradition for children in Religious Education, to our congregation. 

We will explore the importance of honoring our authentic selves. Please help us by wearing floral print shirts and/or a bow tie.

June 30

"The Will Towards the Good"

Rev. Carolyn Price, preaching

Ideas about goodness have been around for a long time. How do we understand and experience goodness now – as individuals, as Unitarian Universalists, and as relational beings? Is the old adage that "goodness will have the last word" even possible anymore (if it ever was)?

Rev. Carolyn Price has been a UU Parish Minister and an organizational consultant to UU congregations for twenty years. New to our state, she is enjoying the area immensely and delighted to be part of this congregation. 

Coming in July:

• July 7 -  Sarah Clark Farnell, preaching

• July 14 - Rev. Alison Wilbur Eskildsen, preaching

• July 21 - Marion Hirsch, preaching

• July 28 -  Rev. Thom Belote, preaching

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING JUNE 9, 11:30 AM

Join us Sunday, June 9, for our Annual Congregational Meeting. The Congregational Meeting will be held at 11:30 AM, immediately following our worship service.

The Congregational Meeting includes the presentation of a trio of congregational awards, remarks from our President and Treasurer, an update on our Strategic Planning process, and a report from the Endowment Committee.

Members are invited to vote online to elect two new members to the Endowment Committee, and vote on a grant from the Endowment Committee. The deadline to vote is noon on Friday, June 7.

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held in person in the Sanctuary and will also be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube channel. Childcare will be provided.

The Board of Trustees and the Strategic Planning Committee of the Board are finalizing the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, which the Board will present at the June 9 Annual Congregational Meeting. The Plan is organized around 5 themes: Spiritual Growth, Building Community, Outreach, Stability and Organizational Growth, and Community Infrastructure. Each theme has between 4-6 goals. The first three themes will be led by Rev. Thom and the Ministries, and the last two by the Board’s Strategic Management Committee. Also in progress is the development of the structure for achieving each goal: identifying the responsible committee or task force and expected timeline. The Board will report annually on the progress towards achieving the goals at the Annual Congregational Meeting with more frequent reports when appropriate. Email Glenn Davis, Past Board President, or call 215-756-2400 with any questions.

SHARE YOUR SKILLS!

CONSIDER JOINING THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Looking for deeper involvement and a way to share your leadership skills with our church? Consider joining the Board of Trustees. Though new trustees will not be elected until the fall and won’t begin serving until January 2025, it’s not too soon to begin thinking about it and participating in some related activities, such as attending a Board meeting and talking with Board members. This is meaningful and rewarding work for our church. Board members serve 3-year terms. Two candidates will serve at large, and one candidate will serve as vice president in 2025 and as president in 2026. To learn more about what’s involved in serving on the Board, contact any member of the Nominating Committee: Barb Chapman, Debbie Davis, Laurie McDonald, or Linda Thompson.

STEWARDSHIP PLANNING WORKSHOP (JUNE 15-16)

The Board’s Stewardship Committee is planning a workshop with UUA financial consultant Mark Ewert on June 15-16. The purpose of this workshop is to ensure that our Stewardship vision for the future is on track with proven successful practices and aligns with the upcoming Board Of Trustees Strategic Plan. We will also discuss our ongoing work with the Legacy Funds, including Endowment. This is vitally important work for our church, and all those interested are welcome and encouraged to participate. Please contact Bonnie Crotty Nelson, Stewardship Chair, for more information or to RSVP to attend the retreat.

HELP US CONTINUE TO UPHOLD THE MISSION OF OUR CHURCH!

The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to enhance our mission by

• providing funding for programs and projects not included in the church’s annual operating budget or through other church funds.

• investing in the future viability of our church.

Eligible programs are those that * nurture spiritual growth * provide for the support and care of our community or * effect change through our love of the world.

There are many ways to give, and they can be made at any time.

• Memorial or Special Recognition gift
• Annual gift
• Part of an estate plan
• • Cash, stocks, dividends

If you have any questions, please get in touch with any of the committee members: Charles Lee (Chair)

Jay Miller - Kari Andrade - Mary Ellen Adams - Peter Hendee – Glenn Davis (Board Liaison)

SHARE THE PLATE

SHARE THE PLATE: SARAH ELIZABETH INSCH CHURCH YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The Share the Plate on June 2 will benefit youth leadership in our church. The Insch Leadership program was established to honor the memory of Sarah Insch who was a beloved leader in this church and lifelong Unitarian Universalist who was deeply devoted to spiritual development of children and youth. In the Insch Leadership Program youth serve on a church ministry team or committee and receive mentoring and guidance to help them develop as leaders. Insch Associates also receive scholarships to participate in leadership opportunities. Through this program, youth build connections with the congregation and are able to give back to their church community, as well as mentor other church youth in their leadership experience. These connections also support their becoming lifelong Unitarian Universalists. Your donation will help fund scholarships for the next class of Insch Leaders. Contact Marion Hirsch for more information. You can donate now online, send a donation to the church (checks payable to The Community Church; put STP-Insch Program Fund in the memo), or give at church on June 2.

SHARE THE PLATE FOR CAROLINA ABORTION FUND: JUNE 30

The Carolina Abortion Fund (CAF) believes that abortion is healthcare, and healthcare should be well-resourced and accessible to all. CAF operates a confidential, toll-free helpline that provides financial, practical, and emotional support to callers trying to access abortion care. They work directly with clinics to provide grants that fill the gap between what patients can afford and the full cost of the procedure. Individual donations are directed entirely to our funding helpline and serve callers— dollar for dollar, your gift supports patients! The need for funding is greater than ever - especially since the State of Florida just adopted a six-week abortion ban law. Thousands from the southern states will now come to NC, VA and DC for their healthcare. The folks at CAF and the women they serve are doing nearly-impossible work with amazing hope and courage. Side With Love asks you to give generously to assist them, now and in July, at our next Classical Concert for a Cause.

2024 SCHOOL SUPPLIES SHARE THE PLATE JULY 21

Community Services Ministry offers you a way to demonstrate your care for the children and youth in Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Chatham County. On July 21, we will have a Share the Plate collection for purchasing needed supplies and backpacks for children in our community. Consider donating to this effort, this is the 25th year our church has participated, along with other local churches. Also, this is a way to support teachers, who frequently purchase student supplies for those that need them. Contact Teri Brooks for any questions. We will table on July 14 and July 7 if you have questions or to sign up for packing the bags in August.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DOGWOOD ALLIANCE

SHARE THE PLATE CONTRIBUTIONS

The ECO Ministry for the Earth would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to the congregation. Through the Share the Plate donations for 4/21/23, we were able to contribute $1,362.63 towards this year's fundraising goal for the Dogwood Alliance. Dogwood Alliance is an amazing organization that works at the grassroots and the federal level to fight back against the wood pellet industry and its greenwashing of deforestation. We are very grateful for the generosity of the STP contributors and the support shown by the congregation. Thank you for helping to support this important work the Dogwood Alliance is doing to protect our communities and forests!

WANT TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH

(OR, JUST LEARN MORE)?

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 1 - 3:30 PM

Join Rev. Thom & Rachel Rose to "Explore Membership"!

To become a Member of The Community Church, one must:

• Take a Class (it's fun, easy, and worthwhile even for the retired UU ministers who've attended!)
• Sign the Membership Book
• Make a Pledge

Want to join us? The class is a great way to get to know others who are new to our community, and to learn more about our church in particular.

Join Rev. Thom & Rachel Rose: SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2:30 - 5 PM

Can't make it this time? Let Rachel Rose know, so she can let you know about upcoming opportunities.

THE CHURCH AUCTION NEEDS YOU!



Fund-raising and fun-raising: those are twin purposes of the annual church auction. The fun will begin when auction items and events start being posted on July 19 and will accelerate Sept. 27 when bidding begins. Bidding excitement will end Oct. 19. Please be thinking about interesting items and useful services you can donate for the auction and special activities and gatherings you might host. These are the source of much-needed auction funds, and the fun and feelings of community that result from bidding and sharing auction items and social events are immeasurable. We need you to make it happen!

For more information, contact Joan O’Brien or Kathleen Farinola, Fall Auction Co-Chairs.

CAN YOU HELP EDUARDO AND EMMANUEL GET TO SCHOOL?

The Immigrant Justice initiative has been busy arranging medical appointments for our asylum-seeking guests in the Manse and also providing transportation to preschool for Maria's little boys, Eduardo (3) and Emmanuel (5). Over the summer, as several of our drivers will be away, we will need more help. Maria and the boys are experts at putting their car seats in your car, and it takes about 20 minutes to make the trip from the Manse to the Community School for People Under Six. And they appreciate this help so much! Most volunteers sign up to do one trip a week, in the morning or afternoon; some volunteers are available to cover trips as needed. We would love to have 3-4 more volunteer drivers, so please let us know if you think you might help.

COMMUNITY CHURCH CONCERTS 2024/2025 SEASON PASSES ON SALE!

Community Church Concerts is proud to announce the sale of SEASON PASSES for the NEW and EXCITING 2024/2025 Concert lineup with:

• Country Gongbang Oct. 4
• The Kruger Brothers Dec. 6
• The Gibson Brothers Jan. 4
• The Henhouse Prowlers Feb. 8

NOTE NEW START TIME FOR OUR CONCERTS: 7:30 PM

The Season Pass is $125 for all 4 concerts, saving you $!

INDIVIDUAL CONCERT TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE JULY 1

Tell your friends and neighbors!

We are so excited for this season, which includes our IBMA "find" last year in Raleigh, Country Gongbang from Korea, who wowed the audience with their unique brand of bluegrass, stunning vocals and instrumentals!

You do NOT want to miss these incredible young musicians!

Questions? EMAIL JANE PROVAN

RACIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY MEETINGS

Are you curious about anti-racism and racial justice initiatives within and beyond our church walls? Join the Racial Justice Ministry meeting where we will explore the impact of race on ourselves, our congregation, and the world. We will learn from the many people of color engaged in this work and follow their leads, trusting in the wisdom that is gleaned from lived experience.

Whether you're passionate about social justice, or just starting to explore these important topics, we invite you to join us as we work together to create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Please join us every third Monday via Zoom from 7 - 8:30 PM. Upcoming dates include June 17, July 15, August 19.

If you have any questions, please email Sarah Clark-Farnell ( or call 919-225-0256) or email DeeDee Lavinder (or call 919-761-4016).

8TH PRINCIPLE DISCUSSION GROUPS

Curious about the 8th Principle? Join us for an informational session where we'll explore the possibility of adopting the 8th Principle into our congregation. This principle, focusing on the journey towards anti-racism and building a diverse, multicultural Beloved Community, has sparked important conversations in UU churches nationwide. Come learn more about its significance and implications for our community.

Learn more about the 8th Principle!

There will be three more discussion group opportunities this summer:

• Sunday, June 2 from 2-3 PM in person in the Kirby room
• Thursday, June 27 from 7-8 PM via Zoom
• Thursday, July 18 from 7-8 PM via Zoom

If you have any questions, please email Sarah Clark-Farnell ( or call 919-225-0256) or email DeeDee Lavinder (or call 919-761-4016).

SAVE THE DATE: ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC

Saturday, September 7, 2024

New Hope Camp & Conference Center

4805 N. Carolina 86 Chapel Hill, NC 27514

5PM - 8PM

~Rain or Shine~

Please plan to join us for an evening of fun and fellowship!

Signups coming soon!

COMMUNITY CHURCH CANCER SUPPORT GROUP



Once you’ve had a confirmed cancer diagnosis, it changes your life. We welcome you to join our cancer support group, no matter where you are in your treatment. Our personal journeys and concerns from having or having had cancer allow us to be supportive of each other in a special way. Meetings are held via Zoom on the 4th Thursday of every month from 10 -11:30 AM.

If you would like more information or to join us for a meeting, please contact us.

RARE WOMEN

Rare women is concluding its current discussions. Our next meeting will be in September, with two groups meeting on Thursdays. You can learn more about Rare Women on the Rare Women page of the church website.

For more info, email Judy Lechner, or text her: (334) 707-1303.

QUUILTERS

We continue meeting on the first Saturday morning of each month, June 1 and July 6, 9 - 11:30 AM, in the Gathering Room. Our check-in time starts at 9:30 AM. We love seeing personal projects as well as progress on our current qUUilters community service projects such as totebags and zip pouches for HomeStart Women's Shelter residents, to quilts for the Refugee Support Center, and more. Fabrics, instructions, some kits are available to take home. Come and check us out! See our webpage. To join our email list or learn more, contact us.

NONFICTION BOOK DISCUSSION FOR JUNE

On Saturday, June 15 from 10:30 AM to 12 PM in the Living Room, the Nonfiction Readers will discuss The Genius of Birds, by Jennifer Ackerman. Peter Aitken will lead our discussion.

The author takes readers on a tour of the world with observations and research showing just how smart birds can be in adapting to their specific circumstances of feeding, mating, nesting, migrating and more. The book is beautifully written and very clear, showing that the pejorative meaning attached to the term “bird brain” is completely inappropriate. New members and drop-ins are welcome. Contact Ed Steffes to ask questions or to be placed on the group’s email list.

ART IN THE SANCTUARY

From July 7-August 25, the Sanctuary art will be a show of the work of Ippis Halme: "Thinking Aloud." Her medium is permanent markers on water color paper, and each piece takes about a month to complete. She is inspired by nature, fairy tales, dreams, and cultural textile patterns. Ippis was born in Finland, educated in England, and currently lives in Chapel Hill. She has shown her work in Helsinki, NYC, Raleigh, and at Attic 506 and the NC Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill.

Contact Ippis Halme / 919-942-0279 H; 919-215-5875 C

COMING SOON! Denormalizing Sexual Abuse in Media: Summer Discussion Series

The Sexual Abuse Prevention Task Team of Side With Love is finalizing plans for evening discussions at Community Church on the third Fridays of June, July, and August, for all who are interested in this topic. Please look for details about this series in the Weekly Announcements and at Sunday tabling after services. Discussions of examples will be led by Taryn Bonner. As our world opens up to more unregulated technology, we need to hone our observation skills. “Things that may have seemed harmless or tame a few decades ago just may surprise you!” Contact Diane Williams for more info.

ROBERTSON MILLPOND, SAT. JUNE 29, 10 AM

Wake County’s best outdoor surprise? Picture a blackwater swamp with kayak trails winding among giant cypress knees you can touch on either side. Overhead are squawking heron rookeries and the whistling golden flashes of prothonotary warblers. Half a day away, near the Outer Banks? Nope, 45 minutes, near Wendell.

We can rent kayaks for you or you can bring your own. Rentals are $20/hr for a single, $25/hr for a tandem, and an hour plus their 10 minute grace time should be enough unless you want to dawdle. Let me know ASAP if you want a rental. Bring a sharable picnic lunch. Meet there at 10 AM.

OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS: SUNSET/FULL MOONRISE PADDLE, SAT. JULY 20, 6 PM

Sometimes nature cooperates. On July 20, the setting sun and rising full moon overlap. Nice! We'll share dinner at Tarantini in Governor's Village at 6 PM and be on the water at Farrington Point in time for both at 8:30 PM. There's a lovely 2-mile round trip paddle protected (mostly) from motorboat traffic by shallow water. But, it gets dark and can get choppy. So, please pass on this trip if you're a novice. Or, join us first for the Robertson Mill Pond trip (June 29). This is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) paddle.