horizon happenings

CONTEMPLATIONS • “Expectations”The Reverend Dennis Hamilton • srminister@horizonuu.org

Volume 27, Number 6 December 2012

Bubbha the Buddhist garbageman from

Bodacia says, “What did you expect?”

You can learn more about Bubbha on

Sunday Dec. 2, but really, what DID

you expect? The more I just look

around at the world, and stuff happens,

it is all becoming clear that everything

happens, not for a reason but because

of previous consequences. One thing

leads to another. It all makes sense

when you stop expecting something

else. You know Einstein’s famous quote,

"Insanity is when you do the same thing

over and over again and expect different

results."

This month we will be considering the

pros and cons of expectations. After all,

without some hope, how do we face the

future? If that is a rhetorical question,

we get nowhere. We will be asking

questions that actually challenge the

notions of hope, expectation,

disappointment, broken dreams,

successes, empty successes, and the like.

So Christmas is coming. We all are

getting fat. Put another penny in the old

man’s hat. Or something like that.

Indeed, we always face some choices at

this time as to what we will give to each

other to celebrate our friendships. The

Heifer Project always gives us an

opportunity to give a gift that really

makes a difference, and I am hoping for

another wonderful animal to give to a

family in Ecuador or Peru or Africa.

Maybe some chickens or a goat.

As for our own in-house aid fund, the

Minister’s Discretionary Fund, I will be

sending this letter to you, but here is a

heads up. Contributions can be made at

the Christmas service or by mail any

time. Here’s my letter:

Minister’s Discretionary Fund

Dear congregants,

Each year at this time I ask you to

replenish the Minister’s Discretionary

Fund or MDF. This fund is used mainly

to help those members who are in need.

Usually this is for rent, utilities, a

medical emergency or other short-term

aid that will make an enormous

difference in a family’s life. It may

prevent eviction or the loss of

transportation.

Sometimes the MDF can help a youth

or adult who cannot afford to go to a

UU retreat or workshop. Most of us at

Horizon are in reasonable financial

health. But misfortune can strike at any

time, and for some of our members

who are just surviving month to month,

it can mean disruption in the whole

family. Over the years we have helped a

number of families to avoid

homelessness. Your contribution to this

fund, no matter how much it is, will

make a difference in many lives.

It also covers the various handouts we

give to people who stop by the church

for gas or food money. This is not a

significant amount, but it is what a

generous church does. Poverty, for

whatever reason, is debilitating and

often humiliating. Even asking for help

is humbling. So we treat all of those

who are recipients of aid with respect

and love. Besides, having a generous

heart is healing in itself. It is spiritually

nourishing and is the most genuine

form of prayer.

This year we did not take up a collection

for our Partner Church in Romania.

The Haitian project, At Risk Children’s

Foundation, received that Share the

Plate contribution for November. It is a

very worthy project championed by

Horizon member Andy Kernan. And

"Growing spiritually healthy people who promote love and justice in the world!"

CONTENTS

Editor's Corner

President's Corner

Lay Ministry News

From Our Intern

Adult Explorations

Board Actions

Intern Committee

Future Sundays

Pg. 2

Pg. 3

Pg. 4

Pg. 5

Pg. 7

Pg. 8

Pg. 9

Back

See "CONTEMPLATIONS" on pg. 2

happenings page 2

Editor's Corner • “A Tradition of Wonder”Jim Sturdivant - Editor • huucnews@horizonuu.org

About Happenings.. .

Horizon Happenings is a monthly

publication of Horizon Unitarian

Universalist Church. It is mailed to all

members and pledging friends. Visitors

who request the newsletter receive it for

free for three months. Subscriptions are

available for $10/yr. Mail payment to

the Church, and note that the donation

is for a newsletter subscription.

The Editors invite your comments,

sugggestions, and articles. All inquiries

can be made via email to:

huucnews@horizonuu.org

Deadline for submission is on the

20th of every month. Due to space

limitations, not all submissions may be

included in a given month.

"THAT WHICH IS USED, DEVELOPS. THAT WHICH IS NOT,

WASTES AWAY." – Socrates

In December of 1832, German immigrant and Unitarian

Minister Charles Fallon got nostalgic for the Christmas

celebrations of his youth and, in open defiance of long-

standing and severly-stodgy Boston traditions, put up a

Christmas tree in his home. It was purported to be the first

Christmas tree in New England and it must have been

magnificent. After a description of it was published by

visiting English journalist Harriet Martineau, the old tradition

came crashing down and a much merrier one, the one we still

cherish, took its place. When you read Ms. Martineau’s

brilliant description, you’ll understand why:

"It really looked beautiful; the room seemed in a blaze, and

the ornaments were so well hung on that no accident

happened, except that one doll's petticoat caught fire. There

was a sponge tied to the end of a stick to put out any

supernumerary blaze, and no harm ensued. I mounted the

steps behind the tree to see the effect of opening the doors.

It was delightful. The children poured in, but in a moment

every voice was hushed. Their faces were upturned to the

blaze, all eyes wide open, all lips parted, all steps arrested."

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Party Hearty!

- Ed

yet we are committed to continuing our

modest support of our partner church in

Petrosane (petro shine) , Romania. So I

will send the first thousand dollars from

this collection to them. Believe me, they

use it well and extend every dollar we

give them. They work hard and suffer

through terrible winters with limited

funds often being forced to choose

between food, medicine or heat. Our

partnership also keeps us in touch with a

larger Unitarian Universalist presence in

the world.

So please give generously this year. We

will accept donations any time in the year,

but especially in this season of giving.

The Christmas collection will go to this

fund. I thank you from my heart for your

continuing generosity. What we are doing

here at Horizon is far more important

than just supporting a church. It is

supporting a world view. It is an

investment in humanity.

Faithfully, Rev. Dennis Hamilton

"CONTEMPLATIONS" from pg. 1

Congregational Meeting

On Sunday, January 27, 2013, we will

hold Horizon's annual winter

Congregational Meeting. There, you

will be brought up to date by the Board,

Staff and other leaders of our

congregation about the current state of

our finances and of our programming.

This is also an important meeting

because voting members will be voting

on a proposed change in the by-laws

concerning the hiring of the Director

of Religious Education. More

information about the proposed by-laws

change will come out by the end of

December.

Please mark your calendars now so you

will be available to attend. We invite

everyone - visitors, youth and guests - to

join the voting members between 12:30

and 2:00, on Sunday after the service,

January 27, 2013.

Two Announcements from Your President

See "ANNOUNCEMENTS" on pg. 8

PRESIDENT'S CORNER •“Expectation: The Space between Your Dreams and Reality"JuLane • president@horizonuu.org

horizon unitarian universalist churchpage 3

“Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality.

If you can dream it, you can make it so.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

While driving to Tulsa yesterday to spend Thanksgiving with

my Aunt Shirley, I listened to a PBS interview with Dan

Buettner, the author of Blue Zones, a book about his research

on the lifestyles of inhabitants of nine areas on our globe

where people routinely live healthy and productive lives into

their 90’s and 100’s. He pointed out that people living in many

of the Blue Zones get up and down some 30 to 40 times a day

from sitting or lying on the floor and they don’t develop the

balance problems in their older years leading to bone breaking

falls that we see routinely in our society. They have better

lower body strength and don’t experience the joint problems

also prevalent in older citizens of our modern Western culture.

I immediately decided I must start sitting on the floor while

eating, working, talking, meditating—well, I already do that.

But to think of life extending exercise being as simple as

sitting and lying on the floor rather than chairs, couches and

beds was an astounding albeit one of those “duh” moments.

He also pointed out that in many of these cultures where

longevity is an accepted part of life there is no word in their

languages for “retirement.” So I immediately decided to stop

trying to pinpoint when I should retire from my massage

therapy practice. Then the author astounded me further by

commenting on how the data shows that the number of years

one expects to live proves to be a surprisingly accurate

predictor of how many years that person actually sticks around

on this blue boat we call earth. I remember asserting to my

grandchildren years ago that I was planning to live 120 years. I

may have to move immediately to one of the Blue Zones to

accomplish that.

But back to the article I was supposed to be thinking about

and writing in my head so that I could just type it out when I

got to Aunt Shirley’s and send it in to our newsletter editor

post haste. I think of the 30 or so founding members of

Horizon, and those who came later, including me, and how we

have lived during these ensuing 26 years in that space between

our dreams for Horizon and the realities we constantly

encounter. And look what we have accomplished! I do believe

that holding our expectations, born of our dreams for

Horizon, close to our hearts and consistently sharing them

with each other is the engine that drives our movement

forward. Expectancy is a powerful tool!

As we approach the end of another calendar year, dreams and

expectations for the New Year are common themes in our

conversations. It’s true that Horizon has some major changes

approaching, transitions that carry with them both possibility

and concern. Your Board has its fingers on the pulse of how

to approach these transitions in a timely and organized manner

to assure that we don’t drop any important balls and that we

are ready to embrace them. We are safe; we are healthy; our

purpose and mission remain vital. So I invite you to enjoy

moments during this fading year to play with your dreams for

Horizon.

Can you perhaps see Horizon having a campus ministry for

young adults? There are many college campuses in the area and

reaching out beyond our walls to the many young seekers who

are beginning their journey into wondering if or where

spirituality has a place in their adult lives can be a very active

way to extend the reach of our liberal and freeing faith.

How about the extension of our Art on the Horizon program

into a course for our youth, and adults for that matter, on Arts

and Spirituality? Wow! Where could that take us! A drumming

group maybe? It might even join with our Music Ministry and

lead to exchange visits and performances at other churches

whose choirs would then visit Horizon and share their music

with us. Perhaps a Horizon’s Children’s Choir would be born?

Can you see a small “Horizon on the Move” shuttle bus sitting

in our parking lot for use in picking up interested visitors and

members who are mobility challenged so they can be an active

part of our community? Or for use in taking members to

retirement homes or hospital children’s wards to share special

gifts or music or short plays concocted and performed by

See "PRESIDENT'S CORNER" on pg. 5

happenings page 4

LAY MINISTRY NEWS • “The Gift of Open Awareness”Marianna Seaton - Directior of Lay Ministry • dlm@horizonuu.org

Expectations can send me into a spiral of habits that are

counter-productive to my well being, and the holiday season

provides the perfect Petri dish for culturing these germs. Put

under the microscope of self-reflection, I find that the

expectations I have had about what a perfect holiday should

look like takes me away from being present with the gifts that

are available to me.

In my yoga practice, I approach the body with a respect for its

natural intelligence. Whenever I try to impose my will on an

asana, or yoga pose, the body gets smart and does something

to protect itself. Sometimes it can lead to an injury. I teach my

students that the asanas are there as a tool for discovery, not as

something to be accomplished or made perfect. In a yoga

practice that allows ease in the body, not forcing it to be

something we expect, we find peace in what is right here and

right now. When we take that leap of letting go of what we

expect ourselves to look like in an asana, or achieve the proper

amount of discomfort in doing it, we come into the space of

what the practice can reveal to us today, what gift it has for us

that we couldn’t have imagined in yesterday’s practice.

Sometimes, gifts don’t come wrapped the way we expect them

to be; does that make them non-gifts? When I practice being

present with an open awareness to life and surrender to love

instead of how my small mind expects things to be, I can enter

into the real spirit of the holiday season any day of the year

and delight in the gifts that are always present, if only I awaken

to them.

My wish for you is gifts that you can’t even imagine right now

– gifts beyond your expectations. Together, let's enter into the

grace of allowing and receiving this bounty that is available to

us, and share with others our discoveries. Often it is through

the act of sharing that we learn the most important lessons

ourselves.

In an effort to keep our church community aware of

opportunities to be a healing presence in each other’s lives,

please join me in expressing well wishes to Bob Ryan and to

Susan Powell, who have both recently been hospitalized.

Requests for assistance, where needed, to help them through

the rough spots will be made through our Neighborhood

Groups.

If you want to see the tremendous healing power of parental

love, go to Emily Grover’s blog

tenmilesuphillinthesnow@blogspot.com. I’m happy to report

that Emily and Vinnie Grover’s twin babies Tara and Vivek

are gaining health and strength and are most adorable.

We hold in our hearts Anna and Nancy Bryant, Mary Kay

Hamilton, Walter Riley, and Jana Wertheim, as they

continue to heal from their health challenges. And we hold in

our hearts Joe McGee and Nelta Owen, as they go through

the process of grief that accompanies losing a brother and a

sister.

As always, we hold dear those struggling to balance the care of

their families with the care of their parents, those looking for

sustainable employment, the forgotten or abused, and those

who are bearing their burdens in silence.

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

dhamilton@uuma.org or dlm@horizonuu.org.

horizon unitarian universalist churchpage 5

Horizon Players?

What about the development of a

Horizon Environmental Ministry whose

members would keep us apprised of

events in our area that we need to lend

our voices to, either in protest or

support? This is the only inhabited

planet we yet know of that hosts our

interdependent web of life of which we

are apart. Could we become more

actively involved as a faith community

in its protection and sustenance?

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______

I invite you to fill in the blanks. The

possibilities are endless and limited only

by how we see ourselves. Can we do

what our founders did and see ourselves

“bigger”, as reaching out beyond what

we are accustomed to as we enfold

more of the wider community? We

have built a refuge at Horizon for liberal

faith. Can we now move toward seeing

Horizon as a “base camp” for reaching

out? In the approaching years we will

have the golden opportunity during the

Interim Ministry years to look again at

who we are and where we want to go.

Make your own list of possibilities for

Horizon’s future. Then share your lists

with each other as opportunities arise

for conversation and dreaming. Expect

endless abundance! Remember, “If you

can dream it, you can make it so.”

"PRESIDENT'S CORNER" from pg. 3

“It is not dark because it is Christmas. It

is Christmas because it is dark.”

That statement opened one of the first

sermons I heard at a Unitarian

Universalist church. It blew my mind

and changed my experience of the

holidays ever since.

Holidays, for all their glamour and

glitter, can be very hard for too many of

us, especially the winter holidays. From

Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day,

it feels like there are more losses, large

and small, than any other time of the

year. Perhaps it just seems that way

because deaths and illnesses stand out

in high relief in the festive atmosphere

of Christmas or Hanukah. But, it has

been my experience that November and

December bring more than their fair

share of sadness.

I spent many years believing that it was

dark because it was Christmas. “Bah,

humbug” was too cheerful for me. My

thoughts were “Holidays. Ugh. Take

cover.” I could not understand all the

activity, the insanity of it all. Perfectly

sensible people would pack two or three

gatherings into one evening after a full

day at work and a long night before

baking cookies and wrapping gifts. They

were exhausted and loving every minute

of it. Why?

My rather disdainful question was

answered in the simple declaration that

“It is Christmas because it is dark.” It

was a total reversal of my

understanding, sort of like the reversal

of the winter solstice, which is the

origin of most winter holidays.

“It is Christmas because it is dark.” We

come together as the days shorten to

sustain each other and ourselves. We

bake cookies and exchange gifts, we

share our meals and light candles to

ward off the growing darkness all

around us. We gather our clans in

celebrations and rituals to remind us

that the darkest night of all, the solstice,

marks a reversal. It is the moment that

the days will begin to lengthen as the

light makes its return.

“It is Christmas because it is dark.” Let

us cherish each other in this holiday

season. Let us bring comfort and joy to

each other. Let us remind each other

that the darkest moment yields a

reversal, that the light will return, after

all.

From Our Intern Minister• “Reversals”Lyssa Jenkens • internminister@horizonuu.org

Announcements & Such...NEW CHALICE CIRCLE

A New Chalice Circle for Young Adult Couples will begin on

December 2nd; we will create genuine dialogue about spiritual

journeys and discuss the dynamic that this journey can have

on both the individual and the relationship with our partner

with whom we are invested and covenanted. Meets on the 1 st

and 3rd Sunday of the month at 9:00 am in the couch room

of the portables. Please contact

youngadultcouples@horizonuu.org or find us online with

Google Groups: Horizon UU Young Couples.

METROCREST FOOD BANK VOLUNTEERING

2nd Saturday, every other month. 9:00 am – 1 :00 pm. Contact

(socialjustice@horizonuu.org) .

GAMERS: 3rd FRIDAY FUN AT HORIZON!

(3rdfridaygames@horizonuu.org )

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!

HORIZON CALENDAR

You may have noticed something missing from the newsletter

this month. That's right - the monthly newsletter calendar is

no longer included. Since the calendar is quite dynamic and

more up-to-date in the weekly newsletters, it was decided the

space in the monthly newsletter could be compressed or

better used. The Horizon web site also has the calendar

available for your perusal.

page 6happenings

We're off to a great start to

Horizon's first Read to Feed

Adventure!

Here's a guide to the next few weeks:

Religious Education teachers will

continue to pass out Student Guides in

their classes. Encourage your child to

get sponsors and log hours! If you

missed the kickoff, your child can still

participate.

• Remember to bring signed enrollment

forms to church.

• Encourage your child to reach out to

extended family, friends and neighbors

to obtain sponsorships.

• January 13 - Children will turn in

collected pledges and pool the money.

Classes will decide which animals they

would like to buy for families in need.

• January 20 - Recognition ceremony for

participants! Children will receive

certificates in the service.

What's Read to Feed? Heifer's Read to

Feed is a reading incentive program for

children and youth that connects

learning with working toward social

justice. Kids earn money for Heifer,

raise awareness for global poverty, and

have fun learning from the books they

choose. For more info go to

http://www.heifer.org/getinvolved/rea

dtofeed/

How does it work? Horizon readers

obtain sponsorships from parents,

friends and relatives based on the

amount of time spent reading or being

read to. The money earned will go to

Heifer International, an organization

that transforms lives by giving people

the means to support and feed

themselves. Every participant will be

recognized by the congregation and

presented with a certificate during a

special Children's time in January.

Read to Feed!

Adult Religious Explorations for December 2012(for more information, contact are@horizonuu.org)

SUNDAYS, Library

9:00 - 10 a.m.

December 2

December 9

December 16

December 23

December 30

TUESDAYS

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Portable, Rm. 8

WONDERFUL

WEDNESDAYS

December's Theme:

"Expectation"

Christian Chalice Circle. For information, email uuchristians@horizonuu.org . Facilitated by Peggy

Gill. What does it mean for us to stand with our faith, for us to stand with this church? The Story of

Ruth.

"Socialism." Facilitated by Rowland Harvey. "Socialism" is a word bandied about, especially during

election seasons. But is it being used correctly? Come learn the origins of socialism and what it means

in today's world.

Forum. Facilitated by John Myers, using the Chalice Circle model for interactive learning about

Horizon’s “Theme of the Month”. For December the theme is EXPECTATION: the practice of

living on the threshold.

Burning Man. Facilitated by Susana Darwin. Why would 70,000 people choose to go to the most

desolate part of the desert near Black Rock City, Nevada, for a week in the middle of August? They

must bring with them everything they need--the only items sold are coffee, tea, and ice--and carry out

everything so that no trace of their having been there exists. Susana Darwin, Kay and Kent's daughter,

will explain--with photographs.

New Year Resolutions. Facilitated by Kay Darwin. New Year resolutions: Their history and value.

Do you make them? Do you keep them? Are they worth making? Discussion regarding meaningful,

lasting ways to live in keeping with UU principles.

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: DHamilton@uuma.org , in case of changes.

Peggy Gill, interim DRE, Lyssa Jenkins, Intern Minister, and Rev. Dennis Hamilton host the new and

improved Wonderful Wednesdays.

• Although we begin the program at 7, you are invited to Bring Your Own Dinner between 6:30 and 7

and eat together. Beverages will be provided.

• We begin officially at 7 with a short Vespers service with song and readings. There will be a topic,

readings and questions.

• At 7:30 the group will divide into triads to explore the topic. Child care will be provided, and children

and youth are invited to participate in the triads or do homework or crafts.

• At 8:30 we will come back together to share our insights.

During December, WW will be held twice - the first and second Wednesdays.

page 7 horizon unitarian universalist church

And….always check the weekly newsletter for short profiles on classes and late-breaking

announcements. If you email are@horizonuu.org you will get a quick response from one of the

committee chairs – Kay Darwin, Kent Darwin, or Charles Frugé.

happenings page 8

• Heard a report from Peter Hendee about the progress of the

work of the Director of Religious Education Search

Committee and the RE program staffing and discussed the

needed by-laws change about the hiring of the DRE to be

proposed at the January Congregational meeting.

• Approved the elimination of the RE Assistant position as of

February 1 , 2013 to relieve the strained budget and to allow

reallocation of funds to areas they are more needed in this

time of transition.

• Heard a report from Elizabeth Gustwick and received

sample timeline graphics concerning the appropriate deadlines

for establishing the Interim Minister Search Committee and

how to adequately post that information for the congregation.

• Approved a new policy authorizing all Horizon Intern

Ministers to be able to perform wedding and commitment

ceremonies at Horizon during their tenures here.

• Heard a brief progress report from Trustees John Gill, Kent

Darwin and Peter Campagna and Rev. Dennis Hamilton about

the reviewing and recommending of revisions to our by-laws.

• An update on the re-establishing of and redefining of the

Council, renaming it the Leadership Development Council

was presented by Vice-President Sandy Steele. The Board

opined that this development sounded very promising and

appropriate for addressing leadership needs at Horizon.

• Tabled approval of the August and September financials

pending clarification of several items and the processing by

Treasurer Jan McDowell of the October financials to provide

a more current picture of our financial status.

•Approved the appointment of Linda Alred to the

Nominating Committee for 2012-2013 for one year term.

The next Board Meeting is on Monday, December 10th and

all are invited to attend and witness the business of Horizon

being conducted.

Board meetings are open and are held the 2nd Monday of

each month.

Send communications to board@horizonuu.org or to

president@horizonuu.org

Key Actions from the BoardNovember 12th Board Meeting

Board Approval of RE Staff Change

After much deliberation about how we

could further reduce the strain on our

budget as we approach major changes

in our Religious Education and

Ministerial staffing, and upon the

recommendation of our past DRE and

other Unitarian Universalist RE staff,

the Board approved the elimination as

of February 1 , 2013, of the RE

Assistant position. We have been the

only church in the country supporting a

position like this and we are assured

that the duties involved are able to be

covered by the work of an experienced

DRE.

Our current RE Assistant, Eileen

Terrell, has been helpful, not only in the

running of our RE program for the

past several years, but also in working

with us to plan this transition, a change

that we want to be comfortable with

before a new DRE begins his or her

work here at Horizon. Eileen says she

will be happy to have more time again

for her volunteer duties with Worship

Arts and Horizon Players. Please extend

your appreciation to Eileen.

Thank you,

JuLane, President

Board of Trustees

Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church

"ANNOUNCEMENTS" from pg. 2

horizon unitarian universalist churchpage 9

Please mark your calendars for the NTAUUS Luncheon:

Saturday, January 12, 2013, with a social hour at 12:30 and

buffet lunch at 1 :00. We will present grants to the

congregations, and the fourth annual Recognition Awards to

some loyal and dedicated individuals. Rev. Tamara Lebak of

All Souls Church in Tulsa will deliver the talk, What's Our

Net Worth? We will gather at the UU Church of Oak Cliff,

and tickets will again be available online.

To maintain a low ticket price, we need sponsors! Would you

be willing to underwrite the plaques, the honorees' lunch, a

table or two, or the Luncheon Speaker? Please contact

Daniel Polk at executive@ntauus.org or 469-682-8870. We

could also use help with setting up tables and chairs or

arranging flowers.

NTAUUS Luncheon

FROM THE INTERNCOMMITTEE

Please make time to introduce yourselves to our intern, Lyssa

Jenkens. Lyssa will be with us until May 2014 on a half-time

basis. A student at Meadville-Lombard Theological Seminary

in Chicago, she is a participant in the TouchPoint curriculum,

which leads to her receiving a Master of Divinity degree.

From the Meadville-Lombard web site: Students in Meadville

Lombard’s TouchPoint theological education engage in both

academic and practical work near their home communities,

staying in touch with their fellow students and teachers

through weekly conversations and by joining together in

community during convocations and intensive academic

courses.

What does the TouchPoint concept mean? It means careful

scheduling of time for Lyssa, who is taking academic courses

simultaneously with her time here at Horizon. She will be in

Chicago for some of those “intensive academic courses” the

entire month of January 2013.

At our last Intern Committee meeting, Lyssa specifically

requested suggestions for becoming better acquainted with

Horizon members and friends. Do make an effort to say hello

after services. . .(and perhaps include invitations for her to

participate in meetings you may be planning!)

(Comments may be relayed at any time during Lyssa’s

internship to any of the five committee members: Nelta

Owen, Elizabeth Gustwick, Betsy Webb, Bruce McClung and

Sandy Pierce.)

happenings page 10

Horizon Chalice Circles

“To associate with other like-minded people in small purposeful groups is for the greatmajority of men and women a source of profound psychological satisfaction.” AldousHuxley

Covenant Groups are groups of

people that come together and share

their thoughts and feelings on a

common topic, or simply to support

each other on life's path. Members

agree to a covenant (or set of relational

ground rules) . Covenant Groups at

Horizon are called Chalice Circles

What is a Chalice Circle?

Chalice Circles at Horizon may center

around a demographic group, for

example men, women, women 55 and

older, or young adults. Alternatively a

Chalice Circle may have a focus such as

movies, crafts, healthy lifestyles,

Buddhism, Christianity, Earth Centered

Spirituality, parenthood, or potlucks.

Some Chalice Circles are more general,

having no specific demographic group

and considering a variety of topics, for

example a Wisdom Circle or Journey

Group. Journey Groups differ in that

they meet for a limited period, but they

may choose to continue.

What do these groups share in

common?

A Chalice Circle is a small group of

typically six to ten people who commit

to meet regularly on an ongoing basis

for mutual support and to encourage

each other’s growth and development.

Additional members are welcome!

What is the purpose of a Chalice

Circle?

To be a safe, confidential place to

discuss feelings and values.

To provide an opportunity to explore

and develop thoughts and beliefs on a

variety of focus topics.

To provide an opportunity to get to

know people at Horizon in a deeper

way.

What will happen during a Chalice

Circle meeting?

Chalice Circle meetings typically begin

with a reading and/or song and/or

meditation, a chalice lighting, and a

check-in that allows people to say

briefly what is going on in their lives.

Chalice Circle meetings usually close

with a brief check-out and another

reading. The group may determine its

own format for what happens between

these two “bookends.” Chalice Circles

often do one or more service projects

during the year.

How do I join a Chalice Circle?

Complete our interest form found at

http://www.horizonuu.org/index.php

/connecting/chalice-circles?id=236 or

email ChaliceCircles@horizonuu.org.

Our coordinators will help you

connect with the group or groups of

your choice.

Buddhist Sanghais a weekly gathering that studies the Teaching of Buddhism.This is an ongoing exploration of the Four Noble Truths andthe Eight Fold Path. It is participatory and although consistentattendance is encouraged, sessions can be attended as a dropin. We welcome anyone interested in meditation practice. Wemeet Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. For an orientation, pleasearrive by 6:30 p.m. If you wish to view materials, email DennisHamilton, Senior Minister and leader of the group atsrminister@horizonuu.org or call 972-529-8187. You may alsosend an email to (Buddhists@horizonuu.org) .

Chalice Circle Councilis comomprised of leaders of the other Circles with thepurpose of providing ongoing support and training for ChaliceCircle leaders. A good place to begin if you would like to starta new Chalice Circle. (chalicecircles@horizonuu.org)

The CineMat Chalice Circle

(in memory of Horizon member Mat Matlock) meets on the4th Saturday every month and gets together to see a movie.They then go to a coffee shop or restaurant to discuss andcomment on it in a friendly circle over a cup of coffee ordrink. (cinemat@horizonuu.org)

Craft and Chat Chalice CircleThis circle of crafty chatters will give you the chance to learnsomething new or resume a favorite activity, while enjoyingacircle of friends. Bring your knitting, crocheting, quilting,jewelry, or any other kind of craft project.(craftandchat@horizonuu.org)

Earth Centered SpiritualityA Chalice Circle social/support group for people who areinterested in or already know they are following an Earth-centered spiritual path. (earth_centereduu@horizonuu.org)Healthy WomenA woman’s support group to help achieve their goals of health

Chalice Circles Will Welcome You!

horizon unitarian universalist churchpage 11

December 23 · “Expecting Trouble” · Rev. Dennis Hamilton

The story of the Nativity is laced with drama, from Mary’s trip to Bethlehem and the ignominious birth place in a stable to

Herod’s purge of first borns and the family’s escape to Egypt. Whether fact or fiction, the story is gripping and never seems to

get old. The choir will sing Morten Lauridsen’s beautiful “O Magnum Mysterium.”

December 24 · Monday Christmas Eve Service

Beth Sproat and company present this delightful intergenerational evening of Christmas vignettes and carols. Come bring the

whole family for a joyous evening of entertainment and worship. We will serve refreshments. You are welcome to bring a plate

of cookies to share. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Dec. 30 · Sharing Service · Lyssa Jenkens and Worship Arts coordinating

This is our annual Sharing Sunday when we are asked to bring our favorite readings, poems, songs stories reflections to share

with each other. It is like when we were children and after Christmas or Hanukkah we would show our friends what we got as

presents. Well these presents are things life has given us, things we cherish, little things that we carry around with us in our

wallets or keep on the refrigerator or hum in the shower or tell out grandchildren sitting on our knees. Come share them with

us in this informal service.

"FUTURE WORSHIP" from back page

and fitness. Members share ideas and experiences in Nutrition,Weight Loss, Exercise and Stress Management.(healthywomen@horizonuu.org)

Saturday Men's Support GroupA men’s support group that includes a check-in and informaldiscussion of men’s issues regarding family, health, workplace,and relationships. (mensgroup@horizonuu.org)

Monday Wings ParentingHorizon Parents are welcome to join the Wings Chalice Circle.We support the person within each parent. We meet in the falland spring. However, we break for the summer but meet to doactivities together with the kids about once a month. For thefall and spring, you can join for one or both sessions. Freechildcare is provided by the Seniors Chalice Circle volunteersat the church for the fall and spring sessions! We have a potluck! Please note that one member is allergic to wheat, barley,and oats (gluten) . We try to include food that is gluten-free toshare, but if not, please let us know. Good food makes for agood time. We meet at the church library. Here are the datesof our remaining Fall sessions.(mondaywings@horizonuu.org)

Dec. 03 Extended families and how to include them in familytraditionsDec. 1 7 Nails Guilty Pleasures and Chocolate event (bringanything chocolate)

Second Tuesday PotlucksMeets for food fellowship and deepening friendships. Wemeet in the Library on the 2nd Tuesday of most months atnoon. Occasionally we take field trips instead of having apotluck. (secondtuesday@horizonuu.org)

Tuesday Wisdom CircleIncludes a check-in and discussion of a weekly life issue topicselected by a group member. (tuesdaywisdom@horizonuu.org)

UU ChristiansProvides a forum for enriching our spiritual lives throughpersonal discovery of the heart, meaning and tradition ofChristianity. We gather in fellowship on the 1 st Sunday toencourage and support one another in our personal pursuit ofa deeper Christian experience. (uuchristians@horizonuu.org)

Women Alive 55+A Chalice Circle designed for women 55+ to share viewpoints& personal experiences on topics of mutual interest.(womenalive@horizonuu.org )

Women's Friendship in Growth - WFIGA nurturing group in which to grow and form meaningfulfriendships. We meet at Horizon on the 1 st and 3rdWednesdays of the month. If there is a 5th Wednesday, wejoin together for a fun outing (restaurant, movie, etc.)(wfig@horizonuu.org) .

Young Adult Couples

This new Chalice Circle for Young Adult Couples will beginon December 2nd; we will create genuine dialogue aboutspiritual journeys and discuss the dynamic that this journeycan have on both the individual and the relationship with ourpartner with whom we are invested and covenanted. Meets onthe 1 st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 9:00 am in the couchroom of the portables. Please contactyoungadultcouples@horizonuu.org or find us online withGoogle Groups: Horizon UU Young Couples.

December 2 · Bubbha from Bodacia · Rev. Dennis Hamilton

While I was wandering around in west Texas this summer, I found myself in Bodacia.

I was talking to Texie Bell, the waitress at the Red, White and Blue Diner and told her I was looking for a Buddhist

teacher I heard lived around here. Just then she saw a big scruffy trucker walk in. “Hey Bubbha,” she said, “come

meet a preacher from Dallas.” I saw his truck outside with a big sign on it advertising “Bubbha’s Dukkha Removal.”

He came over and bowed, looked me in the eye, I mean really looked, and said, “What were you expecting?”

December 9 · “Why Does Hanukkah Matter to Us?” · Intern Minister Lyssa Jenkens

Hanukkah, celebrated for eight days beginning on December 8 this year, commemorates the liberation and

rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. In the second century BCE, a relatively small band of rebellious

Jews, known as the Maccabees, liberated the Temple from the invading Greek army. The Holy Temple was

desecrated by the Greeks during their occupation and needed a Menorah for cleansing before its rededication.

However, there was only enough undefiled oil remaining to burn the Menorah for one night. Miraculously, this small

portion proved to be enough oil to light the Menorah for eight days, long enough to produce new oil. On December

9, we will consider what this ancient Jewish story and the continuing celebration of liberation and rededication has

to say to 21 st century Unitarian Universalists.

December 16 · Christmas Choir Concert

Music Director Stanley Moody leads the choir in Vivaldi’s glorious Gloria with orchestra and choir. Commemorating

the Annunciation when the angel tells Mary she is to bear a savior, this is one of the most popular renderings of the

story in music. Ironically Vivaldi wrote it for the Ospedale della Pietà, a home for unwed mothers and orphans. We

can only imagine it to be some comfort to the pregnant young women in the home.

Future

Worship

forDecember

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

See "FUTURE WORSHIP" on pg. 11