September Issue, 2010

Reverend Jeff’s Journal:
Hummingbirds

Yesterday morning, Carol and I saw our first hummingbird since our arrival in Marietta. It was poised at the hummingbird feeder on our back deck, the feeder having been part of the welcome basket given to us by our neighbors. That welcome basket reminded me of the four welcome baskets my family received from Emerson in February, May, and June. If you are wondering about the math (four welcome baskets after three trips to Marietta) it is because in February we received a welcome basket when we arrived for pre-candidating and another when we arrived back home. We have felt wooed.
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Space Solutions News

The Space Solutions Committee has started out the year with a bang. We have three big things on our table:

• Continue exploration of the potential opportunity to acquire the church at the corner of Shallowford and Wesley Chapel Roads. We have two teams working out the financial and space requirements. There will be much more information and discussion coming as we develop this exciting opportunity.
  
  
• Finalize and present the Master Site Plan (join us September 12th). This important piece of work will help us understand what is possible on our property as well as give us a high level view of what it may cost.
  
  
• Start working on what we can do to make more room with what we have now. We don't have anywhere to put visitors!

The Space Solution Committee members are: Jenny Christoffersen (Chair), Dave Jeffers, Dave Schimmel, Nick Jokay, Jeanne Styron, Claudia Hiebert, Steve Boudreaux, Keith Ecklund, and Wilson McCreary. You are welcome to talk to any of us at any time if you have concerns, questions or thoughts.

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RE Program Registrations
Going Strong!

Thanks to the 25 families who finished their RE Program registrations in August! The RE Committee and Director invite ALL families with children and youth to fill out the RE registration form with safety information for your child(ren) by September 12, 2010. Download the PDF registration form here or get a printed copy on Sundays from the RE bulletin board area in the lower level Fellowship Hall. This year, RE registration fee donations are $20 per child or $40 per family. Please write “RE Registration” in the memo section of your registration donation check.

Senior High Youth CRUU are reminded that they will need to have the PARENTAL PERMISSION FORM SIGNED in order to watch the Popcorn Theology movies in class this fall! All forms should be turned in to Emerson's Director of Religious Education, Beth Kline, or placed in the envelope pockets on the RE bulletin board.

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Playdate Picnic in the Park

Saturday, Sept. 11 from 4-7pm
East Cobb Park, 3322 Roswell Rd.
Marietta, GA 30062

Bring a picnic blanket and some finger foods to share! It’s a picnic playdate for the Nursery and Chalice families and anyone else who wants to come! We’ll pick a nice spot under the beautiful trees where we’ll spread our picnic blankets. East Cobb Park has a large fenced playground for toddlers and older youth. There is ample space for riding toys like tricycles and bikes. For the wee ones and ankle biters, we’ll have fluffy blankets spread out for them to roll around on. Bring some outdoor toys to share! If you have any questions please contact Angela Miles or Misty Holm.

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Epicurean Events Now On Sale!

Epicurean events went on sale August 22. These dining experiences take place in the fall and winter months. Each event has a unique theme and cuisine. Among the dining experiences available are a Girls Night Out Sleepover, “Murder at the Great Gasby Speakeasy ” (mystery dinner), a middle eastern dinner and more! Be sure to look over the Epicurean catalog (View the PDF Catalog) to decide which events you want to attend. Many thanks to the Emerson members who have opened up their homes and their cupboards with the goals of building relationships and raising money for the Emerson general fund. If you have any questions please contact Lisa Shone or Angela Miles.

2010 Emerson Arts and Crafts Show

Emerson’s 2nd Arts and Crafts Show is scheduled for November 5 - 6, 2010. Last year was the first year Emerson hosted such a show, which featured about 20 artists selling pottery, oil paintings, portraiture, photography, quilts and jewelry. About half of the artists participating were Emerson members. Each artist donated 25% of their sales to charity. By the close of the show, almost $4,000 worth of arts and crafts had been sold and Emerson raised over $750 for the Center for Family Resources to use in its work to end the cycle of poverty. Marnie Jeffers, Angela Miles and Rev. Harmony delivered the check to CFR a few days before Christmas. While there, CFR officials gave a tour of the charity’s food pantry and work resource center.

If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact Angela Miles or Lisa Shone.

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Fall Equinox Celebration!

You are invited to join us Sunday, September 19, for a celebration of the Fall Equinox from 7-9 p.m. in the sanctuary. The Equinox is a time of balance, and we will focus on extending this balance into our lives. Contact the church office or e-mail Rik Roberts for more information.

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Save the Date Labor Day Picnic Fund Raiser

On Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 6), the Emerson Men's Group will again sponsor a picnic/fundraiser starting at 5:00 p.m. The Emerson Men's Group will provide all beef franks with condiments along with soda. As we did during the 4th of July Picnic, we ask for a $5 donation and ask each person to bring along a favorite dish to share with your fellow Emersonians. The Emerson Guitar Group will be on hand to supply great entertainment. This is a great way to share the end of another season with fellowship, fun and food. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Joe Tomichek or Mark Cobb of the Emerson Men's Group.

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What Can I Do at Home to Help Support My Children’s Religious Education at Home?

As the Director of Religious Education at Emerson UU Congregation, Beth Kline frequently gets Questions about how families can support what goes on in our Children’s & Youth RE classes held Sunday mornings. Here are some ideas that were published recently in a professional UU Religious Educators blog!
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“How We Are” Inside & Outside Our Church: Thoughts for Families, Kids, RE Volunteers, and the Congregation

Religious Education teachers strive to keep classes moving cooperatively and constructively along the path of learning. They try to be fair and consistent, rely on verbal and visual cues, and time out breaks when appropriate.

If there is a fire or other emergency, teachers will escort the students to the cemetery. Parents can meet their children there.

For safety reasons, please do not sit or climb on our front porch railings, run in the parking lot or inside the church.

Parents are responsible for supervising their child's behavior when they are not in classes. All congregants are responsible for helping to follow and enforce our safety rules.

We accept that children sometimes make a joyful noise when it is least expected. These are opportunities for us to model acceptance of children as they are, help children learn how to behave in our community, and offer kindness to harried parents.

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Wider UU News:
The Value of Doing It Together!

What Do You Mean, “We Culture?”
Mid-South District’s theme this year is Worshiping and Learning Communities, Celebrating Faith Beyond Belief. Our theme always gives us something to explore and to wrestle with. This one is no exception!
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