Peg Nowling Williams

The Reverend Peg Nowling Williams will be arriving as Intentional Interim Pastor in February.  She will join us for worship on Sunday, February 1 so you will have a chance to meet her, and we will have a potluck luncheon during fellowship to welcome her to our congregation. She will begin her duties on February 2.

Here is the brief bio given at Huffington Post ...

The Rev. Peg Nowling Williams is an ordained American Baptist minister, graduate of Christian Theological Seminary and has served seven congregations. Currently she serves as an interim minister from time to time. For seven years she served as a Field Education Supervisor at Christian Theological Seminary and more recently has taught Baptist Polity at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester NY. Her husband, Rev. Dr. W. Kenneth Williams, is pastor of First Baptist Church of Rochester NY. Together they have four children and four, eight or twelve grandchildren, depending on how you count them.

A list of her blog posts at Huffington Post is available.

Guest preachers until Peg joins us
Throughout January and early February, we welcome these guest preachers to the 10:30AM traditional worship service.

January 4 - The Reverend Jim Luck, David Sigmon's former pastor from Greensboro
     Notes from which Rev. Luck's preached :  You don't get there overnight
January 11 - Mark Zainedden, a regular participant in Sunday Taize´ worship
     Notes from which Mark preached:  Sacramental Moments
January 18 - our own Joy Alford (returned from Cuba the day before!)
January 25 - Joy Alford
February 1 - The Reverend Sheila Barrick

Calendars

• CUCC Calendar (maintained by Cathy Marshall)
• Upcoming Events in CUCC calendar
• Council Planning Calendar (maintained by Lavon Page)
• Mission Moments Calendar (maintained by Jo Perry)
• Overlay of all church calendars 

What is Advent?

Advent is the first season of the liturgical (worship) calendar* for the church's year.  Beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, the four weeks of the Advent season focus on the two comings of Christ:  Jesus' birth which we celebrate on Christmas (December 25) and the second coming which will happen at an undefined time when all creation will experience the fulfillment of God's promises for love and life.  Advent is a season of excited anticipation, fertile waiting, and the tension between what is and what is to come.  During Advent we prepare ourselves for God's presence - within ourselves and in the world.  Special colors, music, scripture readings, decorations, and traditions help inspire us throughout the Advent season.  Through retreats, focused studies, celebrations,and acts of mercy, we practice Advent with body, mind, and spirit.  Celebrating Advent Together at CUCC

*The liturgical calendar joins the lectionary (a three year cycle of readings from the Hebrew and Christian scriptures) in providing structure which helps us focus in worship on the major themes of both Jesus' ministry and Christian life.  Both were developed over centuries in western European Christian traditions.  Both are helpful tools, not requirements.  By using the calendar and lectionary to plan our worship, study and work together, CUCC has a guide which helps us reflect on themes like waiting and hope (Advent), incarnation of God in human form (Christmas), repentance and forgiveness (Lent), deaths and resurrections (Holy Week and Easter), the coming of the Spirit to the church (Pentecost), and the everyday work of Christians and the church (ordinary time).

Celebrating Advent Together - Opportunities for your spirit and to serve

Nourish your spirit for the coming of the Christ.

What is Advent?

Festival of Lights worship and potluck  

Sunday, November 30, 10:30AM worship
       Bring a dish to share.

Making ornaments for the children's Christmas tree.  
Sunday, November 30, church school.
       An annual tradition for children and youth together.

Christmas Tree Shopping and Lunch Out.
Sunday, November 30, after worship.
      An annual tradition for our youth.  Bring lunch $, if possible.

Midweek Taizé worship. 
Tuesday, December 2, 7PM

Sunday Taizé worship.
All Sundays, 9 AM, Sanctuary.


Celebrating Steve Halsted.  
Saturday, December 6, 5-7:30PM.
       Our farewell party of funny skits and refreshments to celebrate Steve's years with us and his retirement. This celebration takes the place of our annual Christmas party.  All ages invited!

Communion - all are welcome!
Sunday, December 7 at 10:30AM worship.
Sunday, December 21 at 9AM worship.

Decorate the Children's Christmas Tree.
Sunday, December 7, during Church School.

Life and Faith in Downtown Raleigh Advent party.  
Tuesday, December 9, 7PM, Tyler's Tap Room.

The Spiritual Significance of Bread/Food.  
Saturday, December 13, 10AM-2PM
       Advent retreat.

Christmas Pageant.  
Sunday, December 14, 10:30AM worship.
       Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, etc. are welcome to participate in the pageant.  Youth are assisting.  Talk to Anne Bailey.


Decorate the building for Christmas.
Saturday, December 20, 9:30AM.
       Lend a hand as we decorate the building for Christmas.  

Children decorate the hallway for Christmas.
Sunday, December 21, during church school (10:30AM)

Youth Christmas Party
Sunday, December 21, church school
     Youth will celebrate Christmas with a white elephant party in Church School. Please bring a wrapped gift of under $5, or find something zany at home and wrap it up.

Carols and Lullabies - Christmas in the Southwest
Sunday, December 21, 10:30AM worship
      The choir will be presenting this suite by Conrad Susa, as requested by Steve Halsted.  Accompaniment will be provided by Doug Barrick (organ), Mike Schafele (dulcimer), and Jake Wenger (cello).

Caroling at Morningside
Sunday, December 21, after worship, leaving from Fellowship Hall
      We'll walk across the street for about a half hour of singing carols with the residents at Morningside.

Christmas Eve worship for all ages.  
Wednesday, December 24, 5PM.
Candlelight Service of Scripture and carols, followed by a brief fellowship of hot cider in the fellowship hall.

Worship with your family.  
Sunday, December 28.
       No Church School for children or youth today.

Wondering how to serve others?  

Here are special Advent projects.

Christmas Menu of Compassionate Gifts
        Sponsored by Community Outreach Ministry. 
        Final day to donate after worship is December 21 and online is December 31.

Human Beans Together! serving lunch to those in Moore Square
       Sponsored by the Youth Group (adult drivers needed, too)
       Sunday, December 7


Salvation Army Christmas Stocking Project
       Sponsored by Children's Church School.  
       Final date to drop off gifts is December 7.

Urban Ministries Food Bag
       Sponsored by Community Outreach Ministry.
       Drop off December 7.

Thermometer

Let's test this script.

Progress Report on Pledges
Goal of $240,000

Fall Congregational Meeting - November 23

The fall congregational meeting (mandated by our bylaws) will be held on November 23 at noon in the Vaughan Fellowship Hall. The main focus of the fall meeting is to preview the budgetary considerations for the upcoming year, and to give a progress report on recruitment of church officers and ministry leaders and participants. If you have budget concerns, please contact Carol Kepler who leads the Stewardship Ministry. The Nominating Committee consists of Julie Robertson (Chair), Joy Alford, and Marty Lamb, so please contact one of these members if you would like to volunteer your services on any church committee or ministry.

Anyone is welcome to attend the meeting to learn and ask questions. Members of the congregation vote on any motions which arise.

Welcoming Sunday is September 7

Welcoming Sunday is our Homecoming.  Join us as we welcome everyone back from the summer with a variety of activities: games, crafts, music, projects - and food!  Worship is in the sanctuary at 10:30, and the after-church festivities begin immediately afterward in the churchyard between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. A potluck lunch will be held in the fellowship hall around 12:30.

Special Invitation: Claim your 30-seconds of fame!

This year the theme of Welcoming Sunday will be the Extravagant Welcome which is extended to everyone. Invite family, friends and neighbors to visit with us. The lunch focus will be on local foods. We are all aware that a food distribution system that relies on long distance transportation of food products is inefficient. So we encourage folks to consider bringing a dish that includes locally produced food. This is not only environmentally sound but supports local farmers and producers. But in any case bring a dish to share and join us on September 7. All are welcome!

[Note: If your church group wishes to have a project table at the Welcoming Sunday festivities, please let Robert Parrish or Lavon Page know as soon as possible. Project tables will be set up outdoors this year (weather permitting), and advance planning will be required to position the various activities.]

Youth Group

Youth led worship during Lent 2014

For youth sixth grade through high school, youth group is the place to make friends and tackle larger projects. Youth choose and run their own service projects with adult support.

• Joining youth and adults to repair homes with Appalachia Service Project
• Raising funds to help those with mental illness through the Walk for Hope
• Preparing and serving meals at the Helen Wright Center for Women
• Collecting food for Urban Ministries
• Raising funds to help Yahve-Jire Orphanage in Port-Au-Prince Haiti

Painted faces to light up the world
Welcoming Sunday Youth Group Project

One of the best ways to describe the CUCC Youth Group is to say that we are a close group made up of individuals. Each member is accepted for who they are, and their unique gifts are appreciated and utilized. We are energetic and thoughtful, intellectual and silly, questioning and believing, serious and fun.

A Christmas tradition:
choosing the church's Christmas tree

Youth Group News

Members of the Youth Group painted faces as part of the Welcoming Sunday festivities at the church (see photo).

The Youth Group helped organize and participated in a dog walk and blessing of the animals on August 23, 2014. A video of this event (7.5 minutes) is available in the CUCC Archive, as well as a set of photos of the dog walk made by Śānti Matthews.

Wright Center meal

On August 17, the Youth Group prepared and served a meal at the Wright Center. The photos from that event are available in the CUCC Photo Gallery.

The CUCC Youth Group is comprised of 7th-12th graders (5th-6th graders are invited to join us every 5th Sunday, and for special event planning). The group is led by Śānti Matthews. Youth meet to live out our faith by getting together for meals, service projects, retreats, worship planning, lock-ins, games, and fun. We will meet regularly this year every 2nd and 3rd Sunday from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. for lunch and activities, and at other times as planned. The youth help in the life of our church community by providing support such as child care for church events, participating in fully in church-wide events, hosting the talent show, and most recently, designing and producing church T-shirts.

Śānti Matthew - CUCC Youth Leader

Although the youth in the group vary in personality and age, and attend many different schools, we find that we learn from each other, support each other, care for each other, and genuinely enjoy each other's company. Join us any time; we welcome new faces.

CUCC's Safe Church Policies

“Sundae” Sunday – July 6, 2014

What?  You say you miss seeing the flying watermelon seeds from Gary Smith or the Kiels?  By now, you probably thought you would have heard or seen something about P2E.  Well, what happened was this:  The Watermelon Growers Association, Inc. sent a memo to CUCC stating, “Due to the massive number of seeds used for this event, you have caused a watermelon shortage!” So, therefore, they have begged us to not have the P2E competition this year to allow the growers to catch up on production.

Well, maybe that is a slight exaggeration, but Welcoming, Fellowship, & Growth has decided to take a break from the P2E competition this year and instead, celebrate the Fourth of July with a “Sundae” Sunday event.  It will take place during fellowship time immediately after the 10:30am worship service in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, July 6th.  You will be able to make yourself a cool, patriotic ice cream Sundae as you fellowship with friends and visitors.

As we enjoy our frozen treats, we will be privileged to enjoy some wonderful slides of the American wilderness and American parks that our very own Mike Schafale took on some of his extensive travels.  Mike will be happy to talk with anyone interested about any of the slides shown.

So, let’s give the watermelon growers a break as we enjoy our Sunday Sundaes.

Submitted by Robert Parrish for Welcoming, Fellowship, and Growth

"Summer Solstice" Worship Celebration

Join others in celebration of the “Summer Solstice” on Tuesday, June 24, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC.  There will be prayers, meditation, and singing to celebrate the spiritual meaning of Summer Solstice.  Meet on the back porch overlooking the lake at 7:00pm.  Please bring with you a reading to share that connects you with the solstice (and a drum if you have one).  Contact Joy Alford for additional information.

Fracking in North Carolina

For several years Community United Church of Christ has been working to educate people about the risks of hydraulic fracturing (fracking), a technique for extracting fossil fuels.  We have invited experts to speak at Sunday morning's Adult Forum and at special events throughout the week.  That educational work has led to a commitment to encourage our legislators to oppose allowing fracking in North Carolina.  Members of CUCC are involved in a variety of ways, some spending many hours working with North Carolina organizations, others writing personal notes to legislators, and still others signing petitions after worship on Sunday.  We work in coalition with groups throughout North Carolina, especially Clean Water for North Carolina (to whom we made a large donation in 2012 for a special project in their grassroots campaign) and FrackFreeNC.  Both the Social Justice Ministry and the Justice in a Changing Climate Task Force, in collaboration, lead the congregation in this work.

Read more about hydraulic fracturing

In May 2013, the Social Justice Ministry of CUCC sent John and Adrienne Little to the United Church of Christ's Southern Conference's Annual Meeting asking them to pass a resolution to "petition members of the NC General Assembly and its political appointees to work against any further actions that promote or allow the development and employment of hydraulic fracturing in our state but rather to support and encourage the development of renewable and healthy sources of energy now and for the future."  That resolution passed at Southern Conference.  

In May 2014, the congregation urged the Southern Conference at its Annual Meeting to pass a  resolution which would ask the General Synod of the United Church of Christ to work against hydraulic fracturing, study, monitor, and report to the churches on justice issues related to fracking, and encourage local congregations to learn more about fracking.  John and Adrienne Little are taking that resolution to the 2014 meeting of the Southern Conference in June.  The congregation also voted to place anti-fracking signs on the church lawn so that those driving on Wade Avenue (including North Carolina legislators on their way to the General Assembly) are encouraged to oppose fracking.

If you are interested in learning more about the church's work to protect people and the environment by opposing fracking in North Carolina, talk to any member of the Social Justice Ministry.

Entering the Transition Zone

The Deacons have asked all of us at Community UCC to be part of the process of preparing for and searching for a new pastor.  Their first request is that we become familiar with the Local Church Profile, a document which we will complete together that will help candidates decide if we might be a place they are called to serve. Read through the document and, if there is a part you would be willing to help compile, contact one of the Deacons.  They will have more details for us soon.

Meanwhile, the Deacons are meeting with Nora Foust, the Eastern North Carolina Association Minister for Church Affairs, to learn more about the United Church of Christ's recommended process for calling a new pastor and for the transition time between pastorates.  You can learn about that process at A Pilgrimage Through Transitions and New Beginnings.  Please pray for the Deacons as they help us initiate this time of transition.

We are blessed that Steve Halsted continues to serve as our pastor through the remainder of 2014 and look forward to joyful months of ministry together.

Local Church Profile

The Deacons have asked all of us at Community UCC to be part of the process of preparing for and searching for a new pastor.  Their first request is that we become familiar with the Local Church Profile, a document which we will complete together that will help candidates decide if we might be a place they are called to serve. Read through the document and, if there is a part you would be willing to help compile, contact one of the Deacons.  They will have more details for us soon.

Meanwhile, the Deacons are meeting with Nora Foust, the Eastern North Carolina Association Minister for Church Affairs, to learn more about the United Church of Christ's recommended process for calling a new pastor and for the transition time between pastorates.  You can learn about that process at A Pilgrimage Through Transitions and New Beginnings.  Please pray for the Deacons as they help us initiate this time of transition.

We are blessed that Steve Halsted continues to serve as our pastor through the remainder of 2014 and look forward to joyful months of ministry together.

Where can I recycle at CUCC?

Bulletin: brown wooden container in narthex

White paper, chipboard, flattened cardboard, and newspaper: green recycling curbside container under kitchen table

Cans, glass jars, plastic drink bottles: green recycling trashcan in kitchen

Rigid plastic lids: box on hutch in Vaughan Fellowship Hall.  Linda Baker is taking them to Aveda.  A request from Linda, "I appreciate all the bottle caps I've been able to have recycled through your donations. I would only ask that you NOT use ziploc bags to bring them to the church, as they are NOT recyclable.  I use the plastic grocery bags from the grocery (Harris Teeter, or Food Lion), which are recyclable, and then there is no waste!"  Acceptable lids collection guide

Batteries (not leaking):  hand to Jane or Gary Smith.  Do not put them on the shelf in the fellowship hall - fire and battery acid hazard.

Florescent light bulbs - tube and CFL (unbroken): hand to Jane or Gary Smith  Do not put them on the shelf in the fellowship hall - toxic mercury vapor hazard if broken.

Willing to collect an item from others at CUCC for cooperative recycling? Call Jane Smith.

Easter Sunday Worship

Adding flowers to the Resurrection Cross

He is risen!  He is risen indeed!

Easter:  Sunday, April 20

The Annual Easter Ecumenical Sunrise Service will be 6:30am on the lawn of Fairmont United Methodist Church.

Meditative worship in the style of the Taize' community in France will be from 9-9:30am in the CUCC sanctuary.

Lectio divinia prayer through scripture is open to anyone.  9:30 to 10:15am.

Rev. Steve Halsted celebrates

At our 10:30am traditional, family-friendly service at CUCC, we invite you to bring fresh flowers for decorating our Resurrection Cross in the Courtyard.  Ask someone to snap a photo of you by the cross as part of your Easter celebration.

(There is no Adult Forum Easter Sunday)

Floor Waxing March 14-15

Good afternoon,

 

Brad from Jani-King will be cleaning and waxing the floors in the church.  Please be aware that some areas of the church will be off limits until the wax on the floors dry.  He will begin this Friday morning, March 14, and will not be finished until some time Saturday, March 15.  Please be careful and look for signs indicating newly waxed/wet floors.

 

Thanks,

 

Cathy

How Did the Rich Get Richer and the Middle Class Get Left Behind? Don Birt

From the Economic Justice Task Force:
How Did the Rich Get Richer and Middle Class Get Left Behind? (July 2013 CUCC Newsletter)
In a blog on June 17th, Stephen Strauss, an adjunct lecturer of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, asked, “Why Let a Bank Write U. S. Financial Reform Legislation?” Congress has opened the way for one of the big banks that was bailed-out despite its acts of fraud and mismanagement to draft new reform legislation. The only reason, Strauss posits, was because this big bank had “experience.” Here then is another case-in point of how politics and the financial sector have come together in “organized combat” that has resulted in an endangered middle-class. At the same time it has made the rich richer.
This “Thirty-year War” is the subject of an enlightening work: Winner-Take-All Politics: How Washington Made the Rich Richer-And Turned its Back on the Middle-Class. Published in 2010 by Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson, professors of Political Science at Yale and UCLA Berkeley respectively, we commend it to you for consideration. Their research covers the thirty-year period prior to the economic collapse in 2007-2008 and highlights the reasons for the widening gap between the rich/poor and the ‘have and havenots.’ They point to the sharp increase in wealth inequality in recent years. They note the current discussion about recovery which continues among economists who are divided between a more liberal, Keynesian notion of spending during downturns and more conservative economists who advocate tax cuts for the wealthy that would result in a trickle-down effect in bad times. However, the authors focus instead on the impact of the relationship of the political realm and Wall Street and the financial sector. We have become aware of the now-familiar 99% and the upper 1%. But how did that happen? Was it just better education or new technology? These latter elements may have contributed to the problem. But the major cause was that politicians in both parties rewrote the rules that created a winner-take-all economy that favors the 1%, granting tax cuts and fewer and looser regulations on financial markets. But in so doing, the middle-class (thought at one time to be the backbone of our economy) lost jobs, wages and salaries stagnated, mortgage defaults increased, and many lives were severely interrupted. Money became more important to political campaigns. Citizen’s United opened the floodgate of funds going to candidates.
And, as we started this note, at least one big bank and Congress are coming together to draft new financial reform legislation. (That’s a little bit akin to putting the fox in to guard the henhouse!) The authors note briefly, “The banks are organized; its customers are not.” They refer to this process as “engineered inequality” in which we now have a small number of financial elite and (perhaps) only a remnant of a middle-class. Their conclusion is that a broken political system got us into this position, but the political system will of necessity get us out. But that will not be overnight.
(For a discussion with the authors, see the Bill Moyers, Moyers and Company program, January 17, 2012.)
                                                                           Submitted by Don Birt (EJTF)

Poverty is the Flip Side of Militarism. June 2013. Cy King

From the Economic Justice Task Force.

Poverty is the Flip Side of Militarism (June 2013)
“Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children.” These words from President Dwight D. Eisenhower are our text for today.
And the second reading comes from Martin Luther King, who said, “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is a nation approaching spiritual death.”
Poverty has many causes, but surely one of them is the excessive amount that our nation spends on defense, money that could be used to build roads, schools, hospitals, and to repair our crumbling infrastructure. Dollars spent on guns, planes, tanks, and battleships create jobs, but they do not multiply jobs. Dollars spent to strengthen our infrastructure do. We need to move our money from military spending to spending to meet human needs.
Unfortunately, our State is dependent on military spending. Bases, especially in eastern North Carolina, provide economic support for communities that have lost tobacco and furniture plants as a means of economic survival. Governors, congresspersons, and mayors struggle to keep military bases in their districts and to increase military spending when possible. Any talk of cutting military spending immediately mobilizes these leaders to make sure that cuts don’t happen in their districts. And when our nation is the lone super power with tremendous military strength, the tendency is to use that power and strength to solve problems by using force rather than diplomacy; hence, Afghanistan and Iraq.
When young folks are taught violent solutions, they tend to use violent solutions to solve personal problems; thus, increased domestic violence and personal violence against others. And so we have created a military culture when what we need is a culture of peace. And this military culture demands financial support. The money that could be used to create a peaceful society is diverted to sustain a military society. As stated earlier, spending on the military diverts money from spending for peaceful activities. Thus, “poverty truly is the flip side of militarism.”
                                                                               -Submitted by Cy King

Banks and Lending I. Wachovia. Edith Sylla

From the Economic Justice Task Force. October 2013. Edith Sylla

Banks and lending. The Case of Wachovia.
In March of 1995 in connection with its Claiming Our Second Century, Renovation for Renewal Campaign, CUCC obtained a secured loan of up to $175,000 from Wachovia Bank. More than a hundred individuals and families had pledged over $460,000 for the project, which included many improvements to the sanctuary, construction of the Bradow and Hoffmann rooms, and much else, but that money was to come in over five years and so we needed money up front to carry out the project before the pledges came in. We began by going to a “personal banker” as they were then called at the Hillsborough branch of Wachovia, and ultimately agreed to draw on the loan as needed, paying interest on the amount taken out at Wachovia’s prime rate plus one half percent, paying interest only during a two year construction period, and thereafter paying back the loan itself in monthly installments over a three year period. As it happened, the pledges came in on schedule and we were able to pay off the loan ahead of schedule in April 1998. This is an example of the sort of excellent financial service to the community that one fervently hopes banks will provide.
In the course of the recent “great recession,” Wachovia bank experienced heavy losses. Having been deemed by federal regulators as “too big to fail,” it was forced in 2008 to accept its acquisition by Wells Fargo, whose company name now appears in large letters on the Hillsborough branch bank where we initiated our church loan in 1995. But the Wachovia that ceased to exist in 2008 was not really the same company as the Wachovia which had begun in 1879 and which had been so helpful to our church. In 1997 Wachovia had acquired First United Bancorp and American Bankshares Inc. in Florida, in 1998 it had acquired Jefferson National Bank and Central Fidelity Bank, both based in Virginia, and in 2000 it had purchased Republic Security Bank. Then in 2001, after rejecting a hostile takeover from SunTrust, Wachovia had accepted a merger with First Union Corporation based in Charlotte, in which First Union was the larger partner and surviving entity, but adopted the good name Wachovia. In 2003 and 2004, this new Wachovia, in an attempt to become a comprehensive financial services company nationwide, acquired the Prudential Securities Division of Prudential Financial (creating a full service brokerage firm with client assets of $532 billion), Metropolitan West Securities (with a portfolio of $50 billion), and, in a transaction valued at $14.3 billion, SouthTrust Corporation. In 2006 Wachovia became a major auto finance lender by acquiring Westcorp, and, through purchase of Golden West Financial/World Savings Bank (with over $125 billion in assets), acquired a 285 branch network of savings banks in 10 states and a large portfolio of option adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs). Then in 2007 Wachovia purchased A.G. Edwards retail brokerage firm for $6.8 billion. And then? During the subprime mortgage crisis that followed soon thereafter, Wachovia experienced such heavy losses in its loan portfolios that, after many twists and turns between alternative government regulatory agencies and other potential purchasers, it had to accept its demise and takeover by Wells Fargo.

Banks and Lending II. Self Help Credit Union

From the Economic Justice Task Force. February 2014. Edith Sylla

Banks and Lending, Part II. The Self-Help Credit Union.
Part I of “Banks and Lending” described the loan that Wachovia Bank gave CUCC to carry out our “Renovation for Renewal” building project during the 1990s. The interest rate on Wachovia’s loan depended on market rates, and worked out to 8.75%, but we were able to recoup some of that interest, because the Wachovia money market account, in which we held the money between borrowing it and spending it paid us 4.7%. We were very satisfied with Wachovia’s service. At the same time, in order to pay off the mortgage on what is now the Pilgrim House, we borrowed $45,000 for two years from several congregation members at a rate of 6%, compounded annually, thus benefitting both the members doing the lending and the church. We had $40,000 in our “Parsonage Fund” to serve as collateral.
The “Parsonage Fund” remains among CUCC’s “reserve funds.” It was created at the time CUCC sold the church parsonage, the idea being that earnings on this fund would go towards the housing costs of future pastors, who would have more flexibility in choosing where to live. Over a period of years the Parsonage Fund was invested in U.S. Treasury bonds paying on average 12.5%, contributing $5000 in income to the annual budget. Today, alas, there are no safe fixed-income investments that pay anything close to 12.5% (the very high interest rates at that time were the result of Paul Volker’s actions as head of the Federal Reserve to bring down inflation – see You Tube video listed below*). In the proposed 2014 budget, passed at the last Congregational meeting, the income from the Parsonage Fund is expected to be a measly $550, because of today’s very low interest rates. The 2014 budget includes the budget line “’Parsonage’/Self Help,” indicating that the Parsonage Fund is deposited in the Self-Help Credit Union (SHCU) in Durham.
Why does the Economic Justice Task Force think this is relevant to economic justice? It is relevant because keeping church reserve funds that are not part of the annual budget at the Self-Help Credit Union rather than at Wells Fargo or some other big bank helps to promote economic justice. While the church’s money is just as safe at the Self-Help Credit Union and earns a rate of return about the same as we might earn at other banks or credit unions, the SHCU loans their money out in a way to create and protect economic opportunity for all. In their own words, it “creates and protects ownership and economic opportunity through loans for home ownership, small businesses, and community facilities; downtown revitalization and affordable housing development; and responsible consumer financial services.” See more about what they offer at <www.self-help.org>. The Center for Responsible Lending, affiliated with the SHCU, has led a repeated effort to rid North Carolina of what amount to pay-day loans. As reported on CNN, “Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Fifth Third and Regions announced last week that they would discontinue their so-called deposit advance products.... Banks have defended the loans, saying they help customers when they need an emergency line of credit but can’t qualify for a traditional loan. But consumer advocates, like the Center for Responsible Lending, call them ‘predatory’ and have called on federal regulators to ban the products.... A report from the Center for Responsible Lending found that advance loans issued by banks carried an average term of 10 days, with a fee of $10 per $100 borrowed – amounting to a 365% APR. Customers remained stuck in the loan cycle – meaning they owed money to the bank – for an average of 175 days per year.” Our deposit at SHCU not only earns a little interest, but also counts as part of CUCC’s mission to work for economic justice.
*On the Federal Reserve and interest rates, see “James Grant and Richard Sylla – The Great Fed Debate!” Wealth Track with Consuelo Mack, December 20, 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAscgrCnrHI

From the Economic Justice Task Force

Newsletter June 2013: Poverty is the Flip Side of Militarism. Cy King

Newsletter July 2013. How Did the Rich Get Richer and the Middle Class Get Left Behind?  Don Birt.

Newsletter October 2013. Banks and Lending. I. Wachovia.  Edith Sylla

Newsletter, February 2014. Banks and Lending II. Self Help Credit Union. Edith Sylla

Recommended by Edie Rasell, Justice and Witness Ministries, UCC:

Putting Our Faith into Action: Support Farm Workers in NC

Tuesday March 18, 2014, West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, 6:30 p.m.

Photos from party for young couples sponsored by CUCC Youth - Feb. 23

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Upcoming Events Calendar

This is an alternate "list" view of the church calendar. By scrolling down in the list you can view as far into the future as you like.

 

Lent

The season of  Lent is a great opportunity for short-term, focused exploration of your faith.  Traditionally, Christians have used this 40 day period (excluding Sundays) for personal reflection, acts of service, and simplifying life.  This year Lent begins Wednesday, March 5 and concludes with Holy Saturday, April 19.  On Sunday, April 20, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday.

Consider participating in some of these Lenten opportunities.

Worship

Ash Wednesday Worship     March 5, 7pm  Taizé Style Worship service with Ash Ritual and Communion. It will be a wonderful way to begin the Lenten season.
Sisters in Spirit (SIS) beach retreat "March Meditation - Making Mindfulness"    March 7-9  RSVP required

Sunday Morning Bible Study   every Sunday beginning March 9th, 9:30am, Bradow Room.  The Bible Study will engage in two contemplative practices to prepare our hearts and minds for Easter: lectio divina and centering prayer. You may have experienced these practices in solitude. Practiced in community, they bring a special light and richness to the life of the spirit. All are welcome, even if you have never encountered these practices. In the words of Richard Rohr, prepare to experience “under-doing and assured failure.” Sound intriguing?  Bill Lamb and Ellen Beidler will lead.

Sunday Morning Taizé - 9 AM - The Sunday morning Taizé service for the first Sunday in Lent (March 9) will feature a selection of specially chosen Taizé songs with a Lenten theme. The Taizé tradition is by its very nature very "Lent friendly". Please join us at Taizé on March 9 even if you are not a Taizé regular. You'll find the chants (Latin and English and accompanied by flute and guitar) very suitable for preparing yourself for the beginning of the Lenten season.

Tai chi     every Wednesday 10:30am  Looking for a way to reduce stress? Consider Tai Chi. Originally developed for self-defense, Tai Chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, Tai Chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements. All are welcome.

Youth-led Worship  Sunday, March 23, 10:30am  The youth will help us explore a story from Holy Week.

Earth Sabbath Celebrations    March 25, 7pm

1st Tuesday Taize' worship    April 1, 7pm

Maundy Thursday Worship     April 17 at Community UCC. We are hosting our friends from St. Paul’s Christian Church for a special dinner of delicious soups and breads at 6:30pm in the Vaughan Fellowship Hall, followed by Tenebrae worship at 7:15pm.

Good Friday   April 18, 9am to 1pm  The sanctuary is open for private Good Friday devotions.

Study series and discussions

Monday Lunch Group    every Monday, 12:15pm, Hoffmann Room. After a bag lunch, the group has prayer time where they offer up concerns and healing. During Lent, the group will be studying the book Life Lessons – Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us about the Mysteries of Life and Living, by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler. Newcomers and walk-ins are welcome! Contact Vandy Bradow.

Aldo Leopold Study Group     seven Tuesdays, March 4 to April 15, 7-9pm  Join a group of people for a seven week series to explore your spiritual landscape and everyday life. The work of Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac, along with other resources, will be used as metaphors for reflection about your spiritual journey and its connections to your daily life. Participants will be invited to engage in reflection and thought sharing in small and large groups. People of all faith traditions are invited to participate in this series. Since the sessions are interrelated, we ask when registering, that you plan to attend all seven evenings. To register and for additional information, contact Rev. Steve Halsted. Sponsored by: CUCC and North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light.

Life & Faith in Downtown Raleigh     March 11 and April 8, 6:30pm (dinner), 7pm (beverages) (at Tyler's Tap Room)

Victory and Peace or Justice and Peace?

See video samples

six Wednesdays, March 5 to April 16 (omitting March 26), all at Joy Alford's home at 7pm except the first which will be at CUCC at 5pm prior to Ash Wednesday worship. 
This DVD-based study featuring John Dominic Crossan, "explores the juxtaposition of Roman Imperial Theology and the Kingdom of God." The short DVDs will spark theological discussion which will help us journey together in preparation for Easter. Content for the study includes: Justice & the World: What is the Character of Your God? History & Jesus: What is the Content of Your Faith? Worship & Violence: What is the Purpose of Your Prayer? Resurrection & Community: What is the Function of Your Church? Please contact Joy;  RSVP required.

Wednesday Bible Study   March 19, April 2 and 16, 6:30pm

The African Americans:  Many Rivers to Cross - has concluded

See video samples

 Thursdays, March 6-March 20, 7pm, Hoffmann Room.  Rev. Robert Parrish will be leading a DVD series and discussion.  This PBS documentary, produced by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, is an historical analysis of the diverse cultural, religious and political journey and development of African Americans from Africa to the present day America. New images, insights and facts will be learned through this Lenten study about African Americans and their interconnections and influences on America as a whole.






For families

Children's Church School (3 years to 5th grade) is studying the life of Jesus during Lent.

Youth Lock-in  evening of March 21 through morning of March 22.  Contact Santi Matthews for details.

Youth-led worship   March 23, 10:30am worship

Easter Egg Hunt  (3 years to 5th grade)     April 13, during church school    We will dye eggs and have our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday. Please bring six hard boiled eggs per child on Palm Sunday!

ASP Jersey Mike's Fundraiser

Community UCC's Appalachia Service Project team invites you to buy your lunch at the Jersey Mike's at 2712 Hillsborough Street on Saturday, February 8, anytime between 11:30 and 2:30. Be sure to mention you are supporting "Community UCC's ASP team" and the church will get a portion of the proceeds from your meal for this service project. And thank you!”
- submitted by Paul Kiel for the CUCC ASP team

HKonJ People's Assembly

The eighth H K on J (Historical Thousands on Jones Street) is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 9:30AM to 12:30PM.  Below find a description of HKonJ, schedule of events, getting there, logistics, a request that you offer housing for out-of-town participants, and information on the ASP Jersey Mike's lunch/fundraiser.  Map for HKonJ    Map for HKonJ with Jane's parking ideas

What is HKonJ?

Moral Mondays and legislative actions in North Carolina have gained national attention, and this year's Assembly is expected to have people coming in large numbers, not only from over the state but from out of state as well.  CUCC is a Coalition Partner for H K on J and we hope that many people from our congregation will join the thousands planning to participate.

The People's Moral Agenda for 2014:
Economic Sustainability, Alleviating Poverty and Expanding Labor Rights
Fully-Funded Constitutional Education
Healthcare for All - Protecting Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Women's Health and the Affordable Health Care Act
Addressing Disparities in the Criminal Justice System
Protecting/Expanding Voting Rights and Civil Rights
Environmental Justice
Fair and Just Immigration Reform
Equal Protection Under the Law Regardless of Race, Income, Gender, or Sexual Orientation



Meet at CUCC's banner

Schedule of Events  Map for HKonJ
March participants will gather at Shaw University on South Street between Wilmington Street and Blount Street at 9:30 a.m.
The march will begin at 10:30 a.m.
The Assembly will be at the State Capitol this year with people gathering on Fayetteville Street in front of the building. (This location to be confirmed.)
The Rally will begin after the marchers have arrived at the Capitol.

Getting there***
With thousands expected, parking will be tight.  Many roads to downtown are closed for HKonJ and for the Krispy Kreme Challenge.
If you plan to march and would like to carpool, gather at the Dixie Trail parking lot at CUCC at 9:00.
If you plan to march and would like to take the CAT bus, meet Robert Parrish at the Dixie Trail parking lot at CUCC at 8:30.  Bring $2 in cash.
If you plan to march but want to drive, you can park on some streets near Shaw but can also use Raleigh City Parking Decks nearby.  Here are Jane's suggestions for how to get to these parking decks because of road closures.
If you would like to join the march, which is about 1.25 miles, but are uncomfortable marching, you can board a tram near Shaw.  The tram will also return to Shaw following the rally for anyone who would like to use it.
If you would like to attend just the rally, go directly to the State Capitol Building.  Check for nearby parking.  Again, beware of road closures.
If you want to attend just the rally and would like to carpool, check with Joan McAllister about a second car pool from CUCC at 10:00 a.m.

***Avoiding the Krispy Kreme Challenge

With the Krispy Kreme Challenge occupying Hillsborough, Peace, St. Mary's, Boylan, N. Blount, and N. Person Streets, plan your drive downtown to avoid those.  Here are Jane's suggestions to avoid closed streets.  View the K2C route http://www.mapmyrun.com/us/west-raleigh-nc/2014-krispy-kreme-challenge-route-48884770


Logistics
Some seating is available at the Rally for seniors and people who are disabled.  Porta-johns are available at both locations.   Please dress for the weather. You may want to bring your own chair if you are not comfortable standing for a period of time.

Will You House Out-of-Towners for HK on J?

Possibly thousands of people will be coming from out of town and out of state.  Some of them who don't have family or friends in the area will need a place to rest their heads. Can you offer a place for some of these folk to stay Friday and/or Saturday night?  If so, please email or call Gray Woodard.

After HKonJ Lunch is an ASP fundraiser

Consider grabbing your lunch at the Jersey Mike's at 2712 Hillsborough Street after HKonJ.  Between 11:30am and 2:30pm, Jersey Mike's will give 15% of their proceeds to CUCC's Appalachia Service Project team.  Remember to say you came to support CUCC's ASP team!

The Krispy Kreme Challenge is over by noon, and roads will be open after that time.  If you want to eat  between 11:30 and noon, remember to approach Jersey Mike's from the WEST.

Additional information can be found at HKonJ, including links to parking decks and forms to volunteer as a Marshal for the march.  You can also call 866-626-2227 or 919-682-4700.  Joan McAllister can answer questions about the event.

Be a part of history!  Stand in solidarity with others to move North Carolina forward!

Submitted by Shirley Birt
Economic Justice Task Force

Ministries and Committees (Current Version)

This is a "live" document that is updated whenever changes occur in any of the committees.

Officers

Moderator: Lavon Page
Past Moderator: Marty Lamb
Moderator-Elect: Geri Bowen
Clerk: Deborah Lipman
Treasurer: Carol Kepler
Assistant Treasurer: Carol Clark
Historian: Edith Sylla
Librarian: Geraldine Bryan

Stewardship Ministry

Frank Gailor - Co-Chair
Carol Kepler - Co-Chair
Carol Clark
Peg Hulslander
Vivian Hunter
Bill Lamb
Mary Pettitt
Karen Preston
Jonathan Womer

Nominating Committee (under Stewardship)

Julie Robertson – Chair
Joy Alford
Marty Lamb

Property Ministry

Joan McAllister – co-chair
Nancy Stoddard
Bayard Alcorn
Allan Beidler – co-chair
Chris Burkhardt
Carol Clark
Glenn Core
Lena Gallitano
Sam Johnson
Kestrel McCarthy
Michelle McCarthy
Cathy Marshall
Tim Jensen

Deacons Ministry

Ellen Beidler – chair
Bill Lamb
Vandy Bradow
Geraldine Bryan
Heather Burkhardt
Charles Pumbu
David Sigmon
Betsy Towler
Mary Matthews
Linda Baker

Arts in Worship (under Deacons)

Anne Pope – Chair
Linda Baker
Doug Barrick
Marty Lamb
Ted Gregory
Peg Hulslander
Karen Vollrath
John Robertson 

Caring Committee (under Deacons)

Sue Cottle – co- Chair
Shannon Core
Bill Lamb
Cathy Marshall
Mary Matthews
Ann McLaughlin
Margaret Osborne
Mary Pettitt 

Sacraments and Chancel (under Deacons)

Vandy Bradow - Chair
Linda Baker
Adrienne Little
Binks Mew
Sharda Sawhney
Kathy Widenhouse
Laura Upchurch
Jeannie Ledbetter
Aurora Gregory, Sub
Mac Hulslander, Sub
Anne Pope, Sub
Autumn Cobeland, Sub
Betsy Towler (Taize) 

Ushers (under Deacons)

Bayard Alcorn - Chair
Chris Burkhardt
Sam Johnson
Bill Lamb
David Ledbetter
Karen Preston
Skip Stoddard  

Sub Ushers (under Deacons)

McCray Harris
Michael Hebert
Joan McAllister
Maegan Mohr
Jane Smith
Edith Sylla

Community Outreach Ministry

Jo Perry  – Co-Chair
Jeanne Ledbetter – Co-Chair
Polly Armsby
Amy Jensen
Richard Nichol
Laurel Powell
Suzette Roach
Laura Upchurch
Kathy Widenhouse
Gray Woodard
Maria Mayorga

Method Child Dev. Board (under COM)

Robert Parrish 

Raleigh Inter-Church Housing (RICH) (under COM)

Peg Hulslander
David Sigmon
Beverly Stolarick
Frank Gailor - sub

SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY

John Little - Chair
Cynthia Ball
Don Birt
Shirley Birt
Frank Gailor
Cy King
Adrienne Little
Grady McCallie
Gary Smith
Edith Sylla
Mike Soboeiro

Welcoming, Fellowship, and Growth Ministry

Robert Parrish - Chair
Bill Bryan
Carol Clark
Lynn Davis
Vivian Hunter
Susan Maleszweski
Ann McLaughlin
Dongo Pumbu
Nancy Stoddard
Beverly Stolarick
Gray Woodard
Joan McAllister
KJ Covington-Jones
Lee Covington-Jones
Cathy Marshall

Communications Committee (under WFG)

Lavon Page - Chair
Jane Smith
Śānti Matthews
Cathy Marshall
Jo Perry
Edith Sylla

Religious Education Ministry

Jill Sherling - co - Chair
Deborah Lipman - co-chair

Adult Education Committee (under Religious Education)

Ellen Beidler - Chair
Lavon Page
Nancy Callaham
Mike Callaham 

Children & Youth Education (under Religious Education)

Heather Burkhardt - Parent Liaison
Julie Robertson - Youth Parent Liaison
Joy Alford
Lynn Davis
Amy Jensen
Judy Kiel
Paul Kiel
Krista Lombardo 

Forum (under Religious Education)

Edith Sylla
Cynthia Ball
Lena Gallitano
Gregg Flynn
Shirley Birt - Liaison
Joan McAllister – Liaison

Pastoral Relations Committee 

Council:
Robert Parrish (one year)
Martha Lamb (two years)
Deacons:
Betsy Towler (one year)
David Sigmon (two years)
At Large
Mary Pettitt

Personnel Committee

Skip Stoddard, John Little
Ellen Beidler, Carol Clark,
Marty Lamb

Taize Leadership

Bernie Brown
Ken Brown
Don Lane
Susan Lane
Jo Perry
Lavon Page
Amy Jensen
Anne Pope
Mike Schafale
Betsy Towler – communion
Peg Hulslander – coordinator
Etta Barksdale –schedule keeper

Task Forces

Economic Justice Task Force

Don Birt - Co-Chair
Shirley Birt - Co-Chair
Glenn Core
Shannon Core
Greg Flynn
Mac Hulslander
Cy King
Bill Lamb
Michelle McCarthy
Keith Stolarick
Edith Sylla
Ruth Clark
Laura Upchurch

Open & Affirming Task Force (ONA)

Lee Covington-Jones – Co-Chair
Maegan Mohr - Co-Chair
Cathy Marshall
KJ Covington-Jones
Cynthia Ball
Sue Cottle
Lena Gallitano
Steve Halsted
Cy King
I.T. Littleton
Joan McAllister
Karen Preston
Suzette Roach
Gary Smith
Jane Smith
Nancy Stoddard
Skip Stoddard
Margaret Osborne

Justice in a Changing Climate Task Force

Gary Smith - Chair
Ron Howell
Paul Kiel
Marty Lamb
John Little
Cathy Marshall
Grady McCallie
Ann Retzer
Jane Smith
Skip Stoddard
David Smith

Sunday morning study of Proverbs to begin Jan. 19

Every year thousands of books are written to address self-help or that have titles beginning with—*"How to* . . ." By reading these books you can learn how to paint like a pro, how to get a job, how to get a mortgage or even a nightclub gig. You can read about how to buy a car, real estate or
how to start a small business or fix a personal computer. You can learn how to be a better athlete, a better golfer, a fashion designer, a good dancer etc etc. Experts out there will attempt to make *you* an expert at all sorts of things from picking lottery numbers, to losing five pounds fast or even bearing children.

All these books are really attempting to do is to offer us *wisdom*— in one area or another. Books like these proliferate because we all need wisdom to live successfully. Wisdom brings success and prosperity in our work, in dealings with family and friends, and in our relationship with God. There
are books in the Bible known as Wisdom books - and you may find these much more useful then those “how to” books at the book store.  One book specializing in this wisdom is Proverbs. 

Join the Sunday morning inductive Bible Study as we focus on reading and discussing the wisdom of Proverbs.

- submitted by Joy Alford