Suzanne Says Yes!
At the Special Congregational Meeting held on Sunday, April 20, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne overwhelmingly voted to call the Rev. Suzanne Meyer to be our Settled Minister. Soon after the meeting, the Search Committee called Suzanne. Suzanne accepted the call and will be our new settled minister. She will move to Cheyenne soon, but will not start at the church until August.
The Search Committee did a wonderful job and we thank you.
Yippee!
Mike Shonsey
President
An invitation to participate &
U.U.C.C. Committees/Team and Activities 2005-2006
Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne
3005 Thomes Ave.
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
307-638-4554
Our Unitarian Universalist congregation comes alive as our members and friends participate in the life of our community. Our religious movement is founded on a belief in "congregational polity" which means that our lay leaders, our committee and team members, those who participate in our groups, programs and activities, all help to determine the shape and direction of our congregation.
We have prepared this booklet to share with you some of the many ways in which YOU may become involved in the life, work and shared ministries of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne.
Working with others on a team or committee, helping special events or programs occur, participating in one of our many ongoing groups or activities, all will enhance your sense of connection with this religious community. Such connection will enrich your spiritual and religious journey as well as enable you to help us live out the meaning of our covenant to seek truth and to be of service.
There are six "focus areas" of groups, committees, activities at UUCC:
- Spirituality, Education, Exploration, Knowledge (SEEK)
- Fun and Togetherness
- Social Action
- Ministry and Outreach
- Facilities
- Business and Administration
Please read on and explore areas and ways in which you might like to be connected. We are aware that people have different talents as well as different amounts of time that they can offer. We are committed to structuring the life of the congregation so that everyone can find the ways in which they can most effectively help us live out our mission so please keep looking until you have found the ways you would like to join in!
Spirituality, Education, Exploration, Knowledge
We come together to learn, explore diverse spiritual paths and practice what we learn. The committees/teams, groups and activities in this focus area all invite us to broaden our horizons, deepen our understanding, and touch our sense of Universal connection.
" Adult Education Team
Unitarian Universalists believe in life-span religious education programming. The Adult Education Committee helps to organize, develop and present creative educational courses, activities and workshops for the adults in the congregation. We meet approximately 4-6 times during the year. If you are interested in joining us, please call Bitsy Heckert (632-4151), Birgitt Paul (214-7425) or Sandra Willoughby (632-1417).
" Bird and Bell Meditation Group
The purpose of this group is to provide a regular time and place for the practice of meditation. We follow a Japanese Zen style practice, which includes chanting of the Heart Sutra, walking meditation, and a period of silent sitting meditation. We ring the bell to mark the beginning and end of formal sitting meditation, and in the proper season we may hear the singing of a bird as we sit.
Buddha manifests
joyous singing of the bird
as we sit just so.
The group meets each Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the evening in Room 15 downstairs. We also try to schedule longer weekend meditations on a month-by-month basis. For more information and to learn about our weekend retreats, please contact Gene Heater (632-0974).
" Chalice Circles
Chalice Circles are small groups (8-10 folks) which meet once a month for sharing and focus on a spiritual/philosophical/life journey topic. Chalice Circles provide a way to get to know other UUCC folks on a deeper level and offers reflection, new insights, and a greater sense of community. These are "supportive" groups( but not support groups) offering friendship and affirmation. Groups are lead by trained volunteer leaders. For more information about days and times, please contact Makanah Morriss (638-4554).
" Church Library
The Church Library is located on the first floor right next to the kitchen. We have a rich and varied library focused on books and audio-visual materials on Unitarian Universalism and on topics of direct relevance and interest to our liberal religious perspective. If you would like to help re-shelving books and keeping the collection updated, please call Travis Burns (547-3702).
" Dances of Universal Peace
On the third Friday of each month from 7-9 p.m., we gather to experience the sacred through circle dances, chants, and songs from a wide variety of the world's religious and wisdom traditions. The focus is on enhancing our sense of connection, harmony and peace. No previous dance experience is necessary. Our leader is Grace Marie from Ft. Collins. Suggested donation is $8. For more information contact Dev Ashish (634-9309).
" Earth Spirit Crafters
Our Earth Spirit Crafters focus on spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions. The group offers informational programs and rituals on each of the eight earth-centered festival occasions during the year and special seminars/classes on selected subjects. These are "open to the public" activities, and are announced in the church newsletter and by printed flyers. For additional information, contact Michelle Carroll (635-5312), Amy Baker (634-2907) or Jennifer Stecklein (632-7487).
" Insight Film Series
This group selects films of significant spiritual content. The films are shown on the 2nd Friday of each month from September through May. Refreshments are at 6:45 p.m., with the movie starting promptly at 7:00 p.m. See our separate flyer or the church calendar for selections and to confirm dates. For more information, contact Andrea Heater (632-0974).
" Religious Education Team
This highly creative team develops and oversees programming for our children and youth. This involves long-range visioning, making choices about curriculum and the Religious Education budget, assisting in the recruitment and training of teachers and youth leaders, planning special events and services, and offering support to Director of Religious Education, Tammy Runnels. The RE Committee also provides opportunities to learn more about religious growth and learning. We are always looking for folks who enjoy the education process to join this committee. Please contact R.E. Chair, Shelly Montgomery.
" Spiritual Yoga
Classical Yoga classes with Terri Johnasen are Mondays and
Wednesdays from 5:45-6:45 p.m. with an emphasis on relaxation.
Ananda Spiritual Yoga classes with Beth Howard are taught on
Tuesdays and Thursdays 12 noon - 1:00 p.m. emphasizing the inner experience
of yoga. Body, Mind, and spirit are balanced through the use of breath and
affirmation with the postures/asanas. Students experience a greater sense of
peace and inner strength, in addition to improved balance, flexibility and
physical strength. The classes are relatively gentle and are appropriate for
people of most levels of fitness and ability including those with
disabilities. Beth Howard is a certified Ananda Yoga teacher . Suggested
donation is $3-$5 per class.
" Wednesday Noon Theology Group
On the second Wednesday of each month, our Co-Ministers' facilitate an always-lively theology discussion group from 12 noon - 1:00 p.m. We focus on an article or essay, which is available ahead of time for those who wish to read it. Bring your lunch (beverages and dessert will be provided) and join us for a stimulating lunch hour! Contact Bob or Makanah Morriss (638-4554) for more information.
" Women's Sacred Circle
If you are interested in gathering with other women to explore, express, and develop your experience and understanding of spirituality, we invite you to join this group. This group meets on the 4th Friday of the month at 6:45 p.m. For more information, call Paulette Rasmussen at 634-2452 or Janet Nimmo at 632-5242.
" UU Parent Support Group
The UU Parent Support Group meets the third Monday of each month from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Co-lead by Tammy Runnels and Makanah Morriss, we explore ways to help our UU values come alive in everyday family life and we focus on specific parenting questions and concerns of the parents attending. Childcare is available. Contact Tammy Runnels or Makanah Morriss (638-4554) for more information.
Fun and Togetherness
We gather as a community for fun and fellowship, support and companionship. The groups and activities in this focus area invite us into fun times of interaction and friendship where our connections as a community are strengthened.
" Basketball for Enlightened Souls
A pickup game is held at the church each Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. designed to provide aerobic activity and fun for players of all ages. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Bob Morriss (638-4554) or Doug Taylor (772-8757).
" Circle Dinners
Circle Dinners provide a chance to gather in small groupings to share meals at members' homes. Once formed, groups decide how often to meet. The host/hostess of each dinner provides the place, drinks and an appetizer. Guests provide the main course and complementary dishes. It is possible to participate even if you choose not to host. This is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow UUCC members and friends in a relaxed atmosphere, while enjoying more of that good UU cooking. We need a critical number of interested folks each year to initiate this program so if YOU are interested, please contact Judy Lebsack (635-5579).
Fun and Fellowship Team
If you like planning and/or helping with fun activities for our church family, join this committee/team. We are the folks who help plan such events as the Church Retreat, the Thanksgiving Potluck, the Tree Trim, the Mother's Day Cookout, our "Un-Prom", and many other memory-making events. If you have a new idea and/or enjoy creating fun events for all ages, we are the team for YOU. Contact: Tami Smith at 635-2568.
" Volleyball for Everyone!
Each Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. we have an open volleyball game for all ages and all levels of volleyball skills. If you're a little rusty or very new to volleyball, feel free to come at 4:30 p.m. to help set up the net and practice your skills before "game time." Haven't played in ages but have thought it might be fun? No problem. We play for fun and for exercise and all skill levels are welcome! Contact Joe Corrigan (630-6192).
" Young Adults
Our Young Adults (19-35+), single, married, partnered, with or without children, meet once a week in the evening and at other times and places for specific activities. In addition to deep discussions about life, religion, and politics, we share jokes, movies, games, books, hikes, music, food, and generally have fun together. For more details and to check on meeting day/time call Fred Hurlburt (635-5294) or Tammy Runnels.
Social Action
We come together as a religious/spiritual community to put our values into action, to be of service to our world and to affirm and support the interdependent web of which we are a part.
The groups and programs in this focus area enable us to reach out in ways which can help transform our world near and far.
" Cheyenne Interfaith Hospitality Network (CIHN) -- UUCC Team
The UUCC CIHN Team is responsible for coordinating our UUCC involvement with the CIHN, a group of at least 7 local congregations working together to provide families in need with meals and a safe place to stay. Every 7-8 weeks, our church hosts 3 to 5 families who are without homes. The families are with us from 5 p.m. each night until 7 a.m. in the morning when they leave for work, school or the day center. Our volunteers provide the families with meals, a comfortable home-like setting, friendship and support. Volunteers are offered special, helpful training before their first time assisting with the program. Our UUCC Steering Committee helps insure that all is ready and goes smoothly when it is our turn to host the families. If you are interested in helping with this team, please call our Coordinator, Myron Brooks.
" Cheyenne Diversity Coalition
We are non-religious and non-political with a focus on social justice issues. We meet usually on the second Sunday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at our church to hear a speaker or see a video dealing with diversity or discrimination, followed by a discussion. We are a very diverse group from a variety of backgrounds. For information call Ilse Sorensen (635-8222) or Al Ayala (638-4445).
" Comea Shelter
On the 3rd Saturday of every month, our congregation provides dinner for guests at the Comea Homeless Shelter. Our church helped begin this community outreach project in 1993. Church members prepare dishes and help serve the dinner. All ages can participate. It is a wonderful way to put our UU values into action and to get to know your fellow UUCC members and friends. Sign-up sheets are at Clipboard Corner. For more information, contact Terry Kreuzer (638-3099) or Jim and Sandi Gaulke (632-7521).
" Diversity Education Task Force
This group is affiliated with the Cheyenne Diversity Coalition. In Spring 2005, we sent a survey to all public school educators in Cheyenne and the responses we received inspired us to begin work on a "Diversity Education Library." This will be a collection of books, films and teaching materials that can be checked out by area teachers to enhance their ability to easily offer diversity education in their classrooms. We are in the process of applying for grants for this project and need volunteers who could help with the logistics of filling teacher requests for library resources. If you are interested in promoting diversity and understanding, do join this team. Contact Sandi Gaulke (632-7521) for more information.
" Equal Exchange/Fair Trade Coffee, Tea and Chocolate
As part of our "Green Sanctuary" effort, our congregation serves and offers for sale coffees, teas and chocolate that are responsibly produced through shade grown and organic methods. Use of these Fair Trade products support small farmers and local co-ops in third world countries. In turn the co-ops are able to support health care and educational opportunities in their own communities. This means that your morning (or evening) hot beverage is actually helping our world work. Stop by our Equal Exchange Coffee "booth" on Sundays or call Carol Bowles (637-8124) if you'd like to be of help with this project.
" Green Sanctuary Team
A "Green Sanctuary" is a congregation that lives out its commitment to the Earth by creating a sustainable life style for its members as individuals and as a faith community. Green Sanctuary Program goals are to build awareness of societal environmental issues, to build a connection between spiritual practice and environmental consciousness, and to build awareness of and rectify environmental injustices. This "team" meets to explore educational program ideas and practical "green" practices for living in more sustainable ways. For more information contact Michelle Carroll (635-5312), Amy Baker (634-2907) or Jenn Stecklein (632-7487).
" NAMI of Cheyenne (National Alliance for the Mentally ILL)
NAMI is a non-profit grassroots-family and consumer - self-help, support, education, and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses including schizophrenia, severe depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Support group meets the 3rd Thursday each month at 7:00 p.m. Educational/Informational Program Meetings are the 1st Thursday at 7:00 p.m. For more information contact Andrea Heater (632-0974).
" PFLAG
Support, advocacy, and education are Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)'s three-prong approach to helping create acceptance. Established by the parent of a young man, it has provided a forum of open communication for over 20 years through nationwide chapters. PFLAG meets the 4th Thursday every month at 7:00 p.m. at UUCC. For more information contact about Cheyenne PFLAG contact: Bob Morriss (638-4554) or Luanne Gearhart (635-5314).
" Wyoming Interfaith Alliance
Are you interested in working on such real moral issues as tolerance, civility, decency and moderation? If so, we invite you to attend a monthly meeting of the Interfaith Alliance, a national organization committed to civil and compassionate dialogue and social action. For more information, contact Fred Hurlburt at fredhurlburt@teacher.com or at 635-5294.
Ministry and Outreach
An integral part of our community is the service we provide to our members friends, and visitors. Our Sunday Services, our membership and outreach efforts, our caring network are all part of this shared ministry. This focus area affirms our shared ministry as a congregation.
" Caring Network
Our Caring Network provides a helping hand to our members and friends in times of crisis. We offer rides, meals, visits, emergency help with childcare and pet care, plus other assistance. This is a "doer" committee that meets only once a year. It is a network which helps you put your religious values into very caring active form. If you could lend a helping hand at times or if you need a helping hand, please contact Monica Cropper (h: 637-5956, w: 777-3721) or Berna Glassman, (h:778-7140 or w: 777-7663.)
" Committee on Ministry
This committee, elected by the congregation, focuses on encouraging, supporting and evaluating the total ministry of our church. This includes the many programs, committees and activities as well as the work of our professional staff. Contact Committee members if you have ideas, concerns, or suggestions. Beth Howard (632-7047), Peg Furtney (638-8672) or Ken Vernon (632-7818).
" Heritage Team
This is a team whose ministry is to help archive church records, create scrapbooks of newspaper articles and photos, gather and record oral histories from our founding and long time members. This team meets a 2-4 times a year. Contact Makanah Morriss (638-4554) to be a part of this group.
" Hymn Choir and Special Music Choir
The UUCC Hymn Choir currently meets each Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to practice the hymns that will be sung the following Sunday. Once a month the Special Music Choir prepares special music for an anthem or offertory. Anyone of any age with an interest in singing is heartily encouraged to join us Wednesdays, or on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. when we rehearse for that morning's service. For more information, please contact Priscilla Golden (634-1215) or (Bob Morriss (638-4554).
" Membership/Outreach Team
We warmly welcome newcomers each Sunday and make ourselves available for visiting and answering questions during Coffee Hour after the service. We help new folks connect up with groups and activities in our church. We develop new ways of letting folks in Cheyenne know about our liberal religious community. If you'd like to help with greeting on Sunday mornings, or with publicity ideas or with our core group which meets once a month to help follow-up on newcomers and members, please call Camille Furtney (635-7390). This is a great team to join if you a little or a lot of time to share - we have tasks to fit all timeframes!
" Sunday Services Team
This team plans all the lay lead Sunday services. These occur approximately one Sunday a month during the regular church year, plus additional Sundays in the summer when our ministers are away on vacation, and this year the team has put together additional services for the Jan-April time of the Co-Ministers' sabbatical. While the team is supported by the Co-Ministers, it has creative freedom and enjoys developing and leading new forms of worship. If you are interested in helping to create Sunday services or have ideas for services, please contact the church administrator.
Facilities
Our congregation has been blessed with a wonderful physical plant. Our building, in truth, acts as a community center offering space not only for our UUCC programs but for other groups in the Cheyenne area. The committees/teams in this focus area help ensure that our building and its grounds are attractive, inviting, well maintained, and reflect our liberal religious values.
" Art and Aesthetics Committee/Team
This group oversees the hanging of art shows in our building as well as working with other committees and groups on questions and concerns related to art and aesthetics. If you are interested in being a part of this team, please contact Beth Howard at 632-7047.
" Building and Grounds Committee/Team
The Building and Grounds Committee/Team is involved with two general areas: (1) upkeep of the building and grounds (mowing & watering the lawn, caring for the garden and the parking lot, shoveling snow, maintaining the furnace, minor repairs, painting and general upkeep); and (2) new remodeling projects including making more of our building handicap accessible, signage, safety updates, etc.
At this time, we don't have regular meetings. We just get together to work. We are the "Doers" rather than the "Talkers." Everyone is welcome and we have a job for you.
If you have a particular craft or skill, though, such as electrical, plumbing, etc. - bless you!! Yes, we probably would appreciate tapping your expertise. To get involved call Jim Gaulke (632-7521) or Gary Gorny (635-4701).
" Garden
The beauty of our Church gardens nurture our spirits. Maija Farenhorst is our "Church Gardner" and master "creator." If you are interested in helping with this work, please contact Makanah Morriss (638-4554).
Business and Administration
This focus area includes those committees and teams which focus on the fiscal and administrative infrastructure of our UUCC community. Our congregation is made possible through the gifts and financial support of our members and friends. We need folks who are willing to offer their time and talents to oversee the financial and business aspects of UUCC and to inspire and encourage generosity among our members and friends.
" Canvass Committee/Team
The pledges and contributions of our members and friends are our church's only source of financial support. The Canvass Committee/Team plays a crucial role in making sure that everyone has the opportunity to support the church in a way that enables us to realize our visions as a congregation. If you would like to be part of this effort, contact our Finance Committee chair, Joanne Cook at 634-6019.
" Endowment Committee
Something you do today can help the church in the future and help generations of Cheyenne UU's. A special Endowment Committee has been created to receive gifts and has been entrusted to invest those gifts for the betterment of the church. Money in the bank or investments, managed wisely, means we will continue to serve. Gifts of money, stock, property, insurance, and annuities along with including the church in your will, will be appreciated by UU's today and in the future. Need to talk to someone about the possibility? Please Mike Shonsey (637-8016)
" Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is responsible for all the financial matters concerning the church including assisting the Treasurer in preparation of the proposed budget, administration of the budget, handling transactions in the absence of the Treasurer, providing an annual review of finances and work on the Annual Canvass. The Committee meets once a month, usually the Monday evening before the Board meeting. If you are interested in this committee, please contact Joanne Cook (634-6019).
" Personnel Committee
This subcommittee of the UUCC Board is charged with looking at personnel policies, structures and supports for our church staff. If you have concerns, questions or ideas, please contact Judy Lebsack (635-5579).
Can't find a group or activity that interests you or fully utilizes your gifts and talents? Remember that our programming is limited almost solely by the interests of our members and friends and the needs of our wider community. When we find enough people to sustain an activity that provides a service or encourages spiritual growth, we add it to our programming for as long as there is that critical mass necessary to have the program fly. Talk with our Co-Ministers, if you have an idea.
Timing for each activity or event can vary depending on the other events that need to share the same space, so be sure to check the calendar in the Focus, on the web (www.uucheyenne.org ), the weekly calendar posted at the church, or the contact person for the committee, team, or activity that interests you.