Events
Orientation to UU
Sunday, February 5 at 12:30 pm
On February 5th, after the Sunday Service, at 12:30 p.m., your Membership Committee will lead a brief Orientation to UU. Light refreshments and beverages will be served as you learn (maybe for the first time) how our UU Congregation of the Swannanoa Valley came to be.
We will meet in the Minister's Office (small room on the left off the large RE room). We are looking forward to getting to know you better and to sharing some highlights of Unitarian Universalism.
Toy Drive
Sundays through December 11
The RE Committee is sponsoring a used and new toy drive to benefit local families in need. Our RE children are choosing some of their own toys to donate to needy children in the area. They will also be making their own recyclable wrapping paper in which to wrap these gently used toys. In addition, we would like to invite and encourage the adults in the congregation to purchase one new toy to add to the collection. The children will wrap these gifts as well.
Please bring your toy drive donations to the collection box in the RE space any Sunday between now and December 11. Thank you so much for your support of this church-wide effort initiated by the Religious Education department!
Food Drive
Sunday, November 6, 13, and 20
This year, due to greater needs in the community, RE is sponsoring, with the congregation, a food drive for Manna and Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries for three weeks in November. This will take place November 6, 13, and 20, culminating in our annual IG Thanksgiving service where the children will carry donations (as much as they are able) to the front of the sanctuary for collection. On November 20th only, you may donate fresh fruits and vegetables. Watch for more details and collection baskets in the lobby for your donations of non-perishable items.
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, October 23 - Noon - Immediately after service
The Board of Trustees is calling a Congregational meeting to make suggested changes to the bylaws of the congregation. These changes pertain to the ministerial search to reflect recommendations made by the Southeast district regarding hiring of a consulting minister as opposed to “calling” a long term minister. There is also a change in name from Thomas Jefferson (or TJ) district to Southeast district.
Click on the following link for a PDF copy of the
proposed changes (marked up): proposed bylaws
Room in the Inn
Friday, October 14
At the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church
Social Action is looking for volunteers to help out with Room in the Inn. This event wouldn’t be possible without you. As always the women enjoy their week in Black Mountain.
—Connie Krochmal, Social Action Room in the Inn Coordinator
"Town Hall Meeting"
Sunday, October 2 - Noon - Immediately after service
The Board of Trustees is calling a “town hall” meeting to discuss changing the bylaws of the congregation pertaining to the ministerial search to reflect recommendations made by the Southeast district regarding hiring of a consulting minister as opposed to “calling” a long term minister.
BLURP Festival
Saturday, October 1 - 12 noon – 6 pm
Pack Square, downtown Asheville
Our congregation and the Social Action Committee, again, will sponsor a booth at the BLURP (Blue Ridge Pride) festival.
This is a great opportunity to support the LGBTQ community and talk about UUCSV’s Welcoming Congregation at the same time. We’ll have banners, balloons and brochures for all to see. But we need YOUR help in setting up and tearing down the tent, as well as staffing the booth during the day.
If you would like to participate in this event – in two-hour segments – contact Susan Culler.
Habitat Interfaith Build 2011 UUCSV Dates
- Thursday Sept 1
- Tuesday Sept 6
- Friday Sept 23
- Saturday Oct 1
- Tuesday Oct 18
For the 13th year, the Asheville-area Interfaith community is coming together to raise funds and help build another Habitat for Humanity house in Carney Place in west Asheville. This year will be UUCSV’s third Habitat house and our first time to join with 15 other churches and congregations to help build the Interfaith home. See Susan Culler to sign up for our dates. For more information click on the Social Action link on the left.
The partner family includes Tanya Presha and her three children (see photo), who are overjoyed to partner with Habitat.
Meditation Intensive
Sunday, September 11, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Bill Walz will conduct a two hour meditation intensive for anyone interested in beginning or deepening their meditation practice into more awakened, evolved, sane and connected living. How Buddhist meditation is important for truly living the ideals of Unitarian Universalism will be explained and explored. $10 love offering contribution is requested.
Pre-registration is requested, but not necessary.
"The Campaign for Southern Equality" FAMILY DINNER
Saturday, July 30 · 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Road, Asheville
The Social Action Committee wants to share a great opportunity for the Congregation to meet and get involved with some impressive folks working on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) equality, and, it'll be a lot of fun, t'boot! It's a Family Dinner and games at Carrier Park in Asheville on July 30.
There's a special interest for UUCSV because one of the leaders of the Campaign for Southern Equality, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara is going to speak at our Sunday, Sept. 18 service, marking four years since we voted to affirm being a Welcoming Congregation. She's from Chapel Hill, taught at Warren Wilson, recently graduated from Harvard Divinity school, and really knows how to organize. Here are details of the event she sent to us:
"The Campaign for Southern Equality", a new organization working for full LGBT equality in the South, invites you to its next Family Dinner, to be held on Saturday, July 30 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Carrier Pavilion at Carrier Park (220 Amboy Road in West Asheville).
LGBT people and allies of all ages are invited (kids welcome!) to eat good food, meet good folks and connect directly to our actions for equality. BYOB (but no alcohol because we'll be in a city park) and your favorite dessert or appetizer. To RSVP or for questions, contact Jasmine Beach-Ferrara at southernequality@gmail.com or 828-761-1224. To learn more about CSE's work: www.southernequality.org
As a Welcoming Congregation, let's Walk the Walk and have a great time together with our LGBT friends. Meet at UUCSV for carpooling. Time to be announced
Room in the Inn
Friday, July 1
Social Action sends a special thanks to all those volunteers who so generously help out with Room in the Inn at the Black Mountain Methodist annex. This event wouldn’t be possible without you. As always the women enjoy their week in Black Mountain and look forward to returning in the fall.
—Connie Krochmal, Social Action Room in the Inn Coordinator
Annual Meeting
Sunday, May 15
Immediately After Service
At this meeting, the Board of Trustees will present for congregational approval, the new slate of Board candidates:
- Helen Bell
- Jen Caldwell
- Lynn Failing
- Kim Taylor
and a budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. We will begin the business meeting immediately following the service.
In lieu of the usual Social Hour, the Hospitality Committee will be setting up a sandwich table in the rear of the sanctuary. Beverages, bread, mustard, ketchup, and peanut butter & jelly will be provided. Please bring sandwich fillings such as cheese, hummus, meat, lettuce, or sliced tomatoes to share with others.
Stephen Spinder on Transylvania
Saturday, May 14
7:00-8:30 pm
Our speaker Sunday May 15th, Stephen Spinder will offer an Intergenerational presentation/exhibition at the church on Saturday. Mr Spinder, internationally recognized photographic artist, dancer, performer, will, through photographs and stories, take us on a journey through the folk landscape of Transylvania, revealing the still powerful vestiges of a rich Hungarian culture that remains. Stephen undertakes a journey of personal discovery to the birthplace of Unitarianism which he documents with images from his book, "Ten Years In Transylvania." Please join us to meet Stephen and share stories of Transylvania.
Stand Against Racism
Monday, April 25
7:30 pm
Sixteen area organizations have endorsed the Stand Against Racism, a nationwide awareness program sponsored by the YWCA USA and locally by the YWCA of Asheville. The goal is to bring people together from all walks of life to raise awareness that racism still exists and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated.
The film series will begin on April 25 with "A Class Divided," to be shown at UUCSV at 7:30 pm. The film will be followed by dessert and discussion.
The series will continue at the Town Hall on April 26 and 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, featuring several short films about race. The Rev. Michael Carter will moderate a panel discussion each evening, with the following panelists:
- Marcy Onieal, Manager, Town of Black Mountain
- Kathryn DeBrow, community leader
- Monroe Gilmour, community organizer
- The Rev. Kay Hines, pastor, Thomas Chapel AME Zion Church
Room in the Inn
Friday, April 1
We’ll be helping out with Room in the Inn three times during 2011. This year-round program provides shelter, meals, and transportation for homeless women in our community. Our first date will be Friday, April 1st. The women will be staying at the Black Mountain Presbyterian church annex that week. We’ll need plenty of help from our faithful volunteers as UUCSV will be providing all meals and volunteers for that day.
Connie Krochmall will have a sign-up sheet in the foyer and will begin contacting those who usually help out with this worthy project.
Habitat House Workday
Saturday, February 26
We have 8 spots reserved for painting, trim work and clean up. The house will have heat by then! If you are interested in helping out, please contact Lee Reading at lreading0082@charter.net.
Bill Walz – Meditation Intensive
Sunday, February 13, 2-4pm, at UUCSV
Zen meditation; So much more than a relaxation or concentration technique, so much more than an esoteric spiritual practice. This contemporized approach takes the essence of Zen meditation and explores its profound capacity for opening us into our fullest psychological potential. For those looking to begin a meditation practice or deepen their existing practice. We will explore and experience what meditation is and what its true purpose is. The afternoon will explore meditation’s capacity to transform and evolve your life into vibrantly sane, wise and clear consciousness. We will also explore how this consciousness is necessary for the transformation of our society into a compassionate, sustainable world community. Albert Einstein said, “Problems cannot be solved on the same level of consciousness that created them.” We will explore the consciousness that can solve the problems of contemporary society. $10-$20 donation requested. Please contact Sue Stone if you wish to attend (669-0619 or sueastone@bellsouth.net).
A Spiritual Australian Didgeridoo Workshop
with Phil Shiva Jones
Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 3:00-5:00 pm
Cost: $20
Contact: Carolyn Shorkey 299-9456
This interactive workshop explores the use of breath and sound frequencies to connect with the Divine, and create a deeply serene state of consciousness for the enhancement of healing, meditation, prayer and creativity.
The didgeridoo is an ancient mesmerizing drone instrument made from the eucalyptus tree and is traditionally played in healing ceremonies by the Aboriginal clans of Australia.
Playing the didgeridoo creates soothing and resonant harmonics that easily erase the ‘monkey chatter’ in the mind ~ enhancing mental clarity and emotional equilibrium.
The primordial vibrations of the didgeridoo, combined with the breathing techniques, help create a state of relaxation, lower blood pressure, relax the heart, improve digestion, and ~ as recently proven by the British Medical Association ~ significantly reduce sleep apnea.
~No prior musical experience is necessary~
All participants will be provided an instrument
to play during the workshop.
Didgeridoos and meditation CDs will be available
for purchase after the workshop
Phil (Shiva) Jones was the lead singer/songwriter for the renowned English spiritual rock band ‘Quintessence’ (Island Records), and has been merging various spiritual mantras, sounds and themes into his professional music career since the 1960’s. He studied 7 years with an enlightened Hindu saint who embraced the fundamental truths of all religions. An engaging and inspiring interfaith minister and singer, Phil currently lectures and performs at churches and spiritual fellowships, wellness centers, yoga studios, and universities throughout the USA.