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Pathways Weekly
April 16, 2008
So many exciting
opportunities and events are always happening at Pathways Church! Please take a moment to look through this edition and see what's in store for you at
Pathways. For more information about us and to see our full calendar,
visit www.pathwaysUU.org.
This Week's Sermon
Rev. Kathy Schmitz
Earth Day
Celebration
Earth Day falls almost exactly six months after
Thanksgiving. Perhaps it is a good time to remind ourselves of the gifts
we already possess and consider, as some have suggested, the possibility
that we might be suffering from Gratitude Deficit Disorder.
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News and Announcements
Office Will Be Closed Thursday,
April 17
The Pathways Church office will be closed on Thursday, April
17, while the staff attend offsite functions.
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Slate Selected for Open Board of
Trustee Positions
The Pathways Nominating Committee has completed its
selection of the slate to be considered for service on the Board of
Trustees. We were blessed with a large and excellent pool of candidates
for the open nominee positions. Anyone of them would have been an
outstanding member of the Board of Trustees and it was not easy selecting
the best candidates to serve at this time. We thank all of the candidates
for offering their services on the Board of Trustees. We were honored to
meet with them and get to know each one a little better.
During the process, we received notice of an additional
Board position opening up due to a resignation and an adjustment to the
length of term for one of the positions. That meant we were searching for
four people instead of three. After much deliberation, the Pathways
Nominating Committee is proud to recommend the following nominees for
service on the Board of Trustees:
- Eugene Stockton (three-year term)
- Joyce Frey (three-year term)
- Tracee Fisher (one-year term)
- Marian Cartwright (one-year term)
Because Tracee and Marian are filling
partial terms, each is eligible to be considered for service again next
year.
Biographical information will be posted to the members-only
section of our Web site by Monday, April 28. Please take the opportunity
to speak with these candidates in the coming weeks in preparation for the
May 18 congregational meeting where members in good standing will cast
their votes.
A full report can be found at: www.pathwaysuu.org/pdf_files/BoardSlate2008.pdf
If you have questions about any aspect of the selection or
voting process, please contact the chairperson of the Nominating
Committee, John Kent - johndkent@mac.com. The other members of the
Nominating Committee are: Peggy Browning, Lisa Efthymiou, Kristin Robertson,
and Pete DeKalb. We all appreciate this opportunity to be of service to
our church community.
John Kent
Nominating Committee Chair
(Fall 2007-Fall 2008)
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Pathways Happenings
Forgiveness Workshop
THIS Saturday, April
19, 9:00-Noon at Pathways Church
Forgiveness is a process that allows us to peel off layers
of dark emotions and reveal our connection to the Divine. It is something
we do for ourselves, to make us feel better and to allow us to travel on
our spiritual journey with a lighter load. In this three-hour workshop,
we explore and experience a seven-step process to forgiveness. Don't
arrive expecting a lecture -- the three hours will be full of both
individual and group exercises, culminating with a letting-go experience
that will free your spirit.
This transformational workshop is free to the Pathways
community (although love offerings will be accepted to offset costs). The
fee is $35 for non-Pathways members. Facilitated by Kristin Robertson. To
register, contact Kristin at (817) 577-7030 or krisrob@krconsulting.com.
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Support Effective Climate Change
Legislation
THIS Sunday, April
20, 11:00, at Pathways Church
This Sunday, following our Earth Day service, we will have a
letter writing table set up for members and friends who would like to
take action on climate change legislation. We will be using materials
provided by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Washington
Office for Advocacy which state:
Global climate change is already creating water
shortages and forcing large-scale human migrations. Unless we take urgent
action, it's only going to get worse, causing widespread international
conflict. The scientific community tells us that we must reduce carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 2000 levels by
the year 2050. Only the Sanders-Boxer (S. 309) and Waxman (H.R. 1590)
bills require the sufficient reductions. Moreover, the competing bill
benefits corporations at the expense of low-income families.
More
information on why the UUA endorses the Sanders-Boxer bill (S.309)
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Church Camp Out
Friday, May 2 -
Sunday, May 4
Camp out with us Friday and Saturday night at Mineral Wells
State Park, on US 180 about 14 miles west of Weatherford. Arrive anytime
Friday after 3:00 p.m. and leave at your leisure on Sunday after outdoor
worship.
Four screened shelters have been reserved for Pathways.
Shelters have water and electricity, and can hold about 4 people. There
is also plenty of room for tent campers near the shelters. Facilities
include rest rooms with flush toilets and hot showers.
Cost: $60 for shelter for the weekend plus $5 per day park
fee
Tent campers just pay $5 per day park fee
Things to do: hiking, swimming, biking, boating, rock
climbing, rappelling, enjoying the outdoors, taking it easy, connecting
with our Pathways community away from church
Park web site: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lake_mineral_wells/#act
Contact Charlie Behrens at (817) 756-6209 or Charles_Behrens@bigfoot.com
if you are interested in attending.
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Notice of Congregation Meeting
Sunday, May 18,
12:30 p.m.
Pathways Spring Congregation Meeting will be held on May 18,
2008. Lunch will be served following religious education with the meeting
to begin at 12:45 and end at 2:30. Business to be conducted will include:
- Election of new members to the Pathways Board of
Trustees
- Financial report from the Board of Trustees
- Other business and discussion
All other reports will be made available
in advance of the meeting for individual review with an opportunity to
raise questions at the meeting. We look forward to seeing all members and
friends at our Spring meeting. All members in good standing are eligible
to vote.
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Lifespan Enrichment
Wednesday Evening Salon
Wednesdays,
beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Wednesday Evening Salon happens each week, with a
rotating list of events. Something exciting happens every week! Childcare
reservations must be made before noon on Tuesday.
3rd Wednesday Schedule (this week):
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6:30 p.m.
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Brown Bag Supper
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7:00 p.m.
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Meditation for Children
Meditation is a wonderful tool for physical, mental, and emotional
relaxation. It improves concentration and memory, enhances
self-understanding and spiritual development, and helps our ability to
handle stress. Parents may attend with their child(ren) so that the
family can practice these simple meditation techniques together.
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7:00 p.m.
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Buddhist Reflections
Sessions begin and end with meditation and include background material
as well an opportunity for discussion of practical applications of Buddhist
teachings. Sessions will evolve and be balanced to meet the needs to
the group. Beginners to both meditation and Buddhism are welcome.
Drop-ins are welcome. Open to adults and high school students.
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7:00 p.m.
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Women's Book Group
The book selection for April is the award-winning Freakonomics
by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. A quote from the Wall
Street Journal reads, "If Indiana Jones were an economist,
he'd be Steven Levitt...a maverick treasure hunter who relies for
success on his wit, pluck and disregard for conventional wisdom...Freakonomics
reads like a detective novel..."
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7:00 p.m.
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Mah Jongg
If you like to play cards, this is a lot more fun, and a bit more
challenging - about as challenging as Sudoku (not as challenging as bridge).
There is no betting or score keeping. There will, however, be fun and
good people! Beginners are welcome, as are adults and teens.
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4th Wednesday Schedule (next week):
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6:00 p.m.
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Sit 'N Knit
Join us in our love of making things with sticks and string. Come as
you are, everyone is welcome. If you already knit, bring your project.
If you want to learn, we have extra needles, practice yarn, and easy
patterns to get you started. Share patterns, stitches, techniques,
stories, and celebrate the finished objects.
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6:30 p.m.
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Brown Bag Supper
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7:00 p.m.
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Meditation for Children
Meditation is a wonderful tool for physical, mental, and emotional
relaxation. It improves concentration and memory, enhances
self-understanding and spiritual development, and helps our ability to
handle stress. Parents may attend with their child(ren) so that the
family can practice these simple meditation techniques together.
|
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7:00 p.m.
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Buddhist Reflections
Sessions begin and end with meditation and include background material
as well an opportunity for discussion of practical applications of
Buddhist teachings. Sessions will evolve and be balanced to meet the
needs to the group. Beginners to both meditation and Buddhism are
welcome. Drop-ins are welcome. Open to adults and high school students.
|
|
7:00 p.m.
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Mah Jongg
If you like to play cards, this is a lot more fun, and a bit more
challenging - about as challenging as Sudoku (not as challenging as
bridge). There is no betting or score keeping. There will, however, be
fun and good people! Beginners are welcome, as are adults and teens.
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Contact Julie Lambert at lifespanre@pathwaysUU.org.
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Common PlayGround and Navigators Worship Academy
THIS Sunday
Common PlayGround and Navigators Worship Academy will meet this Sunday, April 20. Youth from 4th through 12th grade meet at 10:00 a.m.
in the Community Room. Younger children go to Common Ground and will be
called to worship from there.
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New Family Accommodations During
Common Ground
A space with chairs and child-friendly diversions will be
available outside the Sanctuary window next to the DRE's office during
Common Ground. If your child needs a break, please feel free to use this
space. We're working toward piping sound to this area so you can hear the
service clearly, and hope to have this done in the next few weeks.
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Summer Teachers Needed for Pre-K
through 2nd Grade
Volunteer religious education teachers are needed for the
littlest members of our Pathways family for June, July, and August. No
experience necessary -- we'll train you! Contact Julie Lambert at lifespanre@pathwaysUU.org.
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Community News
SWUUD Annual Meeting and Spring
Conference
April 25-27, 2008
Austin, TX
The news is out about the Southwestern UU District Annual
Meeting and Spring Conference, Friday, April 25 - Sunday, April 27, 2008,
at First UU Church of Austin. The theme this year is What the World
Needs from Religious Liberals and will cover a wide variety of
subjects in keynote addresses, workshops, worship, and UU conversations.
There are optional opportunities for recreation and for ecumenical
choices: a workshop with highlights from the Jesus Seminar, another with
exploration of Adult RE work on the Qu'ran, UU history, and an invitation
to visit Barsana Dham, Austin's Hindu Temple.
The busy schedule begins on Friday, April 25, with
registration starting at 4:00 p.m., continuing with an especially
meaningful full day on Saturday. Sunday worship services will include
special music from a widely-appreciated choir, led by Music Director
Brent Baldwin. Dr. Davidson Loehr, FUUCA's gifted and renowned preacher,
will deliver homilies and sermons for worship services.
Don't forget the District Annual Meeting! Delegates will
gather on Saturday afternoon for that -- to consider By-Law changes and
hold elections. Delegates from all congregations are expected to attend.
Please check out more details in the FUUCA brochure online
at www.
austinuu.org. Registration forms and fees must be received in
the FUUCA office in order to attend any or all of the conference. If you
have questions, e-mail conference@austinuu.org.
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This Week at Pathways
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TONIGHT
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April 16
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6:30 p.m.
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Brown Bag Supper
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TONIGHT
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April 16
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7:00 p.m.
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Buddhist Reflections
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TONIGHT
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April 16
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7:00 p.m.
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Meditation for Children
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TONIGHT
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April 16
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7:00 p.m.
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Mah Jongg
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TONIGHT
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April 16
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7:00 p.m.
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Women's Book Group
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Thursday
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April 17
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7:00 p.m.
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Men's Journey
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Saturday
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April 19
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9:00 a.m.
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Forgiveness Workshop
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Sunday
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April 20
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10:00 a.m.
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Common Ground Service
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Sunday
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April 20
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10:00 a.m.
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Navigator's Worship Academy
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Sunday
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April 20
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10:20 a.m.
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Common PlayGround
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Sunday
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April 20
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11:20 a.m.
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Classes for Children & Youth
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Sunday
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April 20
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11:20 a.m.
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The Harried Reasoners
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Sunday
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April 20
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11:20 a.m.
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Metaphysical Mystics
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Sunday
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April 20
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11:20 a.m.
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The Artist's Way
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Sunday
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April 20
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1:00 p.m.
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Equipping Ministry
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Sunday
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April 20
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7:00 p.m.
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Life With God
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For additional details about these and other classes and
groups, please pick up a schedule on the visitor's table in our lobby or
see the full Pathways calendar at www.pathwaysuu.org/googlecal.htm.
The deadline for submissions to Pathways Weekly is
end of the day on Tuesdays.
A
Unitarian Universalist Community
525
S. Nolen Drive, Suite 300
Southlake, TX 76092
phone 817.251.5555 |
fax 817.251.5554
Office hours: M-TH
9:00-2:00
www.pathwaysUU.org
Building a spiritual community
that changes lives
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