 The prose poem below was written in 1927 by American poet Max Ehrmann. It was originally published in 1948 and is known as "Desiderata." These words of wisdom are for everyday life and especially during times of change (perfect for this election season and the times our planet and species will be facing in the future).
Michael
Desiderata
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in you own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Minister's Column continued
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 Sunday, 4 Sept. 2016, 11 am
Mamie Hilliard
“Mysticism with a Southern Accent”
Our own Mamie Davis Hilliard spent her early years living and learning about life’s mysteries on a farm in eastern North Carolina. After college, she and her family lived in nine different states and one foreign country. Today, she is a great-grandmother, aspiring poet and Mountain Woman. She received a Master of Divinity degree, from The Church of God School of Theology, a Pentecostal Seminary in Cleveland, TN and was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in Chattanooga. She worked as a hospital chaplain at Erlanger Medical Center in that city and the Veterans Hospital in Asheville. She also served as interim associate minister at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church in Raleigh.
Sunday, 11 Sept. 2016, 11 am
 Rev. Michael J.S. Carter"Homecoming 2016" Small Ensemble Singers
Join us for our Homecoming Service and Water Communion on Sunday, September 11th, 2016. We will explore the theme of homecoming and what it means to assist others in finding their way back home as well, remembering that all who wander are not lost. Some of us choose not to return home. For us as UUs, we gather to affirm and to live our principles, to have fellowship, to nurture one another, and to strengthen each other for the road ahead. At times the road seems rough and meandering. At times it may feel as if we are taking 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. But just try to remember these 4 words which may help to make the journey a little less cumbersome: I Am Still Learning.
 Sunday, 18 Sept. 2016, 11 am
Katie Player
"An Accidental Awakening"
UUCSV String Band
Katie Player shares the journey of her accidental awakening after being a lifelong atheist, when she and her husband made major dietary changes in 2010 because of health problems. Katie is a PhD Economist, blogger, mom, founder of The Equilibrium Diet, and author of "Atheist to Enlightened in 90 Days" (forthcoming October 2016).
 Sunday, 25 Sept. 2016 11 am
Rev. Michael J.S. Carter
"Lewis Latimer:
Renaissance Man"
Lewis Latimer was born on September 4th, 1848 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He was the youngest of four children. He died December 11, 1928. Lewis Latimer was an American inventor and draftsman, as well as being a highly accomplished engineer and a pioneer in the development of electricity. He was also a poet and musician. He worked with two of the leading inventors of his time, Alexander Bell and Thomas Edison, to help bring about the 20th century’s technological revolution, (which will be the focus of our talk this morning) and yet so many know so little about him. Lewis Latimer was one of the most brilliant people this country has ever produced. He was an African American -- he was also a Unitarian. Join us for another “Sermon In Biography,” as we celebrate the life of Lewis Latimer—Renaissance Man.
Sunday, 2 October 2016, 11 am
Cecil Bothwell
"Woo-woo versus the Bunny Hug"
Are we saved by faith or intellect? People who might describe themselves as liberal or progressive tend to fall into two camps, those who embrace belief in the supernatural and others the un-super. Cecil Bothwell is an artist, musician, organic gardener and author of ten books. He is serving his second term as a member of Asheville’s City Council and his other car is a raft. He believes one can never be too blasé about the possibility of another Genesis flood
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Blue Ridge Pride Festival
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Volunteer Sign-up: Create a better world and show your support for the LGBTQ community in WNC by volunteering to help out with the UUCSV booth at the Blue Ridge Pride Festival, also called the Gay Pride Festival by some. This will take place on Saturday, Oct.1st, 2016 at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Social Action is seeking two volunteers for each time slot listed below. To volunteer, please contact Connie Krochmal at (cacti730@gmail.com, 828-686-3112) or see the sign-up sheet in the foyer. Many thanks in advance to everyone who signs up. The time slots are:
11-11:30 am Set-up crew
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. James & Carol Sheeler volunteered.
1:30-3:30 p.m.
3:30-5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. to closing. Close-up should begin at 6:30 p.m.
Many thanks in advance to all of our volunteers.
Connie Krochmal, Social Action
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Message from Rev. Michael Carter:
In view of the tragic events of this past summer between law enforcement and men of color in this country, the Rev. Judith Long, the Rev. Jim McKinley, and I believe it is time to have an in-depth conversation about race and racism in our nation. We will not solve the entire of problem, but we can contribute to a sense of looking the problem in the eye and not blinking. This is tough stuff. With that said, we are proposing a series of meetings to address the topic. The dates and times proposed are Tuesday evenings, September 13th, October 11th, and November 29th, from 6-8 pm. If more discussions are needed, more discussions will be made available. This series will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville, 2021 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC.
Through the use of films and conversation, we will attempt to:
A) Come to an analysis and consensus on a working definition of “Racism.”
B) Create a safe space for all to be vulnerable and to speak their mind. Here we will begin to look at our individual growing edges regarding how we contribute to this climate of racism and fear. Remembering our 7th principle, “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part,” we recognize that we’re all part of the problem and part of the solution.
C) Consider some next steps that we might take as a free religious community and individually to meet the challenge of racism in our daily lives. The goal is to focus on what is “doable” and realistic. We are in this for the long haul.
During times such as these, many of us immediately ask what it is that we can “do” to combat this thing called racism and that is a good thing. Yet we are human beings and not human “doings” and perhaps we can begin to work with our own inner landscapes so as to make the outer work that we do in our community more compassionate, more understanding and more effective. These conversations are open to the public so bring a friend if you are so moved.
Those who wish to attend should contact the UUFH church office at 828-693-3157 or using the contact form found at http://uufhnc.org/contact-us/.
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Six members of our Congregation joined other progressives for a local house party on Thursday, August 25th. Together we viewed the online launch of "Our Revolution," the political organization designed to continue the efforts begun by Bernie Sanders. Our hosts at My Place Inn (1120 Montreat Rd) provided a comfortable venue for this event where we connected with like-minded neighbors. Some of us subsequently signed up and contributed to the organization at: https://ourrevolution.com/
"Our Revolution has three intertwined goals: to revitalize American democracy, empower progressive leaders and elevate the political consciousness."
Geoffrey Stone
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Minister's Column, Continued
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Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is
perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann
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Several folks asked for this reference Rev. Michael made in last Sunday's service. The source is "Ten Rules for Being Human" by Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott. Many versions are online: here's one.
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Remember, you can start bringing your donations for the UUCSV yard sale this Sunday after service. Take-in continues
Monday – Thursday, September 5 – 8th,
from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
The sale is Saturday, September 10th from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. For anyone with questions, please call Co-chairs Dr. Jane Carroll at 828-357-8008 or Susan Hurley at 828-303-1195.
Thank You!
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The Social Action Committee's September film is Brave New Films' Making A Killing: Guns, Greed and the NRA, which will show on on Thursday September 22nd at 7 pm. The Film tells the stories of how guns, and the billions made off of them, affect the lives of everyday Americans. It features personal stories from people across the country who have been affected by gun violence, including survivors and victims' families. The film exposes how the powerful gun companies and the NRA are resisting responsible legislation for the sake of profit - and thereby putting people in danger. The film looks into gun tragedies that include unintentional shootings, domestic violence, suicides, mass shootings and trafficking - and what we can do to put an end to this profit-driven crisis. Rebecca Williams will lead a post-film discussion.
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The September Luunch Buunch will meet on September 13th as the church is being used for the Yard Sale preparation the Tuesday before. In October, meetings go back to the first Tuesday of the month.
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We hope everyone had a good summer, and will return from vacation ready to sing! Choir will meet first on September 18th at 12:15 after the service, then on Wednesday the 21st at 7:00 pm, and then on the day of performance, September 25th at 10:00 AM before the service. Come and sing with us!
Linda Metzner,
Choir Director
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September’s Friday Fling, a fun party for grown-ups, usually every third Friday of the month, will be held on 16 September at the UUCSV church. Red and white refreshments will be provided; please bring a potluck dish to share. First movie choice: The Painted Veil (2006; Naomi Watts, Edward Norton; based on Somerset Maugham’s novel; filmed in China; “a moving portrait of the volcanic emotions that can erupt between a man and a woman). Second movie choice: Young Frankenstein (1974; Mel Brooks, dir.; Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Teri Garr; a hilarious tribute to Mary Shelley’s classic novel; “A monster riot.”---The New York Times). Potluck begins at 6:30. For further information call Norm Kowal (458-4537).
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The women's group will meet on September 9th at 1:00 pm - at UUCSV. The purpose will be to address any final details in preparation for the big Yard Sale on Saturday the 10th!
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October 11 will mark the first gathering of UUCSV's new Psi Group, whose purpose is the exploration of a variety of paranormal and psychic phenomena. Watch the October Newsletter for more details. Contact Lois Heintz with any questions.
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On September 6, construction begins on the 2016 Interfaith House, the sixth house in which UUCSV has participated.
Our first work day is Saturday September 24th. Click here for the full schedule of work days and other details. If you haven't volunteered before, consider this fun way to participate by working as a part of a construction crew or by providing lunch for the crew. NO experience necessary! Contact Susan Culler at susanc7733@gmail.com or call 828-779-2120.
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The deadline for the October issue will be September 25th. Please submit items to newsletter.uucsv@
gmail.com The best format is simply in the body of an email.
Thanks,
Ginny and Jackie
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Board of Trustees:
Diane Graham
Sarah Kirkpatrick
Frank Pizzardi
David Reid, President
Tina Rosato
Carol Sheeler
Dave Wells, Vice-Pres.
Minister, ex-officio,
non-voting Board Member:
Rev. Michael Carter
Treasurer:
Lee Reading
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