The Community Church of Chapel Hill Unitarian Universalist
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Community Church in Action

Recent activities in the life of our church

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR GROUP'S "COMMUNITY CHURCH IN ACTION"!



​YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM:
"Fishbowl"
​

On February 19, 2021, seventeen members of our congregation played "Fishbowl", a dynamic and fun word game, which was an event offered
​in our 2020 Fall Auction.
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BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TASK FORCE:
Carpet Patterns
​

On January 22,  2021, after much deliberation, the carpet patterns for the new building were selected by the Building Task Force design team: Josh Socolar, Anna Waller, Maggie Scarborough, Tracy Kuhlman and our valued in-house consultants Marion Hirsch and Briton Bieze. 
Photo by Brad Kosiba.




LIVING OUR COVENANT WITH INTENTION &
SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS:
Panel on Faith


​On January 24, 2021, three panelists from our congregation
shared their faith and answered questions .
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WELCOMING MINISTRY:
Chai Social(-Distancing)

On January 17, 2021, 16 members of our congregation participated in the Chai Social, enjoyed delicious chai, fun and socially-distanced fellowship in the church parking lot.


​HOGWARTS MINISTRY:
​zUUle Ball

On January 2, 2021, 65 children, youth and adults participated in zUUle ball, a Hogwarts theme Yule Party on Zoom. All ages. Dancing, fortune telling, conversation. Proceeds go to Close the Gap.
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​WORSHIP MINISTRY & BUILDING PROJECT:
Rev. Thom preaches in the new space
On December 26,  2020, Rev. Thom recorded his sermon in the new space! It was thrilling to see how far this vision for new, expanded and accessible space has come.







CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TEAM:
Solstice Lantern Walk

On December19,  2020, fifty parents, children, youth and friends gathered
for a socially-distanced lantern walk outside together at a member family's home to celebrate Winter Solstice.
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FALL AUCTION EVENT:
Tiki Night!
​

​December 14, 2020: This Fall Auction event featured our talented treasurer, Andrew Wright, showing church members how to construct playful Tiki drinks over Zoom. It was absolutely "bananas"! 
​









WORSHIP MINISTRY:
2020 Holiday Service Project

​
The Worship Ministry's Annual Service Project usually accompanies the Greening and the Chili Supper. This year, they got creative and, combined with some physical distancing and good planning, the Worship Ministry, Quuilters and Community Clickers and others made gifts and cards, while still others purchased pajamas, gloves, socks, chocolate bars and more for the 14 women at HomeStart.
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CONSTRUCTION TASK FORCE:
SITE VISIT


On November 10, 2020, Construction Task Force members Brad Kosiba, Anna Waller, Josh Socolar, Tracy Kuhlman and (behind camera) Maggie Scarborough made a visit to the church's construction site to observe the amazing progress!




​CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TEAM: 
Stuffie Sleepover Auction Event

On Saturday,  November 14, 2020, Children's Ministry hosted a "stuffed animal sleepover" at church. Each winner dropped off one special stuffed animal to represent one special child at this sleepover. The stuffed animals drank coffee (!), played Sardines, lit the chalice and ran on the pews (shoes off, of course).
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WELCOMING MINISTRY:
Cider & Donut Social(-Distancing)

On November 8, 2020, twenty-five members of our congregation met outdoors and enjoyed fun, fellowship and cider & donuts from a safe distance.





BUILDING PROJECT TASK FORCE:

Laying the foundation


On October 23, 2020, Workers poured the concrete slab

for the “Gallery” and “porch” parts of our new building.
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​CHILDREN'S MINISTRY:
Monthly Sunday Surprise Kits
​

On October 1, 2020, twelve families picked up Monthly Sunday Surprise Activity Kits for children.





COMING OF AGE:
Socially-Distanced Family Service

On October 3, 2020, thirty-two members of our congregation joined to hear eight youth share their belief statement "credos" with their families in the Courtyard ​to complete their Coming of Age program.
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​SIDE WITH LOVE:
Phone Banking for the NAACP and Reclaim our Vote
​

On September 3, 2020, twenty-five church members made over 80 hours of phone calls to voter access-
 you can join here!








​BUILDING PROJECT:

Laying the Foundation


On September 16, 2020, workers tamp down the dirt around the foundation of our new space, which will have improved disabled access and increased space for Religious Education and more!
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​CAMPUS FELLOWSHIP:
Socially-Distanced In The Arboretum

On August 25, 2020, seven members of the UNC Campus Fellowship met to build connection and community in a beautiful, natural environment
​(and in a safe way).




SIDE WITH LOVE:
Postcard Writing Party

On August 18, 2020, Nine volunteers came together to write postcards to voters in partnership with the NAACP and Reclaim the vote. Over 50 members wrote over 2,000 postcards in August!
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YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM:
Hogwarts On The Hill

On August 8, 2020, over 70 adults, youth & children of The Community Church held a magical, community building event: the first hybrid (online and socially-distanced in-person) Hogwarts on the Hill!


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SIDE WITH LOVE
On August 7, 2020, in collaboration with The North Carolina NAACP and Reclaim the Vote, over 46 members and church friends wrote over 2,000 postcards ​to help mobilize voters in August.


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​BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TASK FORCE:
Weekly Construction Review Conference
​

On July 28, 2020, Contractor representatives met with Brad Kosiba, Ernie Wilkes and Maggie Scarborough of The Community Church Construction Task Force, as well as Andrew Wright and Bill Poteat of The Community Church Finance Task Force to discuss details of the Building Project, which includes more disability access. Gail McKinley (photo)

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IMMIGRANT JUSTICE INITIATIVE: 
NEW FAMILY IN THE MANSE 

The Immigrant Justice Initiative at The Community Church welcomed a family of asylum-seekers to live in the Manse on July 21, 2020, joining Yeimy. Oscar, Gaby and their children Jeziel, 8, and Angelina, 4, had been living with a former member of our church at her home in Chatham County for the past year. As a welcome gift to the new family, we presented them with quilts from the qUUilters. Church members also donated bicycles, and Mike Gilliom made sure they were road-ready with all the needed accessories. (Photo by Mike)


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OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS: 
​12 KAYAKERS KEEP SIX FEET APART


On Friday, July 3, 2020, more than a dozen members of our church participated in a sunset paddle on Jordan Lake. Kayakers practiced social distancing in this relaxing, community-building event sponsored by Outdoor Connections.

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:
ANTIRACIST PICTURE BOOK CLUB
​

​On July 8, 2020, children participated in the first meeting of the Antiracist Picture Book Club - a weekly storytime and small group discussion that centers BIPOC authors and illustrators and features Black and Brown lives and voices. This week,  we read Earth Mother (by Ellen Jackson illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon),  a beautiful story about our interconnectedness. Next on the reading list is, A is for Activist (written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara).

For more information about the Antiracist Picture Book Club or programming for children and youth, contact Marion Hirsch here.


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BUILDING PROJECT:
GROUNDBREAKING!

Ground-breaking for construction of the new building was officially launched on June 23, 22020, with Rev. Thom posing for traditional photo-op at the excavator's helm.

See weekly updates via the Building Project webpages here.







CHILDREN'S MINISTRY:
DONNA WASHINGTON STORYTELLING EVENT 

On may 23, 2020, many church families with young children enjoyed a Zoom storytelling event with church member and professional storyteller, Donna Washington.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY:
INTER-FAITH COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL SERVICES (IFC)


April 30, 2020: The Community Church is a founding church of the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services (IFC), and every month, volunteers from our church feed the hungry. Here, Jami Alexander (wearing a mask made by church member Susie Hafer) is bringing a carload of delicious pastries for IFC's Community House, a 24-hour residential facility for homeless men. Learn more about IFC here. Learn how to help here.

 



CHILDREN'S MINISTRY:
SPECIAL BUUDDIES
On February 9, 2020: Special bUUddies Breakfast brings children and adults together for a morning of friendship, food and fun. There were twenty adult "buuddies", twenty children, fifteen youth and parent volunteers!
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​COMING OF AGE:
HISTORIC THOUSANDS ON JONES STREET

On 2/8/2020, six teens from our church marched in
​the Historic Thousands on Jones Street demonstration in Raleigh.





CHILDREN'S & YOUTH MINISTRY:
MAGIC: THE GATHERING
Over 25 children, youth and adults attended the first church Magic: The Gathering meeting on January 25, 2020;  all ages played Magic together for many hours.
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​FALL AUCTION EVENT:
AN EVENING OF JAZZ 

On January 20, 2020, over twenty members of our congregation enjoyed  An Evening of Jazz with Erich Lieth at the home of Jeanne Lemkau
The music was great. Participants couldn't sit still!



​
THE COMMUNITY CHURCH CHOIR:
SINGS AT THE CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO INTERFAITH MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY SERVICE 

On January 20, 2020,  more than 40 members of the Community Church attended  this inspirational event at First Baptist Church, including 6th- and 7th-graders ​in the Neighboring Faiths Class with their families.
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​GECKOS  (and a salamander!) AT CHURCH!
Thanks to Cassidy Sexton for sharing her geckos and salamander on 1/12 during Religious Education. She shared her expertise and her critters with more than 50 children on Sunday  morning.


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​CHILDREN'S MINISTRY:
​DONNA WASHINGTON STORYTELLING

After Children's Family Dinner on Saturday, January 11,
over 65 people of all ages enjoyed professional storyteller & Community Church Member, Donna Washington, regaling them with stories.


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YUUle Ball 2020
Over 160 witches and wizards danced the night away at the YUUle Ball
on January 3, 2020. More than $1000 was raised to Close the Gap. 


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 UNC UU FELLOWSHIP:
END-OF-SEMESTER DINNER

December 10, 2019 - celebrating the graduation of co-chair Rachel Raasch and the end of classes.



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 CHILDREN'S MINISTRY: NIFTY GIFTY
On Saturday December 7,  2019, twenty-one church children at "Nifty Gifty"
make and wrap homemade gifts for family and friends for the holiday season.


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ECO: MEGA-RECYCLING EVENT  
On November 17, 2019, about 25 church member households brought items n longer usable to be recycled, as well as the music, concert and buildings and grounds committees which cleared large amount of items from stage right and a storage shed.  Items were picked up by Anything With a Plug, a Raleigh-based company which recycles items in an environmentally sound way, and locally whenever possible.


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CAMPUS   FELLOWSHIP
FRIENDSGIVING


On October 27, 2019, nine young adults of The UU Campus Fellowship at UNC celebrated their annual "Friendsgiving" Dinner with turkey and all the traditional fixings.


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     OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS
          10/26/19: Enjoying a banner year for falling leaves and falling water!


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CAMPUS FELLOWSHIP:
CAMPING TRIP


The UU Campus Fellowship at UNC-CH celebrates the beginning of fall break
​with a camping trip at Jordan Lake on October 12th, 2019.


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COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY:
EL CENTRO BRUNCH


On Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, the Community Service Ministry hosted a brunch to benefit the Center for Education and Leadership (Workers Center) at El Centro Hispano.  All proceeds will go towards helping to fund a storage shed where the workers can safely store their tools and equipment.  Approximately 70 folks enjoyed delicious buffet dishes prepared by church members and were serenaded by the music of Erich Lieth and Pablo Valencia of Saludos Compay.


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WomenCircle  STORYTELLING
Award-winning storyteller, Donna Washington, led the WomenCircle program on Friday, September 6, 2019, telling stories of the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. Participants then broke into pairs to tell stories about significant women in their lives. Thirty women with ages spanning seven decades took part in the program.


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COMMUNITY CHURCH CHOIRS SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
On Saturday, August 31, 2019, members from our church's choral ensembles, under the direction of Glenn Mehrbach, sang The Star Spangled Banner before the Durham Bulls game. Approximately 40 members of community rooted for the home team and enjoyed the post-game fireworks display.


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HOGWARTS  ON  THE  HILL
On July 19-20, 2019, we held our third Hogwarts on the Hill camp. Nearly 50 children and youth as well dozens of adult volunteers participated. The Community Church was transformed into Hogwarts and our young wizards-in-training practiced spells, potions, care of magical creatures, and much more. In the photo the sorting hat determines the house assignment of one of our young wizards. (Photo credit: Jon van Ark.)


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WHITE  ALLIES  TOOLKIT

On Sunday, April 14, nearly 20 members of 
The Community Church attended the
"White Allies Toolkit" workshop, 
led by Dr. David Campt at Kehillah Synagogue.
Those attending learned practical skills for challenging and disrupting racism
and having better conversations about racism. The Community Church was proud
to co-host this event.


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SANCTUARY FOR DIALOGUE
March 30:  members after a Better Angels Skills Workshop (Talking Across the Political Divide) at Croasdaile Village retirement community, where there is significant tension between liberal and conservative residents.  The stars were added by a resident to express appreciation! 23 Croasdaile residents attended!


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FIRST-EVER DAY OF SERVICE

On March 2, over 250 members of The Community Church congregation gathered to serve the greater community by participating in over 14 Service Projects. From building "Little Free Libraries" to helping to feed food-insecure children in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, and more - the people of our church worked together
to serve others. It was a huge success!


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SPECIAL BUUDDY BREAKFAST, 2/10

Friendships across the generations are formed at the annual bUUddy breakfast. Church children and adults are paired and correspond for weeks and then it programs culminates in a fun morning of shared breakfast and activities.


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BETTER  ANGELS  STATE  OF  THE  UNION

On January 31, the Sanctuary for Dialogue ministry hosted a watch party for David Blankenhorn's Better Angels State of the Union address.
Sanctuary for Dialogue partners with Better Angels to facilitate community conversations, in the Triangle and beyond, designed to de-polarize Americans.


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2019  NAACP  MLK  SERVICE

On Monday, January 21, the Community Church Choir sang at the Chapel Hill/Carrboro NAACP's annual service celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Community Church's participation in the service
is a long-standing tradition.


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HELPING  HANDS  HELP  HABITAT
On January 13th, Church children learned about The Community Church's 23-year participation in Habitat for Humanity. The youth learned about how the homes are built and painted welcoming messages on insulation baffles
for our 23rd Habitat build!


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  • MEGA-RECYCLE  EVENT  A  SUCCESS
  • Many thanks from ECO! About 80 households participated and extra volunteers appeared to help both Sunday and Monday, 1/13 & 1/4/19. Everyone was of such good spirit. Some useable items were donated. Also, Rachel repurposed an item for the office, building/ground crew rescued a cart to use and youth ministry scavenged a few items for a "maker" activity. The recycler was happy with the load and all of us can be proud of keeping so much out of landfills. Well done, everyone!


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NAACP  SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

On December 17, leaders of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro NAACP were sworn in during a ceremony led by Senator Valerie Foushee.
Our minister, Rev. Thom Belote, who chairs the Religious Affairs Committee, took part in the ceremony, joining the Executive Committee of the local NAACP chapter.
The Religious Affairs Committee is currently hard at work planning the annual MLK service.


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DECKING  THE  HALLS


The annual Greening of the Church, held on December 1,was a time of joyful community.
Activities included decorating the Sanctuary for the holidays, wreath-making,
a delicious chili supper with cornbread and eggnog, and a lively singing of Christmas carols led by our fabulous 16-piece ukulele ensemble, the UUkes!

The Greening again included a Service Project: the creation of 14 bountiful baskets
with care items and holiday treats for residents of the local women's shelter
as well as 8 bags overflowing with warm winter clothing.


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LET'S   TALK  TRANS


As we mark our 15th anniversary as an LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation, our church hosted Let's Talk Transon Thursday, November 29. Ames Simmons, Director of Transgender Policy at Equality NC, spoke, providing an overview of gender identity and answering questions about how to be more welcoming and combat transphobia.


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CHURCHWIDE  THANKSGIVING  POTLUCK


On November 22,  Members of The Community Church,
along with family and friends, celebrated Thanksgiving 2018 with a huge array of food and fellowship. Folks who have been part of this community for years, UUs from out of town - all had a festive time.  And,  all helped clean up afterward!


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VISIT  TO  STEWART  DETENTION  CENTER

On November 10-11, a group from North Carolina, including Rev. Thom and two Members of The Community Church, traveled to Lumpkin, Georgia, to visit immigrants detained at the Stewart Detention Center. We worked in conjunction with El Refugio, an organization providing support to detainees and their families. The trip was organized through FaithAction House in Greensboro.


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BLESSING  OF  THE  ANIMALS
On Sunday, November 4, The Community Church of Chapel Hill held a Blessing of the Animals Service. People of all ages were joined in the service by lots and lots of dogs and a couple of intrepid cats. The service celebrated our connection with our animal companions and a few dogs delighted everyone by howling along to the hymns.


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​VOTER  ENGAGEMENT  DRIVE
On the weekend of October 19-21, Community Church hosted a busload of UUs from the Reeb Project of All Souls Unitarian Church in Washington D.C. Our guests were paired with members of our church, trained by You Can Vote and Democracy NC, and sent all around the Triangle to help with voter education and get-out-the-vote efforts.  Countless volunteers helped make the weekend a success with home hospitality and providing a potluck dinner on Saturday evening.


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VOTER OUTREACH,
FOOD & FELLOWSHIP

October 20: After a full day working for voting rights with the Reeb Project,
visitors from All Souls Unitarian (DC) enjoyed a dinner prepared by members of The Community Church.

feeding the future

On Tuesday, October 9 a group of 10 members of our church's Community Service Ministry took part in a bagging party at TABLE in Carrboro. The group packed 200 backpacks of food for hungry students in our community.
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uukes perform at hurricane shelter

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When a member of the UUkes, the ukulele ensemble
hosted at The Community Church, learned that dozens of evacuees from Hurricane Florence were being sheltered at the Bill and Ida Friday Center
in Chapel Hill, she sprang to action. On Monday, September 24, the 26-piece uke ensemble played a show for the people in the shelter.


ALL-CHURCH PICNIC

On September 8th, folks of all ages came together
to share, eat, play and relax at the annual All-Church Picnic.
A delicious potluck dinner was followed by traditional family games:
Tug of War,  Three-Legged Race and Sack Races.
It was a wonderful way to bring our community together
​to start the church year.


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LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGN


On September 2nd,  members came to the ECO table
during Coffee Hour to write letters to Governor Cooper in opposition to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.



​our church choir sings national anthem

After clowning around with Wooly Bull, the Community Church Choir
knocked it out of the park while singing the National Anthem at the
Durham Bulls game on Saturday, September 1.
The Bulls went on to win the game, 12-9.
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                                              Flaming ChalicES          End Season With A Win

On Sunday, August 19, the Community Church's church league softball team, the Flaming Chalices, won their last game of the season playing against the United Church of Chapel Hill.
With players ranging in age from teens to folks in their 70s, the softball team is an opportunity for intergenerational bonding and good fun!

CHALICE CAMP








​Church children enjoyed a week of Chalice Camp
August 6-10 exploring UU values, playing games,
creating a play, and going on field trips.
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hogwarts on the hill

On the weekend of July 27-29, The Community Church was transformed into Hogwarts for a Harry Potter-themed camp. More than 50 children and 60 adults took part in the experience which included a great feast, sorting in the four Hogwarts houses and magical classes.



Habitat House
Dedication

Community Church members turned out on Friday, May 25 to dedicate the Tengono family's completed Habitat house. Our QUUilters presented the family with two lap quilts. As a part of Building Hope we have partnered with other faith communities to build a house each year for the past 22 years. This year's house was made possible in part by the Joe Farinola Memorial Fund and we dedicated our work on the house to his memory.
Habitat House Dedication
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Members of the Community Service Ministry volunteer for TABLE
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volunteering for table

On Tuesday, May 5, members of the Community Service Ministry joined with others in filling bags at TABLE with shelf stable foods for children at risk for hunger in Carrboro/Chapel Hill schools.  Later in the week another shift added fresh fruits and produce to the bags which were then delivered to these kids at their schools and after school programs.  TABLE is currently serving over 650 children weekly!

shelter neck family retreat

13th Annual Shelter Neck Family Retreat--April 27-29.
Church families gathered at Shelter Neck UU Camp in Burgaw for a relaxing weekend of food, fellowship, campfires, games and a talent show. 
Shelter Neck retreat
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NAACP Dinner 2018
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naacp dinner

NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner April 28, 2018
The Community Church hosted a table at the Chapel Hill Carrboro NAACP  annual Freedom Fund Dinner.  We enjoyed a fun and inspiring evening of fellowship and inspiration including a terrific keynote address from Anita Earls. 

2018 music gala

On April 21 Community Church held our annual Music Gala, titled "Big BlUUe Marble: the earth in song." Favorites like Danny Gotham, the UUkes, both of our adult choirs, and many others performed, with music spanning styles and generations, including original songs and arrangement created specifically for the occasion. Funds raised will go towards music and sound equipment upgrades, including a new digital hearing assist system.
Ruth Gibson as
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C3HUU singers at SECU House
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Musicians Visit SECU House

A group of musicians from the Community Church visited SECU House on April 16. SECU House provides comfort, hospitality, and respite for patients and their families who travel long distances to receive treatment at UNC Medical Center. Our church shared the gift of music with the residents there. 

SYRIAN DINNER

The Sanctuary & Immigrant Support Ministry hosted a delicious and successful fundraising dinner at the church on Saturday, April 14. A Syrian refugee family catered the dinner and speakers talked about the services both available and needed within the refugee community. Funds raised went to compensate the caterer and support an organization that works with refugees in the Triangle.
More about the sanctuary and refugee support ministry
Syrian Dinner at The Community Church
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Community Church representing at the Raleigh March For Our Lives
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March for Our Lives

Dozens of young people and adults from the Community Church traveled to Raleigh joining thousands from across the state on Saturday, March 24 to attend the March for Our Lives and to call  for meaningful and responsible public policy to address gun violence in our nation.
youth and children's ministry info

Actor Joey Collins at Community Church

On Sunday, March 4, actor Joey Collins - starring in Playmaker's productions of The Christians and Tartuffe - joined us for worship at The Community Church. He performed a scene from The Christians and also told a story about how he came to question a belief in hell. You can hear the sermon here.


link to sermon on youtube
Joey Collins at Community Church

Capital Campaign kickoff celebration
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Campaign Kicks Off with Dinner and a Show

A large crowd attended a church party on Saturday, February 25 to kick off the combined Capital Campaign and Annual Pledge Drive. Festivities included a taco bar prepared by our high school youth, homemade donuts for dessert, and a wonderful talent show featuring talented church musicians of all ages as well as a magic performance

We Are a Sanctuary Church!

On February 18, our church held a congregational meeting to vote to become a Sanctuary Congregation. The vote passed and was met with cheers and applause. To learn more about Sanctuary - or to get involved - visit the website of the Sanctuary & Immigrant Support Ministry.

SANCTUARY SUPPORT MINISTRY
picture of a sanctuary church banner

Students from the UNC campusminitry led services on February 18

Campus Ministry Gives Us Hope

On Sunday, February 18 the UU Campus Ministry at UNC led our worship service. The service included three mini-sermons by members of the Campus Ministry as well as poems, meditations, and readings. The service ended with a joyous singing of "Tomorrow" from the musical "Annie." The Campus Ministry meets weekly in the Student Union during the school year and the Campus Ministry service is an annual highlight.

CAMPUS MINISTRY INFO

Community Church Choir Sings at Playmakers

On February 17 and 18, the Community Choir Choir, under the direction of Glenn Mehrbach, appeared in Playmakers' production of "The Christians." The play tells the story of a schism that occurs in a church when the senior pastor becomes a Universalist. Rev. Thom will preach about the play on March 4.

MUSIC PROGRAM
Community Church Choir performs in Playmakers'
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Church members march at the HK on J rally
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Community Church Shows Up for HKonJ

Dozens of members of the Community Church braved the rain in downtown Raleigh on Saturday, February 10 to attend the Forward Together Movement's annual Historic Thousands of Jones Street (HKonJ) march and rally. The Forward Together Movement articulates and promotes a moral vision for our state that includes voting rights, care for the poor, public education, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, and environmental justice.

rehearsing for "the Christians"

The Community Church Choir, under the direction of Glenn Mehrbach, will be one of six local choirs appearing on stage for Playmakers' production of "The Christians." "The Christians" portrays a church conflict that erupts when the pastor tells the congregation that he no longer believes in Hell. Our choir will be singing in the show on February 17 and 18 and on March 8-10.
More about our music program
Rehearsing for
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Guest Minister Rev. Paul Davis
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Rev. Paul Davis Guest Preaches at Community Church

Rev. Paul Davis, minister at the Congregational UCC Church in Greensboro, was our guest preacher on Sunday, January 21. Rev. Davis preached about his congregation's experience welcoming Minerva Cisneros Garcia and Oscar Canales into sanctuary. You can hear the whole sermon here.

Community Church Shows Up For Annual MLK Service

Nearly 50 members of the Community Church were present for the Chapel Hill / Carrboro NAACP's annual service commemorating the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. held at First Baptist Church on January 15. Our Community Church Choir with Glenn Mehrbach directing contributed a choral anthem during the service. And, our own Rev. Thom, serving as the chair of the Religious Affairs Committee of the NAACP took a leading role in planning the service.
Chapel Hill/Carrboro MLK Day service
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Students at the Racial Equity Institute Workshop
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Campus Ministry attends Racial Equity Institute Workshop


On January 12 and 13, six members of our Campus Ministry were among 30 other community member participating in Organizing Against Racism's training.
More About Campus Ministry

43,851 Reasons to be Grateful

The Share the Plate program, which schedules Sunday collections for local organizations that reflect our values, is proud to announce that a record $43,851 was raised in 2017. These funds went to organizations like Planned Parenthood, the Interfaith Council for Social Services, El Centro Hispano, and many others. Click here to see a list of all of the organizations we supported in 2017. We are amazed by our church's extraordinary generosity!

Music Director Glenn Mehrbach leads the Community Church Choir in the holiday performance of Bach's
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Magnificat Magnificent

The Community Church Choir and Music Director Glenn Mehrbach created a beautiful choir service on Sunday, December 17. Accompanied by a 16-piece orchestra our choir sang a stunning and moving rendition of J.S. Bach's Magnificat.

Holiday Fun at Grinch Night

A large crowd of children, their families, and others feeling young at heart enjoyed Grinch Night, an annual tradition at Community Church, on Friday, December 15. Scott Provan reprised his role as the Grinch offering an enthusiastic reading of the classic story by Dr. Seuss. Following the performance the congregation joined in singing Christmas carols.
Scott Provan as The Grinch
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Community church members at the Habitat for Humanity build site
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Community Service Ministry Takes Habitat to Lunch

On Saturday, December 16, our church's Community Service Ministry provided lunch to the team working at the Habitat for Humanity site in Efland. Our church is part of an interfaith team working to construct a home for Gerardo and Ilail Tengono. This year's project is extra special as it is being built to honor the memory of Joe Farinola.
More About habitat

Rev. Thom Attends National Interfaith Clergy Witness

On December 14, the fifth anniversary of the shootings at Sandy Hook elementary in which 20 children and 6 adults were killed, Rev. Thom Belote joined religious leaders from around the country at the National Interfaith Clergy Witness outside the NRA headquarters in Fairfax, VA. The witness mourned the tens of thousands firearm deaths each year in the United States and issued a moral call for reasonable and responsible gun laws in our country.
Rev. Thom at the interfaith clergy witness in Fairfax, VA
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Inetfaith Clergy Witness in Fairfax, VA
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The Community Church campus ministry celebrates last day of class
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Campus Ministry Celebrates LDOC

The Unitarian Universalist Campus Fellowship at UNC celebrated the last day of class by going out to an Indian restaurant on Franklin Street. After dinner the church presented each of the students a care package for finals. These care packages, filled with snacks and joyful items, were created by one of the covenant groups in our church.

Holiday Baskets
for HomeStart

At the Greening on December 2, volunteers assembled nearly 20 holiday care baskets for women staying at the Inter Faith Council's HomeStart shelter. Each basket included an assortment of personal care items and a homemade scarf knitted by the Community Clickers.
Volunteers put together holiday baskets for the HomeStart shelter
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Hanging garlands at the Greening of the Church
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UUkes perform at the Greening of the Church
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Holiday Fun at the Greening

Nearly 150 members of our church community took part in the annual Greening of the Church held on December 2. After decking the halls of the church, creating wreaths, and assembling baskets for HomeStart we enjoyed a chili supper, sipped egg nog, and our UU Ukelele group led us in singing our favorite Christmas songs.

Community Church Talks Turkey

On November 20 and 21, Sanctuary for Dialogue hosted two evenings of trainings to help people to learn how to have better conversations across the political divide. Utilizing material from Better Angels, these "Let's Talk Turkey" workshops helped participants learn how to listen better and be more effective at articulating their own values.

More About Sanctuary For Dialogue
Sanctuary for Dialogue group in action
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Community Church Performs "Oliver!"

A cast and crew spanning the generations produced and performed the musical Oliver! at the Community Church of Chapel Hill on November 17-19. In response to the themes of poverty and abuse included in the musical, we raised over $1,000 for the Durham Crisis Response Center over the weekend. Beginning 10 years ago with our first church musical, we have produced a musical every other year.

Services Auction a Super Success

There was an abundance of Fellowship, Fun-raising, and Fund-raising at our annual Service Auction on Saturday, November 11. (Left) Attendees making their bids during the silent auction. (Right) Attendees pose with our fabulous auctioneer, Donna "The Peacock" Washington. Thanks to Susan and Don Blanchard, our Auction co-chairs for organizing our largest fellowship and fundraising event of the year!
Crowd placing bids at the Service Auction
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Attendees pose with our fabulous auctioneer, Donna
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Community Church members at the Better Angels training workshop
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Community Church Sends Team to "Better Angels" Training

Eight members of our church's Sanctuary for Dialogue team attended a two-day training with the organization "Better Angels" on November 10-11. Better Angels is an organization seeking to de-polarize Americans by training them in how to talk and listen across the blue-red divide.

Eric Bannan Plays Benefit Concert

On November 3 church member Eric Bannan performed a concert celebrating the release of his new album "You Are Welcome Here." Funds raised from the concert went to support the Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia (MERI.) Concertgoers enjoyed two sets of music from Eric and at intermission enjoyed sweet and savory fare catered by Hana Jabr, a Syrian refugee living in our community.
Eric Bannon performs at The Community Church
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Puerto Rican flag

Record Share the Plate for Puerto Rico

Our Share the Plate on Sunday, October 29 raised funds for disaster relief in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. That morning our special offering raised $3,145 for Unidos Por Puerto Rico / United for Puerto Rico, our largest Share the Plate collection to date. (Our Share the Plate program donates our Sunday collection twice a month to organizations that support our values. Each year we raise about $35,000 through Share the Plate.) 

SHARE THE PLATE PROGRAM

Rehearsals For "Oliver!" Enter Final Stretch

With just two weeks left until opening night, rehearsals for the musical "Oliver!" are heating up. Here is a clip of Scott Provan as "Fagin" rehearsing a scene with Fagin's Gang. "Oliver!" runs November 17-19 in the Sanctuary of the Community Church.

"OLIVER!" INFO AND TICKETS

Walking the Labyrinth at Camp New Hope
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Community Church Holds Labyrinth Walking Class

Members of Rev. Thom's Labyrinth Walking class walked local labyrinths on three consecutive Sunday afternoons this fall. The class visited labyrinths at UNC Hospital, Carol Woods, and Camp New Hope. Click the link below to view other offerings through the Spiritual Exploration for Adults program.

more info on SEA

High School Youth Group Habitat for Humanity

Members of the high school youth group volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, September 30. The Community Church of Chapel Hill is currently working on the 22nd Habitat house that we've helped build.

MORE ABOUT YOUTH PROGRAMS
High School Youth Group volunteering for Habitat
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Middle School retreat at Shelter Neck
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Shelter Neck Retreat for Middle Schoolers

The Middle School Youth Group enjoyed a weekend retreat at Shelter Neck from 9/22-9/24. Highlights included trips to the beach and aquarium, a workshop on non-violent communication, Smoreos (S'mores + Oreos), and a magical creature costume contest (pictured.) Shelter Neck is a Universalist-owned retreat center near the NC coast.

Community Church
Sends Team to Sanctuary Matters Conference

On Saturday, September 16, our church sent a team to the Sanctuary Matters: Testimony and Best Practices conference held at United Church of Chapel Hill. More than 150 people from more than 20 congregations in the Triangle attended the conference. Follow the link below to learn more about the Sanctuary and Immigrant Support Ministry at Community Church.

Sanctuary and Refugee Support Ministry
Sanctuary Matters: Testimony and Best Practices conference
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Community Church Annual Picnic
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Community Church Annual Picnic
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Annual Picnic was Fun, Fun, Fun

One of the highlights at the beginning of every the church year is our annual All-Church Picnic, held at Camp New Hope on September 9. Participants enjoyed a potluck meal, played games including the popular "Tug-o-War," and finished the evening with a campfire.

Community Church Hosts MERI

The justice organization MERI (Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia) held its quarterly meeting at the Community Church of Chapel Hill on Tuesday, August 29 with our members serving as hosts. Participants shared a meal and planned justice events for the fall.
Meeting of the Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia group

UNC Campus Fellowship meeting
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UU Campus Fellowship @UNC

With the start of a new semester the Unitarian Universalist Campus Fellowship is back and resuming weekly meetings. The Community Church has sponsored a campus ministry program on UNC's campus since 1998. UNC students are invited to join us each Wednesday during the semester at 5:00 in a meeting room in the Student Union. Fellowship plus bread, hummus, and cookies every week!

MORE ABOUT UNC CAMPUS FELLOWSHIP

Welcome Blanket

On Sunday, August 20, the Community Clickers displayed the blanket their group created as part of the Welcome Blanket project. The blanket will be sent to the Smart Museum in Chicago where it will be displayed this fall and then gifted to a newly arrived immigrant family.
Info on Community Clickers
The Community Clickers display their Welcome Blanket
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Sanctuary and Refugee Support Ministry
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Sanctuary & Refugee Support Ministry

This photo is from the August 17 meeting of the Sanctuary & Refugee Support Ministry. This group, formed last spring, has been building momentum by providing direct service to Latino immigrants and refugees from Syria, partnering with other congregations and organizations, and attending events related to Sanctuary and immigration justice. 
Info on Sanctuary Ministry

Hogwarts on the Hill

August 11-13, 2017,  over 50 children, youth and adults gathered to create a Hogwarts mini-camp.  Pictured here is Headmistress Selden Holt presiding over the opening feast.  There was sorting, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Quidditch skills, wand making, butterbeer and fun for all.
Seldon Holt as Headmistress at Hogwarts on the Hill camp
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Community Church Choir at Durham Bulls game
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Community Church Choir at Durham Bulls

On Thursday, August 10, the Community Church Choir performed the National Anthem at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and then stuck around to root, root root, for the Bulls! The Community Church Choir rehearses every Wednesday evening in the Straley Room. Contact Glenn Mehrbach for more information.
Info on Music Program

Outreach by Peace and Justice Committee

On August 9 The Peace and Justice Committee commemorated Hiroshima and Nagasaki Days with a viewing of the documentary PICTURES FROM A HIROSHIMA SCHOOLYARD  and a performance from the Raging Grannies.
The raging Grannies perform at the Peace and Justice Comittee's outreach event
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Picture

Race Matters

Five youth from the congregation were participants in the Race Matters Training, August 5-6 at Carrboro High School. The Racial Equity Institute workshop was sponsored by Orange Organizing Against Racism. The Community Church, in addition to sending youth, also helped organize and sponsor this event.  

ECO Committee
Movie Night

On August 4, 2017, members and friends of ECO, the church’s environmental committee, went together to see Al Gore’s movie, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. 
Info on ECO
ECO Committee movie night
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Community Church Chalice Camp
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Chalice Camp = Summer Fun

Church children enjoyed a week of Chalice Camp July 31-August 4 exploring UU values, playing games, creating a play and doing service projects and going on field trips.
Children & Youth Program

Tim Tyson Visits
Community Church

Those attending the Spiritual Education for Adults (SEA) book discussion of “The Blood of Emmett Till” on Sunday, July 23, got a special treat: a surprise visit from author Tim Tyson. Dr. Tyson reflected on his experience of writing the book, its reception when it was published six months ago, and the continuing relevance of Emmett Till in today’s social and political climate.
Info on SEA
Author Tim Tyson makes a surprise visit to the book group
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WomenCircle Clothing Exchange
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WomenCircle Clothing Exchange

July 2017 - WomenCircle Clothing Exchange when we brought our gently used clothes and exchanged for treasures from others. Great for home decluttering and lots of fun!

Info on WomenCircle

The Community Church
of Chapel Hill
Unitarian Universalist

106 Purefoy Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
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