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Nora Unitarian Universalist Church
12333 155th Avenue
Hanska, Minnesota 56041-4310

  
norachurch@sleepyeyetel.net

January, 2006
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- Sunday Schedule -
Adult Discussion Group: 9:00 A.M.
Choir Rehearsal: 9:00 A.M.
Social Hour: 10:00 A.M.     Worship Service: 10:30 A.M.

- Sunday Services -

January 1: No service

January 8:
“Church: Opiate of the Masses or Methamphetamine of the Soul?”
We’re focusing on the second of our guiding values this month: religious community. In a world full of religious rote and repetition, is Nora Church an “opiate” or a “stimulant”?
• 9:00 Choir Rehearsal
• 9:00 Discussion Group
• Musician: Sally Hanson
• Greeters/Ushers: Algot & Bonita Blomquist, Lorraine Becken
• Kitchen Duty: Warren & Kristine Paulson, Elroy & Ardis Wellmann
• Potluck lunch after the service


January 15: M.L. King Service
Guest speaker Fred Doty

• 9:00 Choir Rehearsal
• 9:00 Discussion Group
• Musician: Jordan Rathman
• Greeters/Ushers: Mark & Brenda Wiger, Eric Byro, Janney Rieke
• Kitchen Duty: Dave & Jean Wenk

January 22: “The Life Well-Lived”
Those we describe as being “spiritual” people share some characteristics that are attainable by you and me. What are they, and how do they enhance religious community?
• 9:00 Choir Rehearsal
• 9:00 Discussion Group
• Musician: Mimi Kamleiter
• Greeters/Ushers: Vicki Sieve, Liz Reedy, Tessa Makepeace
• Kitchen Duty: COA class

January 29: “Stories From Church”
Don used these original stories for the Smorgasbord service this year, but almost every Nora member and friend was working! Come hear what our visitors heard: stories about church life that evoke silliness, sadness and struggle.
• 9:00 Choir Rehearsal
• 9:00 Discussion Group
• Musician: Jordan Rathman
• Greeters/Ushers: Jerry & Sue Allen, John Bauer
• Kitchen Duty: Janet & Wayne Johnson

View From The Hill What a shame it would be to go a day without learning at least one new thing. And what an absolute crime against Life it would be to spend an entire year without learning at least one important thing. As we enter 2006 together, I offer this much-traveled, anonymous-credited list in the hope that at least one entry speaks of something you learned in 2005. But, if not, what important thing did you learn last year? I’ve learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. I’ve learned that it takes a long time to become the person you want to be. I’ve learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. I’ve learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up. I’ve learned that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have. I’ve learned that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do. I’ve learned that credentials on a wall don’t make you a decent human being. I’ve learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. I’ve learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. Learning with you, Don

DON’S SCHEDULE

As always, Monday is Don’s day-off and he uses Fridays for sermon writing. He’ll be in Florida and Ohio from Christmas Day through New Year’s Eve. In case of emergencies contact a Board or Committee on Ministry member for Don’s contact information.

MINISTER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

The Minister’s Discretionary Fund is designed to offer one-time assistance in legitimate need situations: utility bills, emergency travel, motel room or food. As we begin 2006, the fund is down to approximately $100. Your contributions are welcome and tax deductible. Just write “Minister’s Discretionary Fund” in the memo line. Thank you!

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

THANK YOU to the all of the kids for their participation in the Children’s Winter service. You all did a great job, and should feel very proud of yourselves. Laurie Kunerth, Kristi Bodick, Julie Sellner, Shannon Weiss, Nita Gilbert , Ross Chambard and Sheldon Rieke deserve a thank you for all of their help too. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you !!

REMINDERS:
* Sunday School is from 9:30 -10:15.
* We will have Sunday School after RE Wednesdays.

OWLS ASAP:
If you have a child in grades 4 - 6, you have received a letter regarding the OWL (Our Whole Lives) program at the Mankato Fellowship. They have extended an invitation for our youth to join them. The Mankato Fellowship has four people trained as OWL teachers. It will be an eight-week course that will run 12:00-1:00 P.M. on Sundays . There will be a parental information session on Sunday, January 15 at noon at their church, 937 Charles Ave., Mankato. If you are interested in having your child(ren) participate, please let Anne know ASAP. UUFM needs to know how many children from Nora will be participating by January 2.

EXTRAS:
The nursery is now open for infants/toddlers /preschoolers and their parents during services now. Please feel free to use it as you need.

We would like the children from the Juniors and Tweeners class to join us during church, however recognize that between Sunday School and church it may be a long time for the children to sit. If families are feeling the church service is too long for the younger children (Juniors and Tweeners) to sit through, they may feel free to let their children leave after the children’s story. There will an age appropriate video downstairs for them to view until the end of the service. We ask that the elementary school children not use the nursery as it is a tiny space designed for the youngest children. Thank you for your assistance.

We are always looking for people interested in teaching or helping out with RE and Sunday School. Please feel free to talk with Anne Rieke if you have questions about the Nora RE program.

TO KEEP IN TOUCH

Bryan Becken passed away on Christmas Eve. Our thoughts and prayers are with Diane, Ardelle, Lorraine and the rest of the family as they go into the new year. A memorial service will be held at Nora Church on January 4 at 11 A.M. with one hour of visitation before the service. Cards may be sent to Diane at 1701 N. Garden Street, New Ulm 56073.

Joanne Saxton’s husband Niel passed away the beginning of December. He is now at rest after years of combating with diabetes. We send our prayers out to Joanne as she deals with all the changes that will be coming in the months ahead.

Dorothy Strom has moved to the Sleepy Eye Care Center. She would love to hear from her friends either with cards or visits. Address: 1105 3rd Avenue SW, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085.

BENEFIT FOR THE CHILDREN OF IRAQ

Last June, we chose as our global issue to help the children of Iraq. In response to this, our Social Justice Committee has set up a benefit to be held on January 15 at the United Church of Christ in New Ulm, our co-sponsor for the event.

The doors open at 6 P.M. starting with a spaghetti dinner. There will be activities for children during the evening and entertainment at 7 P.M. featuring Hanska’s renown comedian Algot Blomquist along with music by Don Rollins and Nita Gilbert.

The Social Justice Committee asks that you help support the event by buying and/or selling at least four of the tickets which are enclosed in this newsletter. You play a vital and important role in making this benefit a success!

The money you collect can be given to Brenda Wiger, chair of the Social Justice Committee, or handed in on the evening of the event at the door. THANK YOU!!!

SECOND SUNDAY OFFERINGS

Starting in January, the “loose” money from the second Sunday of each month will be donated to Food For All, our designated agency for addressing local hunger. (The Social Justice Committee suggested this approach, and the Board approved it.) The Second Sunday offering will apply to cash and change only, although checks may be designated to Food For All by writing “Food For All” in the memo line. Thank you for your gifts to those who need them most!

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & GROWTH

Sunday morning discussions will be held at 9 A.M. in the parish parlor. On January 8, Don will lead the group. The other Sundays in January are yet to be determined.

No other activities have been scheduled for January because of uncertainty in the winter weather.

LUNCH BUNCH

¡Felíz año nuevo! The Lunch Bunch is gathering on the third Wednesday, January 18 at 11:30 A.M. at the Plaza Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant, 1707 North Broadway, New Ulm. Hasta ahora, amigos!

FUNDRAISER FOR NORA CHURCH

Kristi Bodick is going to be doing a fundraiser during the month of February for the church. Through her business, The Wholefood Farmacy, she is able to give 20% of total sales to the designated organization. As an example, for every $100 purchased $20 will go to the church. This will be an excellent opportunity to raise some extra funds for the church. Full details will be in the February newsletter.

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