Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Survey Results from the Settled Minister Search Team

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 15:41:00 +0000

The Search Team would like to thank everyone who took part in our Congregational Survey! We had 102 Responses from members (80%) and friends/other (20%). That’s a great response and we are looking forward to using the survey to guide us as a search team. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be sharing the results, beginning with the topics below:

Favorite Things about DUUF
Top 3 Functions of a Minister
Role of a Minister
Take Aways for Search Team

Favorite Thing About DUUF

We asked what’s your favorite thing about DUUF. We heard that people’s favorite thing was our welcoming, open-minded community where the people come for connection and spiritual connection to their world and to be with other like-minded people. The themes that really stood out were community, openness and our Sunday worship experience.

What’s the top favorite thing about DUUF? We LOVE our strong sense of community and connectedness as reflected in comments:

The welcoming and accepting community
Seeing people I've gotten to know there for shared activities
Our sense of community and shared values
Communing with like-minded people
Providing a welcoming liberal spiritual community available to all
The feeling of community and belonging - the sense that people are truly glad to see me when I'm there.

Another favorite theme reflects the open, accepting nature of our congregation:

Love acceptance and diversity
Open and accepting of many spiritual paths
The many perspectives of religion with no judgement
The message of love and inclusion
The openness and curiosity of the attendees

And, we really value our Sunday services! Our Sunday services are important to us and we see the service as an expression of our connection and as a place for spiritual growth and freedom of belief.

Mental & spiritual uplifting. Stained glass windows. Singing & meditation. Rituals & celebrations
That I find a spiritual home there
Inspirational readings and sermon on Sundays
I love the seven principles and the messages talked about at services, the windows in the sanctuary looking over the natural beauty outside

We also heard that people valued the church programming and our religious education program and were happy that we have young families and children as a part of DUUF.

What are we looking for in a minister?

Like most congregations – we want it all! However, we do see some priorities that have emerged as the most important. We asked for the three most important function of a minister. Analyzing the comments, we were able to see some themes. Top 5 for each question are in yellow below.

Top 3 Functions for the Minister (comment question)

Comment focus for top 3 Minister Functions	All (count of comments)	rank
worship/spiritual leadership	73	1
admin/prog support	51	2
pastoral care	50	3
community	24	4
social action/service	21	5 tie
inspiration	21	5 tie
Denton/UU outreach	19	6
Education/RE	10	7
open welcoming vibe	4	8

Role of a Minister – This activity had respondents rank the role of the minister. Ranking by 3 perspectives is shown below (individual, good of congregation, good for next generation). Top 5 are in yellow.

Role	Your preference	For the good of the whole congregation	For the good of the next generation
Spiritual leader - prepares and leads worship and celebration	1	3	7
Fosters a sense of community	2	2	5
Pastoral Role - provides pastoral care, and, by example shows us how to care for one another.	3	1	6
Intellectual leader - challenges and stimulates the congregation	4	4	8
Social activist - encourages social justice programs	5	7	2
Prophetic Role - helps us imagine our future and inspire us	6	5	1
Provides visible leadership in Denton	7	9	4
Facilitator - develops volunteers and lay leaders	8	6	9
Administrator - achieves results by coordinating and supporting the efforts others	9	8	11
Supports families and multi-generational ministries	10	10	3
Teaches classes and leading workshops	11	11	10

Take Aways for the Search Team

Some take aways from responses and comments are below. The search team will make use of the survey results and the “search social” gathering to guide us in our search for a new minister.

Great Sunday service. – Our congregation wants to connect and be inspired by the Sunday service. The exploration and inspiration we are seeking is tied to the Sunday service. The congregation is proud of the sanctuary and building and feels that both add to the experience. Comments around other development were mentioned and there’s some expectation that the minister recognizes the need for, but does not have to facilitate, programs or offerings.

Pastoral Care. – This was consistently ranked high although comments were qualified “for those that need or request it” “in times of need or ritual.” Here our comments on being able to support or comfort others was important but only if it was asked for. There is recognition that there are those in need of this in our congregation and an expectation of the minister to address these needs via pastoral care.

Church administer/program support. – We believe that we could do more and want our minister to help organize us as a congregation. We are seeking someone to develop and coach board and church leadership to take on more. Expectations included administering staff, organizing events and long-term planning. Comments here included charisma, organizational and leadership skills, and extroversion.

Be known in Denton. - We want someone focused on serving the congregation so that we remain a beacon of liberal thought and a connected community. We want our minister to represent us to Denton. Comments reflected the desire to have the minister be seen and known so that others will know we exist and they can find refuge here and enjoy what our congregation has to offer.

Social Action/Social Justice/ and Community Service. We want to play a role as a congregation in Denton and be represented by a minister who advocates for UU principles and beliefs in the Denton community. Other comments reflected wanting a minister to enable the congregation to do social justice or action work though our efforts as a congregation.

Information about the Minister Search Process

noreply@blogger.com (Sunnie) — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 03:25:00 +0000

To begin the process for searching for a settled minister, the Fellowship members will vote on the Search Committee at DUUF’s congregation meeting on May 5. The first step is to gather names for the ballot. Please review and discuss the following questions with members of your household. The Board and the Nominating Team will divide up all the households in the congregation and place a call to every single household, recording the names submitted in response to the last question. You may submit as many names as you want.

Questions to consider:

What are the good qualities needed for someone to serve on a Ministerial Search Committee?
Who in the congregation works well with others?
Who can represent and serve the whole congregation well (including looking out for the needs of children) and not just a piece or “faction” of the congregation?
Who would have no “axe to grind”?
Who knows the history and culture of the congregation, whether a member of long standing or relatively new?
Who has been and/or is active in the congregation and has demonstrated both responsible participation and responsible leadership?
After a high salary, the most attractive quality a congregation can have is self-awareness – awareness of strengths and weaknesses, what the congregation is like at its best and at its worst, as well as on an average day. Who would be able to know and relate all this to potential candidates?
After thinking about all of these questions, who would you trust to serve on the Search Committee on behalf of the congregation?

The Board and Nominating Team will begin placing calls the last week of March. After the names are submitted, the Board will find out if the people named want to be considered. If you have any questions about the above process or anything else relating to the Search, please email minister@dentonuuf.org or president@dentonuuf.org or view the UUA website at https://www.uua.org/sites/live-new.uua.org/files/settlement_handbook.pdf.

Love and peace,

Nancy Gaige

President, Board of Trustees

Coming of Age Boston Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 16:42:00 +0000

Dear DUUF Community,

During our trip to Boston last week, we visited many historical UU sights and connected with the Coming Of Age group from First Unitarian Church in Dallas with whom we traveled. As well as learning about UU history, we had the opportunity to learn about the history of Boston and America at large. When we traveled to the Old Manse in Concord-- the home of influential transcendentalists such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson. We learned about the first battle of the Revolutionary War at a nearby bridge from a local park ranger.

On our first day, we took a trip on an amphibious vehicle where we learned about the general history of Boston, such the fact that a significant part of Boston is built on landfill. On our second day we visited Arlington Street Church (the first Unitarian church and where William Ellery Channing was the minister) and Harvard Divinity School (the location of one of Emerson's most influential speeches). Locations like these were integral to the experience, helping us connect obscure names to actual buildings, pulpits, and rooms, where the stories we had learned previously in our Coming Of Age class began to come to life.

On our third day we traveled to Concord by bus to visit the Sleepy Hollow cemetery (the final resting place of prominent transcendentalists such as Elizabeth Peabody, the founder of the first kindergarten in America, and Henry D. Thoreau). We also visited Walden Pond, where Thoreau wrote his famous book Walden. Myself and many others found this location to be especially spiritual; the quiet and beautiful surroundings along with readings by Rev. Aaron White of the Dallas congregation connected us deeply with Walden’s central idea of simple living and a higher power in nature.

The following day we walked to King’s Chapel and went on the “Bells and Bones” tour where we saw their 325 year old crypt and climbed into the bell tower to see the bell that was recast by Paul Revere in 1814. Later that day, we enjoyed seeing whales on a whale watching ship east of Cape Cod bay and returned to see The Blue Man Group, a fast paced musical performance art, which is an experience I’ll never forget.

On our fifth day we attended a Pride worship service at Arlington Street Church where we sang along with the UU community of downtown Boston and watched the Pride parade afterwards outside of the church. It was a very special experience to see such an inclusive and supportive event on such a large scale; this is something I hope to see in Texas in the future. After the parade we were afforded a few hours of free time, so Tesa Morin, students from the Denton group, and I went to Beacon Hill and visited picturesque Acorn Street.

On our final day in Boston on Sunday, we returned to King’s Chapel to attend service, which was an especially unique experience. Although the church is affiliated with the UUA, the worship service is quite different from ours. The service included Psalms and readings from the Common Book of Prayer in its original Shakespearean-like form and an inspirational sermon on social action and justice. Even though it was a foreign experience, I enjoyed it and learned a great deal. I think this acceptance of learning from many different traditions and practices of other religions is one of the greatest parts of being Unitarian Universalist.

I know that myself and many others have been changed by this trip; we have a deeper understanding of what it means to be a UU in this world. Connections have been made that are only possible with this firsthand look at the hearth and birthplace of Unitarian Universalism. I hope that future generations in this church can experience this too, because it is so incredibly important to understand what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist in an historical context.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support and donations from the congregation. We are thankful to those that guided us in our fundraising, those that bought shirts, many who donated so that all of us could go on this trip, to our mentors, and to our teachers Pam and Tesa. We are thankful for their time, mentoring, guidance, and energy as they helped us to grow spiritually. On the behalf of the CoA group, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the congregation for providing this experience for us. We thank you.

With gratitude,
Gabriel Morgan

Easter Sunday at DUUF with services at 9:30am and 11:30am

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 16:41:00 +0000

All are invited for worship services on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. Join us for an all-ages story of emergence as we celebrate the Easter holiday. Rev. Pamela Wat leads our services at 9:30am and 11:30am.

Children are invited to participate in our annual Easter Egg Hunt between the services (at 10:30am). Bring a bag or basket and get ready for fun.

Inquirers Series starting on April 15, 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 20:29:00 +0000

The Inquirers series resumes April 15th! Inquirers is a series of eight classes that can be taken in any order. Take all eight and win a prize! Join us between the Sunday services at 10:40 am in Classroom #2 to learn about Unitarian Universalist history, our fellowship, and how to become more involved at DUUF. Our first session, on April 15th, will be Q&A with the Minister. Newcomers and long-time members (and everyone in between) are especially invited to bring their buring questions to Rev. Pam as we explore what it means to be UU.

DUUF Chili Cookoff 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 23:53:00 +0000

Join us for the MOST DELICIOUS chili in all of Texas. Contestants, bring your BEST chili, soup, or dessert. Omnivore and vegan entries welcome. Appetites encouraged! $7 for adults; $4 for kids. Raise funds to support DUUF AND connect with some fine folks. Members of our high school Coming of Age class will be selling new DUUF t-shirts to help fund their trip to Boston!

"Reflections 2" Welded Steel

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 16:25:00 +0000

On Sunday, January 14, 2018 we dedicated “Reflections 2” welded steel, a statue that now stands outside our sanctuary. It was made and generously donated by Jerry Daniel.

The sculpture has a steadiness about it. As the landscape around it changes and, as we change and move through the seasons of our own lives, it stands there steady and strong, yet somehow reminding us of something tender and yielding.

Rev. Pam calls this piece "sacred art." “Sacred” because if you spend time with this sculpture, it will draw you toward what it is you need to discover. It might be a sadness, or a joy, or a strength, or a discernment, a slowing down. It might be community, or courage. This sculpture has the power and possibility to help you hear the voice of God, of spirit, of wisdom, of a higher power in your life.

Please take time to reflect on how this sculpture speaks to you. Here are some questions that could guide your reflection:

What is your metal? What is hard and cold that needs to be made malleable?
And what is malleable that needs strength and shape and direction?
Who are your people to whom you can go when you hurting or when you are in discernment?
What are the pieces of your life that you thought were finished, but that take shape in new ways?
Where does grief live in your body and how might you tend to it?
How do you tend to your feelings of emptiness (in unhealthy ways)?
How do you tend to your feelings of emptiness (in healthy ways)?
What makes you feel strong?
How do you cultivate openness?
What gives your life meaning?
How is your life taking shape?

Q&A with the Minister on Sunday, January 14

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 15:42:00 +0000

Join us between the services on Sunday, January 14 for a Q&A with the Minister.

All are welcome to attend the first in an eight-session series to learn more about our congregation and to meet others. In this session Rev. Pam will answer any questions you bring! Think about what you’d like to know more about, or come and ask those deep existential questions that you’ve been wanting to explore!

We meet in room 2 at 10:40am and finish by 11:20am.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Weekend 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 15:33:00 +0000

This weekend we listen for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s urgent call to love and justice and we honor his legacy by responding with our own gifts. We have three opportunities to respond and you are invited.

1. In preparation for the Martin Luther King, Jr. march (1/15) and the Women’s March Reunion (1/20), come to DUUF on Saturday (1/13) from 1:30pm to 3:30pm to make signs! We'll provide the supplies and some sample quotes, so just come ready to decorate.

2. On Sunday (1/14) our service will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership and we will have a second offering to support the Denton African American Scholarship Foundation. In 2017 the top award winner was Jacqueline Willis (Ryan High School graduate now attending Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia). Last year they also awarded 13 scholarships and provided funds to freshman, sophomore, and juniors to help them excel. If DUUF pulls together $1,500, we will provide a year of tuition and fees for a community college student! $1,000 will help a student pay for books, meals and lab fees. $500 covers what a typical student pays for books and supplies. $250 will help a student pay for meals. $100 buys graphing calculators for two students. $50 will cover school supplies for a year. Let’s see what we can do DUUF!

3. On Monday (1/15) march with other members of DUUF by meeting up at the parking lot at South Welch Street and Union Circle/West Chestnut Street by 4:30pm or meet up with folks later at the program at MLK Jr. Recreation Center. Please support Denton’s celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy.

No matter how you spend this weekend, may our shared efforts bend the arc of the moral universe ever toward justice.

Welcoming Guest at Your Table

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 19:01:00 +0000

Guest at Your Table (GAYT) is the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about UUSC’s work to advance human rights around the globe. Donation boxes are available at DUUF throughout December. Place one prominently at your home to remember the figurative guest at your table and to cultivate a generous heart in the weeks leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve (or other times before the end of 2017) please bring your donation to DUUF so that we can send our collective contribution to the UUSC.

UUSC works in over 25 countries with over 75 grassroots partner organizations. This year, we are highlighting the following “guests” and partners:

Tulele Peisa supports Carteret Islanders being displaced by severe climate change impacts in the South Pacific.

RAICES provides legal aid and support for families held in Karnes family detention center in Texas.

The Center for Social Integrity advances human rights in Burma through youth leadership development.

The Queer Detainee Empowerment Project supports LGBTQI+ immigrants in and outside of detention in New York.

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is a 77-year-old human rights organization grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and founded to support refugees and political dissidents feeing Nazi Germany. Through research, advocacy, and grassroots partnerships, UUSC advances human rights in the United States and around the globe.

Contributions of any amount qualify for membership. Contributions of $125 or more are eligible to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the UU Congregation of Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY.

Make DUUF part of your winter holiday experience!

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 02:40:00 +0000

On Christmas Eve (Sunday, 12/24) you have three opportunities to find new meaning and mystery in old Christmas traditions:

10:30am "Christmas on Stage" - Rev. Pamela Wat and musical guest Paul Slavens take us on a journey through an interactive, staged version of the Christmas story. Connect to the joy and wonder of this holiday. Children and adults are invited. Please note that there will be one service on this Sunday morning with two later services in the afternoon/early evening.
4:30pm "Reindeer Games" - This year we are going to play our way to the meaning of Christmas! Be part of the fun and the magic on Christmas Eve. Rev. Pamela Wat leads our celebration and Santa Claus joins us for cookies and fellowship.
6:00pm "Peace on Earth" - We gather to hear the story, to wonder about the circumstances, and to cultivate peace in our lives and in the world. Rev. Pamela Wat leads this traditional, candlelight Christmas Eve service on this most holy night.

On New Year's Eve (Sunday, 12/31) join us at 10:30am to burn the old and set intentions for the new. Start 2018 off with wisdom and clarity by participating in this annual burning bowl ritual.

Hanging of the Greens is HERE!

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 21:21:00 +0000

Hanging of the Greens is an all-ages event to decorate the church for the season, enjoy one another's company, and share a meal together. A craft is planned for the young (and young-at-heart). Please join us whether you are bringing the holiday cheer, or in need of some holiday cheer, or just available to lend a hand in our decorating extravaganza.

Please also be part of our potluck! We supply the pancakes and you bring a side dish or dessert.

Fair Trade Sale @ DUUF on Sunday, 11/12 starting at 10:30am

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 20:22:00 +0000

Buy something for yourself. Buy gifts for the holidays. Promote a fair trade economy. Support Coming of Age high school youth. We have a wide range of items for sale (jewelry, gift baskets, kitchen wares, chocolate, scarves, ornaments, and MORE). Each item is made by artisans who receive a fair, livable price for their goods. We will be open during coffee hour after both services.

Financial Peace University starting 1/11/2018

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 20:19:00 +0000

(Starts January 11, 2018 at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship)

Most people struggle to make ends meet. They just have too much month left at the end of the money. If you have made mistakes and feel like your money vanishes each month, you are not alone. In fact, 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, regardless of income. Financial Peace University is designed to teach you and your family to get out of debt, stay out of debt, and build wealth. During the 9-week course the class will meet to watch the video lesson and participate in discussion groups that will change your whole attitude about money! This class will break through the common financial jargon and explain how money really works in a simple, easy-to-understand style. During this life-changing class, you will learn how to:

Get Control of Your Money

· Follow the step-by-step process for getting out of debt and staying out of debt

· Put together a monthly spending plan that really works

· Set financial goals and communicate about money

Stop Struggling to Make Ends Meet

· Protect your family from life’s emergencies

· Eliminate the stress that comes from financial problems

· Save and invest for your future

Tell Your Money What to Do

· Know what insurance to buy . . . and what to avoid

· Get great deals on the things you buy

· Buy or sell a home the right way

· Plan for your retirement and make the right investment choices

Change Your Family’s Future

· Utilize a good money plan to strengthen your marriage

· Unlock the power of giving to change your community

Classes will be held Tuesday nights beginning January 11 (and finishing on March 8), from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The cost of supplies is just $129 per individual (or couple) and scholarships are available.

Contact events@dentonuuf.org for more info or to register.

DUUFiversary Fish Fry!

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 13:12:00 +0000

DUUFiversary Fish Fry!

Saturday, 10/21 at 6:00pm

DUUF is turning 68 and we are having a good ol' fashioned fish fry for all and a big bounce house for children. Bob Snyder is graciously donating halibut, cod, and rock fish that he caught in Alaska and the Snyder family is bringing a fryer and grill for deep-fried fish and fish tacos on Saturday, October 21. In addition to the fish, we will supply fries, cole slaw, vegan fried “fish”, condiments, and soft drinks.You supply any potluck side dishes, dessert items, etc. We invite you to make a donation for your dinner and all proceeds will go to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and to DUUF. Suggested minimum donation is $10 for adults and $5 for children, but please pay what you can to support two worthwhile organizations.

Mindfulness and YOU!

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 16:16:00 +0000

Meditation and Dharma Study Group meets every Sunday evening from 4:30 to 6:00 and is led by Palden Lhamo, an ordained teacher in the Jonang lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. There is no charge for the teachings. The group meets in the sanctuary at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1111 Cordell Street, Denton, Texas. The event is open to the public. All are welcome.

Labyrinth Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 01:01:00 +0000

Rev. Pam leads the group in the background and meaning of labyrinths and how the practice can inspire grounding and wholeness in your life. All are welcome.

Every first Tuesday of the month, join us to experience a different spiritual practice. We will explore practices for daily, weekly, monthly, and annual implementation that will help you to cultivate peace, clarity, and connection. Rev. Pam leads this class and participants may come to every class or drop in as able. CHILDCARE available! Please RSVP for childcare by 9/27 to events@dentonuuf.org.

Parents Night Out on Friday, October 6 starting at 5:30pm

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 00:12:00 +0000

Parents Night Out

supervised playtime for infants and children up to age 12

First Fridays at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
from 5:30pm to 9:30pm

includes: movie, pizza, snacks, beverages, games, crafts, and fun with friends

$32 for first child ($20 for each additional child)

Questions? Contact events@dentonuuf.org

We are splashin' in the new (school) year!

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 18:10:00 +0000

Splash Day on Saturday, August 19 (starting at 5pm)

Welcome back old friends and say hello to new ones! There will be a giant splash slide and smaller wading pools for the little ones. Potluck. Bring beverages and/or dish to share. Don’t forget your towels, chairs/blanket to sit on, and sunscreen.

Ingathering & Water Communion Service on Sunday, August 20 (at 9:30am and 11:30am)

You are invited to bring a small amount of water that represents something of you and/or your experiences this year. Some people bring water from their home, from a vacation they took this year, from a loved one’s home, from time in nature, a rainfall, or some other meaningful experience. All are welcome to share in this truly meaningful experience.

Coming of Age for Youth STARTING NOW

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 16:11:00 +0000

Parent and Youth Orientation

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm

at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Do you know a high school student who is ready to explore their beliefs/values and to deepen their understanding/awareness of self? We welcome all high-school-aged youth and their parents/guardians to join us for this session to learn more about the Coming of Age series. Coming of Age helps youth in grades 9-12 (or equivalent) to be their best selves through exploring beliefs, promoting justice, building relationships, being a leader, finding spiritual grounding, and articulating what is important to them. Classes will meet Wednesday evenings beginning in mid-August and continue through May 2018 (with an optional trip in June 2018).

For more information (and to RSVP) email hs@dentonuuf.org. This series is open to all youth regardless of their membership or participation at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The program is non-dogmatic and open to a diversity of beliefs and backgrounds.

2017 Award Ceremony and Flower Communion Services

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 21:47:00 +0000

June 4, 2017 was a special time at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship! During each service, we presented and dedicated our beautiful, new banner that was created by Hope Edwards. We recognized youth and adults for their leadership and for living out exemplary values. We recognized high school and college graduates. We recognized rising 2nd graders, rising 6th graders, and rising 9th graders who bridged to the next DUUF class. We thanked our volunteer teachers. We installed our 2017/2018 Board of Trustees. We celebrated flower communion (on the 95th anniversary of flower communion). And we sang, danced, and shared stories. It was a full day! Following is a list of some of the folks we recognized and photos from the day.

Pre-K through 1st Grade:

Special recognition went to Teddy, Willis, Airle, Evey, Ava, Edyn, Leo, Serena, Rowan, Aubrey, Phoebe, Jeremiah, Jerry, Alida.
Recognition to assistant teachers: Nicholas Morgan, Danna Getske, Stacy Efthymiou.

2nd-5th Grade:
Top 5 Attendance: Penelope Sullivan, Wyatt Morin, Joshua Swift, Gus Gamblin, Rakan Aouadi

Rising Star Award (5 Leadership Stars): Rakan Aouadi, Matae Aouadi, Robin Palmer-Stanley, Zoey Tait, Gus Gamblin, Max Briggle, Rowan Brown, Corbin Allred

Shining Star Award (10 Leadership Stars): Wyatt Morin, Joshua Swift Super Star Award (15+ Leadership Stars): Penelope Sullivan DUUF Leadership Award: Penelope Sullivan 2nd-5th Grade Bridging Certificate: Xander Kimbro, Johan Hotz Middle School: DUUF Leadership Award: Gabriel Morgan Middle School Bridging Certificate: Riley Briggs, Gabriel Morgan, Bella Sagaribay Recognition to Nancy Fire for her strong commitment to assistant teaching each and every week. Youth and Adults:

Danielle Jacobson Leadership Award: First annual award went to Danielle Jacobson!

The Unsung Hero Award: Elizabeth Yeary

Golden Award: Henry Gibbons

Chalice Award: Mark Davis

Chalice Award: Gerry Veeder

This side of our new banner features a tree with our principles as part of our roots, and the world as the tree.

This side of our new banner features a our name, chalice, and our principles.

Children with Rev. Pam dedicating the new banner.

Installation of the 2017/18 Board of Trustees

First graders bridging up to the next class!

Rachel recognizing student leaders in the 2nd-5th grade class.

Xander bridging up to Middle School!

Danielle receiving our first annual Danielle Jacobson Leadership Award!

Rachel recognizing Gabriel Morgan for his leadership in the middle school youth group.

Gerry Veeder receiving a Chalice Award.

Rev. Pam recognizing Jessica O'Connell's graduation from UNT.

Rev. Pam recognizing Leah Cadwallader-Daniel's graduation from Denton High School.

Barb Rodman and Sunnie Palmer presenting Liz Year with the first annual Unsung Hero Award.

Barb Rodman presenting Mark Davis with the 2017 Chalice Award.

Flowers from the 9:30am Flower Communion Service

Flowers from the 11:30am Flower Communion Service

A World of Treasure

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 22 May 2017 21:11:00 +0000

Kids are invited to explore A World of Treasure! This unforgettable journey begins with a scavenger hunt, a secret map, and clues to a summer-long adventure of exploring world religions...with a final reveal in August!

The series is on Sundays, June 11 through August 13, 2017 (9:30am or 11:30am), with a scavenger hunt kick-off on June 11th.

Throughout the summer, three classes (pre-k through 1st grade, 2nd through 5th grade, and 6th through 12th grade) will explore treasures hidden in different religions.

It all takes place at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1111 Cordell Street, Denton, Texas.

No cost to participate and all youth are welcome.

For more information contact: youth@dentonuuf.org or call (940) 566-1286.

4th Annual Interfaith National Day of Prayer Service in Denton

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 14:06:00 +0000

Thursday, May 4, 2017 with a Community Meal at 6pm and Service at 7pm
Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2200 N. Bell Street, Denton

All are invited for a community meal provided by members of Trinity Presbyterian Church at 6:00pm. The prayer service is at 7:00pm. Leaders and members from diverse faith traditions will join us for an evening of inspiration and solidarity.

Children (grades 1 or older--including middle school/high school) are invited to sing in the choir for this event. An mp3 file is available for download and practice and a short rehearsal will be the day of the event at 6pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The children's choir is led by Jett Cheek, Children's Choir Director of First United Methodist Church. The song is "Let There Be Peace on Earth". Files (for audio and words) can be downloaded here: https://www.mediafire.com/folder/tinw425pc11va/Denton_Interfaith_Children's_Choir Questions can be directed to faithallianceofdenton@gmail.com.

Easter Sunday at DUUF on April 16, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 22:04:00 +0000