The Meridian
Food for Thought – a Healthier You, a Healthier Planet
What exactly are GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and are you concerned about eating these foods? For thousands of years, humans have been modifying foods, and most of us have been eating these foods without even knowing it. Are these foods healthier? Are they good for us and are they good for the environment? Why do…
Manna Holiday Wishes
Food needs of Manna neighbors are currently outpacing Manna donations. An increase in serving an average of 150 families a month to 250 families over the past two years and the rising costs of food are beginning to deplete the little cushion Manna had gathered during Covid, when congregations generously provided extra donations. As liaisons…
SUUSI 2023 Is Returning to WCU!!
GREAT NEWS! SUUSI (Southeast UU Summer Institute) will be returning to Western Carolina University (WCU) in Cullowhee, North Carolina, July 16 – 22, 2023!! Mark your calendar and make your vacation plans! This year’s theme is Turn Our World Around. The catalog is usually available in April; look for a plentiful diversity of workshops, worship services, music, nature trips,…
Message from the Director of Religious Exploration
Hello and Bright Blessings! It’s my favorite time of year – spooky season – and it’s time to start planning UUCT’s third annual Halloween Trunk or Treat and Youth Group Bonfire! The event will take place on Friday, October 28 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Trunks can start setting up at 5:30, we’ll trunk or…
Sabbatical Chronicles III
Spiritual PracticesThere are thirteen of us leaving after the first month in the jungle for a few days of break in Iquitos, one remains behind, not ready to be out in the world just yet. That was me. I sent videos to my closest family members with those going on break. I stayed behind to better…
Board Notes
Welcome to our newest childcare provider, Zoie “Zeph” Miller-Nickel! Having three experienced workers to draw from will make scheduling much easier. At the recent September meeting, the Board approved: A proposal from the Director of Religious Exploration to begin planning a UUCT-hosted “Our Whole Lives” facilitator training for the spring or summer of 2023. The…
Picture This!
Did you know that UUCT has an expanded Instagram presence? Now in addition to the Religious Exploration (RE) Instagram that Helen Cassara created and continues to maintain, some other photos of people and events at UUCT are popping up on Instagram. Take a look, follow, and share with friends. Better yet, send in some of the photos you…
November: Centering BIPOC Voices
The November selection for Centering BIPOC Voices is a novel you won’t want to miss. “The Sentence” by Louise Erdrich offers a narrative with compelling characters and her characteristic focus on Native Americans keeping their culture alive through community. “The Sentence” begins on All Souls’ Day 2019 and ends on All Souls’ Day 2020. In those…
ARE@UUCT’s Changing Role
Now that the congregation has adopted the 8th Principle, the Allies for Racial Equity group (ARE@UUCT) is stepping back from our very active role last year in informing the congregation about the 8th principle. A new group is forming to focus on UUCT’s work after adoption: the journey to live into the 8th principle. Several members…
2021-22 Year End Financial Report
The 2021-22 fiscal year ended on June 30th. The annual financial results were better than projected, as demonstrated by only needing about $11,000 of the planned $28,000 in endowment funds to cover the budget. Please find an in-depth letter and spreadsheet prepared by our Disbursing Treasurer, Ron Clark in the folder linked below. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UX5j5zJ4LaOCwzocIBlC0uSNN1M8JT76?usp=sharing Anyone with…
Hunger Is No Game
Prices of food are going up and it is no surprise that there is a startling increase in people coming to Manna on Meridian each month. Not long ago volunteers bagged and distributed under 200 kitchen staples. Now almost 300 neighbors arrive on the third Saturday of every month. The number of people who cannot…
Afternoon at the Movies
Join the Food for Thought folks for an afternoon at the movies on October 16th at 1:00 PM. Grab a snack or bring your lunch. The movie will be shown in Room L and run about an hour and a half, followed by a discussion on the veranda. This award-winning movie, EATING OUR WAY TO…