Sep 13, 2022 | Featured
….Midterm Elections Approach!
Carolina Jews & UUs Faith in Action Phonebank in Partnership with the New North Carolina Project Foundation. Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 from September 15th through November 3rd. UU Justice NC is teaming up with Carolina Jews for Justice to co-host this weekly Get Out the Vote phonebank in the run up to the midterm elections. We’ll be calling voters of the Global Majority across North Carolina empowering and equipping them to Vote Love and Defeat Hate. Register Here
Save the Date: UU the Vote All Ages Postcard Project- October 9, 9:30AM (Before Service)
We are partnering with 19 UU Congregations in NC to mail, 26,414 postcards to infrequent registered voters of the Global Majority in Cabarrus County. This is one of the three counties that will be pivotal in maintaining abortion access in our state. Thank you to all who have already claimed postcards and to all who will join us October 9. Gracias!!!And as a reminder, please make sure that all postcards are completed and put in the mail no sooner than October 14th and within a few days after that date.
Aug 30, 2022 | Featured, Justice Ministry
Our UU Congregation adopted the 14th BeLoved Pantry on December 5, 2021, the first that has been adopted by an outside organization. BeLoved is a local nonprofit focused on lifting up fellow community members most in need. The Street Pantries placed throughout Buncombe County in boxes donated by Mountain Xpress, provide easy 24/7 access to supplies near where people in need live or gather. UU congregants and friends have been supplying and filling our pantry on Charlotte Street every day since December. We know it is well appreciated by our neighbors because it empties every day. We can use your help!! Sustainers donate items once a month to the bin that is outdoors at the back entrance of the UU building. Adopters get donations from the bin and fill the pantry with them once a month. For information on how to get involved email Anita Feldman at anitasfeldman@gmail.com .
As part of our congregation’s ongoing support of BeLoved Asheville we are providing UU volunteer opportunities to help BeLoved build small homes for our neighbors who otherwise cannot afford “affordable housing.” The BeLoved Village project is an innovative way to enable people earning approximately 30% of area median income (AMI) afford a home while building equity and community—so needed here in the Asheville area where rental rates are the highest in the state. Regardless of skills or experience, there are ways for everyone—adults and youth—to contribute their time and energy to this vital community project. For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, contact Jim Gamble at jamesgamble89@gmail.com
Aug 25, 2022 | Featured
During this 2022-23 church year, you’ll be hearing a lot about our efforts to shed white privilege and adopt behaviors indicative of equity and justice and liberation for all. There will be a jillion opportunities for you to join in the fun and the learning. Here are a few that can be accessed immediately. Why wait?
August 25 – September 10: Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective presents Blood at the Root, a play by Dominique Morisseau.
Saturday September 10 at 10:30am: Books to Action discussion and walking tour at Stephens-Lee Center.
Saturday and Sunday, September 10 – 11, 2022, from 9am to 5pm both days: Racial Equity Institute Phase 1 Workshop sponsored by the WNC Racial Equity Collective.
September 19-November 14, meeting weekly on Mondays 7-9pm: Building Bridges–Registration opens Monday August 22nd, at NOON.
Details for all these events are on the Justice Ministry pages of the church’s website. On the main page, click first on “Get Involved” and then click on “Justice Ministry.”
Mary Alm, Board Member
Aug 10, 2022 | Featured
Thursday, August 18, from 7pm – 8:30pm.
Join UU Justice NC and our statewide partners Pro-Choice NC and The Carolina Abortion Fund
for this special event. We’ll hear analysis about the current state of abortion rights in NC and the
stakes of the mid-term elections, learn how we can support our state and local reproductive
justice partners, and review the brand new Repro Justice resources developed by our national
Side With Love Team for UU congregations. Register Here.
Jul 28, 2022 | Featured
Saturday, August 20, 9am-1pm (SH)
Click here to register.
Rev. Keith Kron, Director of the UUA Transitions Office, will lead us in a workshop and then in our Sunday worship service. Beyond Categorical Thinking (BCT) is a highly recommended part of the search process for our congregation. In finding the person who would be the best match for our minister, we could potentially overlook or even let biases keep us from knowing what a particular person would be the best match for us. The selection of a minister is important, and this workshop is another opportunity for everyone in our congregation to be part of that process.
Jul 5, 2022 | Featured
It’s time to register for UU Asheville’s annual weekend gathering, October 14-16! This is a weekend for families, singles, and any other variation. We hold worship, workshops and outdoor activities, and evening entertainments. Come for the scenery, stay for the fun. There is programming for all ages.
Hurry and sign up today before it sells out! Click here to register. This sells out fast, so register today! If costs would prevent you from attending, please also request a scholarship by filling out this scholarship form. If you’d like to volunteer to lead a workshop or activity, please fill out this form. If you have any questions, please contact Anna Martin (anna.ward.martin@gmail.com) and Sandra Goodson (Sandraaudreygoodson@gmail.com).
Jun 29, 2022 | Featured
At General Assembly last week, UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick Gray presented her annual report to those gathered in Portland and online. You can watch the video or read the transcript by clicking here.
Jun 21, 2022 | Featured
The Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) is a committee of seven UU Asheville members charged
with learning from our congregation what qualities our next called minister should have, and then
finding the best possible candidate for that job. Click here to read their bios!
Jun 21, 2022 | Featured
Led by the The Ministries and Faith Development Staff Group, this service honors fellowshipped and credentialed religious leaders; remembering those who have died, recognizing those who have completed active service, and welcoming those who have received fellowship or credentialed status in the past year. The service includes a collection to benefit the Living Tradition Fund.
Join us in Sandburg Hall as we watch the livestream of the General Assembly worship service. This year, Rev. Claudia receives full fellowship and will be honored in this service. Gather with us or watch from home at https://www.uua.org/ga/off-site/2022.
Jun 21, 2022 | Featured
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Participants worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. Anyone may attend. Additionally each UUA congregation can have a specific number of voting delegates according to its size. UU Asheville can have 10 delegates. If you’re interested in being a delegate, contact Board President Clyde Hardin.
In 2022, we will have the option of meeting online or in-person! For those who enjoyed the convenience and accessibility of remote participation, General Assembly will continue to offer virtual attendance with robust programming and enhanced delegate discussion tools. For those who have been missing the physical experience, GA 2022 will also feature face-to-face interactions, hanging banners, a browsable exhibit hall, meals with friends old and new, local site attractions, and more! Join us June 22 – 26, 2022 online or in-person in Portland, Oregon.
All GA attendees and exhibitors are required to provide proof of Covid-19 Vaccination for in-person attendance at General Assembly. In addition, masking is required and physically distanced seating options will be reserved in our meeting spaces.
General Assembly registration information.
General Assembly housing information.
General Assembly programming information.
Jun 2, 2022 | Featured
Universal Rainbow Unity invites you to a ‘viewing party’ of Transgender Justice & Inclusion with a discussion following.
This webinar will give participants an overview of how to think about gender expansively, the experiences and needs of trans, non-binary and gender non conforming people, the current landscape of violently anti-trans legislative efforts and what congregations need to do to be spaces of safety and resilience for trans people and their families. Read more and register here for home viewing.
LATE-BREAKING NEWS – FOOD will be available for a nominal cost in Sandburg Hall between 5:30 and 6pm.
Apr 27, 2022 | Featured
After coffee in Sandburg Hall, head back to the Sanctuary to view This Divided Land, a 20-minute film that was made by Asheville Habitat for Humanity. Andy Barnett, the Executive Director of Asheville Habitat, will be here to answer questions about the film and to discuss their contributions to providing equitable affordable housing in our community.
After discovering a racial covenant on a property developed for affordable housing, Asheville Habitat decided to learn more about discriminatory housing practices that took place in our community, how those shaped our city, and how practices like racial covenants have contributed to current day racial disparities.
Apr 25, 2022 | Featured
Suppressed and Sabotaged: The Fight To Vote (2022) is a powerful documentary about the growing threat of voter suppression and election sabotage. In 2021,19 states passed 34 new voter laws following the 2020 Presidential Election. The film focuses on this recent wave of voter suppression and subversion laws being enacted in states, and how the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race between Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp provides a deplorable example of today’s voter suppression laws across the country.
The film includes perspectives from voters in Arizona, Florida, and Texas that highlight how these new laws will affect their constitutional right to vote. Suppression tactics covered in the film include: registration hurdles; polling place closures; voter purges; missing absentee ballots; extreme wait times at polling locations; exact match disqualifications; new vote-by-mail limitations; changes to ballot collection and drop off; and more. Voter suppression laws disproportionately affect American Students, Senior Citizens, Black, Indigenous, Latine, and People of Color from casting their ballots. Suppressed and Sabotaged is a call to action against the calculated, unconstitutional and racist attacks intended to suppress the right to vote in America.
Note: This film will be viewed on Zoom. Send a request for the link to Charlie Wussow at mnpopi@icloud.com by Thursday, May 12th. There will be a discussion after the screening of the film.
Official Trailer https://youtu.be/_RhrbEh-osI runtime: 44 minutes
Apr 14, 2022 | Featured
Support our Justice Ministry partner, BeLoved Asheville, by attending their fundraiser auction. Proceeds will fund the building of a home in The Beloved Village Micro Homes Project. The struggle to find deeply affordable housing is the #1 problem in Asheville, our state, and our country. Enjoy the event knowing that you are part of the solution. Please join us for an evening of live jazz, delicious culinary & beverage treats. PLUS a “something for everyone” selection of auction items & experiences, services, vacation trips and entertainments. Click here for more information and tickets or ask Fredda Mangel, UU Asheville’s Ambassador for this auction.
Apr 13, 2022 | Featured
This is a self-paced experience with recorded lectures, supplemental materials, and one live processing session presented by the Southern Region of the UUA. The topics covered in the Primer LE are UU Theology, Covenant, and UU History.
Sending leaders to a Leadership Experience is an investment in the future of a congregation and in the future of Unitarian Universalism. Leadership Experience participants return to their congregations more grounded in Unitarian Universalism and hear a deeper call to serve. They function at a high level and are able to inspire and invite others. Because this experience is so valuable for individuals, teams, and congregations, the Southern Region staff recommends that congregations build leadership development, in general, and sending teams to Leadership Experiences, in particular, into their budgets. Register today!
The cost is $35 per person; UU Asheville congregants are eligible for scholarships so money cannot be your excuse! Here’s what James Cassara has to say: I’ll speak from experience and say this is a powerful and engaging experience, one I have now done twice. It is a great way to deepen your commitment and understanding of UU Asheville and how we can build the Beloved Community we all desire. For more information watch an introductory video here.
I’ll be glad to share my experience. Feel free to contact me, James Cassara.
Apr 12, 2022 | Featured
This UU Common Read invites us to ask ourselves, “Why is it important for UUs to Defund Fear?”
Once we find a leader, we can plan to gather for a deep dive into Zach Norris’s Defund Fear: Safety without Policing, Prisons, and Punishment (Beacon Press, 2021). While Zach Norris’s book is secular, the issues it confronts and the solutions he offers raise core theological questions for Unitarian Universalists. Groups can meet for one 90-minute session or adapt the discussion materials to go deeper together with multiple meetings.
Here’s a recorded conversation (Vimeo, 1:10:00), moderated by UU World executive editor, Roger Santodomingo, that engages author Zach Norris with UU religious professionals on ways the book resonates for UUs. The conversation calls us to respond individually and collectively with prophetic, faith-based participation in our shared public safety.
Contact Rev. Claudia Jiménez if you are interested in leading a single-session or 3-three-session discussion group for UU Asheville. Here’s the resource for doing that: This discussion guide, for any UU congregational group (Word, 59 pages), offers a single 90-minute session and a three-session option for online or in-person gatherings.
Get started now:
Mar 30, 2022 | Featured
If you are struggling with the concept of faith, theology, worship, and other religious words, I invite you to consider attending next month’s Adult Faith Development Program “The Haunting Church: Owning Your Religious Past” which invites participants to reflect on their religious journey. What do you leave behind? What do you bring to the present? What do you redefine? Contact Rev. Claudia Jiménez to register.
HauntingChurchUUCAvl
Mar 30, 2022 | Featured
This is a documentary film about BBQ, ice cream and the Confederate flag.
The Confederate flag has flown in the corner of an Orangeburg, SC parking lot since 2000, when former ice cream shop owner Maurice Bessinger raised the flag in protest over it coming down from the SC State House dome. Bessinger, a self-avowed segregationist, deeded the plot of land where the flagpole stood to the local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans to ensure the flag continued to fly in Orangeburg long after his death.
In the wake of the 2015 Charleston Massacre, new creamery owner Tommy Daras, who once considered the flag an acceptable sign of a rebel, has a change of heart and commits to doing anything possible to get it down. But “Keeper of the Flag” Buzz Braxton and the Sons of Confederate Vets refuse. With Confederate symbols coming down around the country, can Tommy get the flag down in Orangeburg?
Send a request for the ZOOM link to Charlie Wussow at mnpopi@icloud.com by Wednesday, April 6th. There will be a discussion after the screening of the film.
Official Trailer https://www.meltdownindixie.com runtime: 54 minutes
Mar 29, 2022 | Featured
UU Justice NC is teaming up with DRUUMM (Diverse Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries) to offer a virtual event for North Carolina UUs interested in learning more about the 8th Principle. We’ll have the incredible opportunity to hear directly from the co-author of the 8th Principle, Paula Cole Jones. We’ll also learn more about the process of adopting the 8th Principle from two lay-leader panelists who have led this work in their own congregations.
Mar 17, 2022 | Featured
YRUU and Family Ministry are partnering with The Blood Connection to sponsor a blood drive because our area is dangerously low on blood supplies. Each blood donor will receive a $10 eGift card. A $10 charitable donation will be made to the church per donor. Your support is urgently needed!
Each blood donation saves up to 3 lives! Donors need to be at least 16 years old (16-year olds need a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian, which will be at the blood drive), weigh at least 110 pounds, have ID and be in general good health.
Please schedule an appointment by clicking on this link.
Walk-ins are welcome but appointments will be honored first.
Click here for more information about donating than you can imagine.
Mar 17, 2022 | Featured
The Blue Ridge Spirit Covenant of UU Pagans will be holding our Ostara Ritual, celebrating the spring equinox, in the Sanctuary. All those vaccinated and masked are invited to join us as we celebrate being together again. For more information, contact Mary Ann Somervill.
Mar 1, 2022 | Featured
All families with school-aged children are welcome to gather for Mindfulness, Pizza, and Games night! At 5:45pm, Amy Wright Glenn will lead us in a 5-10 minute family mindfulness practice ~ appropriate for all ages. Then, we all enjoy pizza (which will be provided) and board games together until 7pm!
Please RSVP to Kim if you want pizza – families are also welcome to bring their own food. While we have board games on hand, feel free to bring any extra board games that you love. We hope to see you on Thursday, March 10!
Feb 13, 2022 | Featured
OPPORTUNITIES FOR LISTENING CIRCLES ON ZOOM
February 17, 24, 28; Noon-1pm
February 20, Linger after the service 12:30pm
AN IN-PERSON LISTENING CIRCLE IN SANDBURG HALL, masked
February 22, noon-1pm
Jan 20, 2022 | Featured
Everyone of all ages is welcome to join us for a hot cocoa and a cozy fire in our new fire pit. We’ll have a hot cocoa bar so you can customize your cup and spend some time around the fire with your fellow UU Asheville folks!
This is also a Soup-er Event! Pick up your pre-order at Sandburg Hall 12:30-1:30pm
Choose from a variety of delicious homemade soups and pre-order using the link below (order early for the best selection). Each quart of soup comes with 2 generous pieces of garlic bread AND the joy of supporting the youth of our congregation! Pay for and pick up your order at UU Asheville between 12:30 to 1:30pm. Take home to enjoy! **Orders close on Friday, January 28 at 5pm, to allow time for the chefs to prepare. Click here to order.
Jan 11, 2022 | Featured
Spirituality and Improvisation may appear – at first glance – to be an unlikely pairing. Most people know improvisation 
only from the perspective of entertainment or performance. But the actual craft of improvisation is about authenticity.
This is the intersection with spirituality. Introducing improv into our spiritual journeys brings the opportunity for heart-learning and growth in self-awareness to happen. During the embodied process of having fun and laughing, seeds for transformation can be planted. If you join this 6-week class (last date is March 6), be prepared to “go deep” – joyfully!
Our facilitator will be Rev. Dr. Jade Angelica, Improv Practitioner! The class is full but there may be a second offering. Contact Rev. Claudia to get on the waiting list!
Jan 6, 2022 | Featured
30 Days of Love is our annual celebration that runs approximately from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January through Valentine’s Day in February. It is an opportunity to collectively nurture our spirits, deepen our understanding, and take action on our values for collective liberation.
In 2022, 30 Days of Love will focus on Side With Love’s four intersectional justice priorities, with opportunities each week for communities and people of all ages to ground, grow, and act together for justice. Want to be notified when materials on online and available? Sign up to receive our text alerts!
What will 30 Days of Love 2022 be like?
Each week, we will share a ‘playlist’ or ‘menu’ of activities for individuals to interact with, connected with our weekly theme. We will have a full playlist of offerings each week for multigenerational families/communities, as well as many activities for general adult audiences. Each week will include activities in the categories of Read, Watch, Act, Listen, and Worship.
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Week One: January 17 – 23 – Reproductive, Gender, & LGBTQIA+ Justice
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Week Two: January 24 – 30 – Democracy & Voting Rights
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Week Three: January 31 – February 6 – Decriminalization & Racial Justice
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Week Four: February 7 – 14 – Climate Justice
Jan 4, 2022 | Featured
UU Asheville members and friends have stepped up to adopt our Charlotte Street BeLoved Street Pantry! We now have a Charlotte Street Pantry Google Group that we have been using to easily communicate with each other. If you are an Adopter or a Sustainer you should be receiving emails from Charlotte Street Pantry. If you are not yet a member of the Google Group, but would like to keep informed about what is needed at the pantry, please email Anita at anita.feldman@hofstra.edu.
There are still a few 5th days of the months available to adopt! (meaning you would only need to fill the pantry 4 or 5 days a year). Schedule now at www.volunteersignup.org/TXRAE !
Donations most needed, to be delivered to the bin at the back entrance to UU, are pop top cans of full meals and small bottles of water that will fit in the pantry. Thank you!! We are helping our neighbors!!
Here are more instructions and tips for Adopters.
Here are three other ways to volunteer in addition to becoming an Adopter:
Become a Sustainer: Make a commitment to bring your donations once a month any time to the UU bin on the back porch. Schedule at www.volunteersignup.org/TXRAE
Be a Random Filler: visit the Charlotte Pantry whenever convenient to check on it and fill it up.
Be a Random Donor: Donate items or even ask neighbors and friends to donate too. Deliver to the UU bin when convenient.
PANTRY-SUPPLY-LIST-FOR-WINTER
Jan 3, 2022 | Featured
Help us take down and put away our December holiday decorations. We’ll also have stations set up to make Valentines 
for someone you love.
This is also a Souper-Event for the Coming of Age class. Choose from a variety of soups using this pre-order link. Each quart of soup comes with bread. Pay for and pick up your order at UU Asheville between 12:30 to 1:30 PM. Take home to enjoy! **Orders close on Friday, February 11th at 5PM.
Dec 27, 2021 | Featured
When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, 
When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.
Howard Thurman
Dec 20, 2021 | Featured
We’re giving everyone a break. On Sunday, December 26 the worship service will be pre-recorded so you can watch it any time after you get the link that morning.
On January 2, we will return to our in-person and live-streamed format with the service starting at 11am. We will continue limiting worship attendance to 75.
