May 19
"Coming of Age" Coming of Age youth with Rev. Thom Belote Join us for our annual Coming of Age service as we celebrate the youth in the Coming of Age program and hear them share their Credos. MUSIC NOTES: This Sunday, we’ll showcase the enormous musical talents of the “Coming of Age” graduates with music by Ludwig van Beethoven, George Harrison and David Bowie. Amy Maddox will also lead the Community Church Singers in a poignant song by Billy Joel named after, but having nothing to do with, a certain European capital. WORSHIP SCHEDULE
9 AM:
Contact Marion Hirsch for Sunday evening High School Youth programming COMMUNITY CHURCH IN ACTION
INTERIOR RENEWAL PROJECT PROGRESS!
SERVICE IN THE SANCTUARY THIS SUNDAY The church interior renewal project is progressing beautifully! The first stage is complete; the Sanctuary Building has a fresh coat of paint, and looks clean and bright. At the time of this writing, the second stage has begun and includes repainting the Jones Building Community Room and staff offices. We look forward to our buildings' renewal being finished in the days to come. It has been 17 years since the Sanctuary, Commons, and offices were last painted. Thanks to the Buildings & Grounds team for all their work to make this long-overdue project a reality! BEWARE -- SCAM ALERT
Scams targeting religious communities are increasing. Scammers create fake email addresses (and sometimes phone numbers) impersonating the minister, staff members or lay leaders and contact congregants -- asking for contact information, login credentials, the Directory, etc., or to buy gift cards. Rachel Rose (Directory, contact info) and Franklin Hirsch (Finances) are the best people to help with these requests - they will always have the latest versions of our secure documents and are happy to help. If you receive a scam email, phone call or text, please report and delete it. If you're unsure, please contact Rev. Thom, Rachel Rose or Franklin Hirsch and see if the communication is legitimate. QUICK LINKS |
UPCOMING EVENTSHAVE YOU PLEDGED?
Thank you to all who've made their 2024-'25 pledge. We have pledged $700k, which is a new record! Funds promised through the Annual Pledge Drive are critical to the financial health of the church. Pledges continue to be accepted, and we are reaching out to those who haven't completed a Pledge Form yet. Every pledge is important and everyone's participation is vital. Questions? Please contact Bonnie Crotty Nelson, Stewardship Chair, or Franklin Hirsch, Congregational Administrator. BUDGET TOWN HALL ON MAY 19
Please join us on Sunday, May 19, at 12:45 PM in the Sanctuary for a Budget Town Hall. We'll share results from the Annual Pledge Drive and the proposed operating budget for the 2024-2025 church year. We'll also answer questions about church finances. This session will be led by Andrew Wright, Treasurer and Rev. Thom Belote. See a draft of the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 church year. WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY? In May, children are exploring PLURALISM as their Soul Matters theme. This week, we will continue learning how our differences make us great, at 9 AM on Zoom and in person at 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM. Youth in Coming of Age will present their credos on Sunday morning and have a celebratory dinner in the evening. For more information about our Religious Education Program, please contact Marion Hirsch or Kat Good.
"THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL" AUDITIONS This fall, we'll be presenting "The SpongeBob Musical." All congregation members are welcome and encouraged to audition. This is a multi-generational musical with a large cast and crew, and parts for singers, dancers and non-singers alike. Auditions will be held weekends of May 18-19 and 25-26. For detailed information about the show and audition process, go to "The SpongeBob Musical" webpage. To schedule an audition, go to the Sign-Up Page. Questions? Contact Glenn Mehrbach, Director. NONFICTION BOOK DISCUSSION FOR MAY On Saturday, May 18 from 10:30 AM to 12 PM in the Living Room, the Nonfiction Readers will discuss Wilmington’s Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1898 and the Rise of White Supremacy. Doug Shier will lead our discussion. New members and drop-ins are welcome. Contact Ed Steffes to ask questions or to be placed on the distribution list for meeting information. SHARE THE PLATE: JOE & LUCY STRALEY FUND MAY 19 The Joe and Lucy Straley Fund for Youth Travel was established to fund youth from the Community Church to travel for peace, justice, and service. It has supported over 50 youth in the last decade. Church support means that youth of modest means can take these trips and it demonstrates our values and commitment to their future. The fund honors Joe and Lucy Straley–founding members of The Community Church and prominent activists for civil rights, peace, and justice. Contact Marion Hirsch for more information. You can donate now online, send a donation to the church (checks payable to The Community Church; put STP- Straley Fund in the memo), or give at church on May 19. UU THE VOTE NEEDS YOU, BECAUSE YOU NEED DEMOCRACY UU the Vote in 2024 will register voters, educate voters, and turn out voters because the majority of people in North Carolina want reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights and a strong democracy, and we are not going to stop fighting until we get it. Everyone can do something, so let us know how you will help or visit the Side With Love Table after services. Don't worry about the election, join the work for a good outcome. RACIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY MEETING Are you curious about anti-racism and racial justice initiatives within and beyond our church walls? Join the Racial Justice Ministry meeting where we will explore the impact of race on ourselves, our congregation, and the world. We will learn from the many people of color engaged in this work and follow their leads, trusting in the wisdom that is gleaned from lived experience. Please email Sarah Clark-Farnell with any questions! Monday, May 20 from 7-8:30 PM Register for Zoom Link. 8TH PRINCIPLE DISCUSSION GROUP Should our congregation adopt the 8th Principle? What is the 8th Principle?! The 8th Principle was created by Paula Cole Jones and Bruce Pollack-Johnson nearly 10 years ago. Since that time, many congregations have voted to adopt this principle. We are excited about this possibility for our church. Please come for a discussion of the 8th Principle and what it would mean for our congregation. Please email Sarah Clark-Farnell with any questions! Tuesday, May 21 from 7-8 PM Register for Zoom link! |
WE ARE A WELCOMING CONGREGATION
We are a congregation that has historically stood for the civil rights of all people, especially those affected by racism and homophobia. We are a Welcoming Congregation, celebrating and affirming the active presence in our congregation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual members and friends and their families. We are actively engaged in dialogue about how to be a more racially diverse, multicultural, anti-oppressive congregation. |
SUNDAY PARKING: Please honor the parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities and limited mobility at the front of the church, as well as the spaces reserved for the Auction Winners. We encourage folks to carpool and/or park offsite, if at all possible. Parking is available at The Community Church, as well as alternate parking options. See a map here. Please note: Parking is not allowed at the Kehillah across the street. WEEKDAY PARKING (for church functions): The Main Lot is fully rented; please use the small Front Lot directly in front of the church, the wooded Pine Lot along Purefoy Road, or in the Rear Lot behind the church.