May 2008

Stewardship 08/09 Celebration

Although pledges are still coming in, we have ended the Stewardship 2008­2009 campaign. Thank You! It is now time for a Celebration to Thank All of You for your pledges to support our expanding circle — and to thank the Stewardship Committee. The Date: Saturday May 17. The Time: 6:30–9:00 p.m.The Place: Shadowlake Village Meeting Hall. We will have a Wine & Gourmet Cheese Party with all of us bringing a bottle or two of Wine, and your very favorite cheese. crackers, plates, napkins, and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. childcare will not be provided. If childcare is needed, it is hoped that individual families may be able to put together childcare at individual homes.

Womenspirit Beltane Celebration

Saturday, May 3 at 2:30 p.m.

"Come away, O human child!
To the waters and the wild
With a faerie, hand in hand..."

-W.B. Yeats

Spring is come and faeries are afoot! Let us explore the mystical, beautiful, and sometimes whimsical world of Faeries. We will learn about their world and how to invite them into ours. We will discuss our role in nature and how we and the faeries fit in it together. Discover your flower faerie, dance the May Pole, and create a Wee One to take with you! We hope to see you there! The event will be at Rebecca’s home in Floyd. No Childcare available. Open to all WOMEN only!

Full Moon ceremony

Tuesday, May 20 at 6:00 p.m.

Come to Riner to celebrate the May full Moon: the lengthening of days, the fertility of the greening and flowering earth, and the love in our hearts: at Laura Rosbach’s house. We’ll gather between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m.

Flower Arranging Class

The Volunteer Survey resulted in an impressive list of 15 people interested in assisting with flowers to help beautify our Meeting House. They have, with gratifying enthusiasm, divided themselves into two task-oriented groups. Some will provide flowers on an as needed basis. Others will make arrangements to be displayed in our renovated and enlarged building. To this end there will be a Flower Arranging 101 class 10 a.m. on May 17^th in Bonnie’s studio. The class will learn more about arranging flowers, particulars and theory, as well as glean information about conditioning which is the process that lengthens the life of flowers

Creating True Peace

This group meets at 7:30 p.m. in Elarth Hall on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Our purpose is to understand and grow peace in our own lives and to develop projects within our own community that will help others experience and learn the ways of peace. This group is open to anyone who wishes to attend even if you’ve missed all the previous meetings.

The Circle Supper programs continue into Spring. Upcoming dates are the weekend of May 30, 31, June 1. Summer months can be scheduled as interest is shown. The Circle Supper is a cooperative dinner party of about eight individuals held at a member's house, or a room at our Meeting House may serve as a backup. The meal is planned by the “Host” and all attendees bring a part of the dinner as well as a libation. This is a way to get to know other members of the Congregation outside of Congregational activities. Currently, there are a few ongoing groups - one of which is vegetarian, as well as single event dinners. Signups can be made on the forms in the gathering place. Please indicate willingness to host and preferred dates.

Cascades Trail Hike

The Cascades Trail follows the Little Stony Creek in Jefferson National Forest for a scenic four-mile round-trip hike to the beautiful Cascades Falls. Much of the trail has been carved from the existing rock, creating stone steps along the path. Several bridges along the trail allow for closer access to the sights and sounds of Little Stony Creek. Two miles into the hike, the Cascades itself is a beautiful 66-foot waterfall. There are restrooms and picnic tables available off from the parking lot at the head of the trail. Meet at the UUC parking lot, Saturday, May 24, at 1:30 p.m. to carpool to the Cascades Recreational Area in Pembroke.

• Women's Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. Mondays at The Easy Chair (University Mall, Blacksburg).

• A Yoga Group meets on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.

• The Sages: Aging as a Spiritual Journey. This group continue to meet every first and third Mondays at 2:00 p.m. We always have a lively discussion on topics of interest to older adults (that means everything in the universe). Any adult of any age is welcome to join us.

• Tai Chi Classes at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, but is canceled temporarily starting May 13. A member of the Congregation has been offering one-hour Tai Chi classes. Tai Chi is a gentle form of moving exercise that helps one's balance, concentration and overall health. Classes are open to everyone and are free. Come in casual, comfortable clothing.

• June-July Newsletter Deadline: June 3 at noon.