NTAUUS
Recognition Awards

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In his years with the Paul Winter Consort, Jim co-wrote their celebrated Missa Gaia/Earth Mass and sang their signature song Common Ground. His eco-anthem, “A Song for the Earth,” was recorded at the United Nations. Jim has gone on to create an extensive body of work including PBS soundtracks, award winning choral works and seven CDs of original music. On his new CD, Gather the Spirit, Jim is featured leading choral arrangements of his songs from the UU hymnbooks and other new creations. He’s taught courses at such prestigious schools as Oberlin College and been an artist in residence in many schools and universities.

Jim Scott has brought his contemporary and multicultural music to more than 500 churches over 27 years. His much loved “Gather the Spirit” and a number of others are included in Unitarian Universalist hymnbooks. Former Co-chair of the UU Ministry for the Earth, Jim was involved in creating the "Green Sanctuary" program. He was awarded a grant from the Fund for Unitarian Universalism to compile and arrange the Earth and Spirit Songbook, a collection of over 100 songs of earth and peace that has been acclaimed as a great resource for worship and religious education programs.

In concerts and Sunday services, Jim speaks with passion on ecology, justice and peace, and often works with choirs, inspiring singers to new levels of expression. His lyrical poetry and stories are calls to action, full of hope and gentle wit. Though Jim is often brought in as the “speaker,” his services are always very musical. As song-leader he lifts joyous participation from congregations.

Guest speaker Rev. Ellen Cooper-Davis presented a passionate message: "Occupy Your Faith"

Rev. Ellen Cooper-Davis is in her fourth year of ministry with Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church in The Woodlands, Texas. A graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School, and Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College, Ellen is also trained as a Spiritual Director. When not engaged in ministry, Ellen enjoys cooking, playing outside and altering books. She is married to her partner Andy, and they have two daughters, ages 4 and 2.

Please click to visit our Photo Album for more images from the 2012 NTAUUS Awards Luncheon
and to view a copy of the slides projected during the awards presentation.

Our Award Recipients

Left (l-r): Scott Grey, Bruce Cameron, Nancy Foreman, Ray Enstam,
Natalie Briscoe, Ian Rule, Pam Wat

The Ruth Clark Award:

She has been a Director of Religious Education for since 2004, but the title only begins to describe Natalie's contributions. She has created curricula and programs, modeled principles and ideals, and has long been active in the cluster, district, and UUA. Under her leadership, there are now 284 children and youth enrolled in RE at Horizon UU Church, nearly as many as adult members!

The Robert Raible Award:

Her insightful sermons and leadership have revitalized the Denton congregation, resulting in an 80% increase for the 2012 budget and Sunday morning attendance that will soon require two worship services. Pam has led GLBTQA outreach in Denton and organized an Interfaith Service for the 9/11 10th anniversary. As part of the weekend, DUUF hosted an Exploring Faiths exhibit and a Peacemakers Living Wax Museum.

Marty Robinson Award:

He was invaluable as both contractor and crew during RRUU's recent move and building renovations; Bruce helped build relationships by hiring local labor and removing a neighbor's fallen tree. He used this chance to use and teach green building practices. He also makes chalice jewelry, and for twenty years, has donated all ChaliceArt profits to UU causes. His work graces the sanctuary of Horizon UU Church: the pulpit.

A stalwart and a valued elder, Ray has served on the NTAUUS board for nearly two decades and the Endowment Committee from its conception, as well as Treasurer of First Unitarian. He blesses us with dependability as well as thoughtful input; his financial guidance has served us well.

As Horizon's President for four years, Nancy's steady hand of guidance was crucial in a time of conflict. She brought efficiency and a standard agenda to board meetings, along with Committee on Ministry, Journey Groups, and a monthly potluck to the congregation. She has served on or chaired seven different committees, and in her spare time, has served on her PTA for nine years.

This 'Man Behind the Curtain' helps make the Oak Cliff church run smoothly, from plumbing to AC as well as electronics. He volunteers as Webmaster, AV Specialist, AND Property Manager, and is on premises at least two days a week. He did such a great job on the NTAUUS website that we hired him to maintain it, and now helps on other church's sites.

A leader in many roles, Ian is in his fourth decade of service to UU congregations. He has served on the board and search committees, helped with grant requests and the building purchase, is the communications/web guru, led both the hosting of the SWUUC Spring Meeting and Community's 30th anniversary, even writing a piece of music for the event.

Endowment Grant Presentation

2012 Grants Awarded:

• Total Awards: $71,049
• Arlington
• Community Membership & Volunteer Coordinator salary - $9,240
• Dallas The Role of Money $7K; Wayside Pulpit $4389 - $11,389
• Denton DRE Salary - $6,000
• First Jefferson Minister salary - $4,625
• Horizon A/V Coordinator - $3,000
• Longview Xeriscape Plan; - $1,000
• Oak Cliff DRE salary support $3,000 ESL Program $5,000 - $8,000
• Pathways Website - $4,500
• Sacred Journey DRE salary support - $4,475
• Red River
• Tyler
• Westside Pianist - $5,720
• NATUURES - $10,000