The Parson's Piece

Rev. Al Boyce 

At this writing Mary Higgins has just left us after facilitating our "Start Up" workshop and it is very obvious that energy in the congregation is extremely high. I want to extend a huge thank you to all the members and friends who were present for the event and those who gave input along the way but who could not attend. 

The purpose of the gathering was to share our congregation’s history of establishment and ministry since its inception and to envision our next two years together with emphasis on how I can best serve you as we journey in ministry together.  Mary emphasized that over these next two years we will do much bonding and it will be hard to part after such a rich journey in joint ministry. I can certainly say that I already feel bonded and such a part of this loving and visionary congregation.  I feel very blessed to have the gift of sharing our time together.

The workshop began with Mary facilitating members' remembrances of our congregation’s founding and ministry, its great joys ,as well as its challenges, from inception to now.  This candid and open sharing in such a spirit of optimism and compassion moved me greatly.  Following that sharing came the very in depth discussion of how my experience in ministry might best serve the congregation for this next year overflowing into the year beyond.  Two areas were clearly dominant:    1) Public Awareness (help connect us with people who share our values that do not know we exist; PR, sense of Safe Haven; UU face in the public, UU clergy presence in the community, Internet emphasis, ”Agape" project, Develop group process for public presence/ministry)  2) Membership (new member UU identity, Membership Committee leadership, Small Group Ministry, Organizational issues such as helping leadership understand the move to a pastoral size church and the changes it will bring, comprehensive job descriptions.)  

This directive is such a great guide and I am truly excited about how we can do this together.  For the month of December I will begin exploring what we have in place to help make folks feel welcome as they visit us and begin the path to membership. I will also take detailed ideas and descriptions of tasks and approximate time needed to accomplish each to the BOT for their critique, feed back and joint creation of the final action plan.  If you have committed in your heart to do a little, or a big, something to help support and make new folks feel welcome, then please be looking for more info in the January newsletter as how you might do just that.  There will be something every member, and even friends, can do if you wish. 

My friends, we are on the move toward an ever expanding ministry and it is so exciting to be a part of it.  We celebrate this holiday season with expressions of gratitude for the gifts in our lives. May we remember the gifts of acceptance, love and divine compassion, expressed through our human experience and actions, within this beloved congregation.

I sincerely appreciate the gift to serve you. 

 

Sunday Services

Rev. Al Boyce will lead the services on December 8 and 22. His topic on December 8, "Who Moved My Cheese," is about change.  The small book, which inspired the sermon's title challenges us to prepare daily for change to enter our lives.  Al will share some thoughts about our attitudes around change that he feels are important to nurture in our individual lives and as a growing congregation.  On December 22 his sermon is entitled,  "Santa Claus:  Saint or Sinner"  At this festive time of year, even in UU circles, we celebrate the joyous mystery of fable, story and fact surrounding Ole Saint Nick.  Al's thoughts will share historical and modern views of this historical figure.  Just how much is he responsible for Christmas as we celebrate it today?

Our program for  December 1 will be  a Hanukkah Celebration--Honoring our Heritage from Judaism.  In our precepts, Unitarian Universalists declare,  "The living tradition we share draws from many sources: Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces that create and uphold life; words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion and the transforming of love; wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life; Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves; humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit." Our service will be dedicated to providing that experience.  On December 15, Dr. David Hill, will give a talk about Civil Liberties.  The title of his presentation is “The Bill of Rights 211 Years Later: Civil Liberties in the Post-September 11^th Era.”  December 15, 1791 was the "birthday" of the U.S. Bill of Rights.  David is a new faculty member in the VSU Political Science Department. The Hill family are also new members of our congregation.  On December 29 Virginia Branan, one of our most active members, will bring us a program, "Lessons from the Kwanzaa Candles." In 1966 the celebration of Kwanzaa was begun to help people of African descent remember their heritage and think about and celebrate central values of unity, cooperation, faith, collective responsibility, creativity, self-determination, and purpose.  Virginia says that we will explore the meaning of Kwanzaa. Even if we are not African American, there is a lot that the candles of Kwanzaa have to teach us.

Parking: If you arrive early on Sundays think about parking at the neighboring school so that our parking places near the church are freed up for newcomers. 

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Religious Education

Youth R.E   Youth religious education meets on the second and fourth Sundays at 9:30 AM. Adults who enjoy teaching crafts or leading field trips should contact Lars Leader or Virginia Branan.

Adult R.E. Meeting every Sunday at 9:30 AM. the group is continuing its study using  activities in Robert Anton Williams’, "Quantum Psychology". The class is led by Hue Jacobs.

The next adult topic, "Final Health Care Decisions," will be led by Lars Leader, The planning guide and workbook that will be used are free, but will need to be ordered. Please see Lars or phone him to reserve a copy.  This discussion will begin in the January.

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New Member Orientation

On December 22 the "New U" course with Rev. Al follows the Worship Service. New and established members are welcome as are those simply curious.   The lesson will be on the rich and interesting history of our faith.  Coffee and bagels will be served.  The group meets in the R. E. wing.  The third session is scheduled for  January 26.  Each session will be about one hour.  If you have recently joined the congregation or are thinking about joining you are encouraged to attend these session.  They will help you understand the history of Unitarian Universalism as well as the history of the Valdosta church and give you some insight into what it means to be a member of a UU congregation.

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!!!Social Events!!!

Holiday Giving Party

December 8

1:30 – 4:00 PM

Along with your potluck dish for our second Sunday potluck bring a holiday treat to share later in the afternoon and a donation for LAMP and our Break Bread recipients.  Diane Holliman has organized another Holiday Giving Party like the one she sponsored last December.  In addition to our members she has invited others to join us in this meaningful and festive party at the church!   This is the time when we will decorate the church for the holidays and also begin to bring our gifts together for the Break Bread and LAMP recipients. (Board members are invited to join in the fun and festivities after they finish with our church business.)   Possible donations for this party are:

Holiday wrap and decorations

Holiday ornaments

Holiday napkins

Decorative napkins

Personal items such as soaps, lotions, and shampoos

New combs and brushes

New towels and washrags

Small, healthy snacks

New Books for all ages (infants to all adults)  Bring a book that you would like to read or one that you would buy for someone. 

2003 Calendars

Diapers for infants and small children

Notebooks, stationery, pencils, pens, and other office and school supplies

New suitcases, book bags, back packs or purses

Infant car seats

Winter coats for all ages and sizes (especially larger sizes for adults)

Winter infant and toddler clothes

Educational toys and games

Calculators

Wristwatches for all ages

­Contact Diane Holliman for further information about this event.   

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The Valdosta Choral Guild has performances on December 8 and 9.  See Bobbie Dixon or Jim Ingram for tickets.  Both sing in the chorus.

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Advent Coffee

Saturday, December 21 at 3:00 PM

Joan Cline’s Home 

Celebrate the holidays with traditional German treats as Joan hosts this Advent Coffee. Call Joan if you have questions and for directions.

The Car Painting Party 

The party at Jim’s farm to paint Hue Jacob’s car, announced for November, got rained out.  Hue says the event will happen one day when it isn’t raining and isn’t too hot or too cold.  Watch for an announcement perhaps on a Sunday after church when the conditions are right. 

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Christmas Parade 

The Christmas Parade will be Saturday, December 7.  UUs need to gather at 3:00 PM

at the lineup site, which is Woodrow Wilson Drive this year.  (For those of you who have participated in the past NOTE THIS CHANGE from previous years!) The theme is "An American Christmas."  Needed: adult and child volunteers (1) to plan the decorations for Charles Judah's red pick-up truck (2) rider-greeters to wave from the truck (3) walkers to walk beside the truck giving out candy. (Participants from previous years say that we need several to alternate walking and riding). Call Charles Judah to volunteer. Last year we only had 5 participants. Let's double that number this year!

BEST WISHES to Sharon McKenzie and her husband, Stephen Rowe, recently married in South Carolina.  Welcome Stephen to our UU family here in Valdosta.

 

President’s Column

Charles Green

“Agents of peace” - Nov. 15, 2002 

Old habits are hard to break, especially at my age (52), but I am trying. The next time I open my mouth to invalidate someone else’s view; I need to stop and ask myself ‘why’.

We can be ‘agents of peace’. I ask people smarter than me, HOW and they say ‘practice, practice, practice’.  I’ve been trying a new technique. In my past, it was common the hear me ‘trash other’s ideas’. I had this cynical belief that I knew better than others. My new technique is to take a deep breath and say: ‘that’s an interesting point, I believe that we are all connected, I see value in your point’. This is a powerful and empowering angle. I need to be sensitive to the fact, that ‘those other people’ are also US and connected to ME.

I pray that if I can only remember, that those who have a different view of a subject, also have a valuable view. Then, this builds a common ground from which to work. Recognizing our similarities rather than our differences, needs to be my focus. Every example of times in my past where I lost my temper, were always later regrettable. My natural posture to ‘dig-in’ with the heels of my boots every time I feel threatened is a self-defeating view. Blinded by the ambition to win an argument, I would fail to see both sides of the issue. I have prided myself in being a good debater, but my ‘hurtful’ technique of presenting my ideas left very little ground for compromise. I fear that ‘the rush’ of a successful debate would overshadow my concerns to win in an empowering manner. Thus, this left very little opportunity to continue a relationship or build a lasting partnership. I’ve learned that winning a conflict is worthless, if it does not lead to a better opportunity to grow. The difficulty of this role (Agent of peace) is to live in that place, day to day; and not just on Sunday.

November 10^th; 1-5 pm Meeting with Florida District Director, Mary Higgins:   After a thoughtful analysis of the larger meaning of the ancient myth of Jonah by Rev. Al Boyce for the Sunday service, a dozen members were led by Rev. Mary Higgins in a “kick-off” exercise for Rev. Al’s ministry with us. These hours were well spent and much was shared and learned. The “to do” list was impressive and unreachable by Rev. Al alone, but collectively we can make a difference. The new energy is there. Please find time to help. Come, give and participate as you are able.

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Social Action Activities 

Break Bread Together

o       Our date for meal deliveries with the Break Bread Together program is the 2^nd Monday of each month.  If you can deliver meals on this day beginning about 11:00 AM, please contact Virginia Branan.

o       Donations for Christmas bags for our ten Break Bread Meal recipients may be brought to church December 1 and 8. Small personal items and healthy snacks suitable for the elderly will be appreciated. If you prefer, a monetary donation for the committee to purchase needed items can be given to our treasurer, Rene' Kerr. The Christmas bags will be packed as part of our Holiday Giving Party.

 

Treasurer’s Report

October

Outstanding Debts

   Mortgage:                  $34674.25

   UUA:                             $822.00

                                                 $35496.25

Savings:  $3082.07

Income:

   Pledge:                      $1107.00

   Plate:                             $77.00

   Rent:                           $140.00

   Ministerial:                 $2500.00

   Moving:                         $90.00

   Newsletter:                    $10.00

                                                 $3924.00

Expenses:

   Mortgage:                      $500.00

 Utilities:                          $166.15

   Minister:                      $2500.00

   Maintenance:                   $45.00

   Stamps:                           $46.54

   UUA:                            $118.00

   Directory:                        $17.83

   Pianist:                             $95.00

   Ads:                                $50.00

   Fundraiser:                      $24.00

                                                  $3562.52

Your Treasurer, René Kerr

 

UPDATE ON BENCH COMPETITION:

Bench that now exists:  #1               0 votes     

Unitarian Universalist Church

A Community of Acceptance and Love

1951 E Park Ave.

New Bench Slogan:       #2     286 votes

Unitarian Universalist Church

 We preach not hell but hope and courage

1951 E Park Ave.

Please let René Kerr know if you want to vote privately or if you have another slogan.  You can vote in the cups underthe bulletin board in the sanctuary...1 penny is a vote.  CONTEST ENDS DEC. 15TH!

Minister’s Moving Expenses: Please contribute, beyond your pledge, as you are wiling and able, toward the minister’s moving expenses.  There is a basket at the front of the church for this purpose.  If you take a look at the budget you’ll notice the expense and the contributions so far to this expense.

Fund Raising: You’ll be hearing more soon about fund raising to pay down our mortgage and to fully fund our minister’s position.  Our Treasurer suggests that you keep in mind that the end of the year is approaching.  If you have some extra funds to contribute the timing may be right for you for an end of the year tax deduction.

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CONGRATULATIONS to

·        Andre Asbury, who placed fourth in the state on individual math test at the Mercer University Mathematics Tournament. Also participating with Andre on the VHS math team was our pianist, Ming Lin.

·        Dr. M. Elizabeth Derrick for being included in the 2002 edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers. 

·        Frank and Andre Asbury for outstanding performance in the recent interstate bridge tournament held in Valdosta. Andre was the top master points winner out of the 95 players from FL & GA and Frank was fourth. On another note, Andre is ranked #13 for contract bridge players in North America under the age 19.

·        Lisa Hamilton, 2-1-1 Volunteer Connection Director. Thanks to her grant writing skills and hard work  the Corporation for National Service selected 2-1-1 of South Central Georgia, a program of the South Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness, to  receive the Retired Senior Volunteer Program for the 10-county South Central Georgia region. The program will begin in January. The goal of RSVP is to recruit and place 250 retired senior volunteers ages 55 and up. RSVP strives to match the volunteer interests of seniors with sites around the 10 county region, with 2-1-1 serving as one of the placement sites. For more information, contact: Karen K. Costlow-Nolan,  Executive Director,  South Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness & 211 of South Central Georgia , 807 N. Patterson St. , PO Box 206, Valdosta, GA 31603-0206 

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Meditation and Memorial Garden

Work is underway on the Meditation And Memorial Garden. Jason Halter, as his Eagle Scout Project, has developed a plan for this project.  The next workday will be Saturday morning, December 14, beginning about 9:00 AM.  Bring gloves and hand tools.  Trail clearing and decisions about placement of benches, rocks, and candles are planned for this volunteer work session.  On Sunday, December 15, bring a bag lunch and plan to stay after the service to prepare memorial rocks for the garden.  Jason has a recipe for molding rocks.  Those interested in this part of the project should bring a small bag of peat moss(about a 1 gallon ziplock bag for a medium sized rock).   You should also bring a plastic or cardboard mold for the rock, rubber gloves, and tiles, marbles, pebbles, etc for decorating the rock.  Jason will provide the cement and sand.  Call Jason for additional information.

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Church Directory

By the time you read this you should have seen the new church directory for yourself.  As we go to press your editor has had an opportunity to see a black and white version.  Yours should be in color.  The credit goes to Cindy Roesel for getting this project going and creating this much needed communication enhancer!  Our previous directory was great, but out of date, and the pictures are a wonderful addition.  Thanks go to Jerry Jones for taking the pictures.   Ask about your copy if you don’t already have one.

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At the Church-in-the-Woods

Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday Evenings.  6:00 PM.  Beginner’s Group taught by Eric Nielsen Saturday, 10-12 AM.   Contact Dennis Bogyo.

Metropolitan Community Church - Sunday evenings: Choir practice at 5:00 PM. Service at 6:00 PM

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UU Activities and Announcements

 Further information is posted on the bulletin board at the church.

Dec. 26-Jan. 1  S.W.I.M., the Unitarian Universalist Southeast Winter Institute in Miami, is an annual UU Retreat and Family Camp for UUs and like-minded people of all ages S.W.I.M. offers outdoor adventures, workshops, programming for youth, teens, and young adults, fantastic food, and a close-knit community of friends. For more information, http://www.swimuu.org or write to 40 Pearl Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711 USA for a brochure.

At The Mountain in North Carolina:

Dec. 20-22 Gifts of the Solstice-Sources of Light,

Dec. 23-26 Christmas on The Mountain

Dec.29-Jan1 Singing in the New Year! New Years at the Mountain

 

Newsletter Staff

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Production/Mailing:  Sharon McKenzie, Charles Green

Website:  Carol Stiles

December 13: Early deadline for the January newsletter.

Note from the Editor:  Beginning in January, for all of 2003, your editor will be living in Atlanta.  You’ll reach Rev. Al if you try to call her at home!  The plan is that I will continue to edit the newsletter from a distance.  I will need your cooperation in getting information to me via e-mail.  Use my e-mail above.  As soon as I have a phone number and address I’ll let you know.  For now mail will be forwarded.  Be aware that I will not be picking up those little tidbits that just float to me so send the news I need to print to keep all of us communicating.  I’ll miss the in-person support of my UU family.  Keep those “cards and letters” coming!