What’s going on... December 2008  

Sunday Services

Sunday, December 7– Rev. Fred Howard, "On Time"

We are forced to live in it, but how little we understand it.  Today’s subject will be time, and its elusive nature.  During these holidays and the end of yet another year, let us take time to reflect on our most precious commodity.

Please bring items for our Break Bread Christmas bags today.  See details about this project under Social Action activities elsewhere in the newsletter.

Sunday, December 14 – Dr. Michael Stoltzfus, “Ignorance as the Beginning of Wisdom and Transformation”

We will discuss the invaluable contributions of the example of Socrates and the Socratic Method to living a life full of wonder and faithful response.  Contrary to popular opinion, it is more difficult to ask questions than to answer them-- for in asking one admits that one does not know.  This cultivates a disposition of availability and appreciation for difference and transformation.  We will also address the core principles Socrates uses to ground his theory of civil disobedience. 

Sunday, December 21 - Rev. Jane Page, "The History and Theology of Santa Claus”  

How did the modern day Santa Claus evolve?  Is he good or bad?  What should UU's do?  Rev. Jane will provide some of the history and theology behind Santa Claus for our consideration of these and other questions as we approach "The Night Before Christmas." 

Sunday, December 28 – “The Year In Review”

Bill and Valerie Webster will facilitate a review of 2008 related to UU principles.  If you are in town on this holiday weekend, come and join in the discussion they will be leading.  Great thanks go to them for their great programming all fall and their commitment to coordinate this Sunday’s program.  You never know.  Sometimes we have a crowd this Sunday after Christmas and before New Years as people find they have time for contemplation finally after the hectic days just before Christmas Day pass.

 

Religious Education for Children

                The RE program for children meets at 10:45 AM concurrent with the Sunday morning service.  Volunteers to help in the classroom are needed. Contacts: Mya Storey; Susan Bailey.

 

INVITATION TO MEMBERSHIP If you are interested in becoming a member of our fellowship, we encourage you to talk with our President, Doug Tanner, or Membership Director, Lars Leader.  We welcome your questions, and we extend an open invitation to all who want to join our liberal community of faith.          Rev. Jane Page also welcomes your questions about UU membership.

 

 

 

 

Welcome New Members

On November 16, during our Sunday Service, we welcomed new members, Kari and Pat Wells and their two boys and Ann Marie Smith, to our congregation.  We’ve been a little slow doing this as they have been major contributors to our community for some time already.  Thanks to them for finding their way to us, for what they are already contributing, and to everyone who made the welcoming potluck after the service a success.  

 

Let’s Have Some Fun!

Christmas Parade !!  We will participate in the Valdosta Christmas Parade “Jingle Bell Run” on December 6.  Meet to line up on Woodrow Wilson Drive at 2:00 PM.  Wear your favorite holiday attire and come participate.  

Book Discussion and Potluck

Friday, December 12   6:30 PM

At the church

Bring a dish to share.  Coffee and tea will be provided.  You are welcome to bring other beverages.  We’ll plan to wind up by around 8:30 PM.   Plan to stay afterwards and help decorate the church for the holidays.  The book we’ll be discussing is “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.  

                “In 1993 a mountaineer Greg Mortenson drifted into an impoverished Pakistan village in the Karkoran mountains after a failed attempt to climb K2 .  Moved by the inhabitants’ kindness, he promised to return and build a school.  [This] “is the story of that promise and its extraordinary outcome.” (from bookcover.)

                The story takes place in the area in which Osama Bin Laden is thought to be hiding out and where there is currently considerable unrest.  It is a testament to the power of the humanitarian spirit.

                During the evening we will select our next book for discussion. We are selecting books which deal with different cultures, religions, and life styles.  Let Betty know your recommendations.  Contact: Betty Derrick

 

Holiday Decorating Following the Book Discussion

Friday, December 12 about 8:30 PM

Stay after the book discussion and help decorate the church for the holidays.   In addition to your potluck dish you might bring along some holiday goodies for this part of our evening celebrations.  We’ll put on some holiday music and continue our evening decorating in a festive mode.  Bring any holiday decorations you would like to donate to the church to the Pot Luck and Book Discussion. 

 

Games Night will return in January.  Plan to bring your new holiday games and join in the fun, probably the second Saturday; however watch for later announcements or speak to Susan Bailey for details.  

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MINISTERIAL MUUSINGS

Election Reflection:  Fear vs. Hope - Rev. Jane Page

(Note:  The following article is a modification of the sermon Rev. Jane presented in Statesboro on the Sunday after the November 4, 2008 election.)

 

There’s a tradition among some Unitarian and Universalist ministers dating back to our 17^th century Congregationalist ancestry to give an Election sermon – usually the Sunday before or after election day.  This was a day when the ministers would drum up the Old Prophets for a little “doom and gloom” to motivate the good citizens to get right with God and vote or govern with righteousness.  In most of these election sermons, the ministers held their parishioners feet to the fire and reminded them that they not only had to have good leaders, they had to live righteous lives themselves. 

                The ministers of long ago used “gloom and doom” stories from the Old Testament to stimulate fear in their congregants – because they knew that fear was a big motivator.   Our modern day elections have also reinforced the fact that fear motivates.  But one would also hope that faith, hope, and love would encourage folks to vote right and do right!  When I sent in my November 8 sermon topic to the program committee chair at the UU Fellowship of Statesboro, I didn’t really know how the election would go or what I would want to say this day.  So I sent in the nebulous title, “Election Reflections:  Fear vs. Hope.”  But as I worked on this sermon, I realized that “versus” was an inaccurate word to use.  Because I don’t think these two emotions or concepts are necessarily rivals.  Instead, I suggest that Fear and Hope may be motivational partners.  At least I believe they worked together in this past election.               

                Now in 2000 and 2004, we saw an effective use of fear as a motivator as Karl Rove and others presented their conservative base with a fearful future of “baby killing,” increased terrorism, etc.  These negative scare tactics worked so well that the democrats tried them too.  Who can forget Hillary Clinton’s ad with the White House phone ringing at 3 a.m?  And even the Obama campaign dabbled in negativity. 

If you remember your Psychology 101 class, you remember that Maslow’s 1943 paper on the “Theory of Human Motivation” shared a hierarchy of needs with physiological needs and safety needs taking priority before folks are even able to reach for higher ideals.  And these are the levels where fear dominates.

                You may be saying, “yes, but this time the majority didn’t fall for it.”  And I agree that one of the BEST lines out of Obama’s mouth was “Not this time” – as a reminder to those who had let themselves be distracted with fear tactics in this past.

                But I also call to your attention to that fact that just two months ago, McCain and Palin were ahead in the polls, giving them their biggest advantage since January. Yes, even with a failed war and a terrible economy under the leadership of “W,” it looked like someone who held the same beliefs regarding the war and the economy could actually win the white house.  And despite the “not this time” and “yes we can” mantras from Obama and his supporters, the fear tactic attempts to connect Obama to terrorists seemed to be working.

I would love to say that the message of HOPE drowned out the message of FEAR in following weeks.  But I do not believe it did.  Instead greater fears arose in September as the stock market plummeted, banks fail or were bailed out by the government, and the congress passed a huge rescue plan.  People witnessed more lost jobs, had more homes foreclosed on, saw their 401 k plans and retirement savings dwindle to “a piddling,” and could not get basic loans they needed.   And it was beginning to affect everyone.  The fear of the continuation of the known policies of Bush and McCain trumped the fear of the unknown possibilities of Barack Obama with many of these folks. 

                I do believe, however, that though FEAR may have gotten the attention of many Americans, it was HOPE that persuaded many to stand in long lines to vote.  They did not just throw their hands up and sit down and have a pity party.  They stood up, went to the polls, waited together and cast their ballots for someone that many of them probably thought they would never see win the presidency in their life times - a liberal African American named Barack Hussein Obama.  After Obama’s victory speech, Oprah Winfrey was asked by a reporter what it felt like.  She responded, “It feels like hope has won.”  And yes, it DID feel like that.  Who am I to argue with Oprah!  So let’s enjoy that feeling of progress and “A New Day in America !”   And yet, there is another side – a tearful side with lots of irony as we celebrate the success of civil rights struggles.

                I’m on a confidential listserv with other ministers.  And many of us were sharing our perspectives related to the election. I asked one of the ministers if I could quote him to our congregation.  The quote is “I am less convinced that it’s a new day in America .  It felt like the same United States to me.”  This minister did give me permission to quote him to you.  His name is Keith Kron and he heads UUA’s office for Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns.  While many were celebrating the election of America’s first African American President, Keith and others were mourning the adoption of “marriage and family” initiatives in four states.  The California amendment was especially disappointing.  On the UUA web page, our President Bill Sinkford has issued an Open Letter to UU’s regarding these initiatives.  He states:

                “I know that your hearts are heavy, because mine is, too. We are all saddened by the setbacks to family and marriage rights. We empathize with bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people and their allies in these four states and beyond. The defeats are hard, but I truly believe that they are temporary.

                “Our faith community will continue to fight for marriage equality for all people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity….  And we will continue to defend the rights of all committed couples to marry and to extend loving family environments to children in need.

                “Marriage equality will one day be a reality throughout the country. As we mourn our recent losses, we also renew our commitment to education, advocacy, and love. In spite of the setbacks, we are making progress, one state at a time. Justice is knocking, and our work is helping to open a very heavy door.

                “Our patience, passion, and determination will carry us through the disappointments. We will continue to stand on the side of love. And we will win, because love will win.”

                I agree with Sinkford that love will prevail. But there is great work to be done.  The election of Barack Obama does not mean the end of racism in America.  And the current economic situation will make it even more difficult for positive attitudes toward immigrants to prevail.  And we will need to continue to support efforts for civil rights for all – including those in same sex relationships.  But I do agree with the reporter who recalled an Eldridge Cleaver quote that seems to symbolize the news of the 2008 election. Cleaver noted that the instant when Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus stimulating a great movement: “Somewhere in the universe a gear in the machinery shifted.”  Yes, a gear has shifted in our universe again.  And again – we may struggle – but we won’t go back. This election was important because it represented the voices of many people working together.  And that must continue.  We shall overcome.  Yes we can!

 

Rev. Jane A. Page, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Statesboro, serves our congregation in Valdosta each month.  She is available for conferences and special services when she is in Valdosta.   Sermons by Rev. Page:  http://uustatesboro.uuism.net/sermons.html

 

 

 

 

President’s Corner

Doug Tanner                            December 2008

Hello again everyone,

                As 2008 rushes to a close I encourage everyone to take a few moments and reflect on the year which is coming to an end.  While there are disappointments and shortcomings every year, 2008 has been a great year with many accomplishment and a will be great spring board for 2009.

                Just when you think nothing every changes and the status quo will go on forever there is a sudden breakthrough and we face a whole new set of challenges.  Just such an even took place on November 4^th and the entire landscape of the United States will be changed forever.  In 2009 the work of restoring this country to prosperity for all and job of rebuilding our relationship with the rest of the world begins.

                This is also a great time to take stock of the challenges which face us and our small congregation this year.  On major step is to building strong connections with other parts of this community through other organizations and activities.  Yesterday several of volunteered to work with members of congregations from across this area to build two new Habitat for Humanity homes.  Many others donated time, food and funds to assist the construction effort so that these homes are affordable for the families which will receive them.  These activities will continue throughout the week and culminate in the dedication of these two homes on November 22, 2008.

                It is not always easy being a part of a larger community.  Some times it exposes us to the individuals who incorrectly assume that all churches have similar doctrine or that everyone believes and worships in the same way they do.  Perhaps at first it is best to focus on what we have in common.  Obviously, anyone dedicated enough to spend an entire Saturday helping to build a home for a family that they have never met can’t be all bad.  Maybe once they see that we care about our community and that we are willing to work to make it a better place they will see that we are not as strange as we first appear.

                Keep up the great work of building the beloved community.  I hope to see you on Sunday.

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ABOUT OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

In Memory of Pat Strickland Pat Strickland, a member of our congregation from Boston, GA, died October 19, 2008 after a two year fight with cancer.  Her daughter, Sandi Shaw says that she was comforted by her UU values.  We have missed her at our services, which she was unable to attend during much of her illness.   She enjoyed out discussions and always had something to add.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep in your thoughts

v our members and friends with health concerns.  

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Social Action Activities

 

Break Bread Together

Our date for meal deliveries with the Break Bread Together program is the 2^nd and 5^th Monday of each month.  If you can deliver meals on this day beginning about 11:00 AM, please contact Betty Derrick if you would like to help.  Betty will deliver on December 8 when we will deliver our Christmas bags; however she needs a volunteer for December 29. 

 

Sunday, December 7 - Christmas gift bags for our Break Bread clients:  At holiday time in December for a number of years we have prepared gift bags to deliver when we deliver food in December.  Please bring small gift items like shampoo, toothpaste, hand cream, soaps, candy, small other gifts suitable for men or women for the bags or you can make a donation to purchase items.  Betty will bring gift bags.  We have about 8 people usually on our route.  Contact Betty Derrick if you have questions.  

Habitat for Humanity

On November 9, Stuart Mullis from Valdosta Habitat for Humanity spoke to our congregation about Habitat’s successful efforts to provide affordable housing to families in need. His stories of personal involvement in the project reminded us of the reasons why every person should be allowed to live with dignity in a safe and clean environment.

                The church participated in the Valdosta Habitat for Humanity’s Building on Faith/Houses of Grace Project from Saturday, November 15 through Saturday November 22. During these days, Habitat built two homes near the intersection of Troup and Webster Streets in Valdosta . Members participated as workers at the site during the weeklong project, helped our congregation provide lunch for the Habitat volunteers on Friday, November 21, and made financial contributions to the project. We met our church pledge of $500.

                We have Bill and Valerie Webster to thank for getting us moving on this project.  Valerie and Kari Wells coordinated the lunch effort.   Valerie says we provided a bountiful and delicious spread for Habitat volunteers!   She says it was a group effort indeed and thanks you all.

Habitat ReStore:  Are you aware of this Habitat “store?”  This is another way you can support Habitat for Humanity.  The “store” is open to the public every Thursday, Noon to 5:00 PM; Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; and Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  It is at 2010 East Cypress St .  For sale are donated new and used home improvement materials, furniture, appliances, and much more.  Donations to the store are tax deductible. All sales proceeds benefit Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity and are used to help further the mission of building affordable housing for people in need.  For more information, call the store manager, Bill Ray, at 229-247-8513.

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Opportunities If you would like to continue involvement with Habitat you may want to look into one or more of the following:

Office Angels (M-F, from 9AM ):  Answer phone, Greet visitors, Perform office duties; ReStore (T-Sat, hours vary):  Display, sort & price stock, Assist customers, Test & repair large appliances; Jobsite (T-Sat):  Help build houses, Serve as Site Host, Paint, Landscape, Provide meals, Clean up; Serve on a committee:  Church Relations, Construction, Family Selection, Family Support  To volunteer contact Jena Hood, Volunteer Coordinator e-mail:  volunteerhabitat@bellsouth.net or phone: 245-1330, ext 27.  

Newsletter Editor:  Betty Derrick Website:  Carol Stiles Local Publicity: Dee Tait December 14: Deadline for the January newsletter. Please be prompt with your newsletter information this month.  Your editor must complete and print the January newsletter no later than December 17.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UU Church of Valdosta Board of Directors

November 12, 2008

Attendance: Doug Tanner, Rosie Asbury, Lars Leader, Sue Bailey, Jim Ingram and Kari Wells

Old Business:

• Received check for Oct 31^st wedding
• Habitat for Humanity: Our church is signed up to help the week of Nov 15-22^nd.  Volunteers are welcome any day.  We will be providing lunch on Friday the 21^st. A sign up sheet will go out at Services on the 16^th. 
• New Members Ceremony and Potluck.  There will be a short Ceremony to honor the new members on Nov 16^th during the regular services. Pot luck will be chili, soup and sides.

New Business:

·         Programs: Everything is scheduled through December except the week between Christmas and New Year.  Looking at possibly making that an informal “discussion” service.

·         RE:  Secret project almost done.  Next, the class will be learning about World religions and comparing them to one another.

·         Light on the sign out front needs to be fixed.

·         Need to start collecting toiletries for the Break Bread families (approx. 8) will plan to deliver them the 2^nd Monday in Dec.

·         Parade is Dec. 6^th.  Doug will do application for the church.

·         Decorate Tree on Dec 12^th along with book discussion.

Next meeting with be December 3rd at 6:00

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UUValdosta E-Mail List: If you are not already on the church e-mail list and would like to be please contact Lars Leader or send an e-mail to uuvaldosta@yahoo.com 

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UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS                    Joan Lund

At the UUA Board of Trustees meeting in October we had the opportunity to learn from representatives of the Congregation-Based Community Organizing (CBCO) organization. I was impressed by their purpose, scope, work, and dedication to social justice organizing in congregational communities. In the report to the District following the BOT I indicated I would devote one or two columns to this excellent organization. This is the first of two efforts to let you know the importance of this organization, and how your congregation might benefit from their expertise.

                Part of our UU mission is to work beyond the walls of our congregations and be involved in building bridges across the barriers that separate people from each other. CBCO offers a way to be part of the work we are called to do. The heart of being in right relationship is the concept of covenant. CBCO deepens and expands the possibility for us to be in right relationship through covenant with those who are not in our congregations. Covenant is a step in the direction of healing the “us-against-them” polarization of people.

                Our UU history is rich in the tradition of pursuing social justice through the work of our UUA programs, affiliate organizations, the UU Women’s Federation, and social justice initiatives of all types. We have worked for civil and human rights in many ways; however we continue to face challenges within our congregations related to reaching our potential to engage in efforts for social justice, and these problems need addressing. Those things that get in the way of more effective justice work include the lack of relationship in necessary venues, falsely assuming the problems of poverty and systemic racism do not affect us, lacking the avenues to pursue social justice, and focusing on short-term solutions instead of long-term change.

                Our UUA affirms as one of our principles a faith and belief in democracy. It has become obvious, especially after the mandate of our recent national election, a force for democracy is becoming stronger in our nation. There are many social justice efforts that operate largely outside the media spotlight and these efforts represent a significant force for change and renewal of democratic participation. This force is CBCO. Also referred to as “broad-based, faith-based, or institution-based community organizing” this model of local and statewide activism brings people across race and class, mainly through congregations from diverse religious traditions. Although community organizing has been a part of our society for over 100 years, congregation-based efforts are the focus of CBCO. In the U.S. there are close to 200 local CBCO groups, and currently 100 of these groups are UU congregations.

                I will continue this column in January. Stay tuned but if you cannot wait to learn more about CBCO, a telephone call would be welcomed or I can be reached at jlund@uua.org. May each one of you experience a blessed and warm holiday season. Despite the many problems we, as a society or individually, may have there is much for which to be thankful. Think on these things.

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Greetings Florida District Friends and Leaders

Kenn Hurto , Florida District Director

“Count your blessings, not your curses!"

                We come to Thanksgiving at a difficult time. No one is immune from the worries of an economic recession. Even the energizing results of the US elections do not remove the truth of the real challenges looming.

                In recent weeks among our congregations, we learn of members facing difficult times. This is a time when ministering member-to-member becomes more visibly important. And our congregational leaders, understandably not immune from their own challenges, worry what will happen to our congregations' ability to meet the growing need for ministry with fewer resources. Will we make it?

                As I've said before, it is still not time to panic. But it is time to heed some health-giving notions:

➠Mind the store. Be sure your congregation is running effectively and efficiently. Clean up wherever you can.

➠Work to calm anxiety. External stress easily spills into and onto already existing congregational fault lines. Anxiety is an infectious disease, so be sure to remind one another of what really matters in our ministry: respectful engagement with one another for the common good. Deal with emerging conflicts sooner than later.

➠Lead with purpose. Over and again: if you're on point with your message, with your mission, people will be comforted and will rally to make it so. Be sure to sound a clarion call; people do not give time or money to an uncertain trumpet.

➠Keep it all in the open: Secrets are always bad in congregational life. Transparency is good. Let your members know what's really happening. Talk to your membership even more often than you have. Equally: listen even more so. Hear their concerns. Accept their willingness to help things go better.

➠Speak from faith: All too often leaders think of themselves as organizational sociologists. Work to speak theologically about everything you do: How is a proposed action in keeping with your Mission , in keeping with our Unitarian Universalist heritage, and in keeping with being in right relationship with one another?

➠Don't be afraid to ask for support. Don't assume everyone is suddenly economically bereft. Indeed, some are more able to be generous now than previously and/or feel a deep need to share their bounty with others faring less well.

                One important note: For some, the inability to give or fulfill pledges previously made instills great shame. Be sure to reach out to anyone who begins to absent themselves from the worship and caring life of the congregation. If you learn someone feels embarrassed by a change in their circumstances, offer this ministry: "It's not that we don't need your monetary gifts, we do and we appreciate all you have done. But what's important now is that you know we need you. We need you here, among us. Let us minister to you."

                John Winthrop, Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, in his famous 1630 sermon on Christian Charity said, "We must delight in each other; make others' conditions our own; rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together, always having before our eyes our commission and community in the work, as members of the same body. So shall we keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace."

                So it must be today also. In this challenging time, with Thanksgiving before us, remember to count our many blessings and be one people of love, compassion and peace. Keep faith. Give hope. May it be so.

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Treasurer's Report

Rosie Asbury

October 2008

Receipts                October                 July -present

  Plate                 $  132.00                     $   510.00

  Pledge                  1620.00                      4700.00

  Rent                        280.00                        800.00

Total                  $ 2032.00                     $ 6010.00

Disbursements  

  Speakers’ Fees   $ 550.00                  $ 3450.00

  Repairs & Maint.      0.00                        362.00

  Newsletter                  0.00                       212.28

  Postage                       0.00                         25.49

  Supplies                      0.00                         35.50

  Utilities                   237.92                     1028.45

  UU Dues                     0.00                           0.00

  UU Conference          0.00                     1232.78

  Advertising                0.00                       145.80

  Others                       13.00                         83.00

Total                       $  800.92               $ 6575.30

Net Receipt       $  1231.08                 $ - 565.30  

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UU Activities and Announcements

Further information is posted on the bulletin board in the R.E. wing at the church.  Also check your Sunday Order of Service for announcements.

December 2-5 Elderhostel—A Season of Laughter: Appalachian Stories, Ballads and the Humor of Mark Twain, The Mountain, Highlands , NC

December  5–7 - In The Midst of Violence & War . . .a song of peace with Stefan Andre Waligur, The Mountain, Highlands, NC

We’ll sing new songs for peace and justice, share stories, learn of some well known and some lesser known peacemakers who are inspiring us today. Through music, nature, laughter, silence and thought provoking conversational engagement, we will expand our own circle of awareness and peaceful influence.  No musical experience is required to participate — if you play an instrument, you are encouraged to bring it along!

December 26-January 1 - SWIM - Southeast UU Winter Institute, Lake Placid, FL  Check the website for a week full .of great workshops, nature outings, and social events

December 30 - Jan. 1  New Year's on The Mountain, Highlands , NC

January 2-4 – UU Zen in the Pines, Brooksville , FL

Teacher: Zen Master Valerie Forstman, PhD. Valerie began practice and study of Zen under Ruben Habio in 1994. She was appointed a Sanbo Kyodan teacher by Ryoun Yamada in 2005, a position Ruben confirmed. Valerie is also a flutist with the Dallas symphony and an adjunct instructor of Hebrew Bible at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University . At the retreat, Valerie will offer teisho (dharma talk) each day and dokusan (one-on-one interviews).

Tanto (Coordinator of Practice): Rev. Meredith Hotetsu Garmon, PhD, Unitarian Universalist minister, philosophy professor, and Zen student. He received jukai from UU minister and Zen Priest, James Ford. After studying and practicing with several other Zen and Buddhist teachers, Meredith has been a Zen student of Ruben Habito since 2004.

January 24 - President's Roundtable,  Orlando-University

January 31- Marketing 101 for UUs, Tallahassee , FL

February 6-8 - UUA Midsize Church Conference, Houston , TX

March 13-15 - Allies for Racial Equity Annual Conference, Kansas City

March 20-22 - Florida District Annual Assembly in Sarasota , 

Cluster & Congregation Events Around the District:  

Winter Holiday Gifts from the Church of the Larger Fellowship: CLF will pass along a discount for purchases made at the CLF Gift Shop.  CLF sells a wide variety of chalice pendants, note cards, and order of service covers - perfect for the holidays, ideal for thanking staff and volunteers. The Gift Shop offers you a 20% discount when you mention the Florida District by name when you order. Go to: www.clfuu.org and click on the "CLF Shop" link.   

2009 Florida District Annual Assembly - Call for Proposals:  "Economic Justice":  The Annual Meeting of our District congregations takes place next March 20 - 22 at the UU Church of Sarasota. Dr. Charlie Clements, Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, is our Keynote Presenter.  This Assembly's theme is economic justice. You are invited to submit a proposal for a presentation or workshop on this theme. Complete the following and email your proposal to the District Office no later than 15 January 2009. Preference will be given to those who emphasize the practical application of ideas and practices within the congregation. Cluster and/or joint-congregational presentations are encouraged. Title of Workshop/Presentation; Summary [50 words]; How you intend to include issues of racial justice, resistance to oppression, and multi-culturalism [30 words]; Presenter: Name/Congregational Membership; E-mail & telephone contacts; Format: Interactive Workshop, Media Presentation, Lecture, Simulation,; Desired time allotment:1 1/4 or 2 1/2 hours; Minimum/Maximum Participants; Space requirements; Equipment needs.

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At the Church-in-the-Woods

New Hope International Christian Community Church - Sunday evenings: Choir practice at 5:00 PM. Service at 6:00 PM.   For more information http://www.newhopeiccc.org/ 

Taoist Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday: Continuing Class: 5:30-7:00 PM; Beginners Class:7-8:00 PM  Contact Dennis Bogyo or Luana Goodwin.  A new beginner class will begin Monday, January 5 from 5:30-6:30 PM.  

PFLAG Meeting – Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays:  3^rd Tuesday each month, 7:00PM