E-mail UU-Valdosta at uuvaldosta@yahoo.com  

Phone:  229-242-3714 

New U.S. mailing address is P.O. Box 2342 , Valdosta , GA   31604

 

Page down or click the links to go to specific sections:

Sunday Services

Thank You! Thank You! Religious Education
Board Notes   Social Action UU Activities and Announcements

Social Activities - Fun!

Minister's Muusings - Rev. Jane Page

 What’s going on... February 2008

Sun

Feb. 3

10:45 AM

 

Religious Education for children

Service – “Candlemas,” Laylead by Doug Tanner

Meet & Greet Coffee after the service

Wed

Feb. 6

  6:00 PM

Board meeting in the R. E. wing at the church

Sun

Feb. 10

10:45 AM

 

 

Religious Education for children

Service - " Covenantal Relationships as Religious Virtue,” Dr. Michael Stoltzfus

Meet & Greet Coffee after the service

Mon

Feb. 11

11:00 AM

Break Bread delivery

Th

Feb. 14

 

         Hug your loved ones!          

Sat

Feb. 16

7:00 PM

Games Night at the Church 

Sun

Feb. 17

 10:45 AM

 

 

Religious Education for children

Service – “Thank Heavens for Evolution!”  Rev. Jane Page

Meet & Greet Coffee after the service                                                                       

Sun

Feb. 24

10:45 AM

 

 

Religious Education for children

Service – "Spirit Blows Where It Will,"  Rev. George Bennett

Meet & Greet Coffee after the service

T

Feb. 26

 

Newsletter Deadline (later than usual just this month!)

Sun

Mar 2

10:45 AM

 

 

Religious Education for children

Service – “The Kite Runner:  Redemption and Transformation in the Novel,” Dr. Michael Stoltzfus

Meet & Greet Coffee after the service

Wed

Mar. 5

  6:00 PM

Board meeting in the R. E. wing at the church

Sun

Mar. 9

10:45 AM

 

 

Religious Education for children

Service – “Ostara,” Laylead by Lars Leader

Meet & Greet Coffee after the service

FebruaryWonderful programming - opportunities for social justice action – a growing religious education program – fun activities! 

Love is the spirit of this church and service is its law.  This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love, and to help one another. –James Vila Blake


Sunday Services

Sunday, February 3 “Candlemas”

At the request of several members this month we will begin a series of services which will last throughout 2008.  These services will be lay lead and will coincide with holidays and events from the Pagan calendar.

                Come join us for a lay led celebration of Candlemas, the Pagan Spring holiday, also called by the traditional names of Imbolc, Oimelc or Brigid.  We will celebrate the history and tradition of the Pagan holiday and participate in a ceremony of light and purification.  Doug Tanner will lead this service.

Sunday, February 10 – Dr. Michael Stoltzfus,  “Covenantal Relationships as Religious Virtue”

Covenantal relationships are where human beings develop the grammar and syntax of reciprocity, where people cultivate the capacities for trust, fidelity and the habits of cooperation.  We will discuss the concept and lived reality of covenantal relationships from the perspective of multiple religious traditions.  We will differentiate between covenants and contracts and demonstrate how a stable society and a meaningful human life needs both. 

Sunday, February 17 – Rev. Jane Page , “Thank Heavens for Evolution!”

In honor of Darwin 's birthday, Rev. Page will explore the sacredness of evolution!  She will also discuss efforts being made by many ministers and scientists to work together to keep "intelligent design" from being taught as a "viable alternative" to evolution in our schools.

Sunday, February 24 – Rev. George Bennett
, "Spirit Blows Where It Will"

God graciously gives us the spirit that renews and gives us new birth.   But this new birth is not of our doing.  It is God's doing and remains a mystery for it's uncontrolled and untamed goings and comings.

Sunday, March 2 – Dr. Michael Stoltzfus, “The Kite Runner:  Redemption and Transformation in the Novel”

We will use Khaled Hosseini’ novel The Kite Runner as a catalyst to discuss modern history in Afghanistan, the differing forms of Islam in the region, and the general themes of war, peace, redemption and transformation.  We will use the novel to highlight some of the contemporary myths about Islam in general and the broader Middle East in particular.  We will try to see the world through the eyes of the children of Afghanistan so that we might allow their struggles for peace and redemption to inform our own struggles for ongoing transformation.   Those of you who read this book for our January book discussion may especially enjoy this presentation.  Dr. Stoltzfus has been assigning this book in some of his classes recently. 

Sunday, March 9 - “Ostara”

Come join us for a lay led celebration of Ostara, the Pagan celebration of the Spring equinox.  We will celebrate the history and tradition of the Pagan holiday and, if weather permits, we will walk the nature trail and reflect on the Magick of nature and our Great Mother and her bounty.  Lars Leader will lead this service.


Religious Education for Children

            The R.E. program continues in the New Year with the We Believe: Learning and Living Our UU Principles and stories by Dr. Seuss. WE BELIEVE... focuses on the seven  UU principles.  The stories and lessons by Dr. Seuss support and supplement that curriculum. Dr. Seuss' stories contain wonderful and valuable lessons about love, understanding, sharing, peace, caring for our world community and the Earth, and much more.  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 or Susan Bailey.

                It was exciting to see the children's participation in the December 30 Sunday service.  All who were at the service enjoyed their introduction of the season’s holidays from Hanukah to Christmas to Kwanza .  Watch for more participation by the children in the near future. Susan Bailey hopes to start this month having the children light the chalice once a month, and also do some songs and participate in the service in other ways.  In the meantime, the adults are learning to sing our recessional song for the children as they leave the service to begin their RE activities.

 


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 . 

 

ABOUT OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

Keep in your thoughts …

INVITATION TO MEMBERSHIP

If you are interested in becoming a member of our fellowship, we encourage you to talk with our President, Mya Storey, 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. 

v   Sadhvi Ji Chaitanya(Vrndaji) and the AVM temple(Hindu Ashram) in Pavo which was ransacked and burglarized the first week of January. Items used for worship were vandalized or stolen.  She says the culprits took the money box which had less than $20 in it.  This is the second time the temple has been burglarized. They plan to install an alarm system so it won't happen again.   This is an uncomfortable reminder of our congregation’s own experience only a few years ago.  Vrndaji is a member of our Accepting Difference Project.

 


 Ministerial Muusings  Rev. Jane Page

Evolution Sunday?  The Jews have Yom Kippur, the Muslims have Eid, the Christian’s have Easter, the Baha’is have Naw Ruz, the Pagans have Beltane, the Buddhists have Visakha Puja (or Buddha Day) and the Hindus, Sikh, and Jains, have Diwali.  So what do naturalists and humanists have as a special sacred day to celebrate.  How about February 12?  Many of you may have memorized that date in elementary or high school as Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.  But on that wintry day in 1809, there were two babies born that changed our world.  The other special babe is Charles Darwin.  

                “Darwin Day” has now become an international celebration of science and humanity held on or around February 12.  While the day is chosen specifically to honor the discoveries and life of Charles Darwin, it also has been lifted up as a day to express gratitude “for the enormous benefits that scientific knowledge, acquired through human curiosity and ingenuity, has contributed to the advancement of humanity.” (http://www.darwinday.org)

                Of course those who promote “creationism” or its avatar “intelligent design,” shun and denounce the celebration.  And perhaps because they have become so vocal in their efforts to eliminate the teaching of evolution or to teach “intelligent design” as an equally dignified alternative, other more progressive minded Christians have begun to celebrate evolution in February. 

                I recently signed on to the “clergy letter project” with ministers from many denominations who have, thankfully, evolved in their own theological thinking.  This letter states: 

We the undersigned …believe that the timeless truths of the Bible and the discoveries of modern science may comfortably coexist. We believe that the theory of evolution is a foundational scientific truth, one that has stood up to rigorous scrutiny and upon which much of human knowledge and achievement rests. To reject this truth or to treat it as “one theory among others” is to deliberately embrace scientific ignorance and transmit such ignorance to our children.

In the last two years, proponents of this and similar statements have encouraged churches to designate a special Sunday as “Evolution Sunday.”  This year they’ve changed that designation to “Evolution Weekend” to be more inclusive of other religions.  The last time I checked, 732 congregations from all 50 states, the District of Columbia , and eight countries had signed up on participate. 

                In addition to web resources, congregations are finding more and more books which help them to share the respect that we should all have for scientific findings about our wonderful world.  One of these resources is a new book by Michael Dowd entitled, Thank GOD for EVOLUTION!  How the Marriage of Science and Religion will Transform Your Life and Our World.  I first heard Michael Dowd at a UUA General Assembly meeting, then had the privilege of taking part in a workshop presented by Dowd and his wife, Connie Barlow (an acclaimed science writer) at a ministers’ retreat at The Mountain.  Rev. Dowd first began his ministry in fundamentalist churches preaching the traditional gospel of more conservative churches.  However, his theology and his life evolved.  Now Dowd and Barlow are true evolutionary evangelists!  They have dedicated their lives to proclaiming the “Great News” of a sacred view of a cosmic, biological, and human evolution.

                Dowd and Barlow provide a human model of the marriage of science and religion.  While Dowd identifies himself as a Christian, Barlow proudly proclaims her atheism.  On the back of their motor home which takes them on their evangelistic journeys, you will see both the Christian Fish and the Darwin Fish (with legs and wrench).  And the really unique thing about these two fish is that they are kissing each other!  Together they proclaim their message of the wonder of evolution from differing but harmonious perspectives.   A primary message Dowd has for theists is to view science as a revelation.  He also provides a model for God that even many atheists could honor.    Meanwhile, Barlow lifts up many scientific principles in such a way that one can see how these could be identified as “sacred” ideas.  How refreshing!  They and others have inspired me to join them in their evangelistic efforts.

                On Sunday February 17, I will be leading a worship service in celebration of evolution.  Come join us at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Valdosta as we explore the sacredness of evolving life.

Joyfully,

Jane  


Let’s Have Some Fun!!

 Games Night  

Saturday, February 16   7:00 PM

At the church

Bring some finger foods and munchies to share, libations if you’d like, the kids, a friend, a favorite game and let the games begin. See Sue Bailey for further details.  Come enjoy the fun!

Book Discussion and Potluck: Watch for announcements of our next book and plans for the next discussion potluck for some time in March.  

Newsletter

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Website:  Carol Stiles

Local Publicity: Dee Tait

February 26: Deadline for the March newsletter. (Our March newsletter will be a little late coming out, hence the March dates on the February calendar!  But we’ll be back to the usual 15th deadline for the April newsletter.)

 

 

 

Thank You! Thank You!

For layleading services:  Doug Tanner , Betty Derrick, Lars Leader,  Dee Tait

For the children’s RE Sunday service the last Sunday in December:  Susan Bailey for organizing the service and the children who participated, Emmilee, Zoey, Nathan, Taylor, Cameron, Erik, and  Zachary

For helping with Sunday Service music: Julie Halter, Dee Tait,  Michael Greene,   Jane Page

For flowers for Sunday services: Betty Derrick

For greeting visitors: Mya Storey, Dee Tait, Betty Derrick, Lars Leader, Susan Bailey and others who made our newcomers welcome

For serving as Meet and Greet Hosts:  Betty Derrick, Julie Halter, Dee Tait, Mya Storey, Adrienne Young,  Pat and Kari Wells

For assisting with Children’s RE: Mya Storey, Susan Bailey

For delivering Break Bread meals: Frank Asbury, Lars Leader

For cleaning the church: Frank Asbury, Susan Bailey, Lars Leader

For keeping our grounds: Jim Ingram

For arranging to light our sign and fix the entry way motion sensor:  Jim Ingram (Special thanks for making it a downward shining light!)

For taking down holiday decorations and storing them in the attic: Mya and Jeremy Storey, Betty Derrick, Julie Halter, Susan Bailey

For participating in Games Night:  Susan Bailey, Mya and Jeremy Storey and their children, Betty Derrick, Julie and Jason Halter (We are having a great time.  Come join us!)

For purchasing and re-installing solar lights on the church driveway entrance: Doug and Kimberly Tanner (The ones Betty Derrick installed were stolen just before Christmas, only a few weeks after they were installed.)

For improvements to the church’s outdoor lighting from the Taoist Tai Chi Society.  This time of year it is quite dark at our church in the evenings when this group meets in our facilities. They are grateful that timely repairs made our facility more inviting to newcomers to this group in  early January.

For his generous contribution to the church: John Branan, Jr on behalf of his father.

For all you do that we may not have thanked you for in person.  Let your editor know your contributions so that others can know!  It takes all of us and we appreciate you.

 

At the Church-in-the-Woods

New Hope Christian Fellowship - Sunday evenings: Choir practice at 5:00 PM. Service at 6:00 PM.

Taoist Tai ChiMonday and Thursday: Beginner’s Class, 5:30-6:30 PM; Continuing Class, 6:30-8:00 PM.  Contact Dennis Bogyo or Luana Goodwin.


UU Church of Valdosta Board of Directors Meeting:

January 9, 2008

Attendance: Mya Storey, Doug Tanner , Chuck Giese , Rosie Asbury, Lars Leader, Sue Bailey, Jim Ingram .

Mya started the meeting with an appropriate reading.

Old Business:The Board approved the minutes of the December meeting.  The roofer has been called to address the leak in the kitchen roof. They have not reported back yet.  A contract has been let to illuminate the entry sign. This should happen mid January.  Trouble again with New Hope not properly closing up the church after their service. Sue will again contact them.

New Business:  Treasurer Report received. Pledge category shows the large Branan donation.  There have been instances of mail being delayed due to our P.O. box being too small to contain it. Rosie will investigate getting a larger box, which will necessitate changing our mailing address. Program Report: Trying to fill open slot in February. Remainder of month is the usual three speakers. There is a request for more “Earth Centered” services.  Religious Education Report: Attendance is up. Sue will provide a schedule to the next few weeks to enable others to assist with RE.  The board discussed using the Branan donation to pay off the outstanding mortgage. This recommendation will be an order of business at the annual meeting.  We were disheartened to hear of the Ashram burglary and vandalism in Pavo. The Board directed the JUUST Change (The Accepting Difference Project) committee to investigate how we may assist them.  The solar lights at the driveway entrance were stolen. A police report was file, and Doug replaced the lights.  Our “Bus Stop” bench is in a state of disrepair. Lars will investigate updating it.

The next board meeting will be on Wednesday, February 6th at 6:00 in the RE Building.


Treasurer's Report

Rosie Asbury

December  2007

Receipts                 December                              July –present

  Plate                     $   189.00                                 $  666.83

  Pledge                   11230.00                                  15490.00

  Rent                           240.00                                   1440.00

Total Receipts     $11659.00                                $17596.83

 

Disbursements  

  Mortgage            $   500.00                                $  3000.00              

  Speakers’ Fees        750.00                                    3760.00

  Repairs & Maint.        0.00                                         70.00

  Newsletter                    0.00                                      289.40

 Termite Control            0.00                                       278.00

  Postage                         0.00                                        33.43

  Supplies                       8.15                                         35.65

  Utilities                     207.80                                     1496.99

  UU Dues                 1080.00                                    1080.00

  Other                           78.65                                      209.65

Total  Disburse.    $ 2624.60                                 $10253.12

 

Net Receipt         $ 9034.40                                   $  7343.71


Social Action Activities

 

Break Bread Together

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

Accepting Difference Project: The committee composed of Lars Leader, Susan Bailey and Betty Derrick has been charged by the Board to determine how we can best assist the  Pavo Hindu Ashram after it was vandalized.  Community members of the project have been notified via e-mail.  We have been in contact with Vrendji also via e-mail.  Please let one of our committee members know of your suggestions.

Guest At Your Table Boxes: Thank you to all who made donations to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) through the Guest at Your Table campaign. We contributed $486.84 and had several gifts large enough that they should be doubled by matching funds available to UUSC.  We had contributions from 10 families, 4 of whom joined UUSC.  If you did not participate in this effort you can always go to the UUSC website to join or make a contribution.   Betty Derrick is our contact person.  Speak with her if you have questions about this important UU social justice organization.  


General Assembly 2008 :  I've been following the issue raised by those UUs who are concerned that GA 2008 is being held at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center situated within Port Everglades and under the jurisdiction of Homeland Security.  Port Everglades is the large shipping port in Fort Lauderdale and the port's security is vital.  UUA President Bill Sinkford, UUA Moderator Gini Courter, the UUA Board, and the GA Planning Committee have explained the situation and offered plans that answer the concerns, all things considered.  For their full message see: http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/updatesannouncements/61425.shtml and http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/updatesannouncements/60305.shtml.

                I've sent a survey form to Florida District UUA congregations to get a tally of Florida UUs planning to attend GA 2008 (1 day, 2 days, 3 days, or the full 4 days) and, of the number of people planning to attend the full 4 days, how many are interested in or committed to volunteering enough hours (16 to 24 hours, depending on the work and the person volunteering) to have their registration fee of $295 waived.  The data will help Sue Boone, Volunteer Coordinator, and the Volunteer Committee focus our planning for a smoothly functioning GA.  Deadline for submitting your congregation's data is January 31.  Thanks for your cooperation.

                Around March 1 each congregation across the continent will be receiving a packet by snail mail with a preliminary GA Program booklet, registration and volunteer application forms.  This also will be available on the UUA website.  Volunteer application forms must be filled out by all planning to volunteer and returned to the UUA by March 31.

 David Fisher, District GA Coordinator.


Dear Florida Friends,   It is with a heavy heart I share with you the news that this season of peace and goodwill has been saddened by tragedy. On Friday, December 14th, five members of our congregation in Clearwater died by violence. A man killed his wife, their two children, her new partner, and then himself.

                The congregation is reeling in shock and dismay. The story made the national news. Our ministers, the Reverends Millie Rochester and Abhi Janamanchi, and other leaders at UUCL, have ministered faithfully and profoundly, even in the midst of their own grief. Representatives of the UUA's Trauma Response team have been on site and are providing guidance and support to our caregivers. The season of celebration has become also a season of mourning.

                Amidst this sorrow, I am reminded again that all our work in ministry serves to create the conditions that allow us to be together, to hold one another, to lift one another up in the midst of life's great joys and deepest sorrows. UUCL is a vital and vibrant group; their ministry is deep and faithful. I am grateful for the larger witness of fellow Unitarian Universalists that has brought forth many resources and broad love to help our people in Clearwater . And I am grateful for all of you who labor in this vital ministry of love, truth, and the making of peace and justice. The way is often hard. It is so good we do not travel alone. It is good that we have each other.

                This close to home, among our own people sorrow, reminds us that the world around us still "mocks the song of peace on earth goodwill to all." War and violence are still our daily companions. It is humbling to realize how far we humans have yet to go to live in the ways of love.

                Please hold the good people of Clearwater in your hearts this week and for the months of healing yet to come. May we renew our commitment to loving in all ways at all times and learn more deeply the ways of nonviolent compassion. May we be the one's the world is waiting for. Blessings, dear friends. May our new year shine more brightly.

 Rev. Kenn Hurto


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.


February 1 UUA Certification of Membership DUE by 5 p.m.; congregational yes vote on Study/Action Issues due also.


February 2 Leadership Round Table
with Connie Goodbread This is for all Board-level leaders., Eustis , FL


February 2 Celebrated Speaker Series, Cokie Roberts, Vero Beach , FL


February 3 Installation of Reverend Millie Rochester,  Clearwater , FL


February 16 District Board Meeting TBA


February 23 Southeast Cluster, Light the Fire! Growth Workshop with Rev. Kenn Hurto, Miami, FL
February 23 Celebrated Speaker Series, Jane Goodall, Vero Beach, FL


February 24 Installation of Reverend Naomi King, Plantation , FL

 

March 1 Conflict Management program, Tallahassee, FL


April 11–13 Florida District ANNUAL ASSEMBLY, Gainesville , FL

We are now accepting nominations for District Awards to be presented during the upcoming Annual Assembly. 

Conference theme: “How Strong Is Our Faith — Spiritual Growth in a Multi-Cultural World” with Paula Cole Jones, of All Souls Unitarian Church , Washington , D.C. She is a lead consultant for JUUST Change.

 

June 24-25 UUUniversity, Fort Lauderdale , FL

Dr. Nick Carter, President of Andover Newton Theological School, will be the keynote program as congregational leaders work on what Dr. Carter calls “interfaith border crossing skills — the ability to communicate with, work with, and care for people who think differently and pray differently.”

 

June 25–29 47th UUA GENERAL ASSEMBLY, Fort Lauderdale , FL

 

UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS                    Joan Lund

Early in January I had the opportunity and pleasure to attend the workshop UU Hospitality, Inclusion, and Transformation in Multicultural Communities at the UU Church of St. Petersburg, facilitated by Paula Cole Jones. Not only was the day a valuable for several reasons I was reminded of a relatively new organization, Allies for Racial Equity (ARE), formed in 2005, whose mission is to be accountable to people of color in building a movement among white UUs to unlearning white privilege/supremacy and to confronting racism in all its forms.

                The organization of ARE came about in direct response to a request from UUs of color in DRUUMM (Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries). ARE’s vision is grounded in an anti-oppressive, multicultural UU faith, accountable to DRUUM by building a movement among white UUs to understand white privilege and unlearn racism and white supremacy. The ARE founding UUs recognized that there is a long journey to becoming an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, multicultural faith community.

                ARE members are committed to: developing an anti-racist practice, supporting DRUUMM leadership and initiatives, including diverse perspectives committed to recognizing our humanity, a cooperative journey together in mutuality and right relationship towards transformation, and wholeness, supporting other white UUs as we struggle together to effectively use our anti-racist power to help transform the institution and UU congregations, and providing resources for a sustainable road to justice built on love, faith, hope, and courage.

                The work of ARE is organized in teams. The Congregations Team develops strategies for integration ARE work into congregations, specifically assisting congregations in developing effective models for building ally networks within congregations. The GA Team develops an ally support network and programming at GA. The Education Team develops strategies for assuring that white people throughout our Association have training on white privilege and skill development in what it means to be an ally. The Connections Team develops mechanisms for connecting people and organizations with our UUA who are doing anti-racism/anti-oppression work and provide requested information to support groups.

                I encourage individual Florida UUs and congregations to join ARE and become involved in this vital work. At the www.uua.org website I suggest interested UUs Google Allies for Racial Equity. There, much more information than I can write is found, including how one can become a member. You know you can always contact me jlund@uua.org to talk about UU “stuff”. I love to hear from you.


Greetings Florida District Friends and Leaders

Rev. Kenn Hurto

District Executive for the Florida District UUA

Dear Companions,  Years ago, I had a financial management program that included a particular sub-program called COPY. That stood for Close Out Past Year. Clever. And good advice.

                As we turn into yet another new year, it is good to remember to finish with what needs to be finished. There is a reason many industries do inventory before December 31st. Similarly, in our personal lives, it is difficult to start a new journey weighed down with yesterday’s baggage. Perhaps there are some things that need to be over and done with.

                We see this in congregational life. Some members are yet unfinished with their conversion to Unitarian Universalism, stuck in unresolved conflict over a previous faith allegiance. Others pine for the good old days of when they first joined their congregation, resentful that it isn’t the same now as then. And, of course, many congregational programs are on auto-pilot, being done again and again even though they’ve outlived the initial inspiration that made them appealing.

                Some times we just need to fold up old tents and old flags, honor them, and put them away. COPY, close out past year’s efforts. Wipe the slate clean. Then begin anew — even as we build on that which is good and vital and worth keeping. May 2008 be a blessed year for you, yours, and your congregation.

                On another matter. I recently read a colleague complaining about public displays of impatience [compared perhaps to public displays of affection and a desire for, well, moderation in showing intimacy]. PDI’s might include the blaring of your horn while stuck in traffic, snarling at the hapless clerk because of a store policy on refunds, or, closer to home, waxing indignant because you just don’t like a given hymn or the minister’s particular choice of religious words or are disapproving of some Board decision.

                I come from the Midwest where the rule was “If you don’t have anything good to say, keep your trap shut.” Call me uptight, but I don’t think the unrestrained expression of disapproval really helps to relieve the tensions that prompt them. There is a place for restraint and quiet conversation when we don’t like something. What does Proverbs 15.1 say: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” In Emotional Systems Theory, behaviors are described as reciprocal. What you put out is what you find. Here, willfulness begets willfulness. The more anger you put out, the more you get back.

                So, a gentle recommendation for the new year: try the practice of non-violent communication, speak gently when frustrated and put a lid on the PDI’s. A ministry of love ought to have us act lovingly at all times and in all ways. …


The Smart Church #15, January 2008

Connie Goodbread

                In my free and responsible search for truth and meaning I have come to this truth - Unitarian Universalism is a spiritual discipline. Our faith has a rich history and a meaningful unique message. We should be proud and bold.

                What a difference we could make in the world if we could see Unitarian Universalism for the spiritual discipline it is. What a better person I would be if I could live up to our Seven Principles and hold up and honor our Six Sources of Wisdom. Though I may fail at times to live up to these high values they are the values I strive to live by. I will forgive myself and others for the mis-steps we take along the path as long as the actions we took were values based, respectfully and responsibly undertaken.

                Do we dare be the people the world needs us to be? Can our congregations dare to be the faith communities that the world needs them to be? How would we do that? Let’s review the fourteen concepts I have written about:

1. What would it be like if we were generous with and serious about Unitarian Universalism?

2. What are the most important things going on in and around your congregation?

3. What are the highest reasons for your congregation to exist?

4. Does your congregation empower, support and encourage leaders to lead? Is your congregation grateful for and kind to its leaders?

5. What happens in your congregation when someone is offended?

6. Does your congregation practice and encourage deep listening?

7. How much high drama (as in emotional turmoil) happens in your congregation? How often? Is there a pattern? Does it stop the congregation from transition?

8. Do you and does your congregation practice humility, action and covenant?

9. How does your congregation deal with fears when they arise?

10. Does your congregation have a sense of adventure?

11. What is the congregation’s ministry? Whom and what do you serve?

12. Are you living your values? Is your congregation living its shared core values?

13. Faith Development is all we do.

14. Unitarian Universalism is all we teach.

Unitarian Universalism is a spiritual discipline.  Leadership is a spiritual practice.


Meadville Lombard Winter Institute, February 8 through 10, 2008, at the Chicago Marriott. 

If New Hampshire voters can impact the presidential election in one day ...

... imagine what you and your religious community can do in two. 

                The results of the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire Primaries prove that this presidential election is anything but settled. Indeed, one result of these early elections is that the candidates are beginning to respond as if they, too, believe this election could open up a new era in American history. What influence can religious liberals have on the outcome of this vital election?  Those of us with a progressive vision of what this country could be and could do have an opportunity to learn and work together to explore that very question at the Meadville Lombard Winter Institute.

                The timing of this two-day workshop could not be any more exciting. Dr. Melissa Harris-Lacewell, Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University , will join us directly off the primary circuit, where she is closely following and analyzing election data. Dr. Harris-Lacewell, who has often been a guest commentator on programs such as Bill Moyer’s Journal, will provide analysis of what those election results could mean and help us examine some of the barriers we may have in making real our vision of the Beloved Community. 

                I'm excited to share with you the news that Rob Keithan, Director of the Washington Office for Advocacy of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, has agreed to lead workshops at the Winter Institute, focusing on directing congregations on what they can--and cannot--do to "get out the vote." 

                We only just this week added more detailed information about the programming to our website and I urge you to take a look at our Winter Institute page as well as the descriptions of the lectures and workshops being offered by these two dynamic speakers. And, as is our custom at Winter Institute, there will also be time set aside for socializing and networking as well as for worship.  

                I believe that as we work together, in congregations and in communities, we can influence the policies that are being written on the behalf of those who often don't have a voice in the halls of justice. This Winter Institute will assist us in not only contemplating the question "Can We Build the Beloved Community through Political Action?" but in formulating responses, as well. 

www.meadville.edu 


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