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

Phone:  229-242-3714 

 

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The Parson's Piece	Thank You! Thank You!	Religious Education
President's Column	Social Action	UU Activities and Announcements
Social Events!!	Board Notes
Sunday Services	Special Note! - Welcome, Rev. Al Boyce!!!

What’s going on.…January 2003

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The Parson's Piece

Rev. Al Boyce

As I write this column we have just had a great weekend at the congregation.    We had a wonderful Worship Service followed by a visionary Board Meeting that was followed by wrapping gifts for needy families in the community and finally decorating our sanctuary for the holiday.  Mixed in there were holiday concerts and festive events not to forget the float we had in the local Christmas Parade.   Energy is high and hope for our future abounds. 

In my sermon, on preparing for change, I told the membership that I would be asking the Board to affirm a day of gathering as a faith community in January to begin the process actively moving us from dreaming our future to putting foundations under the dream.   We dream of having a faith community that welcomes folks who are seeking a liberal faith home.   We dream of creating a place where we can daily represent and live the mission statement of our unique UU congregation.  I am very pleased to inform you that the Board has affirmed this goal and we have set a date.   

On Saturday, January 11th, we are asking all members and friends to join us for the morning.  The president, Charles Green, and I will arrive early on that day to make blueberry pancakes for all the membership, (Of course anyone who wishes to join us is most welcome.)  The breakfast will be served from 9 - 10 am.  Following the breakfast we will hold a 2-hour discussion with the theme of   "Creating Our Future.”  At this time I will be sharing knowledge I have regarding steps toward growth, but more importantly, we will be doing much creating and prioritizing together.   We will brainstorm together, with no dream too big to share, as we are forward thinking about our congregation’s ministry.  This is the day we will talk about the tasks that need to be accomplished, and the level of commitment each task needs.  I suppose you might say that this is the day that   "rubber meets the road.” 

My dear friends it has been three months since I arrived at your door.  You have welcomed me so very generously and I feel utterly bonded to you.  Now that the bonding has taken place it is time to get down to the reason you brought me here...to build together.   I am very aware that I am only your minister.  Whatever is accomplished will be done by all of us working and laboring hand in hand and side by side.  Please know I am here to serve you. My heart tells me you are also here to serve a world that needs our liberal voice so desperately.  I ask you to come with an attitude of possibility thinking and a willingness to explore and attempt lofty goals.  

If you are a member and friend who has not joined us for a while I hope you will make a fresh commitment as we begin this new year.  Come be part of this joyous excitement as we do ministry together.                 Your servant, Al

Creating Our Future Saturday, January 11 9:00 AM at the church Pancake Breakfast & Planning Session  Our President, Charles Green, and our minister, Rev. Al Boyce, will team up in the kitchen to serve us a pancake breakfast.  After breakfast Rev. Al will facilitate a planning session for our church’s future.  All members and friends are encouraged to attend and participate in this important step to put in place activities we were aiming for when we hired Al this fall.  Rev. Al expects the session to end around noon.

Sunday Services

Rev. Al Boyce will lead the services on January 12 and 26.  The January 12 topic is “The Epiphany of Hope.”  January 6th is known in Christian church circles as Epiphany Day.  Rev. Al asks, is there a lesson on this topic of epiphanies that can have impact for Christians and non-Christians alike?  Rev. Al thinks so.  Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines epiphany as: "a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something."  Al's thought for this day will center around this definition. 

On January 26 his topic is “The Darkest Night.”  In the month of January the nation remembers the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The sermon will deal with King as an ordinary man who did extraordinary things because his heart called him to stand for justice.  Rev. Al reminds us that as UU's we too are called to follow the dictates of our conscience.  How do we do this when we face intimidating foes?  He hopes that lessons shared from King's life will give us guidance.

On January 5 a panel of our local UU members will present personal stories of their journey and where they are now in their moral and ethical quest.   The program is entitled,  "Sharing our Religious Odysseys."

On Sunday, January 19 Dr. Shirley Hardin will present a program in commemoration of and re-dedication of ourselves to the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr.   Dr. Hardin is Director of the African American Studies Program and Professor of English at Valdosta State University.  

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Meditation and Memorial Garden

If you haven’t already done so, go look at the progress on Jason’s  Eagle Scout Project.   The preparation of memorial rocks for the garden, originally scheduled for December, has been postponed to January 12 during the Youth and Adult R.E.  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).   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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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. Adult religious education will return to a second and fourth Sunday 9:30 AM schedule in January.  Lars Leader will be the leader for a new topic, "Final Health Care Decisions." 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. 

On the second Sunday in January both the Youth and Adult R.E. groups will work on memorial rocks for the Meditation and Memorial Garden.

New Member Orientation

The third session in the "New U" course with Rev. Al is scheduled for January 26 after the Worship Service. New and established members are welcome as are those simply curious.   The group meets in the R. E. wing.  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 sessions.  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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Keep In Your Thoughts….our members and friends experiencing health concerns.

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President’s Column

Charles Green

“How you sleep…”                      Dec. 5, 2002

Lyrics of the chorus of a current popular song can teach us all, that it’s good to be simple. The song is by Aaron Tippin entitled: “At the end of the day”

“At the end of the (work) day

is really where it all begins

with who you love, who loves you

and who’s your friends

‘cause God don’t care where you live

who you are, what you drive

or how much you make

all that really counts is how you sleep

at the end of the day”

Our world spends millions of dollars every year on treatment, therapy, and medication for the cure of common anxiety. Especially in the U.S. where everything is so accessible and available, we get caught-up in the ‘get ahead of the Jones’s’ syndrome that we forget to stop and take time for the important things. The press is full of bad news of late, corporate greed, bottom dollar at anyone’s expense, national ‘dog tags’ and registration of all hunting guns; but I can’t help thinking we have made life too complicated.

I know that many nights, I lay my head down of the pillow and cannot fall asleep for the daytime chaos that’s running me. If it’s not the conflict with a contractor, colleague or computer, then it’s wishing for a better house or faster truck. When I get ‘out of balance’ like this, I have difficulty sleeping restfully at night or getting to sleep at all. I try to focus on my blessings instead of my problems and this settles me. My wife says ‘Charles, your glass is half empty” and for me, that is an easy trap to fall prey to. I must keep telling myself, just how fortunate I am. I have people to love and people who love me. I have all the comforts that my money can buy. Compared to most folks on this planet, I live in a castle and eat like a king.

Ask yourself, how am I sleeping at the end of the day. Perhaps like me, not very well. Try asking yourself a question that my wife taught me. “This issue you are troubled with, in one year, will you think it is important?” If I apply this question to so many problems in my life, my answer is almost always: “you’re right Gail, I will not remember this issue, one year from now”. Ha! Lots of times, I will not remember this issue in one month.

It’s good to be simple, if you are NOT sleeping well; remember to count your blessings not your problems. If you are in conflict with someone in your daily life; try to focus on your similarities, NOT your differences. If your  ‘to do’ list is too long and is keeping you from sleeping, try shortening your list to a manageable length. Focus on what’s important. ‘Cause all that really counts is how you sleep, at the end of the day!

From the Board

Notes from the December 1, 2002 meeting of the Valdosta UU Church Board of Trustees. The meeting was held at the church.

Board Members in attendance: Charles Judah, Vice-president; René Kerr, Treasurer; Lars Leader, Religious Education Director.  Minister:  Al Boyce. Visitor: Betty Derrick, Newsletter Editor

Charles Judah chaired the meeting in the President’s absence and took notes for the meeting.  In the absence of the Secretary there was no reading of the previous meeting’s minutes. Rev. Al Boyce gave his report in writing.  Al asked if there were perhaps a better time for the meeting, since several Board members were not present. He announced plans for a pancake breakfast and meeting to plan the church’s future.  The Board agreed on a date and Betty Derrick was asked to check with the Saturday Tai Chi group, about the church using the facilities on that Saturday. There was a brief discussion about increasing the size of the Board but no action was taken.  Lars Leader reported that the RE classes are on schedule.  René Kerr’s report on finances is elsewhere in the newsletter. Charles Judah reported that January Sunday programs were scheduled.  The Tai Chi group has asked if the lights at the road can be fixed.  They have been out for some time.  Replacement bulbs will be kept at the church.  There was also some discussion about whether the breezeway lights had been fixed.  The Board acted several months back to correct problems with these fixtures.  Several members have requested that information about Board meetings and action taken once again be included in the newsletter. There being no new business, the short meeting was adjourned.

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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 Monday of each month.  If you can deliver meals on this day beginning about 11:00 AM, please contact Virginia Branan.

Holiday Giving and Decorating Party

Diane C. Holliman thanks all who participated in the Second Annual Giving and Decorating Party on December 8.   We were able to provide gifts for two families and our eight Break Bread Recipients.  One was a family of six from the Lowndes County School system.  This is a family of 4 children and a mother and father.  We were also able to provide gifts for a family of two from LAMP.  This is a family of a mom and her four-year-old son. Diane says she is ecstatic to be a part of a liberal community who is so involved in social action.  

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Volunteers of All Ages and 211 Of South Central Georgia

Lisa Hamilton, one of our new members, has taken a position as Director of Volunteer Connection, the volunteer management division of 211 of South Central Georgia.  211 is a free information and referral service to community agencies going on-line January 1, 2003.  Residents of Lowndes County can simply dial "2-1-1" and be connected with a call agent who can provide information and referral to all community agencies in the 18-county DCA region.  The service will be expanded to residents across the region in the coming year. 

Lisa says that, in addition to providing information, they also expect to receive calls from volunteers and donors.  Her job is to coordinate volunteers, develop opportunities for volunteers, and collaborate with all other volunteer organizations.  Toward that end, they have just been awarded a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to administer the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.  Therefore, she wants to announce that she is seeking volunteers of all ages, but especially those age 50 and over.  She has structured volunteer-opportunities of all kinds available, but is also interested in volunteers who want to identify and respond to unmet needs in our community.  What a wonderful opportunity!  Get in touch with Lisa if you can help and thank you Lisa for making this possible in our area of Georgia.

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Church Directory: Cindy Roesel, editor, and Jerry Jones, photographer, have finished their work on the new Church Directory.  There has been a longer than expected holdup on printing though.  You should have your copy soon.  Thank you again to Cindy for this wonderful and much needed resource for our congregation.  Apologies to Cindy, after she so efficiently got this completed several months ago, that it isn’t already out there being used!  Give her your special thanks when you get your copy.  Thank Jerry also for the pictures. 

!!!Social Events!!!

Second Sunday Potluck

January 12

At the church after the service

Join our church family for lunch at this social gathering, which occurs once a month.  Bring a potluck dish with enough for your family and a little extra for guests who may be at the service.  If it is not convenient to cook, or you forget to bring a dish, check on what is missing from the menu and dash up to Harvey’s, which is close by.  Just a note: We’ve almost been short of food recently so be generous in what you bring if you can.  Also plan, from time to time, to help out in the kitchen, setting up and cleaning up afterwards.  We shouldn’t expect the same people to do this every month.  Join in this opportunity to socialize with members of our church family!

 

Movie Night at the Church

Saturday, January 25

7:00 PM

Fred Howard will be hosting the movie, Meetings with Remarkable Men, at the church.  The movie is a fictionalized account of the life of G.I Gurdjieff, author of Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson, rated one of the 100 most important books ever written, and popularizer of the personality typing system, The Enneagram, based on Sufi Mysticism.  The movie tracks Gurdijieff's quest for enlightenment through much of the Middle Eastern world, where he encounters priests and gurus from several religious traditions, especially Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Islam.  Fred says, the scenery alone makes the movie worth watching.  There is also the oddly beautiful music of the eastern world.  Bring a snack and something to drink and come enjoy watching the film and discussing it afterwards.

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A hearty welcome back to Valdosta to John Branan and his family.  If you see John and Virginia Branan beaming, you’ll know why!  John, who is a chemical engineer living and working in Indonesia over the last year or so, was raised in our church.  He and his family are back in Valdosta for a month-long visit over the holidays.

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Treasurer’s Report

November

Outstanding Debts

                        Mortgage:                $34387.84

                        UUA:                           $704.00

                                                        $35091.84

 

Savings:  $3082.07

 

Income: 

                        Pledge:                     $1125.00

                        Plate:                            $99.00

                        Rent:                           $470.00

                        Ministerial:                $2500.00

                        Moving:                        $55.00

                        Bench Ad:                      $8.86

                        Baskets Don:                $10.00

                        Memorial Gard:            $15.00

                                                         $4282.86

 

Expenses:

 

                        Mortgage:                   $500.00

                         Utilities:                      $139.19

                        Minister:                    $2500.00

                        Maintenance:                 $10.00

                        Stamps:                         $37.00

                        UUA:                          $118.00

                        Florida Dist:                $345.00

                        Pianist:                        $140.00

                        Parade:                         $40.00

                                                          $3829.19

 

Your Treasurer, René Kerr

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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.

Jan. 17-19 Florida Women & Religion Winter Conference "Spirituality: The Search for the Beloved"-facilitated by Dr. Gloria Wright, UU Center, visit www.floridawomenandreligion.org for registration information.

Jan. 24-26 Robert Burns Scottish Weekend at The Mountain

Jan. 31-Feb.2 Dinner and a Movie, The Mountain

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Newsletter Staff

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Production/Mailing:  Sharon McKenzie, Charles Green

Website:  Carol Stiles

January 15: deadline for the February newsletter.

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Call for Curriculum Writers The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), a liberal religious organization, seeks experienced curriculum writers to design creative, integrated programs for people ages preschool through adulthood in our congregations.  Themes include Unitarian Universalist heritage, world religions, Jewish and Christian heritages, values/ethics, nature/ecology, anti-oppression education, faith development, and more.  Writers will work in their area of expertise (both age level and topic) in collaboration with other authors and UUA staff.

Criteria

We are looking for curriculum writers who are:

·         Experienced curriculum developers

·         Knowledgeable about the developmental characteristics - cognitive, physical, social, moral, emotional, and spiritual - of their chosen age group(s)

·         Knowledgeable in their chosen topic(s)

·         Able to communicate UU faith and values

·         Able to write through anti-racism/anti-oppression lenses

·         Able to deliver original, creative material

·         Able to address diverse learning styles

·         Able to accept and respond well to feedback

·         Able to collaborate with other team members

·         Able to meet deadlines

·         Available to begin work by June of 2003.

Application

We welcome applications from Unitarian Universalist curriculum writers and non-UU writers in sympathy with the principles and values of our liberal faith. We further welcome diversity in terms of race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and gender/gender identity.

If you believe you would be a good match for this lifespan integrated curriculum project, please submit the following via e-mail or postal delivery:

·         A letter of intent, indicating the reasons for your interest, the age(s) and themes in which you are competent, and anything else you would like to tell us.

·         A résumé indicating your relevant education, religious education, and/or curriculum development experiences.

·         A sample of your curriculum writing, published or unpublished. Enclose a postage paid envelope if you wish your material returned.

Submit application materials to:

Judith A. Frediani

Director, Lifespan Faith Development

Unitarian Universalist Association

25 Beacon Street

Boston, MA 02108

Or e-mail to: jfrediani@uua.org.   Please put LIC in the subject box.

Application deadline: February 1, 2003