What’s going on... January 2009

Sunday Services

Sunday, January 4 – Rev. Fred Howard, "What Star Do You  Seek?"

This is Epiphany Sunday.  A time of star searches.  The Magi followed a star that led them to the child Jesus.  Is there a message in this unlikely story for Unitarian Universalists?  This morning we will follow that star with the Magi to see what the contemporary equivalent of their quest might be.     

Sunday, January 11 – Dr. Michael Stoltzfus, “Spirituality as Tillage and Wonder”

Spirituality requires context; it does not exist in a vacuum.  We will investigate how spirituality is rooted in tillage of the earth, reverence for the natural world and in the inexpressible experience of wonder.  Wonder is the sense of being fully present with something marvelous, fascinating, admirable or meaningful.  Tillage and wonder are keys to a fulfilling spiritual life.  

Sunday, January 18 –  Rev. Jane Page , “Wrestling with God”

Rev. Jane will use the Old Testament story of Jacob’s struggles to provide a metaphor for the spiritual struggles that many of us face during our lifetimes.  

Sunday, January 25 –  Dr. Jim Hill,  "The Assassination of J.F. Kennedy: The relevance for today"

Still teaching courses in the Philosophy and Religion Department at Valdosta State University despite his retirement, Dr. Jim Hill will share some of his current thoughts with us.  Dr. Hill has spoken often over the years to our congregation and always brings a provocative message.  Welcome him back this Sunday.

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 .  Some of Rev. Page’s sermons are posted at http://uustatesboro.uuism.net/sermons.html

 

 

 

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 or  Susan Bailey.  

Thank you to the children in the RE class for sharing their wonderful secret project, the dioramas of our world, with such creative use of recycled materials.  What a reminder of our UU Principles, especially “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”  Thank You for being a part of our existence here at Valdosta UU!  BTW the Taoist Tai Chi Society members that use our church thought the dioramas were pretty neat too!

 

The Woods with frogs and snakes and other animals.

 

                               

                             Farms with pigs made from plastic bottles.

 

The world of “creepy crawlies” with spiders, caterpillars, and dragonflies  

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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.

 

MINISTERIAL MUUSINGS: Watch for Rev. Page’s column to return next month.

 

 

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President’s Corner

Doug Tanner                                           January 2009

Happy New Year!!

                I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and is ready to start 2009 with renewed motivation and optimism.  I am looking forward to another rewarding year and with your support we will accomplish much in the months ahead. 

                2009 is stacking up to be a special year of religious liberals with the inauguration of a new president and the beginning of the long overdue withdrawal of troops from Iraq .  While many are suffering financially and there is great uncertainty about the future there is also renewed hope that these hardships eventually subside and our country and world with emerge stronger and more equitable. 

                Change does not happen easily.  It is important that we continue to work toward a brighter future for all people not just the wealthy and well connected.  Remember, a good measure of any community is how they treat the most vulnerable.  Please keep those less fortunate and vulnerable in you hearts and remember these “guests at your table” as you go about your hectic lives. 

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

Did You Know?  The first organized UU church in the USA was that of John Murray in Gloucester , MA in 1779.  It was a Universalist church called the Independent Christian Church.  Kings Chapel in Boston , MA , the first Church of England congregation in New England , adopted Unitarian principles when it revised its prayer book in 1785.  Joseph Priestly organized the first church in America designated as a Unitarian Church in 1796 in Philadelphia .  Priestly, significant in the history of chemistry, discovered oxygen while still living in England and was also responsible for the beginnings of the American Chemical Society after he moved to the colonies.  (Borrowed from the Flaming Chalice, 0ctber 2000.  In coming months more of these historical glimpses in our UU history will be reprinted in the newsletter.  Let your editor know if this is an addition you find interesting.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Have Some Fun!!

Book Discussion and Potluck

Friday, January 9     7:00 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 9:00 PM if you have other end of the week commitments.  The book is “The Plot against America ” by Phillip Roth.  In this novel the author imagines an alternative version of American history, one in which Charles Lindbergh is elected President in 1940.  The New York Times Book review describes it as “A terrific political novel.…Sinister, vivid, dreamlike…creepily plausible. … You turn the pages astonished and frightened.”  We are selecting books which deal with different cultures, religions, and life styles.  Betty is keeping a list of suggestions.  Let her know your recommendations.  Contact: Betty Derrick.

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Games Night

January 17   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! 

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ABOUT OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

Congratulations to

v   Jason Halter who was awarded the Boy Scout Order of the Arrow Founders Award on December 13, 2008.  This is a national award bestowed upon deserving youth and adults in the Order of the Arrow program.  Jason was recognized for his achievements during the annual banquet for the local lodge.  The award was presented in conjunction with the annual Order of the Arrow ordeal, an induction ceremony for new members at which he performed his last act of leadership as a youth. 

        Julie Halter says her son has served in a variety of leadership positions, has been instrumental in revitalizing the lodge, and is considered as the local authority for ceremonies conducted during lodge activities.  Many of you know that Jason’s Eagle Scout Project was our Meditation Trail behind the church building.

Welcome back

v   Frank Asbury, as he resumes volunteer efforts….Frank coordinates and delivers Break Bread meals and cleans the church sanctuary.   I know our UU ancestors, with whom Frank says he communes as he cleans, will welcome him back, as will those to whom he delivers food.

Keep in your thoughts

v   Our members and friends experiencing health concerns.

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Social Action Activities

Guest at Your Table

Return your filled boxes Sunday, January 4!

Each year, during the Thanksgiving-New Year holiday season, UU churches participate in the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Guest At Your Table Program.  In November we discussed our commitment to social justice through the work of the UUSC and distributed boxes.  (Extras are in the entrance way to the sanctuary if you need one.) The   Guest At Your Table donation boxes will be collected the first Sunday in January.  We encourage our members, during this holiday season of giving, to make daily contributions in their boxes toward the work of the UUSC across the world.  We will also encourage members through their donations to join or renew their membership in the UUSC. Different membership categories are described on the side of your box.  Donations of $100 will be matched by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset , NY . Our congregation over recent years has been recognized for the number of its members who are members of UUSC.  Current members are: Frank and Rosie Asbury,           Betty Derrick, Julie Halter, Lars Leader,           Carol Stiles , Dee Tait, Douglas Tanner, William and Valerie Webster, Adrienne Young.               Betty Derrick is our church’s UUSC representative. 

MLK March

In recent years our church has carried its banner in the local Martin Luther King Day March.  Details for this celebration are unavailable as the newsletter goes to press; however, based on past experience, the march is likely to be held on the Saturday morning of MLK weekend. Watch for an announcement in early January and plan to join in this year.

Break Bread Together

Our date for meal deliveries with the Break Bread Together program is the 2^nd Monday (and 5^th when there is one) of each month.  If you would like to help deliver meals beginning about 11:00 AM, please contact Frank or Rosie Asbury.   Welcome back Frank!   

Accepting Difference Project

VIGIL FOR PEACE:  CANDLELIGHT PRAYER AND REFLECTION   The vigil, held at the Valdosta UU Church on December 10, 2008,  was sponsored by the Arsha Vijnana Mandiram, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Valdosta, and the Accepting Difference Project in memory of the recent numerous deaths as a result of terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. The sponsors believe that acts of terror, no matter where they occur, affect everyone.  In addition, to taking innocent lives, they accelerate fear and mistrust among the living. Similar candlelight vigils are being organized all over the world, which allow for collective mourning.  These gatherings also provide time for reflecting on how to address theological narratives that sanction violence in the name of religion, overcome mistrust and foster mutual respect among religions.  Special thanks go to Vrndaji and our UU Board, especially our President Doug Tanner, for making this happen.  Thanks to Dee Tait for Valdosta Daily Times publicity, Lars Leader for photographs, and Carol Stiles for being sure we had candles.

                The Accepting Difference Project has requested that Doug Tanner ask our UU Board for permission for the Project to schedule in coming months, using our church facilities, a series of regular brief Community Prayer and Reflection Vigils of this type.  The idea, suggested by Vrndaji, is modeled on a program in Eugene , OR , which has been successfully bringing different religious traditions together for several years in that city.  Contact Betty Derrick if you have questions about the Project and watch for opportunities to participate.

National Day of Prayer proposal: Several of our members, under the leadership of Lars Leader, are discussing possible plans for this coming spring.  Lars Leader arranged for a discussion of the project with George Bennett and Fred Howard over lunch in early December.  If you are interested in this project, speak with Lars.

December Book Discussion of “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson and David Relin

After the book discussion about the work being done in Pakistan and Afghanistan by Greg Mortenson, building schools in the remote mountain areas along the Indian border, we received the following message from Elizabeth Hanson, a member of the Macon UU church.  She says, “Fred Howard told me that you are discussing “Three Cups of Tea.” Our UU bookclub read it last year and were so moved we felt compelled to tell the whole church about it. We got our RE classes involved in the Pennies for Peace project. We had informational articles run in the church newsletter and I delivered a talk one Sunday. The adults in the congregation split the offering one Sunday and added that to the project as well. We were able to raise enough to hire a teacher for a year.
                If you are thinking along the lines of doing something to help Gregg Mortenson, go on the Pennies for Peace website and register as soon as you can. They will send you info that you can use in talks and articles. They also sent me a great DVD that Mr. Mortensons' daughter made about her dad's work. The kids in RE really responded to that.
                The need is so great and it is amazing what so little can do in that part of the world. To my mind, the need is even greater now than ever. There have been stories coming out telling of violence directed especially toward girls attempting to attend school.

                We are gearing up to do it all over again this year. If you want I'll send you any articles etc. we run in the newsletter. Feel free to use anything I send.
Give me a ring if you want or e-mail me. I'd love to hear how it goes. Anything I can do, I'll be glad to.”

                Betty Derrick says, “If you haven’t read this book yet, it is indeed a must read.  If your reading moves you to want to do more, speak up and let’s take on a project where pennies can make a difference!”

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UUA Statement of Conscience: Peacemaking

In November, the Commission on Social Witness (CSW) released the rough draft for the Statement of Conscience on Peacemaking.   After nearly three years of studying peace and peacemaking with congregations like yours, the CSW has written a comprehensive statement on the role of UUs in the larger peace community.  Congregational polling on the draft along with space for feedback has opened. We require at least 25% of all the congregations to participate in this feedback process. Polling closes February 1, 2009. For more information visit www.uua.org/csw  .   An excerpt from the draft statement follows.  Peacemaking: A Draft Unitarian Universalist Statement of Conscience, November 2008  War is abhorrent. Violence is reprehensible. Human history has been marked by both. Religion has been a catalyst for war and for peace, sanctioning behaviors individual and international. What is our religious response as Unitarian Universalists to the historic habits of war and the timeless challenges of peace? Should we reject the use of any and all kinds of violence and war and affirm a commitment to seek just peace through non-violent means? Should we continue with the more conventional practice of seeking peace through application of "just war" criteria? Are these our only options as we seek to promote "a world community of peace, liberty, and justice for all?" This Statement of Conscience results from widespread deliberation and presents an approach arising out of our history, theology, and understanding of human nature for building a peaceful, just, and sustainable global future.

Theology and History … Pacifism and Just War …  Just Peacemaking

Building a culture of peace at all levels of human interaction requires a transformation of consciousness, individual lifestyles, and public policies. At the heart of this transformation is the will to understand the truths voiced on all sides from a stance of empathy and love.

                We are called to stand on the side of love. We are also called to stand on the side of justice and against the violence of oppression in all its manifestations. When a conflict or the threat of a conflict emerges in our world, we as Unitarian Universalists draw on our history as champions of both nonviolence and justice, informed by a diversity of views. As a faith holding covenant over creed, we eschew claims of absolute truth, so we need an approach to conflict—including the horrific conflict that is war—which transcends the dichotomy of pacifism vs. just war. We need an approach that honors affirmations common to both pacifist and just war traditions, affirmations of "the inherent worth and dignity of every person" and of "justice, equity, and compassion in human relations."

                Just Peacemaking is this approach. Just Peacemaking calls us to understand peace as normative and violence as aberrant, while evaluating the prospect of violent conflict by balancing the goal of peace preservation with the desire for war prevention. The former just war criteria become Just Peacemaking guidelines. With each guideline, we must ask not what justifies war, but what justifies the humanitarian preservation or restoration of peace. If force is ever to be used, it must be in the service of ending violence of much greater magnitude. We support our military personnel who have made the decision to engage in such service.

                Our Unitarian Universalist values commit us to work toward a culture of peace that makes war and all other forms of violence avoidable and universally recognized as reprehensible and ineffective for honoring human rights and human dignity. Just Peacemaking melds love and justice in moving us toward a culture of peace at all levels of human interaction.

Calls to Action

Just Peacemaking calls for action at all levels of human interaction. To be effective, our actions must be incorporated into existing structures and institutions and new systems must be created.

International Peacemaking

We covenant as an Association, as congregations, and as individuals to advocate vigorously for policies that move the United States toward collaborative leadership in building a peaceful, just, and sustainable world. These include:

·         Supporting the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office in advancing the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, the Earth Charter, the International Criminal Court, the United Nations Convention Against Torture, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

·         Supporting the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee in ending the use of torture and addressing structural violence in all its forms; Supporting interfaith groups such as the Center on Conscience and War in advocating for the right of conscientious objection, including education and resources on the availability of this option; and

·         Supporting the establishment of a national network or working group among Unitarian Universalists to identify and disseminate information on peacemaking programs and resources.

Societal Peacemaking

We covenant to act in the wider community in reducing the causes of structural violence.  We do this through:

·         Supporting the socially responsible investment of our Association and congregational assets;

·         Supporting Association and congregational initiatives aimed at eradicating racism, classism, and other forms of cultural and economic oppression; and

·         Supporting Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth in adopting life styles and polices that promote harmony with our natural environment.

Congregational Peacemaking

We covenant to take up peacemaking as part of our mission through worship, religious education, and social action by: 

·         Developing Peace Teams to provide training in compassionate communication and conflict resolution and engage the congregation in multi-level action toward a culture of peace;

·         Working through congregational governing bodies to develop and honor behavioral covenants in all aspects of congregational life;

·         Working through our lifespan religious education structures to provide workshops on conflict resolution and compassionate communication, to encourage understanding and participation in social justice ventures, and to utilize Unitarian Universalist resources such as "Peacemaking in Congregations: A Guide to Learning Opportunities for All Ages;" and

·         Becoming a peacemaking resource within our communities in cooperation with other faith traditions.

Interpersonal Peacemaking

As individuals we covenant to:

·         Learn and practice the skills of compassionate communication;

·         Honor the behavioral covenants of our congregations; and

·         Adopt lifestyle changes that reflect reverence for the interdependent web of all existence.

Inner Peacemaking

We covenant to develop spiritual practices that impart internal peace.

In reverence for all life, we covenant to practice peace by minimizing violence at all levels of human interaction.

Newsletter Editor:  Betty Derrick Website:  Carol Stiles Local Publicity: Dee Tait January 15: Deadline for the February newsletter.

 

 

 

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UU Church of Valdosta Board of Directors

Dec 3, 2008

Attendance: Doug Tanner, Rosie Asbury, Sue Bailey, Valerie Webster and Kari Wells

Old Business:

·         Habitat for Humanity was very successful.  We had a great turn out and all who participated had a good time.

New Business:

·         Treasurer’s report:  Check was sent in to Habitat for Humanity.

·         Programs:  Everything is scheduled through  January,

·         RE:  Secret project was finally revealed!  The RE class did a wonderful job with the museum and everyone from the church who “toured” it, was very impressed, especially because it was almost entirely made from recycled materials.

·         Light on the sign out front needs to be fixed.  We have had concerns from the groups that meet at the church in the evening because it is unsafe out there without the lights.  Sue will contact Jim Ingram about getting them fixed.

Next meeting with be January 7^t at 6:00 PM.

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Treasurer's Report

Rosie Asbury                                                       November 2008

Receipts                 November                              July -present

  Plate                     $    52.00                 $   562.00

  Pledge                      870.00                   5570.00

  Rent                          520.00                    1320.00

  Habitat Donations 525.00                      525.00

Total Receipts    $ 1967.00               $  7977.00

Disbursements  

  Speakers’ Fees   $ 900.00                 $ 4350.00

  Repairs & Maint.       0.00                       362.00

  Newsletter                   0.00                      212.28

  Postage                        0.00                        25.49

  Supplies                   141.06                      176.56

  Utilities                    209.70                    1238.15

  UU Dues                  500.00                      500.00

  UU Conference           0.00                    1232.78

  Advertising                 0.00                      145.80

  Donations               500.00                      500.00

  Others                        13.00                        83.00

Total  Disbursnts.                $ 2250.76                                $ 8826.06

Net Receipt           $  -283.76                                $ - 849.06

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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.

Taoist Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday: New Beginners Class begins January 5: 5:30-6:30 PM; Continuing Class:6:30-8:00 PM  Contact Dennis Bogyo or Luana Goodwin

PFLAG Meeting – 3^rd Tuesday each month, 7:00PM

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UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS                    Joan Lund

I hope you experienced a joyful holiday season and are ready for a new year. In December I wrote about Congregation-Based Community Organizing (CBCO) and committed to continuing with information about this valuable organization in January. CBCO has the capacity to change UUism by deepening congregational involvement in social justice in a way that enables us to really understand and work for social change in community with others. Also CBCO has the unique ability to increase congregations become multicultural and racially diverse, and can develop and train leaders whose skills can enrich congregational life.

                Although CBCO historically has been predominantly Christian it can be more effective in claiming moral authority if it represents a broad, diverse base of religious groups. CBCO knows and operates on the basis that there is power in numbers and UU membership signals to other non-Christian congregations that they are welcome and encouraged to become CBCO members.

                The process of joining includes an initial exploration of CBCO with meetings between the minister and key leaders and a CBCO organizer. A core group of 5 to 20 members is formed and they continue with research and educating the congregation. The core group is trained to lead an initiative. The core group is trained to conduct one-to-one meetings, house meetings, and to chair committee meetings. While these activities are taking place there continues to be support-building for CBCO within the congregation. It is also essential to have clergy support for this work. If the congregation decides to join there is continued process of relationship building within the congregation. Issues to address are identified, researched, and solutions developed by holding seminars with experts, meetings with public/private officials, and talking with people who are knowledgeable about the issue. Once the issue is resolved, the CBCO group moves on to a different issue. Through all the steps the core group and clergy take leadership roles by speaking at, organizing, running, and hosting large and small meetings and attend training on several levels to develop their leadership skills.

                Benefits from participation are numerous: more and deeper relationships among congregants and with members of other faith traditions, increased lay leader involvement in congregational work and public action, more effective social justice work, building interfaith and interracial relationships, and bringing new people in new ways. Congregations will reap the rewards of participation despite the work involved, and realize the benefits of participation far outweigh the costs.  

I could write much more but space prohibits, so suggest you contact Fred Seidl, UU Organizer and CBCO Consultant (fseidl@uua.org) or Susan Leslie, Director of the UUA Office for Congregational Advocacy and Witness (sleslie@uua.org). They would be glad to hear from you…as would I, at jlund@uua.org. Happy New Year one and all!

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Greetings Florida District Friends and Leaders

Kenn Hurto , Florida District Director

It's no accident that our brightest holidays occur at the darkest time of the year. Various festivals of light speak to something deep in our hearts and souls. Only the dullest realist cannot find solace gazing at a fire, enjoy a room filled with candles or smile at excited children. Most delight in decorating homes and streets with lights, singing carols and finding generosity in their hearts. Is it merely an aesthetic pleasure? Or is it an expression of hope that darkness and fear are not the whole story.

                These are times of great uncertainty, some would say darkness. To be sure, only the most naive idealist would say everything is going to be ok, that new light is just around the corner. Only a fool expects some earthly messiah to make it all better. A mature realist faces directly life's difficulties and presses on to do what needs doing.

                As congregational leaders we are not immune from the growing anxiety around us. Yet, our faith calls us to affirm that hard times are not end times. As I've said, it is still not time to panic. It is time, however, to be realistic. The trick is to stay grounded both in reality and hope. How?

                One creative opportunity in dark times or even in the routine stock-taking at year's end is to re-focus our lives. What do we really value? What do we really need? How can I, we, re-balance life as well as our accounting budgets? To rethink what matters is a good thing. This necessity may lead to new invention. It may remind us of how important our ministries are and help us re-focus and re-commit to core ministries. What is on your horizon for new possibilities?

                One other thought: Unitarian Universalists are passionate about justice issues. Downturns affect our well-being. They remind us as well of gross economic disparities near and far. As the prophet once challenged, do we have a right to be at ease in Zion ? Or more bluntly: how long can we live in a world partly prosperous and mostly miserable? This recession will, sadly, remind us that it is the poorest among us that will suffer the most. Have we ministry here?

                For now, our congregational work is made more difficult as we find the need to do more with less. Yet, it may also strengthen our resolve. It calls us to commit anew to promoting the worth of all people and make real our aspiration for a world of justice and peace. Let us be the change we want to see in our world. Let us say, "be not afraid, we bring tidings of great news and great joy." Let us be the lights to the world. Keep the faith! Be hopeful!

All blessings to you and yours. 

Rev. Kenn

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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 26-January 1-  SWIM – Southeast UU Winter Institut, Lake Placid , FL

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

January 12  - Faith Development Council Meeting Orlando

January 15  - Third Thursday Webinar – Congregational Leadership Series On-Line

January 17- Celebrated Speakers Series – Thomas L. Friedman,   Vero Beach , FL

January 24 - President’s Roundtable with Rev. Kenn Hurto and Connie Goodbread,  University UU, Orlando,FL

January 24 - UU Church of Ft. Lauderdale – Jubilee Celebration,   Ft. Lauderdale , FL

January 31-  Marketing 101 for Unitarian Universalists,   Tallahassee , FL