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

Phone:  229-242-3714 

 

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

Sunday Services	Thank You! Thank You!	Religious Education
President's Portion	Social Action	UU Activities and Announcements
Social Events!!	Board Notes

Sunday Services 

Michael Stoltzfus will speak Sept. 7. His title is "Homosexuality and the Bible--Rethinking Traditional Interpretations."  Dr. Stoltzfus is a faculty member in the Philosophy Department at Valdosta State University.  Michael has spoken to us before, most recently at the Unified Service Against Hate community service in June.  Before coming to VSU, his first "academic" position, he worked as a social worker, a paralegal investigator, and other positions working with the homeless. He comes from a family of Mennonite preachers and farmers, although his father broke the tradition when he became a pediatrician.

Rev. Angie Theisen will speak on September 14.  Her topic will be "Influence: Popular Culture."  Rev. Theisen is a Unitarian Universalist minister, who served our church on a regular basis some years ago while she was the minister of the Tallahassee UU church.  She has most recently served the Gwinett County UU Church and currently lives in the Atlanta area.  She and her husband will spend the night of September 13 in Valdosta and be at the church for our second Sunday potluck also.  Plan to come and welcome Angie back to our pulpit.

On September 21 Charles Judah will speak on "Defending Humans to God," a presentation that was “promised” a while back.   Come hear what Charles has to say on this topic.  Charles is a frequent speaker and our Vice President in charge of programming.

Dennis Marks will speak September 28 on "The Universe from Nothing."  Dr. Marks is Emeritus Professor and Head of Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences at Valdosta Sate University, where he taught for thirty years. He is active in the community, serving as Chair of the Lowndes County Democratic Party. As a Senior Associate for Project Kaleidoscope in Washington DC, he coordinates networks of science educators. He has published research on stellar rotation, cosmology, and geometric algebra. Dennis has spoken to us before.  This time he will present current research on the nature of space-time, the accelerating expansion of the universe, quantum gravity, and the philosophical implications of an autonomous universe.  Come and welcome Dr. Marks back to our pulpit.

Due to continuing safety issues in the nursery as a consequence of the vandalism to the church in late May, childcare during services remains unavailable.  Children are welcome though in our services.

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President’s Portion

Dee Tait

What a summer this has been!  I know we aren’t looking for another one exactly like it.  And yet, one Sunday recently, after one of our famous Saturday cleanups, I looked around and realized that our church is looking good again.  I thought of all the people who have helped us so much and our own who have worked so hard to get us almost back to normal.  I felt gratitude.

I was aware that this was the second Sunday that Virginia had been back home from Chicago after surgery, and I remembered someone remarking to Andy before the service how good he is looking after his last stay in the hospital.  I thought of the call I had from Fran’s daughter-in-law, Beverly, the same week while they were here arranging for more extensive assistance for Fran. 

I recalled what Theresa, our Migrated Mid-Westerner, had said that morning: “I never thought I would say it,” she said, “but I am glad to be back in South Georgia.”  (She just returned from Syktyvkar, Russia). 

I realized, as we have demonstrated many times in the past two months, we are much more than a building.  We are people who care about each other and, as our seventh principle indicates, we are part of an even larger interdependent web of all existence.  I felt part of a community.       

As I was on that thought, my mind came back to the pulpit.  Dr. Fred Howard, who has been a regular participant in our services over the past several years and who is now attending Emory University, was speaking about health care.  I felt appreciation for his progressive ideas.

The congregation shared a potluck luncheon.  Then, following up on an idea Joan had the day before, we laid the beautiful rug given to us by Dennis Bogyo at the entrance to the sanctuary. 

The elements of the day were like a homecoming, a time for quiet celebration.

Religious Education Program

Ÿ Youth R. E.: We are seeking a leader for this group and more participants!  Get in touch with Lars Leader if you have some ideas.  Planning is on-going, but for now this group will not meet until further notice.

·        Adult RE will meet again this month on the  second and fourth Sundays at 9:30 AM.  This discussion will be centered around articles in the UU World. Call Lars Leader if you need further information.

ŸWednesday night discussions at the church.  Check with Hue Jacobs to determine if these discussions are on-going. 

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“Requiem for a Woman’s Soul”

Studies for a Painting

By Laurel Hahlen

Laurel has agreed to leave her paintings, based on a book “Requiem for a Woman’s Soul” which she brought to the service in August, on display at the church.  She plans to display them in a way that the more disturbing ones will not be immediately on view for those who would prefer not to see those particular paintings.  The paintings have to do with the 1970’s “dirty war” in Argentina and some of the paintings are quite graphic and may be disturbing to some people.  They are though powerful in their message.

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Keep in Your Thoughts****

….members and friends experiencing health problems.

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Volunteers Needed

Contact Dee Tait or Randy or Betsy Thompson if you can serve in either of these positions.

v     Display or Scrapbook: The Board of Trustees is seeking a volunteer to organize for display all of the letters, cards, banners, etc. that the church has received in condolences related to our recent vandalism and in encouragement for the future.  A scrapbook, bulletin board display, etc. may be appropriate to let our members appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and support we have received from across the country.

v     Greeters Committee: The Board of Trustees is also seeking a volunteer to chair the Greeters Committee.  The duties of the position are to solicit and organize greeters for our Sunday morning worship service.  [Editor’s comment:  When I arrived a couple of Sunday’s ago, about 15 minutes before the service was to begin, a member and one visitor were standing at the sidewalk and the church was not open.  Not very welcoming to members.  Can you imagine how a visitor, who arrived alone would have felt.  We need a volunteer to see that on a Sunday morning when visitors and members alike arrive they find an inviting and welcoming atmosphere.]

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Ministerial Search Committee

The members of the committee are Joan Cline (Chair), Anna Hall, Jim Ingram, Lars Leader, and Randy Thompson.  The committee has met twice.  A congregational survey, which was due back August 17 has been compiled and was tabulated on August 26. Subsequent meetings will be announced in the church bulletin and any member who wishes to help us with further input, is cordially invited to attend the meetings or contact  the search committee members. 

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Congratulations and Best Wishes  to

q       Jason Halter who passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on July 17.  He will be formally presented with the Eagle rank later in September.  Thank you again Jason for our wonderful Meditation walkway and garden.

q       Bobbie Dixon who has received a letter of intent for a Habitat home.

q       André Asbury as he begins his first semester at the Georgia Institute of Technology

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 Social Activities!!

End of the Month Bring-A-Dish Visitor’s Dinner

Saturday, September 27, 6:30 PM

At Mike Carmichael’s  Home

The Last Saturday Social, with September visitors as special guests, will be a potluck dinner at Mike Carmichael's. These events are designed to introduce our visitors of the month to each other and to some of our long-standing members.  This is a very important part of acclimating our new comers to our congregation.  Plan to come and bring a favorite dish.  Sign up for the dinner with Joan Cline or with Mike. 

 

 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 Dee Tait.

Social Action Committee

The Social Action Committee met on July 31, with Anna Hall, Laurel Hahlen, and Lars Leader attending.  Joan Cline has volunteered to be on a Caring Committee, which will contact church members when they are in need, either by phone or by sending a card.  If anyone is interested in volunteering for this committee, please contact a member of the Social Action Committee.  With more volunteers, the Caring Committee could add more outreach activities for our church members. We are planning to have some t-shirts made for church members to wear during social action activities and are currently finalizing the design.   In September, the Social Action Committee is sponsoring a discussion forum on "Ethnicity and Race in a Changing America."  It will be held at the church on September 16 at 7:00 PM. There will be refreshments.  Community groups will be notified and newspaper advertisements are planned.  Please come and tell all your friends to come as well. It will be lots of fun! 

The committee plans its next meeting for September 24 at 5:00 PM at the church.  

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At the Church-in-the-Woods 

Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday Evenings. Beginner’s class 5:30- 6:30 PM.  Continuing class 6:30-7:30 PM.  Contact Dennis Bogyo if you are interested or need further information.

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

South Georgia Coalition for Peace  The Board has given this grassroots community group permission to use our building for its meetings as needed.

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Board Notes: 

From the August UU Board of Trustees Meeting

The Valdosta UU Board of Trustees met on August 12, 2003 at the church.  In attendance were: Dee Tait, Lars Leader, John Tait and Randy Thompson.  Several items which are not mentioned elsewhere in the newsletter are listed here.

o       It was noted that the Board has previously authorized the Treasurer to pay the standard fee for any UU minister that is invited as a guest speaker for the church.  Other guest speakers will continue to be unpaid.

o       It was decided to take no action at the present time concerning specifying the use of the balance of the Restoration Fund until further clarification is made about the final expenses of repairing the church and the status of financial arrangements with a possible new minister are determined.

o       It was decided to frame several awards and certificates received by the church.  The church will pay for the cost of framing. After discussion, it was decided that we would not pursue purchasing an alarm system for the church at this time.

o       Randy Thompson, Lars Leader, and Charles Judah are continuing to review the by-laws and need some more time to complete the work and make proposed revisions.

o       UUA Grant Bulk Mailing: Julie Halter has agreed to help Dee Tait prepare a brochure or other information to be included in the bulk mailing that the church will do this fall.  This work has been funded by a grant of $3,000 received from the UUA. 

 

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Farewell Dinner with Rev. Al

Fifteen members and friends (John and Virginia Branan, Frank and Rosie Asbury, Lars Leader, Joan Cline, John, Sarah, Chris, Charlie, and Dee Tait, Ann, Benjamin, Anna and Jim Hall) dined with Rev. Al Boyce at Piccadilly Saturday evening August 9 when he was briefly in Valdosta.  The group treated him to dinner and presented him with a pen and a card. 

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Treasurer’s Report

July Report

General Fund                                             $14,032

Restoration Fund                                          11,263

UUA Grant Fund                                             3,000

Total (Cash in Bank Accounts)                    $28,295

OUTSTANDING DEBT                                

 Mortgage                                                 $32,042

OPERATING RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS:

Receipts:                                                         $645

  Pledge                                                              72

  Plate                                                              280

  Rent                                                       

  Memorial contributions for  Horowitz                    50

TOTAL RECEIPTS                                            $997

                                                                

Disbursements:                                         

  Mortgage                                                        500

  Utilities                                                           353

  Pianist                                                              70

  Supplies                                                           87

  TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS                             $923       

NET RECEIPT (DISBURSEMENT)                     $74          

 

RESTORATION FUND                                     

Receipts thru July 31, 2003                            $12,404

                                                Insurance      22,217

                                                                    34,621

Disbursements thru July 31, 2003 -             

                                                Contractor     23,358

                                                Program              98

                                                                    23,358

                                                                

RESTORATION FUND BALANCE                  $11,263 

                                        

UUA GRANT BALANCE                                  $3,000

 

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Newsletter Staff

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Production/Mailing:  Virginia Branan (Dee Tait for August)

Website:  Carol Stiles

September 15: deadline for the October newsletter

 

WORKINGS

From Building and Grounds

John Tait

If you want a feeling of camaraderie, get a group together on Saturday morning and work on the building and grounds.  That’s what we did Saturday, August 9.  It was great! Frank came in and said, “I’ll vacuum.”  Well, we all knew he was qualified for the job because he did it so much last year while he was in charge of Building and Grounds.

Lars arrived, and while we were trying to decide who was doing what, he decided he would start working in the yard and he did. 

The remainder of the group cleared out the hallway in the RE Building and neatened the rooms.  Dee decided that we should paint the bookcase from the nursery, so I took it outside and painted it.  

About that time, Julie came out of the woods where, as you can guess, she had been working for sometime already, cutting back the growth in the Meditation Garden area.  She looked at the bookcase, and said, “Purple”?  Check it out!

Lars had his shears poised, so he migrated to the Meditation Area to continue that project.  Somewhere in the woods, he found Jim slaving away.  When Jim (Paul Bunyan) came back to the homeland, he decided the area around the building needed lime for the plants, so he just happened to have some with him and distributed that.      

Joan solicited my help and that of the teenagers (and beyond), Sarah, Benjamin, Chris and Charlie, as she set to work in the sanctuary, to get things stored in proper places, such as tools, new carpet remnants, and damaged items waiting for the insurance adjuster. Of course, you know she remembered to bring some munchies to set on the kitchen counter, and the teenagers love her for that.

Meanwhile, Anna and Dee were busy cleaning out the nursery, with all its stuffed toys to be discarded.  They brought all the leggos and other numerous hard plastic toys outside on the grass and Anna started washing them one by one to make sure they are safe.  By that time, the teenagers were free so they were once again summoned to the task.  While the hose was running anyway, they washed off all the rubber welcome mats and trays for the inside plants, and, of course, each other.  

Inside, Frank was still vacuuming.  We kept messing things up as fast as he could vacuum, but he was dedicated.  He did let Sarah run the vacuum a few minutes while he and I were trying to place the new rug, a gift from Dennis Bogyo from the Tai Chi group. 

Joan repotted the plants that are left and she did a great job on that.

While all that was going on, Anna and Dee decided we should refinish the bookcase with the sliding doors.  They decided we should be more adult with this one and sand and varnish it.  They tried it, but it was too much sanding through the many coats of varnish and paint, so that decision was tabled, waiting for paint remover.

Well, that was OK.  We had to save something for next time! 

While you are looking around the building to see how nice it looks, look at the books in the box on the wall with the water cooler and see if they are yours, if you want them or if it’s OK to donate them, maybe to the Prison Ministry, which Frances Paterson had mentioned.  Also, there are several umbrellas standing in that same corner.  Check to see if they are yours.

Oh, and a box of old, old UU hymnals – who knows about these and what should be done with them?   And lastly, Joan will show you some items in the kitchen to check and see if they are yours. 

Look for a list of any “lost and found” type items in the newsletter each month.  

Window washing comes next!

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UU Activities and Announcements

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

Sept. 20 Super Saturday 4-seminars for church leaders, UU Society of Daytona Beach Area, Ormond Beach, FL

Oct 11-18 Florida Leadership School, Oviedo, FL

Nov. 7-9 Women and Religion Fall Retreat, Daytona Beach, FL

 

 

 

Why am I a Unitarian Universalist?

Sunaina Jain, Member of the Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church in Atlanta 

If I were not a Unitarian Universalist, what else could I be? My family in India did not care to identify itself with any ‘ism’ but I now realize that they would have called themselves UUs if they had known such a religious community existed. Growing up in an intellectually stimulating and mold-breaking family, I felt at odds with the overwhelming presence of religion everywhere around me. In India religion is not a Sunday thing or a Friday thing, its every day, all day, everywhere thing. I was always drawn to the Vedas and ancient Hindu philosophy but I did not see it reflected in the ritualism and fanaticism of Hinduism as practiced. 

I longed for a world of reason and openness, where the Vedic teaching of ‘Vasudeva kutumbakam’ – the world as one family – would become reality. When I came to the US to attend graduate school, I thought I was finally going to the land of science and common sense, tolerance and open-mindedness. I did not know that America was a deeply Christian country and not nearly as tolerant as it’s genial presentation abroad would suggest. 

I needed to belong to a community of faith, but to not accept any label that attributed a particular set of beliefs to me, whether they were my beliefs or not. Searching for a spiritual home brought me to Northwest and Unitarian Universalism through my wonderful friend Helene Johnson. It was here that I had a glimpse of the America of my ideals. It was in this community that I first felt I had found fellow seekers of truth and connection with the universe we struggle to understand. Here finally was a group of people who did not seek certitude but embraced the mystery of life as an act of devotion. Here was a religious community that placed ethical living at the heart of its guiding principles. Here we could come to be a part of the interdependent web of existence, without having to buy into a doctrine. In a world obsessed with the differences among us, here was a church built on our shared humanity. This church did not ask me to check my brain in at the front door, instead encourages me to think freely and feel deeply. The UU struggle to balance the intellectual and spiritual mirrors my own.