What’s going on...September 2006

Sunday Services

 September 3 – Karen (Mo) Morris:  “Social Expectations Versus Choice”  It is generally accepted that the conditions of one’s birth determines the choices that one has through life. Certainly, a young girl hopes to be a mother, nurse, or teacher as she grows up. A young black boy hopes to be a sports figure or a rapper (as that is where the money is for him). Likewise, someone with a handicap can expect a minimal contribution to society’s needs, depending on the severity of the handicap. A young, healthy white male, however, expects no limitations on what he can do or accomplish.

Why is it that the other young people do not have the same expectations? Are the expectations conditioned into children from the start or can they exercise a choice to exceed the limitations imposed by society? Ms. Morris explores this question with the example of an individual, who by his choice shattered the societal limitations of expectations. With the help of this example, the question becomes why anyone chooses limitations instead of exercising choice.

After living a long life in the private sector, doing everything from selling car insurance, working with developmentally delayed individuals, and being a co-owner of two businesses, Karen Morris is now a full-time English Instructor at Valdosta State University and loving every minute of it.

You are what your deep, driving desire is.
As your desire is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny.
~ The Upanishads, IV.4.5.

 September 10 – Dr. Jane Page, Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Statesboro: “Imagine: The Goal of World Community with Peace, Liberty , and Justice for All”

As the nation commemorates the 5^th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, we are also bombarded with news of continuing war and staggering injustices around the world, including here at home.  Our 6^th Principle encourages us to affirm a goal for a very different world.  Can we imagine it? 

                You’ll find further information about Rev. Page, who will be visiting us monthly this church year, elsewhere in this newsletter.  We look forward to her visits and service to our congregation.  

September 17 – Dr. Michael Stoltzfus: “Israeli, Palestinian, Lebanese Tension:  History and Context”

We will discuss the historical, political, and religious context that continues to perpetuate ongoing Israeli, Palestinian, Lebanese tension and violence.  We will try to break through the stereotypes and propaganda in order to arrive at the core issues involved.  Most importantly, we will discuss several options for the possible resolution of the conflict.

                Dr. Stoltzfus will continue his monthly presentations with us this year on a variety of topics.  He is a member of the Valdosta State University faculty in the Philosophy and Religion Department.  

September 24 – Rev. George Bennett:  “Sunshine the Laughter of Nature”

George and Martha Bennett will be returning from their home on Prince Edward Island September 22. George's message will be on "Sunshine, the Laughter of Nature." For nearly five months the Bennetts have lived out in the sunshine and mediated at their Canadian home "La Joya." George says, “This sun and air have been good medicine for us following our 40 years of ministry and teaching. We have found that Nature is a good nurse for our tired bodies and spirits. We let Nature have her way with us. God's grace came through the sunshine and cool breezes. Our whole beings were enwrapped in the Divine spirit. We have breathed in God's Holy Spirit and all is well.”

                Rev. Bennett will be speaking regularly to our congregation this church year.  We look forward to his monthly visits.  There is some more information about him elsewhere in the newsletter.

Second Sunday Weekends in Valdosta

Rev. Jane Page

This year, I have committed to being with you good folks in Valdosta on the weekend of the 2^nd Sunday of each month.  This will be a treat for me and I hope for you as well.  For many years I made this long trip back and forth once a month with my family to visit an elderly relative in Valdosta .  And now that I have a son living there, I’m again becoming familiar with the various routes from Statesboro.  Last Spring, I had the honor of preaching at your church.  It was a delightful experience and I’m pleased that we will have monthly opportunities to share together this year.  My hope is to travel on Friday evening so that I can be in Valdosta Saturday as well as Sunday.  Of course, I do plan to spend some time with my son and his fiancé.  But I would welcome opportunities on Saturday to assist you all in any pastoral needs that you may have.  If you desire to meet with me or would like for me to visit someone who is sick or homebound, please let me know.  And of course, if you all want me to be present on some happy occasions (like potluck suppers), I’ll gladly bring a prayer and a good appetite.  I am also open to conducting rites of passage and other special services (weddings, memorial services, home dedications, etc.) if they can be scheduled for those weekends that I’ll be there.  See you soon.  

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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, Lars Leader .  We welcome your questions, and we extend an open invitation to all who want to join our liberal community of faith.

Religious Education for Our Children!!!!

                Many thanks to Myra Storey and Susan Bailey for making plans to restart our Children’s RE program this month.  It has been wonderful to have several children and their families begin attending our services.  We look forward to those young people being the nucleus to restart this program which has been dormant for over a year.

The children and their leaders plan to start out with a  “Getting To Know You” period and then make some decisions about the UU curriculum with which they will continue.  UU Florida District policy is to have two adults at all times with the children.  If you can volunteer from time to time to be the second adult, let Mya Storey or Susan Bailey know.  You could volunteer as a helper or as a teacher, whichever is your preference.  Contacts:  Mya Storey and Susan Bailey.

An active RE Program for children and young people is often an avenue of growth for congregations.  Parents seeking a liberal religious education for their children come to the church for that reason and then become involved themselves.  We need a critical mass of children and adults willing to work in the program.  Support the program, volunteer as you are able, and spread the word among those you know with children who might enjoy the program.

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 Welcome Rev. Jane Page

Jane Page tells us that she was born in 1950 and was raised in South Georgia , using “whites only” water fountains and attending the local Southern Baptist church.  Her dad was a car dealer and her mother, a beautician.  Both were well known in the community as good, hard-working folks.

                In addition to a strong work ethic, her mother gave her a love for books.   Because she read, her mom was more “open” than her dad.  Her dad was (and still is) a very conservative man. 

She married when she was 17, right out of high school.  She married another very conservative man.  She says she then hurried.   She finished college in three years, got a teaching position at the local elementary school, had two babies in her early twenties, and had her doctorate and a faculty position at the local university before she turned 29.   

                Her family was active in First Baptist Church of Statesboro where her husband became a deacon at 28.   Although her religious views had strayed far from what she was taught, Jane says she kept them somewhat closeted.   Even so, her active participation in social justice activities led to her being shunned by many in the church.  Jane Page became aware of Unitarian Universalism through a cable television program in the early 90's and ordered materials from the Church of the Larger Fellowship.  She kept these hidden in a bathroom drawer.  

Her husband’s love for another woman led to a divorce in early 1998.  This proved to be a freeing experience.   She came out of her spiritual closet and became active in Unitarian Universalism. Jane says that her ex-husband is a special friend and that they remain close and are grateful for their lives together and apart!  They have two sons who are very different from each other.  One is a conservative, country boy.  The other is rather liberal like his mom.  Her sons have provided many challenging growth opportunities for her.  She says she has learned much about alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, financial problems, and marital problems as she and they have struggled together in their adolescent and early adult years.  However her sons have also provided her with great happiness and joy!  She says she is blessed beyond measure to have them in her life!

                For many years Jane has advocated for families that may not mirror Ozzie’s and Harriet’s.  Now she finds that her own family is one that is complex.  For the last four years, she has loved and lived with Greg Brock.  Greg is an Associate Professor of Economics at Georgia Southern University.  But more importantly, Greg is a Unitarian Universalist!  Greg’s two children (ages 7 and 11) visit them from Philadelphia for one long weekend each month, on holidays, and in the summer.  Since Jane also keeps her grandchildren (ages 3 and 9) two days each week for their mom to work, her home is far from being an “empty nest.”  She and Greg often take all four children with them on vacations, which include hiking, swimming, and visiting theme parks.  The Brock-Page Bunch also attends the Georgia Southern football games together to cheer on the Eagles!

Jane’s parents (ages 79 and 80) live “up the lane” from she and Greg.  Her dad’s memory has been declining so sometimes they have to remind him “who belongs to whom” when they visit.  But he’s always ready to give them a smile and a hug. Her mother is still the person she goes to for encouragement.  Her mother  tells her “It’ll be all right.”  She’s right.  Life is difficult, but life is good.  And now Jane can be there for her also as she deals with Jane’s dad’s dementia and her own physical problems.  What a wonderful role model she has been!

After a long career as an educator, Rev. Page is embarking on a new path in ministry.  An invitation to her ordination is extended to everyone.  (Details are elsewhere in this newsletter.)  Her background has been very instrumental in preparing her for this journey.  She feels blessed and is grateful.  

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Welcome Rev. George Bennett

Reverend George Bennett will be speaking to us in our Sunday Services once a month this church year.  His first service in September will be only shortly after he and his wife return from spending most of the summer on Prince Edward Island in Canada .  We welcome him and his wife to our congregation and look forward to his sharing his thoughts with us in coming months. 

Rev. Bennett was ordained in the United Church of Christ and has served both Disciples of Christ and UCC congregations over the past forty years.  The son of Lee Bennett, local artist and professor at VSU, and Harold Bennett, retired business person and active community leader, George grew up in Valdosta , attended VSU, and is a graduate of FSU and BU.  He is married to Martha McElroy from Quitman.  They have three children and seven grandchildren.   Both George and Martha are currently students at VSU in Spanish and Art.

George Bennett is the Chairman of the Board of Better Neighborhood Housing Corporation that builds low income housing in Valdosta .  He is one of the Community people with whom Sue Lacy , our JUUST Change consultant spoke in her April visit.  We hope that George will help us facilitate the next stage in our project.

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 About Our Members and Friends

Thank you to Susan Bailey and Mo Morris for sending their biographical information.  Your editor would still welcome hearing from some of the rest of our recent newcomers.  E-mail her a short biography for publication in the October newsletter September 15.  

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Keep in your thoughts …

Our members and friends experiencing health problems…

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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 Frank Asbury.  

JUUST Change Grant Project

            Betty Derrick, Lars Leader, and Susan Bailey met in late August to discuss future plans for our social justice project.  During coming months several more of the original community contacts for the project will be speaking at Sunday services.  Many of these people were speakers during the summer months. 

The congregation is one of the sponsors for the Wiregrass Literacy and Literature Festival of the Deep South which is scheduled for September 14-17.  You’ll notice the church’s name on advertising notices for various events.  Helen Gerhardt will be back in town for this event which she planned while she was here in Valdosta .  She and Lars Leader will represent us at the Marita Golden workshop on Saturday, the 16th, from 10AM - 1:30 PM at the VSU Continuing Education Building.  This workshop is being sponsored  through our Restoration Fund. 

Lars will be planning a session for October or November with our congregation to discuss the information we have learned from our Sunday speakers over the last several months.  We hope through such a session to fully engage the congregation in planning a truly meaningful social justice thrust for our community.  Watch for further information and plan to be a part of this project.  It is clear to the committee that we are still learning together about the needs of our community as well as how our small group can best affect change where change is needed.  

We hope to bring Sue Lacy back to Valdosta in the early new year, to facilitate a meeting with our community contacts.  We’ll be letting you know about our progress and how you can participate.

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“Dancing in the Divine Light”   The Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Statesboro   Requests the Honor of Your Presence at the Ordination and Installation of Jane Altman Page   Sunday, September 24, 2006,  5:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 609 East Grady Street Statesboro , GA   Reception Immediately Following Service at Averitt Center for the Arts 33 East Main Street , Statesboro , GA   RSVP Information: Please communicate the number attending by emailing uustatesboro@yahoo.com by September 10, 2006.

Newsletter

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Website:  Carol Stiles

September 15: Please Note!! This is a deadline for a newsletter which will cover October and the first two Sundays in November.  Your editor hopes to actually be able to get out the full November newsletter by the second weekend in November.

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 UU Board News: August 2006 August 7, 2006: In attendance were Lars Leader, Dee Tait , Doug Tanner , Sue Bailey and Rosie Asbury. Lars opened the meeting with a reading and lighting of the chalice.  As Dee had mentioned during last month’s Board meeting, some members of the congregation have expressed interest in resuming the children’s Religious Education program. The educational materials are available and whoever is interested in getting involved in RE can contact Dee . It is possible that we can start the program in September.  The church building rental advertisement has been run in the Valdosta Daily Times classified ads section. The Board discussed other possibilities where we can advertise, and the Community Calendar would be a good prospect.  Our church bench message, which is located near the Valdosta Mall on Norman Drive , still has the same message we have had for several years. Doug will contact the person in charge to ask whether there is a periodic time to re-paint the bench or change the message.  The Board decided on a particular UU pamphlet and approved the purchase of additional pamphlets, since there is a short supply available in our church. The pamphlets cost $10.00/100 pieces and Lars will order them from the UU Catalog.  Doug presented the June financial report.   The UU Church in Valdosta will be celebrating its 40^th anniversary in October and we are planning a big celebration. We will need volunteers to help with the program, food and sending out invitations.  Doug volunteered to set up a slide show consisting of photographs of the church and the congregation over the years.  On August 24, 2006 from 1:00-4:00 P.M., VSU will be holding a gathering (VSU Happening) for businesses and organizations to introduce themselves to new students. The UU church set up a table last year and received good responses from the students, so Lars and Doug are planning to be there again this year.  Everyone is welcome to join them at the UU booth.  The next Board meeting will be September 11, 2006 at 6:00 P.M. in the RE building.

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Plans for the 40^th Anniversary

Help is needed to plan for this important event.  If you have suggestions for former members and friends who you think should be invited to this event, let Betty Derrick know right away.  She’ll need addresses also if you have them.  Invitations will be mailed the first week in September.  Volunteer to help plan the service and the dinner on the grounds.  We’ll want to be sure the building is really nice for our guests so there will be cleaning to do late this month.  Sign up on the sheet available at the church and/or let Dee Tait know how you can help.

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 Sunday Morning Meditation Sessions

Would you be interested in the continuing the meditation meetings from this summer?  Dr. Vrndaji Chaitanya, who led the sessions this summer, will be traveling for some teaching and speaking engagements for the several weeks; however, she plans to be available for Sunday morning meditation sessions beginning again the first of October.  Meanwhile, some who came during the summer have discussed continuing on their own during September.  Although it’s not on the calendar for this month, if there is interest, it can still happen.  Let Dee Tait know if you are interested and watch for announcements in the Sunday Order of Service.

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Treasurer's Report

Doug Tanner

FUND BALANCES at July 31, 2006

General Fund                                        $19,337.27

Restoration Fund                                 $13,965.64

Total (Cash in Bank Accounts)         $33,643.07

OUTSTANDING DEBT                                                                     

 Mortgage                                             $20,154.44   

                          

OPERATING RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS:                                    

                                                  July                         YTD/One Month

Receipts:                                                                                                       

  Plate                                     $157.00                                   $157.00

  Pledge                                    635.00                                     635.00

  Rent                                        240.00                                     240.00

  Interest Income                        0.00                                         0.00

TOTAL RECEIPTS           $1,032.00                                  $1032.00

Disbursements:                                                                                        

  Mortgage                            $500.00                                   $500.00

  Utilities                                  176.84                                     176.84

  Other                                        15.00                                       15.00

TOTAL DISBUR.                 $691.84                                   $691.84

NET RECPT (DISBUR)        $340.16                                   $340.16

 

 

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 Chi – A New Beginners Class will begin September 7 5:30-6:30 PM, Dennis Bogyo , instructor. A second Beginners Class will start on October 5 7:00-8:00 PM, Luana Goodwin , instructor.  The Continuing Class will meet 6:30-7:00 PM.  Betty Derrick is a member of the Taoist Tai Chi Society and would be glad to answer questions if you have them.  If you are interested in the classes all you need do is show up at the church.  

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UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS                            Joan Lund

Welcome to most of us to the new church year. I hope your summer was a good one. In June, the Task Force on Ministry To and With Youth published their summary report regarding the Youth Ministry Survey. The survey was designed and analyzed by Market Voice Consulting; 1,399 surveys were analyzed; and the average age of respondents was 15.2 years old. The results of the survey are important and very worthwhile for our Association as we make certain the spiritual development needs of our youth are being met.

        The results of the survey indicated the vast majority of youth report that, on all levels of youth ministry (local, district/regional, and continental), they feel welcome and respected. Most respondents also believe that youth ministry programs provide them with opportunities to learn new things, to get involved in their communities, and to develop leadership. However on all levels of youth ministry and across all ages and identities, youth report that their spiritual needs are not being met. Only 53% of respondents consider their congregation their spiritual home. And similarly, 53 % say that their youth groups meet their spiritual needs. The question is how can our ministry with youth help them to determine their spiritual needs, articulate their faith, and feel spiritually fulfilled?

        Only about half of respondents believe that adults in their congregation or their congregation’s board members other than advisors, RE directors, ministers and RE teachers, support youth ministry. This lack of local adult support suggests that this involvement may cause youth to feel alienated from adults in their congregations. The question becomes what aspects of youth groups, district/regional and continental youth programs are causing youth to feel alienated or isolated from adults in their congregation?

        There are other findings as a result of the survey. Because the average age of survey respondents was fairly low and only 37% of survey respondents were junior high level it is important we ensure that there are relevant opportunities and resources for junior high youth, and that this information reaches them, enabling them to be actively involved both within their congregation and in the larger UU community. Also some youth choose to stop attending youth group or religious education, even if it’s available in their congregation for various reasons. Fifty percent said they are too busy to attend and another 25% stopped attending because they didn’t like the other youth in the program. About 24% started attending worship services instead. These results suggest that youth group/religious education did not meet the needs or engage the interest of these youth, and therefore they did not make it a priority in their lives.

        Would you like more information? Contact me jblund@uua.org or go on-line at www.uua.org and address the link for the Task Force on Ministry To and With Youth.

I wish each congregation in our District and great new church year.

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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. 

September 9 Southeast Cluster President’s Workshop, Ft. Lauderdale UU Church, FL

For Presidents, Past Presidents and Presidents to be featuring a Talk "The Challenge of Growth" by Irwin Sadetsky, President of the UU Fellowship of Vero Beach (The Vero Beach congregation grew from 131 in 2003 to 201 today) and a moderated Round Table discussion of issues and challenges

September 19-21 Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, What You Say Next Will Change Your World – Tools for Tough Conversations, Carter Center , Atlanta , GA

Dr. Rosenburg  visionary peacemaker, author, educator and leader will offer three series of workshops in the Atlanta area in the next six months. In October, he will lead a nine-day International Intensive Training (in Non-Violent Communication) with a team of four additional Certified Trainers. There are also plans being made for a weekend workshop in February.  Advanced Registration is recommended at www.sacredspaceinc.com.. More information is also available using these contacts.

September 24 Soul of A Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time with Paul Loeb, Orlando , First

October 6-7 Campus Ministry Training Orlando

November  4 Northeast Cluster gathering, UU Society of Dayton Beach Area, FL

“Religious Challenges To our Constitution” with Rev. Richard “Bud” Murphy, Minister at hosting Ormond Beach UU & “Everything you need To know Scientifical” with Michigan University System retired Biology Prof. Jim Strayer

        Acting Lifespan Program Consultant for Religious Education for the Florida and Mid-South Districts: Connie Goodbread is a Credentialed Director of Religious Education with over twenty years of experience and has been the Acting Lifespan Program Consultant for Florida District UUA since November of 2005. She has served Unitarian Universalist congregations in many different capacities: youth advisor, Religious Education Committee Chair, member of the Board of Trustees and Director of Religious Education. Connie has been a District Consultant for eight years..

Greetings from Your New District Executive, The Reverend Kenneth Gordon Hurto Executive for the Florida District of the UUA: It is with a deep sense of honor and humility that I begin this month serving as your Executive for the Florida District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. I am excited by the challenges and the opportunities that lay ahead. Ours is a dynamic district with much good going on. Thank you for letting me join you in this work. Call. Write. Stay in touch. The best way to do so is simply to call the District Office or send me an email at khurto@uua.org.