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Domelight Newsletter
of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa -
January 2005 Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley, Minister  
Katie Culbert, RE Director |
Many years ago, I had a vague notion of writing a novel.
Perhaps five years later, I completed one chapter, then another. Reflecting on how long the story had been on my
mind but not on paper, I once accepted the charge of being a lazy, undisciplined
writer. Somewhere in between, I took a creative writing course, then another. Just
do it, fellow writers would say to me. Upon
deeper reflection, I came to realize that my task was to write an on-going story, one
that, like my life, was in process. I was
creating a dream, a future story. This future
story required three things of me: discipline; a decision about how I wanted the story to
end; and most challenging was that I had to find my voicewho I wasin relation
to the story and my characters. We create our
storiesand our livesout of whatever raw material we are given, with whatever
we have at hand. Its all about dreaming, breathing new stories and new lives into
being. Our congregation has a story too. The New Year is a good time to think about our
collective story, about renewal, about breathing new life into being. In that spirit, I invite you to dream up your version of our congregations future
story. Organizational specialists call
this visioning, a term youll hear a lot this year as the Board and I
(thankfully, with the help of Ara Rogers) undertake a Mission/Vision process. Should you choose to accept this assignment, your story (or
promotional brochure if thats easier) should cover a five-year period, 2005 to 2010. Consider the raw material at handthe
location, the resources, the people, and what they bring to the table. Consider who you
are in relation to the overall story and other characters. What would your ideal community
look like? Whom do we serve and why? What needs to be done differently? What needs to stay, and perhaps needs to be
strengthened? What is outdated or unhealthy and needs to go? What is permanent and what is transient? Now that youve reflected on the basics, what is the
title of your story (or the headline of your brochure)?
What is the opening line? If
the last line was
and everybody in Tampa wanted to be a part of that church
what would need to precede this sentence? Although there is no deadline, why not just do it. Youll probably feel better about how you
started the New Year. Whatever progress you
make, I encourage you to bring your notes to the workshop, Growing an Inclusive
Community on January 15th (see flyer in this edition of the Domelight). No
writing course is required. Even if your
progress is minimal, you wont be accused of being a lazy, undisciplined
writer. Group work is not only
acceptable, but encouraged. Yes, we know that January 15th is a holiday
weekend. But not all holidays are created
equal. This particular holiday is in
remembrance of the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doesnt that call us to do something special,
something that moves us toward a vision of a more inclusive community? If you cannot attend the workshop on January 15th,
feel free to share your ideas with me via e-mail (minister@uutampa.org) or leave a note in my mailbox at
the church. In faith, Marjorie Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley Adult
Religious Education Opportunities Ø January 5, 6:00 p.m. - Voluntary
Simplicity
See announcement of meeting in this issue of The Domelight. Ø January 8, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Getting to Know UU. For those interested in learning more
about Unitarian Universalist or becoming members. Please
see the announcement in this newsletter. If
you are planning to join Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, also reserve January 23rd
(the 11:00 a.m. Service) when we welcome you into membership, and January 23rd
at 7:00 p.m. for a New Member Reception. Ø Popcorn and Opinions.
Hold the date for two films that focus on the enslavement and Holocaust of Africans
in the Atlantic: §
January
14. Amistad is a historically based, but dramatic, story of the 1839 mutiny
on the Spanish slave ship La Amistad and the
legal battle to win freedom for Joseph Cinque or Sengbe (Djimon Hounson) and his
compatriots. The film, directed by
Stephen Spielberg, is a complicated story of 53 Africans captured in Mendeland (now Sierra
Leone), who were sold and re-sold into slaveryfirst in their homeland, then in Cuba.
Felice Richardson will host this event. Contact
Felice, or see Sunday order of service for more information. §
February
18. Sankofa, written and directed by Ethiopian-born filmmaker and Howard
University professor Haile Gerima, is the story of the psycho-spiritual journey of Mona, a
self-possessed African American woman who faces an identity crisis. From the African continent through the Middle
Passage and the Americas, Mona relives her past and is transformed. Felice Richardson will
host this event. Contact Felice, or see
Sunday order of service for more information. Ø Rise Up and Call Her
Name upcoming classes §
January 11 * Goddesses and
African Philosophy, Part III §
January 25 The Power of Nature:
Kali, Kala and other Indian Goddesses §
February 8 Goddesses of
Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands: Tara and Kuan Yin and Goddesses of Compassion,
Amaterasu and other Sun Goddesses, Pele. Class fully subscribed. Open to registered participants only. Ø Wicca 101. Topics include: Herstory of
Witchcraft, The Goddess and The God, The Wheel of the Year, Magick and Ethics, Ritual, The
Working Circle. January 10 and 17,
February 7 and 21, March 14 and
21, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sponsored by Circles in the Woods
CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist
Pagans). Open to the public. For more information, contact Mary
Francis at gldnpuma@earthlink.net
or visit: http://www.geocities.com/uutampa/CUUPs/wicca101.htm A donation of $30 is requested to cover
materials and/or expenses for all six classes. February 10th and 24th
- Death and Dying. Come learn about Death & Dying in America. What is the law?
What are your wishes? Can you
have a say? How much say can you have? What
is the reality? How does the Schiavo case affect your decisions? What is palliative care? We will question together and I will answer as
many questions as I can. Florida bar forms
supplied; as an alternative, we will order copies of the 5 Wishes Booklet if you supply
$5.00 to the office at least two weeks prior to the first class. Questions? Email Deborah at dadles@tampabay.rr.com Unitarian Universalist Church of
Tampa One
Place. All Faiths WALK IN THE PARK A group of UUs meet on Thursday mornings at 8:30 am
at Lettuce Lake Park for a brisk walk on the paved path and good conversation. To
find the parking area and meeting place, take the Lettuce Lake Parkway to the end. Turn left and then immediately turn right into the
parking lot. We will gather there and begin
the walk at 8:30. You are welcome to join us. For more information contact Patricia McCracken at
988-6453. ECONOMY AND HURRICANES
TAKES TOLL ON UUCT FINANCES: PLEASE HELP IF YOU ARE ABLE The one-two
punch of a tough economy and multiple hurricanes is taking its toll on our church
communitys finances. For those members and frequent visitors who are financially
able, this is a time when your church needs your support more than ever. Like a
perfect storm, several factors are coming together to create a serious budget
shortfall as UUCT begins 2005: There will
be a post-service congregational meeting Jan. 23 to review the final budget and seek
member approval. In the meantime, we hope you will consider what you may be able to do to
help this church not only survive, but to thrive and grow financially strong. Many members
also volunteer and donate time to save costs. It is difficult to imagine where we would
find areas to cut. This all
simply means this is a time when we need those who are able to step up and provide
additional support. If you value this special place, community and our important work
together, we hope you will consider making additional contributions or increasing your
pledges for 2005. From the UUCT Community with faith,
hope and love CANVASS KUDOS Tis the season of Thanksgiving
and Blessings. We at UUCT are certainly
blessed and have much to give thanks for. As
we complete the canvass and begin a new fiscal year, I would like to thank everyone who
helped with the canvass. Your effort to reach
all members of the church was a great success. Our
final pledge amount was $101, 181.00. A big
Thank You to all the following members who helped in varying capacities with
the Canvass: Robert Boileau-General Canvass
Chair, Gene Pizzo-Canvass Treasurer, Felice Richardson-Canvass Kickoff Chair, Joyce
Formica-Canvass Administrator, Bill Blymiller-Entertainment Chair, and, Fran Davin-Canvass
Trainer. The Canvass Team Leaders were:
Tempie Taudte, Martha Robinson, Rod Martin, Bill Blymiller and the Canvassers included:
Carolyn Adler, Deborah Adles, Denise Dorsey, Tom Hagner, Jay Hall, Gloria Holloway, John
Jeter, Mike Lloyd, Susan Miller, John Platt, Barbara Rogers and Liz Taylor. Thank you to
those who participated in the UU Moments: Delaney
Rose, Rachel Weisman, Janet Knight, Katie Culbert, Martha Robinson and Tempie Taudte. Thanks also to our Reverend Marjorie
Bowens-Wheatley, Judy and Ralph Lehman and Joan Lund for their participation and support
throughout this endeavor. I am blessed to belong to such a wonderful
community. Pat Benedict, January 2nd 9:45 a.m. R.E.
Class. 10:35 a.m. Children and Youth Worship focusing on the New Year. 11:00 a.m. New Years Party in the small
dome; YRUU. January 9th 9:45
a.m. R.E. Class. 10:35 a.m. Children and Youth Worship
focusing on UU identity. 11:00 Making
What is a UU art for the walls of the small dome; YRUU. January 16th 9:45
a.m. R.E. Class. 10:35
a.m. Children and Youth Worship in the small Dome focusing on Martin Luther King,
Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. 11:00
a.m. Activity TBA; YRUU; Gainesville Con. January 23rd 11:00
a.m. Chalice magnet
making; YRUU. January 30th
TBA February 6th TBA February 13th
9:45 a.m. R.E. Class. 10:35
a.m. Children and Youth Worship focusing on Love. 11:00 a.m. Valentines
Party in the small dome; YRUU. As we begin the new fiscal year (1
January-December 31) I want to thank all who made a financial investment in our church in
2004 and pledged for 2005. Your planned
giving enables us to maintain a ministry here at UUCT. Pledge statements will be prepared and
mailed the second week in January. As you
review your statement you may find that the number 222222 is listed instead of your actual
check number. Unfortunately check number
information is sometimes omitted from the report the pledge secretary receives to record
the donated amount and a check number is needed. Your 2005 pledge is a promise that may
need to change. Its important to us to
know if your financial status changes and you must adjust your pledge. Please give me a call (988-1907) so the finance
committee can then adjust church spending. Joyce
Formica, pledge secretary. I hope you
have had a joyful holiday season. Now is the
time when we look forward to the New Year with anticipation and excitement. Its a perfect time to invest time and energy
in our church. We will
start the New Year with two special visits from Rev. Mary Higgins, our District
Administrator. Mary will preach on Sunday,
January 9th. Then on Saturday, January 15th,
Rev. Higgins and Rev. Ken Hurta, minister of the Ft. Myers UU Church, will co-facilitate a
workshop titled Growing an Inclusive Community.
This is the perfect time for new members and long-time members to get to
know each other and to learn more about our church. We
will explore our history and look forward to our future.
I urge you to reserve both dates and plan to attend. As you know, on December 12, 2004 the
congregation voted to continue with the 2004 budget until mid-January to allow the Finance
Committee enough time to prepare the new budget.
On January 23, 2004 we will hold a special Congregational Meeting
after the Sunday service to approve the budget for 2005.
This is an important meeting. Please
plan to attend. d MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY PARADE This parade
symbolizes the on-going need to work for social justice.
We always have a good showing. This year, more than ever, it's important to
show our support and commitment to continue to work with the African American community in
Tampa and all others who care about social justice. If you have the day off, or can take
some time off, join us. We will meet at Blake High on N. Blvd. mid-morning; more details
to be announced. CONCERTS IN THE UU
DOME As
of Jan. Domelight deadline time, we were winding down the 2004 concert series. Per
my records, in '04 we had 15 concerts and raised $2451. So not only did we
(church members and the general community) get to hear lots of nice
music, we also raised needed $$ in the process. And
we ended the year on especially nice notes. On Dec 5 we
had Grammy winner Norton Buffalo in the house. Norton presented an
unbelievable, breathtaking, concert. On Dec 11 an article by Amy
Williams about the concert series appeared in the Tampa Tribune, which hopefully will help
spread the word about the series. On Dec 12 our own Kate Hays delighted the audience
with her opening set at the Laurie McClean and Karen Mal concert. Kate treated us
to a couple of her original songs plus she did a great version of Dar Williams'
Christians and the Pagans." Way to go Kate. January Concerts: Jan
9, 3pm. ANN RABSON, an Uppity Blues Woman, doing a solo boogie-woogie
thang. Our grand piano will surely get a workout, and we'll be giggling with
delight as we listen to Ann belt out her bawdy blues. Opening the show will be Liz
Pennock & Dr. Blues. $12 Advance. $15 at the door. See me
for advance tickets. Jan 15, 3pm. THE KENNEDYS.
Pete & Maura Kennedy comprises this popular Folk Rock duo.
Last time they were in Tampa, they appeared in concert for WMNF. We're happy to
welcome them to the Dome this go-round. Looking
ahead: February and March promise to be very busy concert months. Please
check the schedule on the church website & mark your calendar accordingly.
Good music is happening. Please support the concerts with your presence. INTERWEAVE AT UUCT: UUA
TRUSTEE TIDBITS If you
haven't been to one lately, you really are missing out!!! What a great
way to meet people in the UU Church of Tampa. All members and friends are
invited. We have been having a great time these last few months getting to
know each other!! Meet the
people in your Zip Code!!!! I have a list of members and friends by our
zip codes. OR sign up for an OPEN dinner. So, let's get to know each
other. Here
is what we have pending for dinners: Jan.
8th (33614) Susan & Dan Miller 932-2726 Jan.
8th (Open Dinner in Lutz) Lynn Parrish 949-1334 Feb.
19th (third Sat. since the Valentine's Dance is the second) (33624) Alex
& Janet Knight 269-7794 I am asking
for some volunteers to host a dinner in the new year. Still needed are 33604,
33612, 33615, 33609, and 33629. There are some others scattered around but they will
be invited to the dinner closest. We can keep the numbers down to whatever you
feel you can accommodate. The Dinners
can be Friday, Saturday or even Sunday of the 2nd or 3rd weekend of the month.
So, pick your date and time, email your name and phone number and I will call
with a list of names for you. WHAT
IS CUUPS? Circles in the Woods CUUPS will
present Wicca 101 on the following dates - January 10
- Herstory of Witchcraft A
contribution of $5 per class is requested to cover materials. ARE YOU MOVING??? Have you moved? If you have had a recent change of address and
would like to continue receiving the Domelight please remember to list your change of
address on the Guest Register, noting address change. Printing your new address
& phone number clearly will help us keep our records updated. We hope everyone noticed how nice the church grounds looked
before Christmas! Thanks so much to our stalwart crew of Judy Lehman, Jay Hall,
Ezra Short, Ralph Lehman, Carol Partington, and Tom Hagner who raked and clipped and mowed
and hauled brush. Second Saturday in January is the 8th. Be sure to come out 9-12.
We hope to have a chipper and intend to make mulch in addition to lots of other good
exercise. For further
information contact Betty Kaminker at (813) 988-6222. The care
committee is doing its best to help those in our church community when a special need
arises. We find we cant always provide
what is needed in a timely fashion so we are asking for your help. If you are able to occasionally help someone with
transportation to church, to the doctors, or can fix a meal or make a hospital visit, or
call someone who is feeling lonely, we would like to hear from you. We are compiling a list of individuals who are
willing to provide one of the above services, someone we (the care committee or minister)
can call upon for help. Who would you turn to
if YOU needed help? The four hurricanes have
taught us that we are in need of an emergency plan, become active in that plan by calling
Joyce Formica (988-1907) to volunteer. Donations may be made for the
maintenance and placement of memorial stones in the memorial garden. Our
resident mosaic artist Susan Miller is in the process of making stones for Rhoda
Jennings and Hazel Peterson. If you would like to contribute please make your check
payable to UUCT and denote memorial garden in the memo section. If you feel
moved to share either a joy or concern you are encouraged to first write in on the form on
the clipboard located in the reception area just outside the ministers office
hallway door. Your participation in this
process will help the minister and the Care Committee to better serve our church
community. If you need
a little help or know of someone who is in need of help or support call someone on the
Care Committee. Gwen Anderson, Denise
Carrera, Linda Chappell, Denise Dorsey, Joyce Formica & Joe Weinstein will try to
fulfill your request. Our own Bill Blymiller most cleverly announced our most
recent addition to the Wish List several times during December. If you have an extra $70.00 to spare we are much
in need of Light tables
Ones that dont weigh 700 pounds as Bill so
succinctly put it. Your much appreciated
pledge donation helps supply our basic church operational needs, however, there are items
that the church wishes it had and these tables are just one of those items. As of the printing of the January newsletter we have had
a firm offer of 3 tables. We can use several
more. Your gift will not only be gratifying
to you but Bill has promised, at no extra cost to you, to inscribe for all posterity in
large magic marker letters your name on the bottom of your special table! If you cant pass up this great deal, call
Bill Blymiller (988-6551) and Thank You. 10am
Meditation in the Meadow (follow Signs) 10am
Current Affairs (Large Dome) 9:45-10:30am Youth
Religious Education (Small Dome) 10:30am
Choir Rehearsal (Large Dome 11am
Sunday Service 8:30am
Nature Walk in the Park (info: 813/986-4186) Jan. 5
(6pm)
.
Voluntary
Simplicity Jan. 7 (7pm-???)
1st Friday Potluck @ Candy & Jerrys
Jan. 8
(9am-1pm)
.
.....
Building and Grounds Jan. 8
(10am-4pm)
.
..Getting to Know UU
Jan.
9(12:30pm)
...
....Interweave Meeting (Potluck) Jan. 9
(3pm)
.
..
.Ann Robson Concert Jan. 10
(7-9:30pm)
..Wica
101 Jan. 11
(7-9pm)
.
..
Rise Up and Call Her Name Jan. 14 (See
article)
..Popcorn & Opinions (Amistad) Jan. 17
(7-9:30pm)
Wica
101 Jan. 20
(7pm)
....
Board
Meeting Jan. 22
(7:30-10:30pm)
.
.Full Moon Celebration(Open) Jan. 23
(12:30pm)
.
Congregational Meeting Jan. 23
(3pm)
The Kennedys Concert Jan. 25
(7-9pm)
...Rise Up and Call Her Name
TENTATIVE YOUTH
PROGRAMMING CALENDAR
NEW FISCAL YEAR
PRESIDENTS
CORNER
MONDAY
JANUARY 17
Social Justice Committee
will meet @ 12:30 p.m. after church Sunday January 23. Please submit agenda items. We will review the Guest at Your Table Program and
the new 2005-7 Social Action Issue on Global Warming.
Please contact Philip Compton with your input and questions: 813-841-3601; phil@fcan.org.
To see the latest schedule, go to uutampa.org and click on concerts. Also for
additional concert tidbits, including reviews, check out my blog website:
gloriamusic.blogspot.com.
Interweave is a UUA
affiliated membership group that is dedicated to the spiritual, political, and social
well-being of UUs who are confronting oppression as bisexual, Lesbian, Trans-gendered or
Gay and their heterosexual allies. We will be holding our next meeting and potluck
on Sunday January 9th, 2005 in the small dome from 12:30 to 1:30 pm after the service.
All are welcome.
For more information Contact Jonathan Roudabush, Joe Weinstein, or Carol Bennett through
the church office (813) 988-8188.
by Joan Lund
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Now that the end-of-the year festivities are a thing of the past and we
welcome 2005, may we do so with love, hope, and dedication to our liberal faith. Soon I will be traveling to Boston for the January
Board of Trustees meeting where the weather will be cold but the work will be zealously
done in the spirit of warmth.
Recently I received an
unsolicited publication called the U.U. Small Group Ministry Quarterly. As you must know I get many U.U. newsletters,
brochures, and other U.U. related information. This one sparked an interest and desire to
learn more about how Small Group Ministry (SGM) "works", the elements of its
format, and how effective this Ministry can be in our congregations. I have, in my travels and work within the Florida
District, heard people say they wish to find a way to connect more deeply and spiritually
in their religious community. Participating in SGM, sometimes known by other names such as
Covenant Group Ministry, offers congregational members the opportunity for deep spiritual
exploration. SGM provides relational groups
designed to build, in the midst of our diverse memberships, centers of trust and
friendship that remain closely connected to the congregation.
Briefly, the elements of
SGM include a group size of about eight to ten people who meet at least once a month in
someone's home or at the church. The format
should combine worshipful and/or centering readings or rituals and personal check-ins at
the start and end of the meeting. The
facilitator is a person chosen and trained by the minister or in societies with no
minister, by someone chosen by a small steering committee.
At the meetings an empty chair must be kept to symbolize those not yet
reached who need the group and to suggest the expectation that a new group will be
"born from" this group when membership gets to ten or so. At the second meeting a behavioral covenant must
be agreed upon, stating how members wish to be with each other.
From what I read and hear
SGM continues to transform congregations and to deepen the spiritual and community life of
the people who participate. Since data
reveals we retain only 10% of the children raised as UUs perhaps keeping them might
involve creating small groups in our congregations for people of all ages. Maybe instead
of talking about and creating various "classes", change might include creating
"small groups" ministry. Just some
thoughts. If you would like further information I suggest The Complete Guide
to Small Group Ministry, by Robert L. Hill, an excellent guide for helping our
congregations make a difference in the church, as well as individually, and in the world.
I wish you the very best in 2005 and am always interested in hearing from you. I can be
reached at jlund@uua.org
or (813) 931-9727.
FRIENDSHIP DINNERS-
WHAT A SUCCESS!!!
The host usually prepares
the main dish and each participant brings something to go with it. This
time, let's do a potluck. The host can help with suggestions but let's not have
them be responsible for the main dish unless they want to.
You can sign up on
line or at the church on the bulletin board, call me, call the host or send me an
e-mail. Diana Stevens 948-4630 diana.stevens@verizon.net
On a national level, the Covenant of Unitarian
Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) is an organization dedicated to networking Pagan-identified
Unitarian Universalists (UUs), educating people about Paganism, promoting interfaith
dialogue, developing Pagan liturgies and theologies, and supporting Pagan-identified UU
religious professionals.
The Unitarian Universalist Association at the General Assembly chartered the Covenant of
Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) in 1987. The
Statement of Purpose in our bylaws states that CUUPS exists to enable:
* Networking among Pagan-identified UUs; providing outreach of Unitarian
Universalism to the broader Pagan community continentally.
* Providing educational materials on Paganism for Unitarian Universalist
congregations and the general public.
* Promoting Pagan - Jewish & Christian dialogue; encouraging the
development of theo/alogical and liturgical materials based on earth and nature centered
religious and spiritual perspectives.
* Encouraging greater use of music, dance, visual arts, poetry, story, and
creative ritual in Unitarian Universalist worship and celebration.
* Providing support for Pagan-identified UU religious professionals and
ministerial students; and fostering healing relationships with our mother the Earth and
all her children.
Circles in the Woods CUUPS is a
committee here at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa. Circles in the Woods
CUUPS sponsors Full Moon Celebrations are open to the public, on every Saturday closest to
the full moon, at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome that come in Perfect Love and Perfect
Trust!
January 17 - The Goddess and the God
February 7 - The Wheel of the Year
February 21 - Magick and Ethics
March 14 - Ritual
March 21 - The Working CircleBUILDING AND
GROUNDS CREW WORKED HARD!
OUR
OWN JOHN JETER RECEIVES NOMINATION
John
Sims Jeter has been honored by having his recently published short story, The Man
Who Took Notes nominated for the 2005 Pushcart Prize, XXIX.
The
2004 Pushcart Prize XXVIII featured sixty-two stories, poems, essays and memoirs from
forty-three small press publications. The
name Pushcart Press originated from the Project Pushcart of 1972. At that time the editor of The Paris Review,
George Plimpton, and a battery of authors disgruntled with commercial publishers paraded
with their books for sale from pushcarts through New York City streets.
Pushcart
Prize has presented; Americas best fiction, poetry and essays for over
twenty-five years.
SIMPLICITY
STUDY DISCUSSION GROUP STARTING SOON!
Want
to learn about living more simply?
Join
a group who will meet once a week for 8 sessions, beginning with an orientation meeting to
decide the date and time of the remaining meetings on Wednesday January 5th,
2005 at 6pm at the church. The program is
free!!
Topics
include material consumption, money, work, housing, time, health, relationships, community
and the environment.
DO YOU CARE?????
MEMORIAL GARDEN
JOYS & CONCERNS
WISH LIST!!!!!
CALENDAR OF WEEKLY EVENTS
SUNDAY
11am
Child
Care (Small Dome)
WEDNESDAY
6pm
Wonderful Wednesday Potluck
6:45-8: 30pm
Choir Rehearsal (Large Dome)
THURSDAY
CALENDAR OF JANUARY EVENTS
Jan. 15
(9am-1pm)
.
..Start Up with Marry Higgins
Jan.
16
..
..
February DOMELIGHT DEADLINE