by the Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley and guest columnist, the Rev. Hope Johnson, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau in Garden City, Long Island New York.

We write this reflection having just returned from Washington, DC where we attended a consultation for Unitarian Universalist ministers of color and Latina/o ministers. We came together as a group united by the unique challenges we face serving congregations whose membership does not reflect our own racial/ethnic backgrounds. Racial diversity is atypical in Unitarian Universalism. Ministers of color serving Unitarian Universalist congregations is also atypical. Thus, each of us present faced a unique reality.

We met at Gallaudet University, founded in 1864 as an institution of higher learning for “the deaf and dumb” (this language changed several times over the years.) It was impossible to be on the Gallaudet campus without interacting with a deaf person, and in this sense, we were ‘the other.’ Just as Gallaudet changed over the years to become a full-fledged institution serving a particular consistency, we know that if institutions are to survive, they must meet changing needs. Given the diversity of our gathering, and having affirmed ‘radical hospitality’ as a theological concept, throughout our time together at Gallaudet, we found ourselves challenged to live out this theology.

One goal of the consultation was to support a group of ministers with our unique characteristics in our “experience of personal health, well-being, and wholeness” and how to support us “in the success and effectiveness of our professional ministries.” There was great diversity among us—race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, theology, length of service in ministry, and the various ministerial settings in which we find ourselves. This led to the emergence of several important themes, among them: “Identity and Integrity of Identities,” “Building and Bridging

Community and Culture,” and “Naming the Divine and Sacred.” We spent time reviewing our history in the Unitarian Universalist movement, discovered shared secrets, dreams deferred, and relationships broken. Out of this came a desire for healing and reconciliation.

One of the first items on our agenda was to honor those who inspired us in our ministries. We set up an altar with photographs and memorabilia so that these ancestors would be with us throughout our time together. We welcomed spontaneity in our emerging agenda and discovered a new theme: growth with diversity.

On Saturday night, we dined at a Caribbean restaurant that offered live jazz and blues—yet another manifestation of cultural diversity. On Sunday morning, we worshipped at All Souls Church, Unitarian, one of two historic Washington congregations in our tradition, the other being National Memorial Universalist Church. The Rev. Rob Hardies and the Rev. Mary Katherine Morn (ministers of the two congregations respectively) co-officiated the service. Both congregations were present, as were their choirs, each of which sang together and separately, led by their respective choir directors. This Unitarian Universalist service (attended by more than 500 people) also represented multiple diversities—Unitarian, Universalist, theology and liturgy.

In retrospect, we realize that when some Unitarian Universalists say “we” or “us,” that People of Color are often not included, leading to the question: how do we serve our congregations with authenticity and effectiveness? For us, the All Souls worship service highlighted the prospect for growth through diversity within Unitarian Universalism.  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President- Tempie Taudte
Vice President- Felice Richardson
Treasurer- Ed Benedict
Secretary- Jerry Elsenrath 
Member - Tito Basu 
Member - Bill Blymiller
Member - Tom Hagner
Member - Ralph Lehman
Member - Martha Robinson

UUCT 50TH ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST,

ATTTENTION ALL UUCT ARTISTS!!

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the UUCT this year, we are developing a new UUCT t-shirt to be sold as a fundraiser.  We are looking for creative individuals in our community to submit ideas for this project.  The entries will be posted in the church, and the congregation will vote on its favorite design.  A prize will be awarded to the winning design.  Entries can be photos, paintings, computer graphics, or anything else that can be copied onto a t-shirt.  Please submit all entries to Felice Richardson or Diana Stevens by June 1, 2005.  For more info, contact Felice at   813-979-1505/ Fambifl@aol.com  or Diana at 813-948-4630/ Diana.stevens@verizon.net.  

THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF UUCT

Tampa UU church was established in July of 1955.  This will be a year of Reverence, Revelry and Remembrance (3 R’s).  We are collecting history, photos and memorabilia along with recollections of social justice work.  Contact: Grant Wilson @ 948-4630 or e-mail mail Grant.Wilson11@Verizon.net.

Stay tuned for future events!

For any suggestions or offers to help get one or more of the projects underway, contact:  Judy Lehman@ 866-0591 or e-mailjr.lehman@verizon.net.

50^TH/50’S DANCE AND POOL PARTY

Come join us for one of the upcoming Revelry portions of our 50^th Anniversary Celebration.  Grab your poodle skirts, blue sued shoes, pink carnations and maybe even an itsy, bitsy, teeny-weeny, yellow polka dot bikini and head on out to the 50^th/50’s Dance and Pool Party to be held on May 21^st @ Compton Park.  7pm is when the fun will begin, headlined by our own Bill Blymiller as DJ.  Bring snacks and/or dessert items…wine and soft drinks will be furnished.  There will be swimming for any and all and cool dancing to all the old favorites.  A donation of $15 for adults will be appreciated, but kids and teens are free.  Food will provided for the kids around the pool and the evening for the kids will end with a lock-in at church.  Tickets will be on sale on Sundays at church.  If you have any questions or need directions, please call Judy Lehman 813/866-0591 or e-mail jr.lehman@verizon.net

FROM THE SMALL DOME…AND BEYOND

By Katie Culbert, Director of Religious Education for Children and Youth

May is already here and this year’s May is particularly special for me.  Not only do I celebrate a birthday – my 30^th birthday –- but I also celebrate my first Mother’s Day as a “Mommy to Be.”  It is indeed a time of change and joy.  

I am happily collaborating with Marjorie on the May 8^th Intergenerational Service which we are designing to celebrate all things motherly.  The children and youth have been working on artwork and writings that honor their mothers and other women in their lives.  I emphasized to them that the word “Mother” can mean more than just “the woman that gave birth to them.”   It can also apply to any woman that has taken care of them, taught them, loved them and, essentially, “mothered” them.  Many women who have never bore a child of their own are indeed mothers, and on Mother’s Day we celebrate them all.  The service will be followed by a picnic hosted by YRUU, our middle and high school youth group.  I hope you will all join us for this joyous celebration of women.             

On May 21^st there will be an intergenerational dance at Tampa Palms in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the formation of the UU Church of Tampa.   If you have never attended a church dance, I strongly encourage you to do so.  It is a great opportunity for the children, youth, and adults of UUCT to come together and have fun.  I always have a fabulous time dancing with everyone, especially the children and youth.  The dance will be followed by a lock-in for the middle and high school youth at the church. 

Our last intergenerational service of the season is June 12^th; this is also the last day of Religious Education for children and youth.  During service we will be honoring the teachers and volunteers who have helped with our RE program this year.  More information about this service and the last day of RE will be included in next month’s Domelight.

RE CALENDAR 2005   

Sunday, May 8

10:35 – 10:55 Fellowship time focus on Mothers 
11:00 Mother’s Day Intergenerational Service
12:15 Mother’s Day Picnic following service hosted by YRUU

Saturday, May 21^st

7:00 UUCT Dance, Tampa Palms
11:00 YRUU Lock-In at UUCT

Friday, May 27^th – Sunday, May 29^th “Roots Hold Us Close” Conference in Oviedo

Sunday, June 12

Last day of RE
11:00 Intergenerational Service

YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists)

YRUU is a youth group for middle and high school youth. The Tampa group meets each Sunday at 11:00 in the youth room, located in the small dome.  YRUU is a youth lead organization with trained adult advisors that are present at all YRUU meetings.  Tampa YRUU youth and advisors attend District events, which consist of monthly conferences held at churches around the state.  Please note the following YRUU events coming up:

Friday, April 8^th – Sunday, April 10^th YRUU Florida District Youth Caucus, Oviedo

Youth Caucus is the annual business meeting of YRUU Florida.  Representatives and advisors from churches across the state spend the week-end electing officers, setting next year’s calendar, and reviewing other business items.  This gathering is an incredible leadership opportunity for YRUU youth; all youth that are interested in taking on a leadership role in YRUU are encouraged to attend.  Please note: Youth Caucus is not a con.

Friday, April 15

6:00 p.m. YRUU Potluck at Hunt and Peck Farm, Bushnell
Followed by Social Action Con – UU in the Pines, Brooksville

Friday, April 29^th

6:00 YRUU Orientation for parents
7:00 Youth and advisors leave for Vero Con

PLEDGE INFO:

When making a cash contribution toward your 2005 pledge, place the money in an envelope and please print your name on the envelope.     

WHAT DOES CIRCLES IN THE WOODS CUUPS DO?

All are welcome to join our Full Moon Celebration on the Saturday closest to the Full Moon.  On May 21at 6:00 pm there will be a Silent Auction followed at 7:30pm by the Full Moon ritual to discover the spiritual warrior within and reclaim your gift of courage, strength and honor! 

Our monthly CUUPS meeting on May 2nd at 7:00 pm, will be followed by an introduction on reading the Tarot.  All are welcome!

And, CUUPS provides “rites of passage” rituals of Handfastings (marriage) Wiccanings, House Blessings, Womanings, and other life and spiritual celebrations.   Just drop off a message in the CUUPS mailbox a UUCT or email gldnpuma@earthlink.net and we will get back to you.  d

 COME JOIN US

We had such a good time and learned so much at our Voluntary Simplicity Circle that we have decided to meet once a 
month to exchange ideas, awareness and support each other.  

If you are interested we will be meeting at the church on May 12 (Thursday) at 7pm for about an hour and a half.  
Our topic will center around patronizing local business, finding locally produced fresh produce and buying “made in America
 items.”  Give us your ideas for future meetings.  For information, call Betty Kaminker 813/246-6568.  

WALK IN THE PARK

A group of UU’s 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.  

ALL-AGE FLORIDA UU FEST

What’s the core of our faith today?  Come and be part of the answer!  May 27-29, 2005 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the Canterbury Retreat Center in Oviedo, Florida (NE Orlando)  Gather to worship, share, explore, sing, laugh and to unearth the richness of our evolving Unitarian Universalist faith.  Featured Entertainers “Irthlingz” (www.irthlings.org) For more information, call 305/281-4089 or 941/792-3688.  

Register/Fees: www.floridadistrict.org.  Fees are all inclusive (2 nights lodging, 5 meals and all activities)  Early-bird discount (1/2 deposit, received by May 10)  $165 per adult/$55 youths (13 yrs+)/$40 kids      

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.

UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS
Joan Lund

Greetings in the month of May. At the time of this writing I am preparing for the District Annual meeting where, hopefully, I will be greeting many of you.  The weekend following this meeting I will be in Boston for the Board of
Trustees meeting. Thus, the column is being written earlier than usual.  The theme of this month's column concerns youth, and "right relationship" with our youth.

Some months ago the UUA Board directed a consultation on our ministry to, and with youth, be convened.  The first step in this process occurred in February with Bill Sinkford and Megan Dowdell, youth trustee at large, serving as co-conveners.  Thirty youth and adults from a broad spectrum of our Association met to outline a process that would help UUism re-define and re-commit to youth ministry.  During two days of meetings, with an outside facilitator, the group identified five priorities to be addressed.  These are: 1) Youth ministry needs to be served at a more robust, flexible, diverse level than YRUU currently offers.  2) Denominational youth work needs to serve local congregations and their youth ministry.  3) YRUU and UUA administration need to define an authority structure the role of youth and adult leadership, at the same time that it supports the growth and empowerment of all UU youth.  4) Anti-racism/anti-oppression work is an important part of youth ministry and needs to be moved ahead; there is not just one way of doing this work, and the "right" way is dependent on individual identities.  5) There needs to be more and better communication among continental, district, and local levels, and within congregations.

Working together the gathered group developed preliminary ideas as to how these five issues should be addressed and who might be involved in addressing them.  A smaller group was assigned the task of synthesizing the ideas into a coherent plan.  This group met in late April to create a draft plan.  Key stakeholder groups will have the opportunity to respond to the proposal before finalization.  The goal is to have a viable process finalized by August of 2005; implementing the process is expected to take one to two years.  The Board of Trustees will be provided information about each stage of the process as the work moves forward.

Let me remind you this is just the beginning. Perhaps after the April Board meeting I will be able to write more of the progress and process in my report.  Please stay in communication with me. I continue to receive interesting comments and inquiries and so far, have been able to respond to each one.  I can be reached by email at jlund@uua.org; by telephone 813-931-9727.  Enjoy the springtime.

ROOTS HOLD US CLOSE:

Connect to spirit, build community, deepen your roots
 
What’s at the core of Unitarian Universalism today?
Come and explore this question and be part of the answer!  “Roots Hold Us Close: An All-age Florida Fest” will convene UUs for the Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29, 2005) at the Canterbury Retreat Center in Oviedo, FL (northeast Orlando).

Join us in spirit, and in body, for this first-time ever weekend gathering in Florida.  For families and for singles, for young and for the mature, “Roots” offers the chance for connection and for meaning all in an amazing natural environment.  Canterbury is replete with trails, tall shadowy trees, a shimmering lake and much more.

A series of workshops in the morning and afternoon will explore our faith traditions, beliefs and practices.  Live entertainment (“the Irthlingz”) and keynote speaker in the evening.   Dramatizations of famous UUs, yoga and more. Program includes structured activities for children and free time for play and fun.   

 All meals and lodging (Canterbury rooms are hotel style) are included in the fee.  Early-bird rates apply, so register NOW.  Registration: www.floridadistrict.org and 407-894-2119.

For information regarding <<Roots>>, contact Michael Malone, UU Miami, 305-281-4089 and uukids@aol.com 

SUNDAY SERVICES NOW BROADCAST ON FM RADIO

Are you having some trouble hearing all the parts of the Sunday Service?  Do you have to be at the little Dome or in the playground during the Service?  We have acquired an FM broadcasting device that will send the service out on 108.0 on your radio dial.   Just bring your Walkman or FM radio and tune to 108.0 and check it out.  If you have a hearing aid with a "T" or Telephone setting, Bill Blymiller would like to talk to you about testing out a way to get the audio from your FM radio directly into your hearing aid without headphones. 

Try it out!

50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT by Barbara Rogers

I was a member of the Unitarian Fellowship of Tampa for its first service in the Small Dome.  The skylight showed images of different religions.  There weren't any doors hung yet.  My children, Marty and Russell Heym, grabbed brooms to clear out the leaves and construction debris.   I took their pictures in their over-alls holding the industrial brooms.  We sat on boxes, boards, and scaffolding during Adrian Malott's sermon. 

Our dedication ceremony was held some time later.  It was held after the inside church service.  Everyone stood around the outside of the dome holding hands.  There weren't any trees or plants right next to the dome at that time, just a dirt clearing, but there were trees close by.  We weren't sure our circle would go all the way around the dome, but it became quite big and we had no trouble stretching our hands, including a tree or two as needed. Of course the tables set up outside were loaded with great food for our pot luck lunch.

My two sons attended Religious Education classes in school rooms in a smallish wooden building, a private school, on the same property.  We would drive in and out of the dirt driveway off Davis Road.

Since 1971, the community of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has provided me with a home of 'open-minded' individuals sharing intellectual and spiritual questions, as well as social opportunities.  Many time over the decades we have gone to lunch after church on Sunday afternoons. 

There was always music, often impromptu sing-along style, or jam sessions, and some performers of note.  I remember hearing Ric Masten for the first time here at UUCT.

*NOTE:  We need your remembrances of your UUCT experiences. They can be in sketchy note form or well written; we want them either way.  Send your submission to: Grantford Wilson,   1523 Vandervort Rd., Lutz, FL. 33549 .-OR-grant.wilson11@verizon.net-OR- Call me and I will interview you. (948-4630) Grantford Wilson

JOYS & CONCERNS

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 minister’s 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.

CHURCH BULLETIN BLOOPERS

*Ushers will eat latecomers.
*The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.
*Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled.  Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
*The choir will meet at the Larsen house for fun and sinning.
*Miss Charlene Mason sang, "I Will Not Pass This Way Again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
*Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It is a good chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
*Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "hell" to someone who doesn't care much about you.
*The peace-making meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
*Tonight's sermon-"What is hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.
*The sermon this morning: Jesus Walks on the Water.  The sermon tonight: Searching for Jesus.
*Next Thursday, there will be tryouts for the choir.   They need all the help they can get.
*Barbara C. remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions.  She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack's sermons.
*The 'Over 60s Choir' will be disbanded for the summer with the thanks of the entire church.
*Missionary from Africa speaking at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine: Name: Bertha Belch. Announcement: "Come tonight and hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa."
*Announcement in a church bulletin for a National Prayer & Fasting Conference: "The cost for attending the Fasting & Prayer conference includes meals."
*Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the rec. hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King. d

BECOMING A MEMBER OF UUCT

The members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa (UUCT) would like to extend an invitation to persons interested in learning more about us and becoming members of the congregation.  Membership is open to any and all persons, eighteen years or older, who are prepared to make a personal commitment to and financial investment in the UUCT.  In addition, we have a category of membership, youth member, for persons fourteen to seventeen years of age who have made a personal commitment to the Church.  Youth members have the same rights as adult members except as limited by the provisions of the by-laws involving contracts and financial commitments on behalf of the Church.

Persons considering membership are encouraged to participate in the "Getting to Know UU Classes" as a means to enhance understanding of the principles underlying the mission of the Unitarian Universalist Association as well as our Church.  Classes are informative and provide an opportunity to get to know other new members and begin to establish a connection with others in the Church.

Persons interested in seeking membership with UUCT would need to do one or both of the following: 

1. Participate in one of the "Getting to Know UU" membership classes scheduled throughout the year, followed by signing the membership book.

2. Seek out the Minister, Chairperson of the Membership Committee, or President of the Board of Trustees to inform them of interest in signing the membership book.  That person will then arrange for the membership book to be made available for signing.

New members will be contacted within a few weeks by a representative of the Finance/Canvas Committee to discuss your areas of interest for involvement with the congregation as well as your financial commitment for the upcoming year.  We welcome your involvement and participation and anticipate you will find UUCT an exciting avenue in meeting your interests and needs.
Membership Committee   

ACCESSING THE E-MAIL GROUPS FOR THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF TAMPA

If you'd like to join the church email group, send a note to this address:  UUTampa-subscribe@yahoogroups.comIf you're already a member of the church email group, you can view the message archives by pointing your browser to this location:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UUTampa/

To join the UUCT Social Action email group, send a note to this address: UUCTSocialAction-subscribe@yahoogroups.com 

If you're already a member of the UUCT Social Action email group, you can view the message archives by pointing your browser to this location: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UUCTSocialAction/  

 If you have any problems, contact Diana Stevens at: diana.stevens@verizon.net or call 948-4630

CALENDAR OF WEEKLY EVENTS

SUNDAY

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
11am                                                  Child Care (Small Dome)

WEDNESDAY

6pm                                        Wonderful Wednesday Potluck
6:45-8: 30pm                          Choir Rehearsal (Large Dome)

THURSDAY

8:30am                      Nature Walk in the Park (info: 813/986-4186)

CALENDAR OF MAY EVENTS

May 1 (12:15pm)……………….….Congregational Meeting
May 2 (7-9pm)………………….……..…….CUUPS Meeting
May 6(7pm-???)……………..1^st Friday Potluck @ Jerry’s
May 12 (7pm)…………………..…..……Living in Simplicity
May 14 (9am-1pm)….…...……….…Building and Grounds
May 15……………………June DOMELIGHT DEADLINE
May 19 (7pm)…………………....……………Board Meeting
May 21 (7pm)………….……50^th/50’s Dance and Pool Party
May 21 (7:30-10:30pm)….….Full Moon Celebration(Open)