This month, we begin a new church year—not a new fiscal year, but a new beginning in worship and religious education for children and youth as well as adults. Many of us had a summer break and are looking forward to Homecoming (see “A Month of Sundays,” last page).

In addition to Sunday services, I am looking forward to continuing—and ultimately the results—of our Mission/Vision process which Ara Rogers has graciously headed up using Appreciative Inquiry as a methodology.

The mission/vision process (which happens in most congregations every five to seven years) is an opportunity to re-examine who we are and who we wish to become. As I begin my third year as your minister, I am looking forward to congregational planning and goal setting based on the outcome of Appreciative Inquiry, as we define a new chapter in our life together. It is my hope that the process has led to deep reflection on why you—and here, I’m speaking to members—have committed yourself to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa.

My colleague, the Rev. John Wolf, says, “There is only one reason for joining a Unitarian Universalist church: that is to support it.” The Rev. Bruce Southworth has adapted Wolf’s aphorism somewhat, and I have adapted it further: “You want to support it because it stands against superstition and fear; because it points to what is noblest in human life;” because it is open to men and women of whatever race, creed, color, or place of origin. You want to support a Unitarian Universalist church because it has a free pulpit; because you can hear ideas expressed that could cost others their future. You want to support a Unitarian Universalist church because it is a place where walls between people are torn down rather than built up, where the religiously displaced can find refuge from orthodoxies that shackle the human mind and spirit; because it is a place where children and youth can come without being saddled with guilt; where they can learn that religion is for joy, for comfort, for service, for gratitude, and for love.”

As we consider vision and mission, also consider the power of our covenant. While the foundation of creed-based religions is a statement of corporate beliefs, ours is a covenantal community. Everything that we do as a community is grounded in covenant—in voluntary promises that we make to each other. This is what makes us uniquely Unitarian Universalist.

Our covenant states: “We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, covenant with one another to be responsive to our church community while following our own spiritual paths; to honor diversity as a source of communal strength.” And so, we expect something from our members. In an implicit promise of mutual trust, support, and responsibility, our covenant is grounded in community—in being together: making “contributions with compassion and commitment and “support [for the] church with our money and time.”

We encourage members and friends alike to participate in the church through opportunities for learning and service, whether it is through small groups, religious education classes (including book and film discussion groups), Sunday services, or another program ministry. We encourage you to learn from each other and to remain open to the possibility of being changed—even transformed—in the process. “Yes, there's only one reason for joining a Unitarian Universalist Church: to support it!” I hope that you will find something worthy of your pledge of financial support.

If you are have been attending our church for a while and wish to learn more about us, plan to attend the next “Getting To Know UU“ class, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 24^th from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Look for the registration sheet on the bulletin board.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

One Place. All Faiths

UUCT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President- Tempie Taudte
Vice President- Felice Richardson
Treasurer- Ed Benedict
Member - Tito Basu
Member - Bill Blymiller
Member - Tom Hagner
Member - Mark Henneberry
Member - Ralph Lehman
Member - Diana Stevens

NOTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

On Sunday, September 11, 2005, we will hold a congregational meeting to discuss the proposed Resolution for the Repeal of the Policy Banning “Gay Pride” in Hillsborough County. The draft proposal is enclosed in this newsletter. Please review the draft, be prepared to discuss it and vote your conscience at the congregational meeting.

PROPOSED CONGREGATIONAL “GAY PRIDE” RESOLUTION

The following resolution is proposed for consideration of the congregation at a special congregational meeting with a proposed date of 11 September 2005.

Proposed Resolution Calling For The Repeal Of The Policy Banning “Gay Pride” In Hillsborough County

WHEREAS the Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County recently enacted a Ban on any county agency or organization to acknowledge, promote or participate in any activity that portrays homosexuality in a positive light or “Gay Pride'' events of any sort;

WHEREAS Unitarian Universalists have a long history of standing in solidarity with those who are oppressed and marginalized; furthermore, we hold the conviction that the County Commissioners' action may result in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons and their families, to feel unwelcome and unwanted in Hillsborough County;

WHEREAS this policy is censorship or defacto discrimination by a governmental body we hold it as contrary to the principles embedded in the constitution. Discrimination represented by this policy is counter to longstanding traditions democracy and freedom in this country; we further find that the aforementioned policy singles out one minority group for special treatment by the government, promoting the perpetuation of negative stereotyping and disinformation;

WHEREAS we find this policy deliberately dehumanizing and demeaning to Gay and Lesbian citizens; therefore it does not respect the dignity of all persons, and directly contradicts our religious principles;

WHEREAS we have been called by the spiritual Leaders of all faiths to be welcoming to all persons and to love one another; furthermore people of faith cannot passively endorse this or any oppressive action or policy by inaction;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa urges the immediate reversal of the aforesaid policy; and we express our support for peaceful and humanitarian actions to remove this unjust and
discriminatory policy;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call on all people of conscience to voice
their opposition to this policy.

THE BIG NIGHT IS FAST APPROACHING WILL WE SEE YOU THERE?!!!

Checkers! Monopoly! Boggle! Sorry! Cribbage! Othello! Chinese Checkers! Chess! Probe! What’s your favorite game? Do you like spaghetti, hot garlic bread, big green salad and? Well, on Saturday, September 10^th at 6pm all of the above and more will be available for you and your family to play and eat! There will be building blocks and jacks and pick-up sticks hand puppets and lots of other toys for younger kids to have fun with too. Come celebrate our 50^th Anniversary at the Homecoming Spaghetti Dinner and Game Night. If you haven’t signed up, please do so on the sign-up sheet in the foyer at church or call Pat Benedict (813) 968-1418 or Martha Robinson (813)985-4777 or Felice Richardson (813) 979-1505, so we can get a head count to help plan our grocery list. Your generous donation for this fun filled evening will benefit UUCT.

50^th ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

The fun has begun! Two events down and lots more to come. The most recent event, Gloria’s 50^th Anniversary Concert, was a smashing success, netting the church over $450.00.

Here are some of the things still to come. If you see anything listed here that lights your fire, tickles your fancy or is right up your alley, feel free to contact the facilitator of that activity and donate your ideas and time. The more of us involved the more fun it will be.

Folks are currently working on the following: Historic Remembrances (Grant Wilson and/or Patricia McCracken would love to interview you to get your favorite story from the past), 50^th Anniversary T-Shirt Sale, Note Card Sale,CD Memory Slide Show Sale, and Marjorie’s jokes compiled for your purchase! Improvements to the Memorial Garden are in the works (see Fran Davin).

September: Welcome Home Dinner & Games 9/10 (Facilitator: Pat Benedict with Martha Robinson, Felice Richardson, Margaret Cribbs and Diana Dechichio assisting.) See article in this issue for more details.

October:1st Congregational Pledge Drive Dinner

October 1-15 Pledge Drive

Oct. 29: Witches Masquerade 50^th Anniversary Celebration, sponsored by CUUPS:. (See article in this issue)

November TBA: “YOUTH BRUNCH.” Facilitator Molly Hayes working with our youth

December 3: Home Party Fair: Facilitator Diana & Dan Dechichio Tupperware, Mary Kay, Avon, Pampered Chief, Jewelry, and Discovery Toys, just to name a few of the party products. Various Home Party sellers will display and sell their products. A percentage of their sales will go to UUCT in exchange for organizing, advertising and promoting this event: contact Dan Dechichio at DanDechichio@yahoo.com or call: 813-383-6515.

2006

January: Social Action in connection with Martin Luther King

January14th: “Cabaret” Tom Hagner (facilitator); (Remembrance Theme)

February: Our Esteemed Guest: The Reverend Bill Sinkford, UUA President

Feb 18^th: Anniversary Dinner- gourmet dinner catered at church, cost $50/person (Diana Stevens, Martha Robinson and Felice Richardson will lead this)

Feb 19^th Church Service: Rev Sinkford in the pulpit

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Last month I wrote that I believe the purpose of our church is service. With the peak hurricane season upon us, the opportunity for service could be real and urgent. The Board of Trustees is actively developing a hurricane plan to serve our church and community.

Soon a board member will call you to inquire about your needs for assistance, or ability to provide assistance to others, if a hurricane should strike our area. Please be ready to answer a few simple questions. Will you be in Tampa during the rest of this hurricane season? Do you live in an evacuation zone? Will you need assistance with preparations before a hurricane? The same board member who calls you now will also contact you after the storm to find out how you are and what kind of assistance you might need at that time.

Please stay in touch with us so we can serve you and each other.

In community, Tempie

ARE YOU MOVING????

Have you moved? Are you are planning to move? If either of these applies to you and you would like to continue receiving the Domelight, please put your change of address on the guest register, located on the reception table in the entrance foyer, noting address change. Printing your new address & phone number clearly will help us keep our records updated.

UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS

Joan Lund

We often hear about the Veatch legacy and program and that the UUA is partially funded by Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock. The history of this Program dates back to 1945, when the North Shore Unitarian Society (now named the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock) in New York’s Nassau County was incorporated. Eventually the congregation came into a great deal of money, which has been shared with the UUA for use in social causes reflecting our mutual religious ideals. It has been said this ongoing generosity saved the UUA as an organization, revitalized the Association’s witness, strengthened ministerial training, and has funded much to grow and extend Unitarian Universalism.

In 1941, long before the UUA existed, Caroline Veatch became the widow of a man who was a major stockholder in the North European Oil Corporation. While Veatch was still living this Corporation was forced to sell its holdings to other oil companies thus leaving him in possession of promising royalty rights and stock. After Veatch died, Ms. Veatch became a friend of the North Shore U. Society because of her interest in the society’s work insuring children have the benefit of a liberal religious education and through the efforts of N.S.U.S. minister Gerald Weary. Ms. Veatch and her sister began making cash gifts for the original meeting house, and, as the society grew, continued contributing ever increasing financial gifts. Eventually Ms. Veatch joined the society and re-wrote her will to assure that Unitarianism would have a “splendid” future. She promised if she was able to secure the oil royalties accumulating in Germany she would give half to N.S.U.S. Ms. Veatch died in October, 1953 leaving all the royalty rights to the Society.

The N.S.U.S. continued showing Ms. Veatch’s and their generosity and vision by funding new churches and needed supplies for others. The history of the Veatch Program’s financial support goes on with the sound thinking and dedication of many visionary UUs. Today the Veatch Program at Shelter Rock income for the UUA is approximately $20 million per year and a portion of this money is in the form of grants by the UUA made available to UU congregations.

For a detailed, interesting history of this example of progressive philanthropy and the current ways the UUA uses the Veatch program money, I encourage you to read We Started With Children by Robert Sunley and/or Funding Justice by Warren Ross, the latter currently available from the UUA bookstore. Again I thank you for reading the Trustee column and solicit your suggestions and concerns regarding my work as a Trustee. You can contact me at jlund@uua.org. Happy “fall season” everyone; may we be spared the severe weather of just a year ago. Stay in touch.

GETTING TO KNOW NEW MEMBERS

By Liz Taylor

Here’s an introduction to two members who are already familiar faces after joining this past year:

Ezra Short is making a significant impact to life here at UUCT as the new Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee. You can thank him for cooling things down on Sundays – the temperature, that is – by expediting a much-needed air conditioning repair/upgrade and providing his own labor to reduce the expense. Ezra relocated to Tampa from West Palm Beach, where longtime member Cay Cahalin introduced him to his first UU experience. He says he appreciates the UU goal to be “open, accepting and non-judgmental.” A skilled carpenter and painter, Ezra is keeping busy with his own business here.

Dawn Bergeron grew up in the religious education program at the UU church in downtown St. Petersburg. Now a resident of Land O’ Lakes, she’s happy to get back to her UU roots here at UUCT. As a preschool teacher, Dawn says handling 16 3-year-olds “can be quite challenging.” She loves nature, animals and arts and crafts. Her 9-year-old daughter, Robyn, inherited Dawn’s love for exploring the world through arts and crafts. Now in the fourth grade, Robyn is enjoying the UUCT RE program.

I haven’t been able to connect with all our new members. If you’d like to provide an introduction to be included in future newsletters, please call me at 813-237-8497 or email: liz@liztaylormarketing.com.

CIRCLES IN THE WOODS CUUPS

Come and join our Full Moon Celebration on September 17 at 7:30pm. The world hangs in the balance of night and day with the Fall Equinox, and we will honor the balance in nature and celebrate Divine.

Our next CUUPS meeting, on October 3 at 7:00pm, followed with a workshop, back by popular demand) on staff making. SunFire will teach us how he makes staffs, and as an additional bonus - wands too! There will be some materials available for those (first come, first serve) in attendance to take home an item.

Costs will be $10 for a staff and $5 for a wand and donation to observe the class. Come and enjoy!

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

Adult Religious Education Opportunities for 2005-2006

“Building Your Own Theology”

Tuesdays September 20, 27, October 4, 18 and 25 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Part II of the course continues in January).

Facilitator: Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley

Unitarian Universalism has been called a “seeker’s” religion, a place where one can explore a variety of ways to think about ‘big questions’ such as: What is human nature? Why are we here or What is the purpose of life? Do I believe in a deity, a “higher power” or something more than humanity? What is ultimate reality or What holds ultimate meaning for me? What are my sources of authority and truth? Why is there suffering? What happens when we die? What, if anything, is holy or sacred? How can we live morally, ethically, and responsibly in a world that seems bent in another direction? How can we articulate that other direction in language that makes sense? If not ‘sin’ and ‘evil,’ then what? Is “salvation” consistent with Unitarian Universalist values? If so, what saves or liberates us? These are deep questions, and although some of us may use different language, they are classic theological questions.

This 10-session course (in two parts) offers a systematic, disciplined, and communal approach to the process of exploring your personal theology—not necessarily whether you are a humanist, Buddhist, theist or neo-pagan—but what you believe and how you understand what you are called to do in this world.

We will devote time to in-class small group discussion. Enrollment limited to 15 people who are willing to participate fully in the class, including doing the homework—about an hour a week for reading and reflection—all of which will lead to writing your own credo statement, “This I Believe.” Pre-registration required (see sign-up sheet).

“Getting to Know UU”

Saturday, September 24, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Facilitators: Marty Pelham and Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley

If you have been visiting our church for a while and feel ready to join us in membership, or if you’re an old-timer, but need a refresher, please register for the class (see sign-up sheet on the bulletin board). The class will include: explore your own spiritual path; the history of Unitarian Universalism, the Unitarian Universalist Association, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa. You will also meet church leaders, get to know other members and feel connected to our community, and explore your readiness to participate fully as a member of our church. On October 2nd, we will have a New Member Sunday for those who decide to join us in membership, followed that evening by desert and coffee. Pre-registration required (see sign-up sheet). This class will be offered again on January 21 and June 3, 2006.

Circles in the Woods CUUPS commemorates the 50^th Anniversary of UUCT and welcomes everyone to come celebrate Halloween / Samhain. We have a special night of family fun planned for you with -

"                  Costume Contest
"                  Carved Pumpkin Contest
"                  Haunted House
"                  Music and dancing
"                  Food and Drinks
"                  Tarot Readings
"                  Bardic Scary or Ghost Story Circle
"                Bring a picture or item for the Ancestor Altar
"                  Raffle
"                  And more!

Also, this fundraiser is not just for CUUPS. We hope to see many faces from UUCT and need volunteers to help with many of the above and decorations, etc. So if you are interested and willing, just drop of a message in the CUUPS mailbox at UUCT, or email gldnpuma@earthlink.net.

Members of the Care Committee are available to lend a hand in times of need. We can help with grocery shopping, transportation to the doctors or church, preparing a meal or a friendly phone call

Help is just a phone call away by contacting one of our volunteers: Gwen Anderson (971-6369), Beverly Bethune (907-6730), Linda Chappell (977-2053), Denise Carrera (985-0695), Denise Dorsey (972-7728), Willow LaMonte (643-7285), Cheryl Phillips (909-2542), Suzy Siegel (866-5109), and Joe Weinstein (263-2989).

The Care Committee meets quarterly, the next meeting will be September 18 at 12:45pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please give Joyce Formica (813/988-1907) a call.

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

Excerpted from Barbara J. Johnson’s detailed account Compiled by Grantford Wilson

Barb Johnson is a long time member of U.U.C.T. She currently lives in Bradenton, FL. no longer attending regularly. Barb does however, follow our activities with great interest. She kindly wrote a three-page account of her involvement in the building of the sanctuary. This article is made up of excerpts from her more detailed account of the dome’s construction.

●“June (1987) found us anticipating the arrival of materials for the roof from Cathedrilite Domes. Much to our chagrin, we discovered they had gone bankrupt. The Diamond Dome representative and the contractor, James Van Tuinen, offered to build the roof.. . .”

●“As fall approached, they were busy putting together the triangles that would be bolted together to form the roof.”

●“In November the crane arrived to lift the triangles in place. The ring that went around the circumference of the dome did not match up with the triangular pieces. The triangles would have to be torn down, redesigned and rebuilt. In the middle of the process,” the contractor went bankrupt.

●“At that point, Joe Perrotta took full control with Mr. Van Tuinen coming over from Orlando sporadically to finish the job.”

●“In February, a second attempt was made to lift the triangles in place. They did not match up so they could join together at the top, necessitating more revisions.”

●“In late March the crane returned again. I can still see the man high up in the center of the dome stretching to bolt the final triangular piece together. A big cheer arose.”

●“With the help of a cherry picker, the roof was complete by mid April. Windows and doors made the building really take shape. Next came the massive job of spraying white cement over the triangular ceiling to cover the plywood triangles. The sprayers were coated in white by the end of the day. It was Easter 1988, and things were moving along again. As we surveyed the partition studs for the interior, they did not seem to be in the right places. We induced Marla Frazer to take a look at the blue prints. Some of the partitions had to be redone. We had added a person with valuable knowledge in construction to our team.”

●“Sheet rockers, painters, electricians and air conditioning workers descended upon the dome. This made necessary the installation of a security system and the building being keyed. Our own Richard Formica did a masterful job.”

●“One tall scaffold was left and no vendor would claim it. Finally, we hired a man to remove it. In doing so, he grazed the ceiling, leaving a mar. That has always been my center point.”

●“One day in late June, they rolled the carpet into place. The rolls were mismatched. Not only was there another delay, but we did not have enough money to complete the job. A generous donation from a long standing member encouraged us.”

●“ In July, building inspectors from the county arrived. It was determined we did not have the proper number of uprights on the railing of the loft. Anthony Mounts doubled the number and stained them all to look alike.”

●“All during August, Joe was busy passing inspections and checking the equipment to see if it was in working order.”

INTERWEAVE NOTICE:

Interweave is the UUA Affiliated organization of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Intersexed Unitarians Universalists and their Allies. The mission statement of the Interweave Continental, Inc.:

Interweave is a membership organization affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association, dedicated to the spiritual, political, and social well-being of Unitarian Universalists who are confronting oppression as lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender persons, and their heterosexual allies; and facilitates the celebration of the culture and lives of its members.

The September meeting has been postponed until October 9, 2005 after the service. This will be a social event and potluck to be held at Willow La Monte's home in Valrico. For directions and contact information, please contact Jonathan Roudabush jonrbush@hotmail.com.

All interested are welcome.Please join us.

Join the DRUM CIRCLE on the fourth Monday of every month – September 26 / October 24 / November 28, from 7 –9pm in the large dome. This is not a group of “expert drummers” so you do not need any previous experience to join in. If you do not have a drum, that’s okay because most likely there will be some drums to share. Also, join in with rattles, shakers or other instruments. There will be no charge, but we will provide some drinks and snacks, so bring a few coins in your pocket.

MOVIES

The 2005-2006 POPCORN & OPINIONS series begins this month. We are still in need of hosts and facilitators for many of the movies. Please email ddorsey3@tampabay.rr.com if you're interested in either position. The host needs to provide the house, popcorn, and either a big screen TV or normal sized TV. The facilitator needs to provide the DVD and to prepare some questions in advance for the discussion following the movie. Guests need to bring along their favorite snacks and/or drinks to share. There will be a donation box available for anyone who would like to contribute toward the purchase of a big screen TV for the Dome.

September 16, 2005 - Harlan County, USA; hosted by Bill & Harriet Blymiller, facilitated by Tito Basu

October 21st, 2005 - Bread & Roses; hosted by Tito & Michele Basu: facilitated by Tito Basu

November 18, 2005 - Real Women Have Curves - hosted by Judy and Ralph Lehman; facilitated by @

February 17, 2006 - African film (TBA) -hosted by Harriet & Bill Blymiller; facilitated by @

BOOKS

Anyone who is interested in facilitating a book discussion, please contact Denise Dorsey at ddorsey3@tampabay.rr.com. The groups will meet on the designated Sundays following Service. Bring a bag lunch and be ready for a lively discussion. If the book discussion date happens to coincide with a Picnic at the Dome day, you can forego the bag lunch and purchase an incredible meal instead.

September's book discussion group should prove to be an exciting one. The Los Angeles Times Book Review calls Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress "An unexpected miracle ... a delicate, and often hilarious tale." The story of two teenaged city boys exiled to a remote mountain village for re-education during China's Cultural Revolution captures the magic lure of reading and the wonderful nuances of romantic awakening. An international bestseller and favorite of reading groups, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress is Dai Sijie's first novel. Sijie made films in China before he was re-educated or "rehabilitated" during Mao's revolution. He has been living and working in France since 1984. In 2002 the movie written and directed by Sijie was released in France. UU Robin Leigh leads reader-focused book discussions at public libraries and looks forward to hearing your responses to the book and the questions it generates.

September 18th - Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Sijie Dai. - led by Robin Leigh

November 13th - The Bluest Eye - by Toni Morrison, led by Rev. Marjorie Bowen-Wheatley

December 4th - For the Love of a Dog, by Elisabeth Rose, led by (Elisabeth) Lisa Rose

1. CUUPS will be sponsoring a Drumming Circle that is open to all on the 4th Monday of every month at 7:30 PM. Please contact Mary Francis for more information. gldnpuma@earthlink.net

2. The Knitting Circle will meet at 9:30 AM in the small dome, before the Sunday Service. Please contact Liz Bleau lizbleau@verizon.net or Emily Nelson Emily.Nelson3@verizon.net for more information.

3. The SHAG (Secular Humanist Agnostic Group) group continues to meet periodically during the month on evenings. Check the order of service for dates.

4. The Current Events group meets at 10:00 AM in the small dome before the service.

5. Living With Simplicity begins this month. Contact Betty Kaminker (813-246-6568) for more infomation.

6. The Women's Circle, Goddess Gathering, will meet September 13th from 7-9 PM in the UU Dome. All women who attend the UU church are welcome. For further information contact Barbara Rogers Boardwalkbarbara@hotmail.com.

Building Your Own Theology, Part I, facilitated by Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley;Tuesday evenings at 7PM September 20, 27, October 4, 18 and 25

Exploring Humanism, facilitated by Dr. Tito Basu; Tuesday evenings at 7PM: 11-1-05, 11-15-05, 12-6-05, 12-13-05.

Building Your Own Theology, Part II, facilitated by Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley; Tuesday evenings at 7PM, in January and February 2006 (exact dates TBA).

Ethical Issues, facilitated by @; Tuesday evenings at 7PM, 2-21-05 through 3-21-05.

LIVING WITH SIMPLICITY

There will be an orientation meeting for Living With Simplicity at the Temple Terrace Public Library on Wednesday, September 7^th from 7-8pm. The 8 week course will begin on September 14 (7-8:30pm) at the UU Church. Be more aware of the environment, your finances, consumerism, housing, parenting, etc., all areas where we can conserve. Facilitator Betty Kaminker (813)246-6568

TOUR THE SITES AND MEET THE VETERANS OF THE SOUTHERN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Meadville Lombard Theological School is offering an eight-day bus tour of southern civil rights sites March 18 through 26, 2006. This course will give students an experiential look at some of the social, religious, and political dimensions of the Civil Rights Movement. A key feature of the tour will be conversations with veterans of the Movement, with scheduled stops in Birmingham, Marion, Selma, Montgomery, Hayneville (in Alabama), Meridian, Philadelphia, Jackson, Greenwood, Money, Ruleville, Oxford (in Mississippi), and Memphis, Tennessee. Additionally, audio and video presentations will be given on the bus, and there will be stops at several Unitarian Universalist congregations.

The tour is designed as a credit course for theological students and can serve as continuing education for ministers, but is also open to anyone interested in learning more about the Civil Rights Movement.

The instructor, the Rev. Dr. Gordon Gibson, first encountered issues of race in the South as a Unitarian teenager. As a newly ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, he was a participant in the early phases of the 1965 Selma voting rights campaign and from 1969 through 1984 he was the Unitarian Universalist minister in Mississippi.

For more information, visit www.meadville.edu or contact Pamela Williams (pwilliams@meadville.edu).

A group of UU’s meet at Lettuce Lake Park on Thursday mornings at 8:30 am 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.

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. Anatole France

I have a postcard I picked in a gift shop somewhere. It is a black and white photograph of the Three Stooges. They are wearing pith helmets and are standing by one of those signposts that gives the direction and miles to Tunis, 1500 miles away. The problem is that all the signposts say "Tunis, 1500 miles" and they are all pointing in different directions! The Stooges are all pointing in different directions, convinced theirs is the way to go. I keep this postcard handy because it reminds me how unfocused and scattered I can be when I feel pulled in many different directions.

A former minister once famously referred to leading us at UUCT as "herding cats." We laugh about this quality in ourselves, we are proud of our independence of thought, our questioning nature, our many interests and causes. But what keeps us together? What are the essential elements that bind our community?

AI Gatherings are an effort to find those commonalities. Gatherings have been held throughout the summer, and participation levels, while not bad, need to be higher. What keeps you from attending an AI gathering? Many of you have told me it is timing. Work and life schedules; evening meetings, perhaps even lack of child care may create obstacles for you.

This is but the data gathering phase in the process of realizing what the mission, vision, and covenant statements are that define us. If we are to feel that any statement represents us, then we need to try to be a part of this stage of the process.

We will continue to hold AI gatherings in member and friend's homes. In September, watch for AI gatherings to be held at church-during weekdays, after some church Sundays. I hope this will make it easier for more to participate. Please contact me (mizzara@mindspring.com; or 813/974-5263 days) if there are other obstacles to your participation!

I believe we can achieve anything we wish to, if we wish it together. Help us discover the direction in which we all can agree to go.

Ara Rogers

UU Church of Tampa is now able to provide members with the ability to fulfill their pledge contributions electronically. This will allow members and friends to have their pledge automatically debited from either their bank account or their credit cards. This process will eliminate the need to write checks to complete pledge obligations. Since contributions will be listed on bank/credit card account statements, record keeping will be simple. Electronic transfers will also provide additional security since they can't be misplaced, lost or stolen, as a check might.

The Vanco organization, which the church has engaged to provide this service, currently processes electronic contributions for thousands of churches. A significant number of the churches currently using the services of Vanco are Unitarian Universalist Churches. These churches range from several dozen members up to several thousand members. Vanco is a member of he Upper Midwest Automated Clearing House Association and has over 15 years of experience processing electronic transactions through the ACH (Automated Clearing House) Network.

Available in the church office is the form which you may use to signup for this service. Please send completed forms to the Finance Committee at the church. We hope you will be pleased with this new benefit, which the Finance Committee now offers to our members and friends.

If 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/

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:

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

Have a particular sermon you want to hear again? Really liked that choir anthem and would like a copy? Your favorite son/daughter/friend was featured in the service and you would like a keepsake? All the services are recorded and available on CD. Just stop by the sound room and ask. Copies are $5 and are generally available the week following the request.

CONCERTS IN THE UU DOME

At Domelight deadline several upcoming concerts are in the works but none are yet "on the books." Please check the concert link at the church web site from time to time so you can get the latest updates.

A non-music event which is also in the works is the possibility of the wonderful PHYLLIS MCEWEN bringing her portrayal of Zora Neal Hurston to us. We're looking at early October (possibly the 7th) for this event. Stay tuned!

As for the August concerts, I'd like to thank all you Dome Gnomes for supporting them - whether it was as a volunteer or an audience member or all of the above. If you haven't seen the photos taken by Carol Partington of our "Official 50th Anniversary Concert" which featured Michael Smith, please take a look at http://homepage.Mac.com/cap/UUCP/ .

In addition to the Michael Smith concert on Aug 1, we also featured Pierce Pettis on Aug 14. On the music side of the street, as always, the two concerts were superb. On the fundraising side of the street, we raised $788. Good music and good green stuff too. What a deal.

Last year our dinners were organized by Diana Stevens…..but she has gone on to bigger and better things as she has been nominated to the Board of Trustees and begins her term in September. We would normally start the dinners in September, but are delaying them until October to allow us to enjoy the Spaghetti and Game Night dinner, which will be held on the night usually reserved for the Friendship Dinners. (the second Saturday of the Month) We are looking for someone to take Diana’s place in organizing the dinners. This basically involves finding a person/s to host the month’s dinner/s, posting a sign-up sheet or supplying the host with a list of people to call in the case of a zip code dinner. Have you an interest in being that organizer? Do you have some clever ideas for new and interesting dinner themes? If so contact Diana Stevens at 813/948-4630

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.

NOTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

THE BIG NIGHT IS FAST APPROACHING WILL WE SEE YOU THERE?!!!

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS

GETTING TO KNOW NEW MEMBERS

MOVIES

BOOKS

LIVING WITH SIMPLICITY

CONCERTS IN THE UU DOME

SUNDAY SERVICES NOW BROADCAST ON FM RADIO

CALENDAR OF WEEKLY EVENTS

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY