Domelight November

Domelight

Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa - November 2005

Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley, Minister Katie Culbert, RE Director

There is a book on my shelf called “Putting an End to The Worship Wars.” The book is written mainly for Christian churches in which the primary conflict is whether services should follow long-standing traditions or shift styles in order to appeal to contemporary needs and expectations, particularly of the younger set. The first approach relies on old hymn standards and a traditional liturgy, including a sermon. The second approach is an energetic praise service with lots of live music, which is often led by one or more ministers—lay or ordained. Most often, contemporary services feature at least one large screen that directs the congregation through participatory worship—lyrics and inspirational images.

Unitarian Universalist congregations experience a different kind of worship conflict. Our primary conflicts include (and here, I am not referring specifically to our church, but to other congregations both in and out of Florida): (1) the purpose of Sunday morning: whether the service is worship, celebration, or something else; (2) language: whether a pulpit speaker can safely used the G word or the J word, or “prayer,” “holy” or explicitly religious words without being spoken to or otherwise made to feel uncomfortable; (3) whether or not joys and concerns are “appropriate” sharing; and (4) how to manage announcements.

Thankfully, at least for the time being, we seem to have come to a happy medium around most of the above, issues that have led to congregations splitting. But we have not resolved the issue of announcements.

For those who were not among us two years ago, when I arrived in 2003, announcements were at the beginning of the service. Following the wisdom of my colleagues not to make too many radical changes, I left the order of service pretty much the way I inherited it … until the Sunday that announcements occupied the first 17 minutes of the service. That day, in order to end the service “on time,” I offered a very abbreviated sermon—cutting it on the spot to about five minutes—and informed the congregation of why I did so. The next week, I changed the sequence of the service to our present format with announcements at the end. I heard no complaints about my taking this radical step.

But I (and the Committee on Ministry) have heard complaints recently: that there are too many announcements and/or that the announcements are taking too long. Despite strong, but courteous request by the convener to keep announcements brief, and despite printed announcements appearing in the bulletin, for the first five Sundays of this church year, on average, announcements have taken about 10 minutes; and once, nearly 15 minutes.

The Worship Committee is in the process of discussing how to address this issue. Among the suggestions are:

1. Announcements after the chalice has been extinguished and the closing words spoken. (We tried this on October 16^th). Do we need a statement about the importance of announcements to our community and inviting them to leave at that point?

2. In lieu of spoken announcements, start a weekly bulletin board exclusively for current announcements.

3. Have the convener (or someone else) gather, edit, and make all announcements.

4. Schedule the service for one hour 15 minutes in order to accommodate announcements.

We don’t need to put an end to a “Worship War” but we do need to address this issue. What feels most comfortable for you? If you have ideas or suggestions, please seek out John Jeter (chair) or a member of the Worship Committee (full list of members inside) or plan to attend the next meeting of the Worship Committee: Thursday, November 10^th at 7:00 p.m.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

One Place. All Faiths

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

This year’s auction promises to be much fun, a good chance for you to purchase something unusual for a Christmas gift to your nearest and dearest.

However, to make it a success, now is the time to commit to donating something of value to our church for the auction. If you have friends who own businesses, they may be interested in donating goods or services for publicity, and to help out our church.

Dinner, Meals, Food, Drinks Computer Assistance, Handy Man Services, Framing, Pictures, Glass Ware, House Wares, House Services, Lawn Services, Professional Services, Lessons, CDs, DVDs, Electrical Goods, Clothing, Lessons, Kitchen Goods, Tours, Admission to museums, amusement parks, concerts, etc.

Our very own Cay Cahalin will be the auctioneer, but she can't do it alone. She needs our donations.

If you have something to give, please let Candy Gale (813-317-7660) or Russell Patterson (813-849-3919) know. Goods and services are welcome.

Thanks to the generous contributions of the members and friends of this Church, the UUCT was able to send a total of $2,868.93 to the UUA-UUSC for Gulf Coast hurricane relief. The money was collected over a period of five weeks, with four of those weeks set aside for special Sunday collections. A breakout of the money collected is:

Much thanks to all who gave so generously. A very special thank you to our Sunday Greeters/Collection Counters who were able to keep all the collection counts separate and accurate even when faced with numerous interruptions. They are truly patient souls. Signed - Ed Benedict, Treasurer.

FRIENDSHIP DINNERS GOT OFF TO A FLYING START!

We began this season’s Friendship Dinners with a bang-up success! There were three dinners in all and a grand time was had by all who attended; wonderful food, wonderful conversation and wonderful people. Now it’s time to sign up for November, December and January, as we already have hosts for those months. But don’t let that stop you if you are just dying to have a go at it during those months…two or three dinners during the month is not a problem. Sign-up sheets are posted in the foyer of the church with time, address and the number of guests that can be accommodated by each host. Sign up early to make sure you are able experience a great evening of food, fun and camaraderie.

Felice Richardson…..January 14th

If you are new to this fun way of meeting and getting to know folks in the church in a more intimate, conversation-provoking setting, here’s how it works: put your name and phone number on the sheet posted in the foyer of the church…or you may call Martha Robinson (813/985-4777) or email to (mrobins7@tampabay.rr.com) to sign up for the dinner that best fits your circumstances (location, time and date). The list of persons wishing to attend is then given to the host who will call you and find out where your talents lie, food-wise. The host usually opts to fix the main dish, but that is not a hard and fast rule. Those attending may choose from appetizers, side dishes, bread, salads, wine or dessert or any combination thereof to complement the main course…then, you show up with your contribution to the dinner and a hearty appetite on the designated day and time ready to enjoy great food and conversation.

If you would like to host a dinner contact, again, Martha Robinson, (813/985-4777) (mrobins7@tampabay.rr.com)

The date is usually the 2^nd Saturday of the month, but as you can see, that is not a hard and fast rule...the hosts may pick another date that is better for them and it will be on the sign up sheet.

We have had dinners based around a particular zip code (I have a list of the whole congregation and friends listed by zip code available) or a theme dinner (Cuban, Italian, Mexican, etc.), and hosts have also invited family, friends and neighbors to help fill out a scanty list (great way to introduce folks to the UUCT community…who knows, they may enjoy the company so much they will decide to find out more about UU’s and start attending church!) You, as a host, can set the mood for your particular dinner. It’s great fun.

The church has been presented with the opportunity of having a thirty-minute documentary created celebrating our 50th Anniversary. Photographer Ross Chandler has offered his services as a gift to our congregation. Ross has attended U.U.C.T. periodically since the mid 1970's.

Over the next month or so Ross will be photographing members and events. When you see him working, make him feel welcome. Any ideas and assistance will be appreciated; just share your thoughts with the man with the camera.

Additionally, the 50th Anniversary Committee is searching for photographs of and about functions at church or relating to church functions. If you come across any old photos of members and related topics, please offer them to be copied, then returned. They are to be given to Gene Pizzo to add to his UUCT Historic CD Collection. Ross will be working with Gene and others to create his UUCT DVD Documentary.

WOMEN’S CIRCLE “GODDESS GATHERING”

The next Women's Circle, "Goddess Gathering" will be held Sun. Nov. 13 from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Topic to be announced. We will continue to meet and create sacred space with ritual to honor goddesses of old, and the "goddess within" each woman. Contact Barbara Rogers

Most of us need a little extra help now and then. If you need a lift to the doctor's office or to church, someone to pick up a prescription for you, help with preparing meals, a grocery shopper or a hospital visitor, please give one of the CARE COMMITTEE a call. We'll also lend a friendly ear if you just need to talk.

If you'd like to join us on the committee, please call Joyce Formica at 988-1907. The committee meets quarterly, and our next meeting will be in January.

RESPECTING OUR SHARED SPACE

Because of space limitations groups that are not part of the Religious Education program must at times use the small dome or the nursery for meetings. In recent weeks the space has been used and chairs, tables and materials were rearranged and trash was left behind. We ask that you please return the space to it's original set up afterwards. Thanks! - The Religious Education Program

Universalist Church of Tampa

One Place. All Faiths

LEARN ABOUT OUR NEW MEMBERS

We welcomed 10 new members to the UUCT congregation on Oct. 2! Please help make them feel at home. Here’s the inside scoop from five new members, mostly in their own words:

I moved to Tampa five years ago from NYC and live close to the church. I have one son, who is graduating from Columbia University this year. I moved here to find a more serene, laid back and congenial life style. (Oh well). I was over the hustle and bustle of the big city, and wanted a warmer climate, and a slower paced, geographic temperament. I am a "recovering Catholic." I've "experimented" with other major religions over the past 10 years, including Unitarian churches. I visited a Unitarian church years ago, and found it more compatible to my personal beliefs and values.

I have a BS degree in Psychology; worked as Director of Employment at Columbia University for many years and as Employment Manager at Busch Gardens until a year ago. Now I am in an early, "semi-retirement." All my adult professional life has been in human resources. At this point, I'd love to have a part-time job, preferably 20 hours a week.

I was initially attracted to UU just out of curiosity, seeing the "dome" when driving past. One day I went online, and wrote the Minister of my spiritual interests. She invited me to a service, and the rest is history.

I hope to find individuals at UU with social, political and personal issues similar to mine. I am a very outgoing individual and enjoy the outdoors, canoeing, kayaking, etc. I also enjoy working with children, some office work, am excellent with public relations, and good speaking to groups.

I have lived in Tampa for one year with a 15-year-old cat named Miss Lee. I moved here from Bowling Green, Ohio where I attended a UU church off and on. I am drawn to Unitarian Universalism because I consider myself to be spiritual but not religious. We seem to live in a materialistic, self-centered society, and the UU church reminds me that there are other values besides these.

In the past, I taught high school for five years in Ohio and Michigan. I am now a full-time graduate student at USF working on a PhD in math education. I will be working on the degree for at least three more years. I plan to leave Florida at that time.

Hobbies: classical guitar, roller-blading, reading fiction, environmentalism, philosophical discussions, tutoring kids in math.

I am a widow with three adult children, four grandchildren and two cats, Cooshotishi and Kiboko, whom I got at the Humane Society. I live in New Tampa in the Pebble Creek condos.

This is my first time as a UU member. My mother was raised Unitarian but didn’t attend as an adult. When I was a child, my family lived on the Isles of Shoales, 10 miles off the coast of New Hampshire in the Atlantic Ocean. My father was caretaker of the hotel, which is owned as a summer retreat by the Unitarian Universalists. I lived there until age 7, where we were the only inhabitants on the island nine months of the year.

I found UUCT through National Organization of Women (NOW) meetings held at the church in the late ‘80s-early ‘90s. A friend, Carolyn Hines, brought me to church. At UUCT, I hope to find friendship, acceptance of my love and admiration of Jewish religion and my sense of acceptance of all faiths and beliefs.

While I’m open to church activities, I have multiple sclerosis, which limits my ability to participate. I used to be very active, but balance and fatigue problems prevent me from doing much that I would like to do. So it’s not lack of interest, apathy or laziness – but rather just the place I am in now!

I have a BA in Gerontology and Masters in Mental Health Counseling and am a retired mental health counselor and researcher. I enjoy sketching and painting, reading, reading groups, yoga and home projects.

In Florida for six years, I now live near Busch and 50^th Street with two cats, Azazel and Amber. This is my first UU church. I found UUCT on the website. Reading past Domelights gave me a really good idea of what this church is about. I was drawn by the spirit of openness and friendliness. I quickly joined the choir, which I enjoy very much.

I have a BA in History, which is currently adorning my wall. I dust it off occasionally. I'm a trainer for Alltel Technical Support. I teach people how to fix phones.

I am a single gay man; divorced with two adult children: David is 24, Candace is 23. Both live in upstate New York. My sister, Deborah Irizarry, often attends our UU congregation and my mother, Ellen Guilford, visits when she feels well enough.

I live in Zephyrhills. My family has owned a home in the area since the 1960's, so this area has always been my second home. I lived in Tampa in 1992-3 and last year, 2004, I moved down permanently. My hometown, Belfast NY, is south of Rochester, NY. Most of my adult life was spent in Syracuse, NY.

My awareness of the UU congregation goes back to the early 1980's, but at that time I was not willing to participate in any church. Last year after settling in Florida, I began to correspond with fellow Humanists in the area. I discovered that many of these folks attended the UU congregation in Lakeland, so I first visited that church. I was soon hooked. But so much of my life revolves around the Tampa area, that I decided last spring to visit. I am so happy to be part of a marvelous spiritual church. UU principles are consistent with my personal philosophy. The services provide opportunities for me to reflect, evaluate and expand my belief system.

I have two BA degrees; Communications and French, both from Houghton College in Houghton, NY. This is a small Christian college where my mother once taught. I have post graduate work at Middlebury College in Middlebury, VT as well as credits at Syracuse University, where I last worked.

Boiled down, I have had three careers. The first was in broadcasting, as an on-air personality including hosting a talk show. The second was computer sales focusing on desktop publishing and graphic arts. The third was a teaching staff member at Syracuse University. I worked in the Newhouse School for Public Communications managing the college help desk and coordinating eleven computerized teaching labs.

I do countryana wood inlay artwork. I also write, and rewrite, and illustrate my children's stories. I love to hike, swim and play cards.

I am already active with Interweave. As I rework my personal commitments, I plan to join SMUG.

If you are a new member and have not yet been featured in the Domelight, please contact Liz Taylor at 813-237-8497 or liztaylorfl@tampabay.rr.com

Interweave had a wonderful joint discussion with the Men, Women and Feminism group at our October Meeting. Special thank you to Willow for hosting us at her home. This month we return to the regular business meeting on the 13th of November after Church in the small dome. This will be a potluck so please feel free to bring your culinary experiments for tryout on willing test subjects. All those concerned with the equality of Lesbian, bisexual, trans-gendered, and Gay people are welcome!

CIRCLES IN THE WOODS CUUPS

(Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans)

Remember the days of 'ol, when storytelling, poems, music, songs, and dances were the way of entertainment? Come and join our Full Moon Celebration on November 19 at 7:30 pm for our Bardic Circle and offer your talent to entertain others. Circles in the Woods CUUPS meeting will be November 7 is at 7:00pm, followed with a workshop on Healing Touch with instructor, Carol Westmoreland. Class fee is a donation.

Also note: 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.

Take this opportunity to become acquainted with this year's Worship Committee, which includes the following members:

Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley (Minister, ex-officio member of all committees)

We welcome your feedback and comments about any aspect of the Sunday morning Worship Services. You may contact any member of this committee with your comments.

The Worship Committee meets at the church, at 7:00 pm, on the second Thursday of each month.

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.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Thanks to Michael Blymiller, Jay Hall, and Gene Pizzo for their work and emergency assistance in allowing us to view "Human Shield" prior to the August 21 Service.

Rambunctious UU GalavanterS had a fantastic gathering today. There were 11 of us who met for the MOSI exhibit 'Bodies'. It was most enlightening. We had Ralph Lehman with us to explain things as we had many questions. It was a wonderful/educational activity. Then we all decided to go to a Vietnamese restaurant for lunch.

Note: We changed the name from Retired UU GalavanterS to Rambunctious. We feel the name is more fitting and you certainly don't have to be retired to join us for any of these activities. Join us when you can. This is a drop in type of thing. Bring friends - that's OK, too. Call Judy Lehman (866-0591) or Diana Stevens (948-4630) for further details.

Saturday, November 5th - RUUGS Road Trip - meet at the church at 9:00AM and we will be car pooling to Micanope for the Fall Festival. We may drop by Marilyn Kershner and Al Tweedy's new abode.

Wednesday, November 9th - RUUGS Arts Event - It is from 6pm to 9pm and I know that is not during the day - but some things are worth getting together for. So, this is the proposal - Second Wednesday ARTS YBOR where History Meets the Arts. On the second Wed of each month, Ybor City's galleries and creative businesses, unique boutiques, retail shops and its many fine restaurants welcome visitors with special events honoring Ybor City's heritage as the cultural and economic hub of Tampa. I have a flyer and will post it at church. You can contact 813-248-3712 for more information. We could meet in the courtyard of Centro Ybor at 6:00 pm, as that is very close to the parking garage, and it is central to all the participating events.

Wednesday, November 16th - RUUGS Afternoon Concert - Noon - 1:00PM (eating & socializing) 2:00 - 3:00PM (Concert). Bring your own sack lunch. Dessert & drink available for purchase. CONCERT FEATURING SMALL POTATOES www.smallpotatoesmusic.com

This will be a pass the collection plate twice affair: First time for the musicians and second time for the church.

The Chicago based contemporary singer-songwriter/folk duo SMALL POTATOES is Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso. They are entertaining, energetic, eclectic and extremely talented. Audiences adore the Spuds. At their performances, one hears two great voices, fine guitar playing, and a touch of tin whistle, flute, mandolin, bodhran, and other percussion toys. They perform in clubs and coffeehouses across the U.S., as well as in major festivals, including the Philadelphia Folk Festival, the Walnut Valley Folk Festival, and the Summerfolk Festival in Owen Sound, Ontario. They have headlined the Gamble Rogers Music Festival in St Augustine and the South Florida Folk Festival in Ft. Lauderdale.

813-837-6572, gshello@tampabay.rr.com

Please keep tuned to the concert link at the church web site for the latest updates to the concert calendar. You can also find concert info on my blog www.gloriasmusic.blogspot.com

The Domelight deadline date finds me with a couple of "maybe" November concerts but nothing definite. If they materialize, I'll spread the word via our group email, the website, etc.

As for December, although we had our "official 50th anniversary concert" a few months ago, we've not had an "official 50th anniversary HOLIDAY concert." Thus, in the authority invested in me as the concert committee chair, I'm hereby declaring that on December 11 we will have our "Official 50th Anniversary HOLIDAY Concert" featuring the popular folk group SOUTHWIND. Since this is Southwind's 8th holiday concert for us, it's only fitting that they should do the "50th" honors. internetfla.com/southwind/ourmusic.html

Later in December we'll have a 2nd "unofficial" holiday concert. It will feature the young, loopy, energetic, multi-talented, MPE BAND. mpeband.com.

There's some talk about having an occasional weekday daytime concert. The thought is that this might appeal to retirees or others who are free during the day. One idea would be to maybe have a noonish pot luck or sack lunch and socializing time followed by a concert. The important thing would be to have it early enough so that everyone could be back home well before the rush-hour traffic jams. If this sounds like something of interest to you, please give me a holler.

The 2005-2006 POPCORN & OPINIONS series continues this month with the movie Real Women Have Curves, hosted and facilitated by Pat and Ed Benedict. The movie relates to labor, cultural, and women's issues: You won't want to miss it!

SYNOPSIS of Real Women Have Curves, taken from www.rottentomatoes.com

Ana is a beautiful Mexican-American girl who has just completed high school. Her English teacher and mentor, Mr. Guzman recognizes that Ana is a smart and talented student and wants her to apply to college. But Ana's deeply traditional mother, Carmen, insists that she stay at home and help her sister working in a dressmaking factory. Ana is strong-willed and sometimes defiant, but she accepts her mother's instructions and works at the factory, simultaneously applying to Columbia University. The sweatshop that her sister operates opens Ana's eyes to the injustices of business. She sees how her sister is mistreated and underpaid by the Bloomingdale's executives who have contracted her to make their dresses. Dresses that cost the factory $18 to make are sold at Bloomindales for $600, and Ana questions where all that money goes. Ana awakens her mother, sister, and co-workers to the idea that they are more than just pretty pictures or wives or mothers. In the end, Ana learns a lot about herself, her family, and even romance, on her way to seeing herself as a woman. This beautiful, sweet film is directed by Colombian-born Patricia Cardoso, and highlights the superb talent of 17-year-old Ferrera in the role of Ana.

November 18, 2005 - Real Women Have Curves – hosted and facilitated by Pat and Ed Benedict (note change from previous listing)

January 20, 2006- Whale Rider - hosted by Diana Stevens and Grant Wilson; facilitated by Suzie Siegel

February 17, 2006 - Moolade -hosted by Harriet & Bill Blymiller; facilitated by Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley

April 21, 2006- Strawberry & Chocolate – hosted and facilitated by TBA; facilitated by TBA

May 19, 2006- Chutney Popcorn - hosted by TBA; facilitated by Suzie Siegel

We are in need of one final host for our movie, Chutney Popcorn. Please email ddorsey3@tampabay.rr.com if interested. The host provides the house, popcorn, and either a big screen TV or normal sized TV, while the facilitator provides the DVD and prepares some questions in advance for the discussion following the movie. Guests are welcome 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 to the purchase of a multi-media projector for the Dome.

Anyone who is interested in facilitating a book discussion after the month of February, 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’re welcome to purchase a delectable dinner instead. Don’t miss our next book discussion, November 13^th, which will be The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison, and facilitated by Rev. Marjorie Bowen-Wheatley.

Originally published in 1970, The Bluest Eye is Toni Morrison's first novel. Set in Lorain, Ohio, in 1941, the point of view is passed like a baton from one character to the next, with Morrison's own voice functioning as a kind of gold standard throughout. The focus, though, is on an 11-year-old black girl named Pecola Breedlove, whose entire family has been given a cosmetic cross to bear: You looked at them and wondered why they were so ugly; you looked closely and could not find the source. Then you realized that it came from conviction, their conviction. It was as though some mysterious all-knowing master had given each one a cloak of ugliness to wear, and they had each accepted it without question. And they took the ugliness in their hands, threw it as a mantle over them, and went about the world with it.

This vein of self-hatred is exactly what keeps Morrison's novel from devolving into a cut-and-dried scenario of victimization. She may in fact pin too much of the blame on the beauty myth: "Along with the idea of romantic love, she was introduced to another--physical beauty. Probably the most destructive ideas in the history of human thought. Both originated in envy, thrived in insecurity, and ended in disillusion." Yet the destructive power of these ideas is essentially colorblind, which gives The Bluest Eye the sort of universal reach that Morrison's imitators can only dream of. And that, combined with the novel's modulated pathos and musical, fine-grained language, makes for not merely a sophisticated debut but a permanent one. –(Excerpts taken from James Marcus on Amazon.com

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

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

February 19th- The Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd, led by Rena Bird

1. CUUPS will be sponsoring a Drumming Circle 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 in Simplicity classes continue. Contact Betty Kaminker (813-246-6568) for more information.

6. The Women's Circle, Goddess Gathering, meets monthly in the UU Dome. All women who attend the UU church are welcome. For further information contact Barbara Rogers Boardwalkbarbara@hotmail.com.

7. Small Group Ministry: Groups of six to ten people who covenant to be together to share the richness of personal experience, growth and service. Groups are facilitated. So me have organized around a particular theme, while others are more open. When the group reaches capacity, a new group is formed. For further information, contact Joan Lund at lundjb@verizon.net or 981-9727.

8. Full Moon Circle meets monthly on the Saturday closest to the Full Moon. Check out our website www.uutampa.org for more details.

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

3. Building Your Own Theology, (6-10), facilitated by Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley; Tuesday evenings at 7PM, 1-24-06 through 2-24-06.

4. Ethical Issues, facilitated by TBA; Tuesday evenings at 7PM, 3-7-05 through 3-28-05.

5. Wicca 101: Sponsored by the Circles in the Woods CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans), and open to the public. Dates are January 6 and 13, February 13 and 20, and March 13 and 20 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. A $30 donation is requested for materials. To register, e-mail: gldnpuma@earthlink.net.

6.Getting to Know UU: For those who may feel ready to join us in membership, and for those who are already members but have not yet taken this class. Participants are invited to explore their own spiritual journeys, the history of Unitarian Universalism, and to learn about how our church operates. Facilitated by Marty Pelham and the Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley, this class will be offered on Saturdays, January 28 and June 3, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. d

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

DRUMMING CIRCLE

Join the DRUM CIRCLE sponsored by CUUPS on the fourth Monday of every month - November 28 / December 26, 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.

A group of UU’s meet on at Lettuce Lake Park 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.

Come one! Come All!
Habitat for Unitarians Day
Spruce Up! Clean Up! Fix Up!

Saturday, November 12, 2005 9:00 am - Noon
Followed by an all church picnic!
We need you to help make this day a success.
Lots of community fun and accomplishments guaranteed.

We will divide up all volunteers into teams to work inside outside, upside and downside our two domes and our 71/2 acre property. Pick your team and pick your job. There is a job for everyone. Sign up in church or just show up. Even if you're busy that day, we have jobs that can be done before or afterwards. If you know of something that needs to be done, call and get it put on the list. Please call Marla Frazer 932-8490 or 777-9931 for all questions and comments.

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.

CALENDAR OF WEEKLY EVENTS

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Nov. 1 (7-9pm)…………………....….Exploring Humanisim

Nov. 7 (7-9pm)…………………...... CUUPS Monthly Meeting

Nov. 8 (7-9pm)………………………Exploring Humanisim

ELECTRONIC PLEDGES

Remember, you can now fulfill your pledge contribution electronically. Please stop in the church office and pick up a form to fill out to sign up for this service. Complete the form and send or bring it back to the Finance Committee at the church (they have a mail box in the church office). It is a great way to get your pledge in on time with no fuss and no bother. No more frantically writing a check while the offering plate sits in your lap causing exasperation to those around you. No more panicking at the end of the month when you realize you were out of town the day you usually make your pledge payment and totally forgot after that. Life is a breeze when you pay electronically. Try it! You’ll like it!