We get the name of this month, January, from Roman mythology.  Janus—the god of gates and doors, beginnings and endings—is depicted as having two faces, each looking in opposite directions. 

While every new year represents transition, as I reflect on the end of 2005 and the beginning of 2006, Janus seems to be a particularly appropriate symbol for the state of our nation, indeed our world: a double-faced god looking at what was, and what is new and emerging.

The events of 2005—the backward looking face of Janus—may signal a shift in our personal lives.  For me, it was the loss of three close relatives: my father, my 10-year old nephew, and my first cousin.   As I reflect on my relationships with these loved ones, I experience myself as a changed person.

At a national level, I am also part of a qualitative shift in the mood of the country and how we see our government and ourselves.  The verdict in the Sami Al-Arian trial gave me new hope for democracy—that “we, the people” can make judgments based on the law rather than prejudice.   This case happened in Tampa, but it had national significance.  Another case on the national scene, the execution of Stanley Tookey Williams, makes me wonder if our government will ever believe that a person can truly be redeemed.

We are a global village, and yet, in the midst of so many physical and social calamities, it is difficult to wrap our heads around the devastation of Pakistan in which an estimated 70,000 people died.  The AIDS pandemic in Africa and the alarming potential of bird flu pandemic also represents a shift in how I think about the future.

But the change that stands out most for me is Hurricane Katrina.  History tells us that the storm of 1900 devastated the city of Galveston and reshaped the Gulf Coast forever.  Does the forward looking face of Janus see the end of the City of New Orleans, as we knew it?  For me, Katrina’s devastation of New Orleans is a classic illustration of the double-faced god looking in opposite directions.  It was a city built on fantasies: an unstable foundation that would eventually sink below sea level; an engineered system of dams and levees that could not withstand the competing interests and lack of cooperation between the local, state, and federal governments who could look the other way and blame each other.  The city had developed a rich local cultural landscape where diversity was admired but was not supported; where poor people’s labor sustained transient interests; where freedom and risk jostled for the attention of tourists who could look the other way when they returned home.  As the Gulf Coast is rebuilt, whom will it be built for—the people who called this place home or for outsiders and big business?   What will we call ‘progress?’  Whose interests will rule the day?

For the ancient Romans, Janus represented the transition between primitive life and their so-called civilization, between the countryside and the city, peace and war, youth and old age.   In their quest for power and dominion over others, the Romans turned their backs on indigenous wisdom of the people they conquered and chose the way of exploitation and violence. 

We have not yet triumphed over war and peace, youth and old age, and we meant to live in harmony with nature, not to triumph over it. The Romans believed that Janus held a key in his right hand.  What did that key open?  I believe that we too hold the key to our future in our hands by the conscious choices that we make, in how we relate to ourselves, to each other (including our government), and to nature.   

What does the forward-looking face of Janus see in terms of all these events?  Will we go the way of empire or learn the spiritual lessons of 2005?

                                                         See you in church,

UUCT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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

INTERWEAVE

Interweave is the UUA Affiliated organization of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans-gendered, Inter-sexed Unitarians and their Allies.

Interweave UUCT is affiliated with Interweave Continental.

We have monthly meetings usually on the second Sunday of the month.  This month we will be meeting at the church on January 9th after the service.

All those interested in the concerns and issues of the Lesbian, Transgender, Bisexual, and Gay community are welcome to attend and to join our UUCT Interweave chapter.  Straight Allies are encouraged!  To find out more about us, and  Interweave, contact Joe Weinstien, or Jonathan Roudabush through the church office.

WE NEED MULCH!!!

Lots and lots of mulch!  Help us beautify our many flowerbeds and the memorial garden. We are asking everyone in the church to bring a bag of mulch to church on any Sunday.  We're not picky... any type of normal red cedar mulch is fine.  It is available at all the department stores, Home Depot, and Lowe’s for just a couple of bucks.  Call Marla for more details.  932-8490.

PLEDGE INFO: When making a cash contribution toward your 2005 – 2006 pledge, place the money in an envelope and please print your name on the envelope.  

SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES

Living by Heart Small Group first meeting will be Sunday, January 15th, 2006 after church in the nursery. 

Based on a devotional concept by Harry Scholefield and Laurel Hallman, Living by Heart is taking words into you and letting them live with you.  You will want to absorb the meanings and associations within the poems as well as understanding the discipline of memorizing the poems themselves.

At the first meeting, we will view a short film and have available a workbook by Laurel Hallman, Senior Minister of 1st UU Church of Dallas, TX.  We will have available numerous poetry books and hymnals that you can use.  We'll also schedule our following meetings.

Candy Gale
813-317-7660
candylgale@earthlink.net`

Russell Patterson
6050 River Trace Street
Tampa, FL 33617
813-849-3919

THE NEXT FRIENDSHIP DINNER IS SLATED FOR JANUARY 14^TH!!!

Our December Friendship Dinners were hosted by Mary Francis and Martha Robinson.  A grand time was had by all and hope you are envious of those who attended and are itching to join in the festivities at the January dinner hosted by Felice Richardson. A sign up sheet is posted in the church foyer.  She has room for 10 to 12 people.  Sign up early!

If you are curious or have attended and enjoyed the experience would you consider offering your home as host site for dinners in the coming months?  Call Martha Robinson (813/985-4777) or email mrobins7@tampabay.rr.com to become a host or to sign up for the January dinner if you can’t make it to the sign up sheet in time. 

YRUU AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALENDAR 2005/2006

January 1^st – No R.E.
January 13^th -15^th – YRUU Gainesville Con
February 5^th – YRUU Intergenerational Worship Service 11:00
February 19^th – Breakfast with UUA President Reverend Bill       Sinkford (tentative)
February 19^th – Worship service with Rev. Sinkford
March 17^th  -19^th  – YRUU Clearwater Con
April 7^th - 8^th - District Assembly and Youth Caucus in Vero Beach
April 16^th - Flower Communion/Easter Intergenerational service
May 5^th – 7^th – YRUU Tampa Con
May 21^st – R.E. Sunday Intergenerational worship service and end of the year picnic.    

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Many thanks to Gene Pizzo who has put 250+ photographs on one CD!  Copies are now available for $10.00 and you can find a sign up sheet on the same table where we were selling Entertainment Books. Just think what a great gift this would be!

The CD "Memory Lane" is a product of our 50th Anniversary Celebration and is a great gift to our Church Community. All proceeds go to the UUCT! This CD will bring back many memories for long-time members and give a sense of history to new members.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

 The Worship Committee is looking for several good women and men to serve as convener on a few Sundays in early 2006.

A template is provided each Sunday with the order of service and the duties of the various positions--such as convener.

If you are interested contact John Jeter at fabjet@verizon.net or (813/914 –8534). Or speak to any member of the Worship Committee. Harriet Blymiller, Mall Giles, Tom Hagner, John Jeter, or Marty Pelham.   -- Thank You.

WALK IN THE PARK

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.  

UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS
Joan Lund

This is the time when we voice our resolutions for the New Year. Personally I am not much good at resolutions…perhaps it’s the “old dog, new tricks” syndrome. However I do resolve to continue to do my best as your UUA Trustee. Last month I indicated this month’s column would be a continuation of the UUA Comprehensive Capital Campaign, focusing on the Campaign’s strategic plan. At the October, 2005 Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting, the BOT’s Finance Committee was presented with the Campaign’s draft strategic plan and its overarching goals. The BOT, at their January meeting, will formally discuss and consider the Campaign’s purpose and vote on its financial goals. According to Rev. Terry Sweetser and the Stewardship and Development Managers the plan is to run the Campaign’s “silent phase” from February, 2006 to June, 2007. The public phase is planned to begin in June, 2007, ending when the goal is completed, hopefully by June, 2009.

Rev. Sweetser indicated several understandings under-gird this Campaign: the UUA is supported primarily by contributions from individuals and congregations; UUA fund raising is built on strong, trusting relationships with, and accountability to our donors; our responsibility to our donors is giving them opportunities to voice and realize their dreams for our faith, in the institution they love; and there is a spirit of abundance within Unitarian Universalism that has yet to be fully recognized and used.

The strategic plan for the Campaign involves multiple layers of, and opportunities for participation of UUs. There will be major cash gifts (over $100,000), mid-range cash gifts ($5,000-100,000), planned gifts, congregational giving opportunities for specific projects, a planned increase in the Friends program, other gifts (up to $5,000), and a planned increase in “Umbrella Gifts” (contributions and commitments in which the donor provides support for more than one UU institution). There are plans to employ the services of professional consultants in developing some of the campaign tactics.

The financial goals for the Campaign are designed to create a healthy balance between cash/pledges and planned/bequest gifts, congregational involvement, and gifts joined in with pledge commitments to other UU institutions. The goals will be divided into two categories: cash (outright gifts and multiyear pledges) and deferred (planned and estate gifts).

As always I encourage you to become familiar with www.uua.org, where there is a wealth of information about everything UU, and current news about our Association. I also encourage you to contact me for whatever UU matters/questions are of concern to you: jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727. HAPPY NEW YEAR one and all.

ALTERNATIVE TO VIOLENCE BASIC WORKSHOP

When:  Saturday, January 21st and 28th from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Where:  Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, Dome

Facilitators:  Cecilia Yocum, who has worked in Rwanda and Burundi with Friends Peace Teams.  Beth Meeker, Cindy Hillman, and Robin Leigh.

Registration.  Please sign up at the fellowship hall, or call or email Robin 813-571-1366, or leigh520jr@yahoo.com

Cost:  Darrell Heft has asked for a $30 donation to AVP prison work.  He will offer one scholarship.  Call if you have a need.

The AVP Tampa Bay web site states:  The Alternatives to Violence Project is a non-profit (501c3) multicultural, volunteer organization dedicated to reducing interpersonal violence in our society through experiential workshops that empower people to lead non-violent lives through affirmation, respect for all, community building, cooperation and trust.
I have participated in three AVP workshops, and they were each wonderful, unique experiences.  I had a lot of fun, stretched my understanding of peacemaking, developed some conflict resolution skills, and made some wonderful friends.  Sharing this experience together during the UU's 50th Year of celebrations is a great way for our fellowship to deepen a sense of community among its members and with others in the Bay area who wish to explore the foundations of creating a culture of peace.  Bringing of AVP to UUCT is my gift to you: I hope that each of us will grow and that we will become stronger in our understanding and commitments to Unitarian Universalist principles, especially these three: 

·  The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

·  Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; and 

·  The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.

Please make a commitment to spend two Saturdays with us.  And, call me if you have any questions.  More information about AVP is available from these web sites:

http://www.avptampabay.org/; http://www.avpusa.org/

Robin Leigh

 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.

WICCA 101 AND MORE . . .

Once again, Circles in the Woods CUUPs is offering our six-session Wicca 101
on the 2nd and 3rd Monday evenings from 7 pm to 9 pm -

January 9, 2006 - Herstory of Witchcraft
January 16, 2006 - The Goddess and The God
February 13, 2006 - The Wheel of the Year
February 20, 2006 - Magick and Ethics
March 13, 2006 - Path and Ritual Basics
March 20, 2006 - The Working Circle
And more . . .Participants will assist in the preparation and performance of the April Full Moon Celebration.

A donation of $30 is requested to cover the cost of materials/expenses.  For more information, contact Mary at 813-684-8026 or email
gldnpuma@earthlink.net.

CIRCLES IN THE WOODS CUUPS - FULL MOON CELEBRATION

Come and join our Full Moon Celebration on January 14, 2006 at 7:30 pm where we will walk with the energy of dragons.  Most cultures around the world have stories about dragons with various forms and shapes.  If you don't believe, that's ok, come and join and maybe you change your mind!  All are welcome!  Bring your drums/rattles and food to share at feasting afterward.

NEW FISCAL YEAR
As we begin the new fiscal year (1January to December 31) I want to thank all who had and have made a financial investment in our church.  Your planned giving enables us to maintain the ministry here at UUCT.

Your end of year pledge statement will be mailed to you by the second week in January.  As you review your statement you may find that the number 222222 next to a contribution instead of your actual check number.  If the photocopy of the report the pledge secretary receives omits the actual check number a substitute must be used.  Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have about your pledge or end of year pledge statement.  Joyce Formica 988-1907  

CIRCLES IN THE WOODS CUUPS - CUUPS MEETING

Our next CUUPS meeting, on January 2 at 7:00pm, will be business only (no class following).  Sacred Oaks Circle Dedicants will have a discussion following the CUUPS meeting.

Also CUUPS offers "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 ohughes@tgh.org and we will get back to you.

DRUMMING CIRCLE

Join the DRUM CIRCLE on the 4th Monday of every month (January 23, 2006) 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.  

THE CARE COMMITTEE

We're here for you!

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.

Our committee:

Gwen Anderson      971-6369

Beverly Bethune     907-6730

Denise Carrera        985-0695

Linda Chappell       977-2053

Denise Dorsey        972-7728

Joyce Formica        988-1907

Willow LaMonte    643-7285

Cheryl Phillips        909-2542

Suzie Siegel            866-5109

Joe Weinstein         263-2989

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.

Remember, we're here for you.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS

Saturday, January 14, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Getting to Know UU.  If you have been attending our church for a while, feel in sympathy with our principles, and are considering joining us in membership, plan now to attend this quarterly class. .  If you are planning to join Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, also reserve January 22^nd  (the 11:00 a.m. Service) when we welcome you into membership, and January 22^nd at 7:00 p.m. for a New Member Reception.  Look for sign-up sheet on the Adult Religious Education bulletin board.

BUILDING YOUR OWN THEOLOGY (Sessions 5 – 10) will resume on Tuesdays, January 24 and end on February 14^th, 7:00 p.m.  Limited to those who enrolled in Sessions 1 - 5.

UU BED AND BREAKFAST
Do you dream of inexpensive vacation travel to interesting destinations where you can stay in the homes of friendly people who share your ideals and are happy to provide directions and advice for their area?

The UU bed and breakfast directory UU'reHome (formerly Homecomings) can fulfill your dream. For 27 years, we've provided a network of hosts in the United States (and a few abroad) who enjoy meeting new friends and who are happy to open their home to like-minded people.

Check out our website at www.UUreHome.com, where entries are updated whenever changes are made or new hosts are added and you can charge a membership to your credit card. The 2006 edition of the annual paper directory will be available in April and can be ordered by sending a check for $18 (or $23, along with your e-mail address, for both the directory and a year's access to the website) to UU're Home, 43 Vermont Court, Asheville, NC 28806.

You can also become a host and be listed in the directory. Contact us at 828-281-3253 or at info@uurehome.com, and we will gladly send you information about listing your accommodations.

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

MOVIES

The 2006 POPCORN & OPINIONS will open in January with the film, Whale Rider, hosted by Ed and Pat Benedict.   We still need a host for our final movie, Chutney Popcorn.  Please email ddorsey3@tampabay.rr.com if you’d be willing to host (provide the house, popcorn, and either a big screen TV or normal sized TV).  The facilitator will provide the DVD and prepare questions in advance for the discussion following the movie.  Guests, feel free to bring along your 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.

January 20, 2006- Whale Rider – hosted by Pat and Ed Benedict, facilitated by Bill Blymiller

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

March 17, 2006 - Irish film (TBA); hosted and facilitated by Kathleen O’Rourke

April 21, 2006- Strawberry & Chocolate - hosted and facilitated by Heidi and Tom King

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

BOOKS

Anyone who is interested in facilitating a book discussion, please contact Denise Dorsey at ddorsey3@tampabay.rr.com.   We’re booked through February, but we need ideas for books to read for the months of March, April, and May.  Let us hear from you! Our book discussion groups meet at 12:30PM on designated Sundays following Service.  Bring a bag lunch or simply come hungry.  Either way, be ready for a lively discussion.   In January, the book discussion will actually be bookless.  Instead, Suzie Siegel will be leading a discussion on Star Trek & Religion.  Definitely a topic of interest!  

January 8th - Star Trek & Religion (bookless), led by Suzie Siegel

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

CLASSES/EVENTS

Ongoing

1. CUUPS is continuing to sponsor 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 meets 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. (Learning to knit could be your New Year’s resolution!)  

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.   The Women's Circle, Goddess Gathering, is open to all women who attend the UU church.  For further information contact Barbara Rogers Boardwalkbarbara@hotmail.com.

 6.  Small Group Ministry:  Groups of six to ten people who covenant to be together to share the richness of personal experience, growth and service. For further information, contact Joan Lund at , lundjb@verizon.net or 981-9727.

7.  Full Moon Celebrations:  Sponsored by Circles in the Woods CUUPS, on the Saturday closest to the Full Moon, at 7:30 PM.  Check the website at www.uutampa.org for the exact dates or contact Mary Francis: gldnpuma@earthlink.net.

Upcoming

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

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

 3.  Wicca 101: Sponsored by Circles in the Woods CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) and open to the public.  Dates are 1-6-06, 1-13-06,

2-13-06, 2-20-6, 3-13-06, and 3-20-06 from 7-9PM.  $30 materials donation.  To register, email gldnpuma@earthlink.net

4. Getting to Know UU: Facilitated by Marty Pelham and the Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley. Dates:  1-28-06 and 6-3-06 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CONCERTS IN THE UU DOME
By:  Gloria Holloway, Committee Chair, 

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

gloriasmusic.blogspot.com

At Domelight deadline, there's only one confirmed concert; however, there are a couple of others in the works.  For late-breaking updates, please check concert link at our church web site and/or my blog.    

On Sun Jan 8th at 3 p.m., we begin our 10TH YEAR  OF CONCERTS! with a fabulous double bill featuring the fabulous singer-songwriters ELLIS PAUL & DAVID LAMOTTE.  $12 at the door. You can get a preview of Ellis's music on Friday Jan 6th at 9:05 a.m. when he appears on the WMNF 88.5 FM Live Music Show.   And you get a live view of Ellis' Woody Guthrie tattoo when he comes to the Dome.     Please come out and help get our 10th year kicked off in fine style.  You'll be glad you did! .

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.com

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/

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 

THE MEMBERSHIP TEAM

is looking for a few new players.....

Here is your opportunity to get to know more UU folks and to make visitors welcome.  If you can take a turn at the visitor table in the foyer (giving Jonathan a break) welcoming visitors to our Sunday service, give Fran Davin a call at 933-8285.  If instead, you see yourself as a greeter at the door, passing out the orders of service and helping with the collection baskets, then call team leader Harriet Blymiller at 988-6551.  For those who like the food part of UU church life, Marty Pelham can use some help with the buffet lunch he serves for the quarterly UU classes the Minister holds.  We're trying to sharpen our game....come join the Team !

CALENDAR OF WEEKLY EVENTS

SUNDAY

9:30am                                      Knitting Circle (Small Dome)

11-12pm               (Grades 1-12) Youth R. E.  (Small Dome)

10am                       Meditation in the Meadow (follow Signs)

10am                                         Current Affairs (Small Dome)

11am                                                                  Sunday Service

11am                                                        Child Care (Nursery)

WEDNESDAY

6:45pm                                                           Choir Rehearsal

THURSDAY

8:30am            Nature Walk in the Park (info: 813/988-6453)

CALENDAR OF JANUARY EVENTS

Jan. 2 (6-11pm)…………...CUUPS Meeting and Workshop

Jan 6 (7pm-???)…………….…1^st Friday Potluck @ Jerry’s

Jan. 8 (3pm)……………….……….Concert: David Lamotte

Jan. 9 (6-11pm)……………….……….…....Wicca 101 Class

Jan. 12 (7pm)…………...……..…..……Worship Committee

Jan. 14 (10am-4pm)……………….….Getting To Know UU

Jan. 14 (9am-1pm)……………….……. Building &Grounds

Jan. 14 (5pm-Mid-Night)….…..…....Full Moon Celebration

Jan. 15……….….….December DOMELIGHT DEADLINE

Jan. 16 (6-11pm)…………… ………………Wicca 101 Class

Jan. 19 (7pm)…………..…..………….………Board Meeting

Jan. 21 (8am-6pm)…….…..Alternatives to Violence Project

Jan. 23 (6:30-11pm)………………….……Drumming Circle

Jan. 28 (8am-6pm)…………Alternatives to Violence Project