“And all of us and everything are given life’s confection

To sweeten this imperfect world

our fragment of perfection

For everything in Nature’s face

contains the god’s reflection

Come sit by me and celebrate

our fragment of perfection.”

  Excerpt from “Fragments of Perfection” by Rick Bockner

There is concern in our congregation about individual rights and group rights; inclusion and exclusion; purported majorities and purported minorities.

Some people wear strong cologne or fancy perfume.  They consider this an intimate part of their being, a necessary aspect of their self-expression.  Other people have allergic reactions to such scents.  How can we, as a community, come to an understanding about how to balance these conflicting needs.

We can think of other examples.

Some people think that our political leadership is crazy.  Others believe that this characterization (“crazy”) is demeaning to people with emotional difficulties. 

Some people think of “darkness” as a lack of light.  Others see “darkness” as a racial metaphor that is offensive.

Some people prefer to sing songs that bring back fond memories.  Familiarity is a virtue.  Others prefer to innovate and explore new possibilities for musical expression in our congregation.  Is one way of relating to our music outdated and stuck in the mud, while the other is unappreciative and faddish?

Perhaps some people need to say “Amen” and other people find that hard to digest.  Some people need long moments of silence and other people become anxious unless something is happening all the time.

Who is right and who is wrong?  Maybe no one.  Maybe it is simply a question of balancing different ways of being in community.

Some people think it’s perfectly fine to drink coffee during worship.  Others feel that such an act violates their sense of decorum and sacred space.

Some people think that men ought to wear a shirt and tie on Sundays and that women ought be “proper church ladies.”  Others think that “anything goes” when it comes to dress.

Some people think that loving couples showing intimate affection in church is perfectly natural.  Others find this shocking.

Are these just preferences or are these deeply-felt needs?  If these are needs, how can we become a beloved community if we violate the most deeply-felt needs of some individuals?

Think of our Unitarian Universalist principles: We support and affirm “the inherent worth and dignity of every person” and “encourage each other to spiritual growth.”  And yet, some people feel excluded if their needs are not met.  These are principles we strive for, which means that there may be times when we need to balance honoring individual rights and majority rights at the same time.  Can this be done?  Let’s talk about it.  Look for a sign-up sheet in the lobby.

See you in church,

Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley

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

THE NEXT FRIENDSHIP DINNER IS SLATED FOR MARCH 11th

The March dinner will be on March 11^th and will be hosted by Andrea and Tom Hagner.  St. Patrick’s Day will be right around the corner and they are planning grand Irish evening…  they have room for as many as 16…so sign up early on the sheet in the church foyer. 

We are looking for a host for the April Friendship Dinner….and it is not too early to let me know if you would like to host any of the future month’s dinners.  Call Martha Robinson (813/985-4777) or email  mrobins7@tampabay.rr.com  to become a host or to sign up for the March dinner if you can’t make it to the sign up sheet in time. 

WOMEN'S CIRCLE GODDESS GATHERING

The next Goddess Gathering will be held on Sunday, March 5 at 1:30 pm.  There will be a video and discussion of "Signs out of Time: the story of archaeologist Marija Gimbutas", narrated by Olympia Dukakis.  Also, bring a dish to share for the potluck lunch.  Willow LaMonte will host the event at her home in Valrico, call for directions, 813-643-7285.

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.  

CONCERTS IN THE UU DOME
 By:  Gloria Holloway, Committee Chair, 813-837-6572, gshello@tampabay.rr.com,
Info: uutampa.org (click on concerts) or gloriasmusic.blogspot.com

Sun/Mar 12th /3pm. $12.  BILL STAINES.  Acclaimed folk singer-songwriter – You name it. He wrote it.    Remember - Roseville Faire; Going to the West; All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir?  Bill wrote ‘em.  Appeared on Prairie Home Companion; Mountain Stage.   An international touring artist.      www.acousticmusic.com/staines 

Thurs/Mar 16th/7:30pm. $10.   BRENDAN NOLAN, our favorite Irishman.   Come celebrate ST PATTY’S DAY EVE at the Dome.  Cay Cahalin says: Luck of the Irish to you.     www.brendannolan.com Green tea anyone?

Sun/Mar 19/2:00pm. $10. BASSIST LLOYD GOLDSTEIN (classical & non-classical music with guest appearances by Lloyd's friends - plus performance surprises) this promises to be a very memorable afternoon courtesy of our beloved Lloyd.  DONT YA DARE MISS IT!               

Sun/Apr 2/Tentative      BOB CARLIN – Claw hammer Banjo Guru  - conducting a banjo workshop and headlining a concert.   Public welcome at either or both.  Bob’s appearance at the Dome is in conjunction with the Florida Old Time Music Championships (held the two previous days at the Sertoma Youth Ranch near Dade City).   Bob is the 2006 guest of honor at the Championships.  www.cartunesrecordings.com

Sun/April 23 Tentative:  BOB PATTERSON   Folk Singer-Songwriter-Storyteller who was a friend of and influenced by the late Gamble Rogers.   Bob is a Florida Treasure.       www.bobandjoline.com
 
  Sat/Apr 29th / 8pm. $15. DON WHITE w/ELLEN BUKSTEL.  www.donwhite.net  www.bukstel.com/  Humor/music.   

PRESIDENT’S CORNER By Tempie Taudte

Volunteers perform much of the work of our church.  People serve as committee members and committee chairs.  They welcome visitors, teach religious education classes, sing in the choir, run the sound system and mow the grass.  As our church grows, we will need to recruit more volunteers for short-term task groups and one or two year committee memberships. 

The Board of Trustees is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator.  This person will coordinate the efforts of the Volunteer Committee to fill volunteer positions at our church. 

Are you the special person we hope to recruit for this important position?  If you would like to serve as Volunteer Coordinator, please call me at 813.931.1871, or speak to any Board member. 

HOPE

At the Assembly held in November, HOPE voted to work on Public Transportation and Jobs.  Since then, committees have been at work. During February we invited you to complete the Issue Development Questionnaire, which provided information regarding public transportation and employment issues.  Please mark your calendar and plan to attend the Rally Assembly on March 2nd and the Nehemiah Action Assembly on March 30.  Times and locations will be published in the church bulletin.  For more information, please contact Tempie Taudte at 931-1817 

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

CIRCLES IN THE WOODS CUUPS – Full Moon Celebration

Come and join our Full Moon Celebration on March 11, 2006 at 7:30 pm.  Since it's so close to St Patrick's day, guest group, Shining Wheel Coven will welcome the snakes back to Ireland and welcome the Druids and Pagans to put all things right in the world.  Snakes are symbols of transformation and rebirth, as is the energy of Spring Equinox.  Together, we will cast off our
old skin and hatch something new for personal growth.

Our next CUUPS meeting is on March 6, 2006, at 7:00pm, and will be followed with a discussion on the history of CUUPs and how we came to be who we are today.  And, plan on joining the April 3rd workshop on 'Chants and Sacred Dance'.

CUUPS also 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
ohughes@tgh.org and he will get back to you.

WICCA 101 and more . . .

Circles in the Woods CUUPs is wrapping us our six-session Wicca 101 with the final two sessions from 7 pm to 9 pm -

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.

For more information, contact Mary at 813-684-8026 or email
gldnpuma@earthlink.net. 

DRUMMING CIRCLE

Join the DRUM CIRCLE on the fourth Monday of every month
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.

V        CABARET

SATURDAY APRIL 1 @ 7:00 P.M.

(No Fooling)

Music and Performance and Fun !!

Emcee – Bill Blymiller

Producer – Tom Hagner

Benefit for UUCT     Tickets at $12.00 (Students $6.00)

Please see Tom for tickets or to sign up to perform

YRUU AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALENDAR 2005/2006

March – Humanist Rotation continues
March 17^th  -19^th  – YRUU Clearwater Con
March 26^th – Earth Based Spirituality Rotation begins
April 7^th - 8^th - District Assembly and Youth Caucus, Vero Beach
April 16^th - Flower Communion/Easter Intergenerational service
May 5^th – 7^th – YRUU Tampa Con
May 20^th – All-congregation dance at Compton park; YRUU Lock-In
May 21^st – R.E. Sunday Intergenerational worship service and end of the year picnic  

PERSPECTIVES ON YOUTH MINISTRY 

By Katie Culbert, Director of Religious Education 

On Sunday, February 5^th, the youth group of UUCT presented a worship service focusing on the theme of “Letting go of the past and looking forward to the future.”   The youth that organized the service are Rachel Weisman, Sam Martin, Liz Woodard, Vic Woodard, Arielle Click, Delaney Rose, Latham Phillips and Kathleen Brindley. 

A few weeks before the service the youth had a lock-in (overnighter at the church) to plan the worship.  I used my background as a trained UUA Spirituality Development facilitator to lead a “mini-workshop” with the youth at the lock-in. We discussed the differences between traditional youth and traditional adult worship, what topic we wanted to present, what elements we wanted to include, and how we would make it happen.

During a brainstorming session the youth voiced their opinions about the similarities and differences between youth and adult worship.  They decided that some of the similarities that exist between both services include:  leadership, an emphasis on religious community, a central theme, a moral lesson, freedom of expression, and elements such as a chalice lighting, music, a meditation and readings.

Some of the differences include:  youth worships do not follow a set pattern or structure, participants often sit on the floor, it is participatory and interactive, youth worship may include more chants with little or no musical accompaniment, it often takes place at night, it evokes and encourages more emotion, and it begins and ends in silence with deep reflection.  Adult worship tends to be more structured and formal, it is arranged with participants sitting in chairs facing a speaker, it includes more singing and responsive readings, it follows the same pattern each week with an order of service, it often takes place in the morning, the topic often centers around current events and includes a sermon, adult worship begins and ends with chatter and includes more “business” (announcements, welcoming visitors, etc.) 

They used this brainstorming to guide them as they crafted the service.  They also discussed what they wanted to accomplish.  They wanted the congregation to know they were thoughtful, important, vibrant, creative, passionate, and sincere Unitarian Universalist youth.  They wanted to present a service that would cause the congregation to stop and reflect, to feel emotion and to experience a sense of community.  They wanted to present a service that would inspire you to support them.  From the amount of positive feedback I have received about the service I know that they indeed accomplished their goals.

The Unitarian Universalist Association is embarking on a two-year process to revise, strengthen, and deepen our commitment to youth ministry across the Association. The Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth is designed to be a grassroots process – beginning with individuals and congregations and progressing to the larger institutions and organizations that provide services and support to the grassroots.  "Nothing is more important to the future of Unitarian Universalism than our ministry with youth," says UUA President Rev. William Sinkford. "I hope all of our young people and all of our congregations will engage in this consultation process."

When the time comes for our congregation to be involved in this process I hope that you will step forward and show your commitment to the Unitarian Universalist youth of today and of the future. 

SUNDAY SERVICES NOW BROADCAST ON FM RADIO

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

Try it out!

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

MOVIES

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  

CLASSES/EVENTS

(ON-GOING)

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.

 (UP-COMING)

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

Wicca 101: Sponsored by Circles in the Woods CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) and open to the public.  Dates are 3-13-06, and 3-20-06 from 7-9PM.  $30 materials donation.  To register, email gldnpuma@earthlink.net

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

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.  

Remember, we're here for you.

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 feel 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 !

RECORDINGS OF SERVICES.

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. 

BUDGET RESULTS – 2005

We have the congregational meeting in December each year to review and approve our annual budget for operating our church.  I suppose many of you may wonder, well, we’ve done that for another year, so what?  Of course during the year, the Treasurer presents monthly reports to the Board of Trustees indicating how we are doing.  As an attempt to keep our members better informed, I plan to periodically report some of this information to the membership.  Of course members may attend any board meeting and receive these same reports, but I suspect many of you will not be able to do that, so, I will attempt to periodically summarize the financial information here in the Domelight.

2005 Budget Results - $4,907 Positive

I am please to report that we met our Budget for 2005 with a positive net income (i.e. our income exceeded our expenses) by $4,907.59.  These positive results were based upon a number of factors.

Expenses

Our expenses were somewhat more than budgeted, however a major repair to the Air Conditioner was covered by an anonymous donor, and our disastrous flood was fully covered by an insurance claim.  Some of the committees exceeded their expenses, and other did not spend their budget allocations.  (I plan to provide reports to Committee Chairs throughout the year so they will know how they are tracking, based on their budgets).

Income

Our income also exceeded our budgets, however this is very positive.  Total pledges, including growth pledges (i.e. new members) and shrinkage (i.e. folks leaving the area, or having financial hardships) was budget for $93,262.00 and we achieved $98,515.00 or 105% of our budget.  We must give everyone a huge Hurrah for reaching almost 80% of our very large fundraising goal of $20,000.00. This was the result of much hard work by many volunteers, thank you. A special thanks to Gloria, her concerts alone raised $4,084.00 far exceeding the goal of $2,200.00 and to the CUUPS for the Masquerade Ball, which raised $2,109.00.

I appreciate all of your contributions and hard work. We are certainly moving our church in a positive financial direction. I will continue to periodically report back to the congregation on our financial position.

Jay Hall – Finance Chair   

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 MARCH EVENTS

Mar. 1 (6:30pm)…………....Religious Education Committee

Mar.  3 (7pm-???)…….…….…1^st Friday Potluck @ Jerry’s

Mar. 5 (1:30pm)….Women’s Circle (@Willow LaMonte’s)

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

Mar. 9 (7pm)………..……...…Worship Committee Meeting

Mar. 11(9am-Noon)…………….…….Building and Grounds

Mar. 11 (5pm-Mid-Night)….…..…....Full Moon Celebration

Mar. 12 (12:30pm)………….……………………..Interweave

Mar. 12 (3pm)…….…………..………..Concert: Bill Staines

Mar. 12……….……….….April DOMELIGHT DEADLINE 

Mar. 13 (6-11pm)………...….……………....Wicca 101 Class

Mar. 16 (7pm)………..…..…(Small Dome)…Board Meeting 

Mar. 16 (7:30pm)……………..……..Concert: Brenda Nolan

Mar 19 (2pm)……………………..Concert: Lloyd Goldstein

Mar. 20 (6-11pm)……………………………Wicca 101 Class

Mar. 24 (7-10pm)………………………………….….CUUPS

Mar. 26 (12:15pm)……..…(Nursery)….Living by the Heart

Mar. 27 (6:30-11pm)………………………Drumming Circle

JOYS & CONCERNS

If you feel moved to share either a joy or concern, you are encouraged to first write it on the form on the clipboard located in the reception area just outside the minister’s office hallway door.  Your participation in this process will help the minister and the Care Committee to better serve our church community.

If you need a little help or know of someone who is in need of help or support, call someone on the Care Committee.  Gwen Anderson, Denise Carrera, Linda Chappell, Denise Dorsey, Joyce Formica & Joe Weinstein will try to fulfill your request.