Next month will be my last month with you.  Transitions are often difficult.  Nevertheless, from the moment I learned that I had been selected as the candidate for First Unitarian Universalist Church in San Diego in early March, your board has planned the transition carefully so as to ensure a healthy start with your new interim minister.

Leave-taking is an emotionally complex undertaking.  It is a time to celebrate what we have accomplished together.  It is a time of reflection, to take stock of what has been, and to prepare for something new to emerge.  It is also a time of sadness and grief for some.

I am deeply appreciative of the good wishes many of you have expressed for my new ministry in San Diego, and yet, for some, there is the feeling of abandonment.

While my decision to make a transition at this time is mostly a reflection of where Clyde and I are in our lives professionally, the decision is partly a reflection of where you are as well.  The Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa has struggled with identity and the issue of growth for many years.  You deserve a fresh new minister that can help you to deepen your understanding of the complexity of these issues and move forward.  I hope that I have played a part in laying the foundation for your continued growth and development as a Unitarian Universalist congregation.

As I get ready to say good-bye, I too face the challenge and the inevitable pain of leaving behind individuals and a community that I have grown to love, but of which I cannot remain a part.

The relationship between minister and congregation is simple, yet it is complex.  Maintaining relationships with previous ministers can add to the complexity of the relationship with your next minister.  Your primary bond is not to me, but rather to one another and to the church.  Ministers simply facilitate this process.  And when the time to leave arrives, that role is handed over to someone else.  This is the reality of ministry.  To maintain a relationship with you could impede and ultimately undercut that which I have helped you to create.

With leave-taking on the horizon and given summer schedules, it was not easy to plan for worship through the summer.  Nevertheless, I want to share my plans.  For those who will be around, I will be present for the first three Sundays of July.   I hope that most of you will plan to attend on June 11^th, which will be my farewell service, including a ritual of closure and letting go.  Meanwhile, let us work together to prepare to bring this part of our lives to a close and get ready for a new era in your life as well as in mine.

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

CARE COMMITTEE

Members of the CARE committee are available to lend a helping hand to all in our congregation.  If you have been ill and could use some help with preparing meals, going grocery shopping, a ride to the doctor, or would just like to talk to someone, give one of us a call.  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 LaMont (643-7285),  Robin Leigh (571-1366),and Suzie Siegel (866-5109). We will try our best to provide you with the help you need.  Our next committee meeting is July 9^th at 12:30 and all are welcome, especially if you would like to join the committee as a member. 

JOYS & SORROWS 

 Here is a way you can keep in touch with our church community: by reading the joys & sorrows shared during a Sunday service you may have missed.  The loose leaf book of joys and sorrows can be found on the table beneath the CARE committee bulletin board in the hallway.  Please read at your convenience, but do not remove the book from the building.      

PLEDGES

Remember to include keeping up your 2006 pledge when planning for summer vacation.

FRIENDSHIP DINNER NEWS

As of this printing we have not found a host for the June Friendship dinner.  Would anyone care to step forward?  We had a great time at the May gathering at my house….see the pictures taken by Carol Partington on the list serve for proof.  I can’t think of a better way to get to know the folks in the church on a more relaxed level plus share some really great food…and this is a wake-up call to those of you who are old time members but have never participated in one of the dinners.  You don’t have to be a gourmet cook to participate…Publix has some really tasty stuff, so come on, let’s see some new faces in the next set of pictures Carol takes.  If you would like to host the June dinner, please let me know by calling…Martha Robinson (813/985-4777) or email mrobins7@tampabay.rr.com.   Thanks in advance.      

INTERWEAVE

The next regular meeting of the UUCT Interweave Group will be held on June11th after the service.  All interested people are encouraged to attend. As this is pride month, we will have additional events to announce soon.

Interweave Meetings are held every second Sunday of the month at the Church.

Thanks!
Jonathan Roudabush     

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

By Tempie Taudte

On Monday, May 8, the congregation and the board met with Rev. Katy Korb, the minister in our District who assists congregations that are in search of a new minister.  Rev. Korb shared information regarding the steps we should take as we launch our search.  She recommended that we use the enclosed Ministerial Search Committee Application Form to help us select our best-qualified candidates for the search committee.  If you wish to serve on our search committee, please complete the application form and return it to me by June 10^th.  You can place your application in my mailbox in the church office or send it electronically to ttaudte@yahoo.com.  If you have questions regarding this process, call me at 813.931.1817.

We will hold a special congregational meeting on June 18 at 12:30 after the Sunday service.  The purpose of the meeting will be to elect 7 members of the search committee.  Please save the date and plan to attend this very important meeting.

Tempie    

HOW DO WE COMPARE TO OTHER UU CHURCHES? 

In April the UUA distributed a list of 10 issues and asked all UU churches to identify the most important ones for delegates to discuss at General Assembly in June.  Our congregation submitted 13 responses to the survey, and selected the following topics:

1. What are the common traits of our growing congregations?  Of those with stagnant or declining membership?
2. What do “freedom of the pulpit’ and freedom of the pew” properly mean in our UU tradition?
3. Why are many of us unable to tell others about the importance of church in our lives?
4. Which of our UUA programs have either failed, or been very controversial?  Why?
5. Which of our UUA programs seem to work well?  Why?
6. What do we need to teach-as best we can-to children and youth and new members?
7. We often refer to “excellence in ministry”.  What is the difference between good ministry and excellent ministry?
8. Why do we have so few Ministers of Religious Education?
9. What are the reasons for the number of negotiated settlements (forced resignations) we have had from our pulpits?
10. What should be included in the job description for District Executives?

The top 3 issues for UU congregations across the country, as reported to the UUA were:

1. What are the common traits of our growing congregations?
2. What do we need to teach-as best we can- to children and youth and new members?
3. Why are many of us unable to tell others about the importance of church?

SUMMERTIME LIVE MUSIC

The UUCT Choir's last Sunday to sing is June 11, and the Worship Committee is hoping to fill each and every Sunday from June 18 through the end of August with LIVE music.

Do you may have a hidden talent to offer?

If so, please contact Mall Giles Mallgiles4@msn.com or any other member of the Worship Committee:  Harriet Blymiller, Tom Hagner, or John Jeter. Thanks.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Please note that YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists - our middle and high school youth group) and Religious Education (RE) classes for children and youth will not meet during the summer.  Childcare for babies, toddlers, and children will be provided during Sunday morning worship service.  Childcare will be provided for babies only on June 11^th and July 2^nd.  Marjorie’s last day in the pulpit is June 11^th, and all families are invited to attend service.  RE classes will resume on August 13^th.  Please look for more information about the fall program in next month’s Domelight.  

Have a great summer!

Katie Culbert, Director of Religious Education 

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  

FATHER'S DAY - JUNE 18

 The Worship Committee is looking for persons to participate as speakers on the lay-led service of June 18 - Father's Day.

We would like to hear remembrances you have as a father, a grandfather, a mentor, or perhaps as a great-grandfather. Also, we welcome men and women to recall their "Life with Father".

If you are interested, please contact any member of the Worship Committee: Harriet Blymiller, Mall Giles, Tom Hagner, or John Jeter. fabjet@verizon.net  - 813 914-8534.  

UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS

Joan Lund

This month I am writing about an important initiative that is forthcoming from our Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations: a proposed health plan. In 1998 the major medical plan serving about 200 enrollees was cancelled by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Since that time our UUA has contacted all the major national health insurance carriers in the U.S. in search of an insured health plan for the eligible staffs of our over 1,000 congregations. In addition an insurance partnership with other religious denominations was sought without success.

The most rapidly growing type of health plan in the U.S. today is one that is self-funded. A prominent actuarial firm identified the specifics of a self-insured plan that would be workable for the UUA. It has been concluded that a financially viable self-funded plan can be operative and financially viable effective January 1, 2007, if 500 eligible ministers and other employees (not dependents) enroll by October 15, 2006. The success of the program assumes a standard cross section of all eligible enrollees, reflecting typical health situations and utilization patterns of health care services.

Eligibility will be open to persons who work at least 1,000 hours per calendar year for UU congregations and related organizations such as camp and conference centers, urban ministries, self-employed community ministers, and to recent retirees age 65+ who have Medicare as their primary health insurance. Enrollees will be able to select coverage for an individual adult, two adults, one adult with children, or two adults with children (a family), with no discrimination based on marital status or affectional preference. Enrollment will not be open to persons who are members of congregations unless they also serve 1,000 hours of paid employment per year. One of the most attractive features of the plan will be its portability, the opportunity for ministers and others to continue their current coverage when relocating to serve another UU congregation in a different location.

Two types of plans will be offered: 1) A basic preferred provider plan (PP)) using the Blue Cross Blue Shield nationwide network as administered by Highmark BCBS of Pittsburgh, PA. 2) A high deductible PPO Plan featuring similar benefits as the basic plan, although with higher front-end deductibles and lower annual premiums. The provisions of the plan will permit enrollees to purchase and contribute to a tax sheltered Health Savings Account (HAS) if they wish to do so. Individuals can obtain HSAs through Blue Cross Blue Shield.

There is much information available to all interested UUs by going on the UUA website and/or you may contact me at lundjb@uua.org or 813-931-9727. I urge every congregation who has employee(s) who qualify to research this offering. It is imperative that we make this work. The Board of Trustees will vote final approval of the plan at out October, 2006 meeting if the enrollment target has been reached. Finally, I look forward to being with many of you in St. Louis at General Assembly later this month.

CALLING ALL HYMNALS

(From the Board of Trustees, Ed Benedict drafter) 

Recent inventories of the Church's hymnals show that our supply is slowly diminishing.  The suspected reason for this diminishing effect is that there are those among us who are borrowing hymnals with the possible intention of returning the borrowed copy but are not following through.   Please, if you have borrowed a hymnal, return it.  Unlike public libraries, we will not charge a late fee or mark your permanent record.   If you would like to borrow a hymnal, please drop by the office and sign one out from our Office Administrator. Feeling generous?   Would you like to add to the Church's hymnal collection?   Just drop a check, $30.00 per hymnal and marked  "For Hymnal Purchase," by the office or put the check into the Sunday collection plate.  It is a greatly appreciated tax-deductible donation.    

PULPIT EDITORIAL

The Worship Committee is looking for persons to deliver Pulpit Editorials.  Either of the dates of Sunday, June 18 or Sunday, June 25 is open.

We would like to hear from YOU, a member of our local UU community, whom we know and respect--ON AN ISSUE OF PASSIONATE CONCERN: We want to know how and why this issue affects you so deeply, and what particular background, experiences & expertise you bring to the issue. You put a personal face on an issue we may not have given a second thought to before. You may make us see it entirely differently than we had before.

Speakers presenting the aims and philosophies of organizations are also welcomed.

Sundays in the months of July and August are also available.

Contact any member of the Worship Committee: Harriet Blymiller, Mall Giles, Tom Hagner, or John Jeter. fabjet@verizon.net  - 813 914-8534. Thanks.

A DRINK FROM CUUPS 

Drum Circles
 
The monthly Circles in the Woods CUUPS Drum Circle are on a summertime break - we'll most likely resume in the fall if enough interest is there.

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Full Moon Celebrations

Circles in the Woods CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) is a committee within the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa. We host Full Moon Celebrations on every Saturday closest to the Full Moon.
 
 All are welcome that come in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust! 

 Upcoming Rituals:
June 10: Circles in the Woods CUUPS welcomes Shalee Coven as they present a night of fairies and Midsummer magick. We will go back to a time when we were aware of the fairies; gazing at the stars, feeling deep unnamed secrets, touching the earth with joy, being still in the forest and warm in the winter. Listen and you will hear the fairies. The fairies are all about, and we will bring out the fairy power that in innate in all of us.
 July 8: Presented by Sacred Oaks Circle
When we think of Full Moon Celebration, we think of the Moon, but this night we will honor the gifts of the Sun. The Sun is one of the most important influences in our lives. He heralds the coming of each new day, makes us smile, warms our hearts and brightens our lives.
The Sun's position in the sky at the time of our birth is responsible for our natal sign. The sun sign that you were born under is significant by the planetary placement and influences our personalities. Welcome the joy of our likeness and differences and the Sun's influence in our lives!
 August 12th: Presented by Between Worlds Cove with topic TBD.

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Circles in the Woods Monthly Meetings and Workshops
Circles in the Woods CUUPs holds a monthly business meeting the first Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at UUCT. The meeting typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour and is followed by a class. Donations for class materials and use of the building are appreciated.

 Class Schedule:
 
 June 5:  Dreams
 July 3rd: Symbols, Amulets & Talismans
 August 7th: Oil Blending
 October 2nd: Candles & Spells
 November 6th: Wands & Staffs

CIRCLES IN THE WOODS CUUPS COUNCIL
Facilitator - Ollis Hughes
Scheduler - Candie Torres
Scribe and Herald - Chris Hendrickx
Treasurer - Jamie Hendrickx
Web-weaver and SOC Gatekeeper - Mary Francis

OPPORTUNITIES IN ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 

If you're interested in participating in the development of adult education through the use of classes, films, or books, you may want to consider joining the Adult Religious Education Committee. 

We are currently in the process of scheduling classes for the fall. Several people have already expressed interest in teaching or facilitating ethical discussions on some of the following topics:  

              1) The Death Penalty

2)     Medical Ethics

3)     Torture

4)     Abortion

5)     Just War

6)     Domestic surveillance and privacy

7)     Adoption for gays and lesbians in Florida

8)     Other: __________________________

We're still looking for more instructors/facilitators.  Please contact Denise Dorsey at ddorsey3@gmail.com if interested. 

3. Keep your calendar open in June for the rescheduled movie,    Moolaade.  

The information below has not been finalized.  Please check the Sunday bulletin for the confirmation of date & location, or email ddorsey3@gmail.com. 

 (continued on page 6)

Date: Friday, June 16th

Location:  Large Dome

Facilitator: Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley

Showtime: 7:00 pm

Bring: Food or Drink to share

MOOLAADE is a powerful story of one woman's resistance to the centuries-old rite of female circumcision.  It juxtaposes modern humanist values with tradition in contemporary Africa, as four girls escape from a ritual purification-mutilation and seek refuge in a small village.  A strong-willed woman invokes the Moolaade, and the village is thrown into turmoil.  The director, Ousmane Sembene, portrays a modern African village torn between spirit worship, Islam, and globalization, while conveying both liberation and jubilation. (movie synopsis shortened from posting on www. rottentomatoes.com) 

"Magnificently beautiful, Moolaade is a film of great urgency. A strong, true and useful film that resonates with life."
-- Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun Times
 
"A masterpiece of political filmmaking, Mr. Sembene addresses this upsetting subject (female circumcision) with unflinching candor, but he also portrays African village life with such warmth, humor and generosity of spirit that you leave the film feeling both horrified and exhilarated."
 -- A.O. Scott, The New York Times
 

Ongoing CLASSES/EVENTS

(Some of the events below may be happening inconsistently during the summer months.  Be sure to check with the facilitator for details.)

1. CUUPS sponsors 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  - Cancelled during the summer.

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.

3.  The SHAG (Secular Humanist Agnostic Group) group meets 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,  meets regularly. All women who attend the UU church are welcome.  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.

WALK IN THE PARK

A group of UU’s meet 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.  

BECOMING A MEMBER OF UUCT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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  in the Nursery  

WEDNESDAY

6:45pm                           (June 7^th last choir rehearsal till fall)                                              

THURSDAY

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

CALENDAR OF JUNE EVENTS

June 2 (7pm-???)…….……..…1^st Friday Potluck @ Jerry’s

June 5 (6-11pm)…………...CUUPS Meeting and Workshop

June 8 (7pm)……..…….….…Worship Committee Meeting

June 10 (9am-Noon)……………….Building and Grounds

June 10 (5-12 Midnight)……………. Full Moon Celebration

June 15 (7pm)…………………………………Board Meeting

June 18……….………...….July DOMELIGHT DEADLINE

June 25 (12:15pm)……..…(Nursery)….Living by the Heart

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!