Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa                                                                         November 2006

Rev. Elizabeth Brown, Minister                                                           Katie Templin Culbert, Dir. Religious Education

 

In the Interim

Rev. Elizabeth Brown

In this month’s column, I’d like to address a few issues/questions that a number of you have raised:

Why don’t you like meetings on Sunday? And why do you ask us not to talk about church business on Sunday?

In this high-octane world, life can be stressful. Many of us commute through devilish traffic. We rarely find time when the whole family can sit down together for a meal and conversation. 

All too often our church becomes a source of further stress, especially in a small church like ours, where many leaders wear several hats.  Several retirees have said to me, “I thought when I retired I’d spend my time on the golf course (or painting, quilting, or taking Continuing Education classes). But instead I find myself working just as hard for the church as I did in my job.”

Believing that church should be a source of renewal for us, not a source of stress, I advocate for a weekly Sabbath—not necessarily an orthodox Sabbath following religious mandates, but a day where we rest from business as usual and feed our spirits.

Sunday cannot be my Sabbath— by definition I have to work that day.  I have chosen Wednesday as my Sabbath. I try to do only things that nurture my spirit on that day—no emails, committee work, or chores.  By the same token, I want to honor your Sabbath, which for most folks is Sunday. That’s why I discourage you from holding committee meetings before or after church. Exceptions can be made for Adult R. E. activities like book and film discussions that nurture your spiritual growth. My reluctance to attend committee meetings on Sunday is to honor your Sabbath, just as I hope you all will honor mine. I can’t enforce Sabbath observance on you, but I encourage you to take care of yourselves.   

Why don’t you like Talkback?

First, the word is argumentative. Occasionally a Congregational Response time after the sermon will be built into the service.  But a regular Talkback often encourages witty Unitarian Universalists to listen to the sermon with our left brains, formulating clever comments rather than taking the message into our whole selves.  I would be happy to hold a gathering on Monday for those who wish to discuss the sermon after having had time to let it percolate.

Why don’t you like our Traditional Closing?

I like it. I just don’t find it to be an appropriate closing for most of the services I create.  Everything we do in a service is significant—as my Worship professor taught in seminary, “All forms have consequences.” The consequence of your Traditional Closing has too often been to leave folks feeling inward-focused, even depressed. I also question just how “traditional” it is. How did y’all close the service before Mike Young? How does a form get labeled “traditional”? How come so many of your recent ministers have disliked it? Perhaps we can ponder these questions when we meet on Nov. 19 to examine the history of the UUCT.

Blessings,
Rev. Liz

The Prez Says

Diana Stevens

SOLIDARITY – A unity of interests of sympathies among a group. This is the word for this church year.  We are a community that has solidarity. We are a community of people who appreciate that the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa is in our lives and in this community.  

This pledge drive is one of the most important we have had because of the future we are making for ourselves. We are making a decision on our future direction and know that it will cost money to back the committees we need to make that dream a reality. We are focused and moving forward, honoring our past but committing to a dream of our future. If you did not raise your pledge this year, please, reconsider and call the church to say you want to add to your pledge. 

The timing couldn’t be more important. Our dream is a very important decision and I know we are READY to follow through. In the past, we set our goals with a minister at the helm and we got very close to getting our dream on the road - but she left and we let the matter fade away as we concentrated on other things. But, this time it is different because WE are deciding that WE need to do this for ourselves. WE are making a decision about our future direction and will CHOOSE a minister to assist US. WE will have a new focus for the next few years and then will decide the direction WE want to go after that. This is an important process for each of US and the CHURCH. VOTE for your choice. We will be counting all ballots cast on

November 11th. WE are poised on the brink of our future!

In case you can’t tell, I am excited about this coming year and all the changes. The Board of Trustees is committed to having the DREAM on our minds when making decisions. We pledge to do everything we can to remain focused. But, you must help. There are critical committees that do not have a leader or enough helpers. It is important that these positions be filled as soon as possible. There

is a HELP WANTED section on the bulletin board in the hall. Please, review the position descriptions and see if your talents match a position needed. If someone asks you to consider a position, think about saying ‘yes’. Bring your talents to help the dream become a reality.

HOPE

Carol Partington


Mark your calendars for the Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE) Convention Assembly - Sunday, November 19, from 4 pm - 6 pm.  The meeting will include a status report from Mr. Raymond Miller, CEO of HART. We will celebrate the extension of Late Night Bus Service on 9 routes.  We will also vote on problem areas for the 2007 Action and elect officers of HOPE.  

This assembly is an opportunity to test our justice networks. Are we prepared to engage a large number of UU’s and friends to stand up for justice? If everyone who is involved in any way with HOPE invites three other people to join them at this assembly, we will turn out 100 or more people! Think of this as a ready alert training. Show that we can turn out the numbers now, and when we have a big issue to confront, we will be able to show our strength in numbers to the powers that be.

UUCT is a member of HOPE. Therefore, we are all members. HOPE is an opportunity to demonstrate our UU principles in the local community.


Domelight is published monthly by:
Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa
11400 Morris Bridge Rd
Tampa, FL 33637-1902
(813)988-8188

Free to members and contributing friends: others are requested to make a $10 donation for a one-year subscription.  

Domelight deadline is generally the Sunday closest to the 15th of each month. Deadline for the next issue can be found within. Entries may be made by e-mail to Domelight@chrisandjamie.net

Submissions should include a contact name and phone number.

Editor: Chris Hendrickx

Minister’s Hours

Rev. Liz will be in the UUCT Office on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

She is available for consultation in her home office on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM at 727-599-6132.

She tries to observe a Sabbath (i.e., a total day off) on Wednesdays and her monthly Sunday off. However, like most ministers, she is available 24/7 for emergencies.

Migrant Workers Program

The Charity Committee would like to remind you that there is a basket for food offerings at the church entrance.  The basket is for nonperishable food and personal items; no clothing.  Please try to remember to bring something to share with those less fortunate.

 

Friendship Dinner Forum

Martha Robinson

The November Friendship Dinner will be held November 18th at Andrea and Tom Hagner’s in Riverview.  The sign-up sheet is posted in the foyer of the church or you may call the Hagners at (813) 672-7719 or me, Martha Robinson at (813) 985-4777.  For those of you new to UUCT and the Friendship Dinner scene…it works like this: the host usually supplies the entrée and the guests bring the rest of the meal.  Andrea and Tom are planning a Thanksgiving theme for their dinner so sign up early before their roster is full. 

I am offering to have a dinner on December 9th.  If anyone else would also like to host a December dinner, please let me know so I can post the sign-up sheet. These dinners are a great way to get to know other UUCTers in a less formal setting, with good food, company and conversation. 

Interweave

The mission statement of Interweave Continental, Inc.:

“Interweave Continental is a membership organization actively working to end oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity, recognizing that we will not be free until all oppression is a thing of the past. We are an affiliate organization of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and our work is guided by Unitarian Universalist principles. We value and affirm the lives and experience of Queer people of faith of all ages, races, ethnicities, income levels, and abilities. By providing and supporting leadership, and working in collaboration with other organizations of similar vision, we strive to connect and nurture all Queer individuals, communities, groups, and their allies.”

The local UUCT Chapter of Interweave meets every 2nd Sunday after Church. Please see the Order of Service for details or questions can be directed to Jonathan Roudabush.

Entertainment Books 

NOW on Sale

Diana Stevens

As a fund raiser for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, we are now selling 2007 Entertainment Books.  The cost is $25.00 with $5.00 going to the church.  During the year, you can save $20.00 at Publix and another $60 at U-Save (Publix will also honor these).   That is $80.00 in groceries alone.   There are also everyday items like:  Automotive, Dry Cleaning, Grocery, Health & Beauty, Home & Garden Retail, Home & Garden Services, Music/Books/Video, Retail and Services.  There are over 100 additional offers on Retail and Services. There are over 80 offers on Entertainment and Sports.  There are over 85 offers on Travel and Hotels.  There are over 30 offers for dining out.  There are over 230 offers for Casual Dining & Fast Food.   This is all in the Entertainment Book.  BUT, that is not all, there are even more savings and tools online at www.entertainment.com

AND, this year we have a plan to help you get the most out of your Entertainment 07 Book.  We have a plan for Dinner Out one night a month.  We have a plan for RUUGS events the 3rd week of each month that use coupons. We have a plan for Lunches during the week and some after church on Sundays. Any one can come to any event, even without a book – you’ll just save money if you have one!  There will be a list posted at church and on the website of all the events. 

 As you can tell, I am a firm believer in using the Entertainment Book to save money and have fun.  Some years I use it more than others but I always save at least twice the cost of the book and sometimes as much as 100 times the cost of the book. I have friends that buy two a year, that's $50.00, just to save the $160.00 on groceries.  If you have visitors from the frozen North, they can use the coupons to go see the local sites.  So, give it a try and enjoy the fun and savings. 

The books will be on display at church so you can look at the book and get one (or more) for your very own.  You can email the church and place your order and we will get the book, or books, to you. Contact Judy Lehman or Diana Stevens

Perpetual Gift

Consider giving a gift to the church by purchasing a hymnal in memory of a loved one or to honor a special person.  Our hymnbook Singing The Living Tradition is available for $32.00 a copy, this includes shipping and handling fees and a personalized bookplate.  When we receive five requests we will place an order. Mail your check for $32.00 made payable to UUCT, attention Hymn Book.  Or place the check in the Sunday collection plate with a note. You will be notified before the book is placed in the sanctuary.


WEAVING THE FABRIC OF DIVERSITY

 An Anti-bias Program for Adults

Rev. Liz Brown

To attract, affirm, and serve a diverse membership requires that we as individuals, as well as our congregation, be intentional about our efforts to become truly diverse. This course, to be facilitated by Rev. Elizabeth Brown, our Interim Minister, is designed to help us be faithful to our religious principles as expressed in our UUA Covenant.  It will also assist us in acquiring the basic skills for building bridges across racial, ethnic, cultural, and intellectual divisions.

For further information, please contact Rev. Liz at 727-599-6132 or by email at uulizbrown@tampabay.rr.com.

Classes are Mondays through November 27th. (There will be no class on Nov. 6th) Class time is 7-9.

UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS

Joan Lund

For the first time, because I believe the issue of Accessibility is so important, I am writing about it again (see Trustee Tidbits, March, 2004). I have come to know that Accessibility is just one of the many forms of oppression permeating our society. In the U.S., people with physical, mental, developmental, emotional, psychological, and learning disabilities have experienced marginalization in employment, accommodation, education, and public life. Many of us without disabilities may regard ourselves as allies to people who experience marginalization and oppression in a number of areas, including abilities. The concept, “linked oppressions”, means that information about what it means to be an effective ally is transferable, so things we know about being an ally to people in the area of racism or other oppressions are also applicable to ableism.

There are some guidelines dealing with oppression, adapted from Paul Kivel’s book, Uprooting Racism, that I believe we must consider in both our personal and congregational life if we are to live as opponents to all forms of oppression. It is important that we learn the history of those who have struggled against oppression and injustice, while we fight against these wrongs. Oppression is everywhere, every day. People with privilege do not have to deal with oppression on a daily basis. It’s up to people who have privilege to learn to observe the effects of oppression. Be aware of who the center of attention is, and who the center of power is. Privilege works by directing blame toward people who experience oppression, while consolidating power in the hands of those with privilege. Notice how oppression is denied, minimized, and justified. Understand and learn from the history of privilege. Notice how all areas of oppression, including ableism, change and morph over time, and how strategies of oppression help to subvert and resist challenge.

All of us must take a position against injustice. Take risks. Intervene in situations in which oppression is being demonstrated. Be strategic and decide what’s important to challenge, and what can be overlooked or ignored. Find and deal with the source of power. Recognize that behind particular incidents and interactions are larger patterns because oppression is flexible and adaptable. We must use critical thinking to make good decisions about whom to support in leadership areas regarding oppression, and when.

The work of being an opponent to ableism or any other form of oppression cannot be done alone. No one can end oppression by her/himself. We must work together by building wide bases of support, establishing and strengthening networks, and working with established groups, particularly those with oppressed communities.

You are urged to become instrumental in your congregation and community by playing a positive critical role as an ally in our work towards equality for all. I can be reached at jlund@uua.org for further information or comments. Blessed Thanksgiving holidays to you all.

12 Wild Swans Flying Through Rise Up and Call Her Name

Barbara J. Graham         

.... and flying we have been!  Using the metaphor of the Goddess and fundamental earth-based spirituality, we're exploring the myth of the "12 Wild Swans" to delve into our own depths, seeking healing and empowerment. This is an initiatory journey of empowerment and nothing is quite as it appears!

The symbols in the story are the language of Younger Self, who communicates through sensuality, art, dreams, and vivid images through jokes, irrational impulses and physical sensation. Using song and movement, trance and meditation, we call upon the archetypes of the Elements around us and the Goddess within us. 

The rites are improvisational and spontaneous, with high energy and laughter! We still have 5 classes to go, so join us as we explore anger and injustice; ecstasy and ritual technique; "nettles" and the use of silence; boundaries and modes of awareness; and fear/vision and facing death.

This class is NOT closed, we are open to anyone who wants to come, male or female.  The class meets Tuesdays from 7:30-9:00 in the Big Dome.  Please try to get the book The 12 Wild Swans by Starhawk and Valentine. Please bring something to place on the community altar.  No experience is necessary!

Contact Barbara Graham at walkerbj2002@yahoo.com or (352) 219-1707 for more information.

Goddess In the Belly

Rena Bird

Explore and learn the basics of one of the oldest women’s art forms. Middle Eastern Dance. This Adult Religious Education class will provide an opening to discover a form of self-expression with the potential for transformation and spiritual connection to the Sacred Woman Within. Nyamé, poet, artist, and tribal belly dancer with Troupe Zahara, will lead. 

  Open to all women 18 and older, women in midlife and beyond are especially encouraged and most welcome. Class size is limited to 15!

  8-week Class begins on Tuesday Oct. 3, 2006-Nov. 21, 2006 from 6 to 7 pm.

IMPORTANT: There is No Child Care available for this class.  Please make arrangements accordingly. Contact Rena Bird at 813-988-2897 or serenasdream@earthlink.net with any questions.

Adult Religious Education

Denise Dorsey

This month, our book and movie each explore aspects of freedom and repression from different cultural, temporal, and gender perspectives. There will be an attempt to weave in some of our UU principles and sources into the discussions. 

Book:  November's book of the month, Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi is considered to be a must for any reading group. Amazon.com describes it as  "a moving testament to the power of art and its ability to change and improve people's lives."  Publishers Weekly reports, "This book transcends categorization as memoir, literary criticism or social history, though it is superb as all three." The author, Nafisi, invites seven of her top university students to meet in secret at her home in Tehran to discuss great Western literature that has been banned by the repressive regime. The actual book discussion will take place in early December, but you'll definitely want to start reading now!

Movie:  Our Popcorn and Opinion movie of the month, Good Night and Good Luck, features the work of George Clooney as writer-director and actor. From Amazon.com: "In 90 breathtaking minutes of efficient and intricate storytelling, writer-director George Clooney and cowriter Grant Heslov pay honorable tribute to the journalistic integrity of legendary CBS newscaster Edward R. Murrow, who confronted the virulent and overzealous anti-Communist, witch-hunting of Wisconsin Sen. Joseph McCarthy in 1953-54, and emerged as a triumphant truth-seeker against the abuses of corporate and governmental power…While using crisp black-and-white cinematography (by Robert Elswit) to vividly recreate the electrifying atmosphere of the CBS newsroom and the early years of television, Clooney (son of long-time Cincinnati newsman Nick Clooney) proves his directorial skill by juggling big themes and an esteemed ensemble cast, never stooping to simplification of ethically complex material. Good Night, and Good Luck is an instant classic, destined for all the accolades it so richly deserves." – Jeff Shannon

Diana Stevens and Grant Wilson, will be the hosts and facilitators of Good Night and Good Luck.  There will be a sign up sheet in the large dome for anyone who would like to attend.  Showtime will be at 7:00 pm on Friday, November 17, 2006.  Please arrive earlier, between 6:30 and 6:45 with food and/or drink to share.  Popcorn will be provided by our hosts and a great discussion will, without a doubt, follow the movie.   

Stay tuned for information regarding future movie possibilities such as What the Bleep (a definite), Syriana, I Love/Heart Hucklebees, Kumbhamela or Short Cut to Nirvana, Antonia's Line, Frida  or Chocolat.  Future book possibilities may include Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, The Essential Mystics by Andrew Harvey, and The Places In Between by Rory Stewart.  Anyone interested in hosting a movie, or facilitating a book discussion, please email ddorsey3@gmail.com

 

Search Committee Update

Pat Benedict

A warm hello to everyone from your Search Committee!  We are honored and excited to be serving you and determined to find the best minister possible for our congregation.

Aware of the size of our task and the time limits constraining us, we were eager to get underway.    We are happy to report the Committee has made significant progress.

Among our accomplishments:

·         Met first in July to organize ourselves and setup a timeline

·         Obtained the materials and guide required from the UUA

·         Contacted the UUA Transitions Office

·         Met with the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) group to utilize the information they have gathered and analyzed

·         Held our retreat on September 17, facilitated by Connie Goodbread (Florida District consultant)

·         Created a covenant to guide us in our endeavors

·         Met with Katy Korb (our District Settlement Representative) concerning creating our Congregational Record

·         Completed the Congregation Record

·         Began working on the packet to be sent to prospective candidates

Our members are:

Pat Benedict                                                         Fran Davin

Ollis Hughes                                                        John Jeter*

Mike Lloyd                                                           Barbara Nelson

Suzie Siegel

*Resigned from Committee to move to Alabama

 

History Wall

Rev. Liz

Sunday, November 19, 2006 from 12:30-2:30 PM

There will be a potluck immediately following our intergenerational Thanksgiving service. Then we will gather for a 2-hour process, the History Wall, that addresses the first task of Interim Ministry— claiming and honoring the congregation’s past and healing its griefs and conflicts.  Before one can move forward, the past must first be acknowledged.  I urge as many of you as possible to attend—the more you put into this process, the more helpful it will be.  

Choir Notes

The choir needs you! If you’d like to join the choir, show up to any Wednesday evening practice session. Tenors and Basses are especially needed. Please see Nadya Hand, our choir director for more information. You can email her at music@uutampa.org.

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.

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 AM. You are welcome to join us. For more information, contact Patricia McCracken at 988-6453

Concerts in the UU Dome

Gloria Holloway arranges the "Concerts in the UU Dome" concerts. She also organizes additional "non-UU Dome" concerts. If you'd like to receive concert reminder messages via email form Gloria, please email her at gshello@tampabay.rr.com and ask her to include you on her list. You can also read more about all the concerts at Gloria's blog: www.gloriasmusic.blogspot.com

2006 SCHEDULE AT THE UUCT DOME

For late breaking news, check the church website and www.gloriasmusic.blogspot.com

Sunday 11/26: TOM PALEY, 3 pm concert.  $12. Fiddle - Banjo - Guitar - Vocals.  What a history Tom has had. WOW! He was an original founder of the New Lost City Ramblers which is considered a pivotal group in 20th Century folk music history; he performed in a duo with Woody Guthrie; he taught guitar to Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. He has lived in England since the 60's & is currently on a U.S. tour via

GREYHOUND BUS, giving the term "folk troubadour" a whole new meaning. Google him.

You'll find all kinds of interesting stuff. In addition to the concert, Tom will be presenting special music during the regular church service on the 26th -- plus, after the concert that day, probably around 5:30, he will be conducting an old-time banjo workshop (cost of which is $20). Don't miss out on the opportunity to see Tom. He's getting on up in years & who knows how many more of these Tours via Greyhound he will undertake.       

Sunday 12/3: BRYAN BOWERS w/SUSAN BOYER HALEY.  3pm $12. Bryan is fabulous on the autoharp and is also well respected as a singer-songwriter. www.somagency.com/BryanBowers/  SUSAN BOYER HALEY's connection to folk music goes back at least four generations.  Her husband, Bill Haley, will accompany her on banjo. QUOTE from The Birmingham News: "Susan Boyer Haley entertained a packed Unitarian Church with her singing and playing of dulcimer, guitar and psaltery...   Between the opening ‘I Saw Three Ships’  and closing ‘Silent Night’, some (songs) were identifiably Appalachian.  Others came from earlier generations of the Boyer family in Missouri...  ‘Mary Had a Baby’ was a call-and answer song in no carol book I've seen...  ‘Three Litle Drummers’,  ‘What You Goin' To Call That Pretty Little Baby?’ and ‘Christmas Is A'comin' and The Goose Is Gettin' Fat’,  the latter sung congregationally as a three part round, are rooted deeply in folk song…" A resident of Clearwater, Susan is a regular at the annual Florida Folk Festival, has appeared at various venues across the country, including Garrison Keillor's  “A Prairie Home Companion.”    

Sunday 12/10: SOUTHWIND'S 9TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT AT THE DOME.  3pm.  $12.  More about Southwind in Dec Domelight.  But plan ahead and mark your calendars now.

A Drink from CUUPS

Chris Hendrickx

Circles in the Woods CUUPS (Convenent of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) is a committee within the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa.

Full Moon Celebrations

We host Full Moon Celebrations on the Saturday closest to the Full Moon. Ritual begins at 7:30 pm followed by shared feasting. This is an open family event, so yes, children are welcome! However, childcare is not provided so parents are responsible for the care of their children. Donations to help pay for the upkeep of the property are welcome!

November 4th: The dark time of the season is here…a time to reflect and share stories. In olden times, the 'bard' was welcomed to entertain when the days were short and the nights were long. Join members and friends of Circles in the Woods CUUPs for our Full Moon Celebration as Lord SunFire facilitates a Bardic Circle. Come ready to share your favorite story, poem or sing a song!

December 2nd: Yule as presented by Sacred Oaks Circle -- Release that which you no longer need to make room for new beginnings and the return of the 'light'!

Circles in the Woods CUUPS Meetings 

Circles in the Woods CUUPs holds a monthly business meeting the first Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. 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.  

November 6th: Making Staffs & Wands

December 4th: Kitchen Witchery

Goddess Gathering

 

Goddess Gathering is an affiliated group of CUUPS focused on Earth/Woman-centered spirituality. We are in covenant to encourage and support our individual and collective spiritual paths in the UU tradition of a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.  Our egalitarian and non-sectarian group offers support to women in our community seeking an earth-centered, spiritual path toward the Divine Feminine. Our events and activities are open to all women in the UUCT community.  For more information contact Rena Bird (Nyami) at 813-988-2897 or email serenasdream@earthlink.net

November Event: Nov. 10, 7 pm at UUCT – Film – Signs Out of Time, the Story of Archeologist Marija Gimbutas.

December Event: Dec. 22, 7:30 pm at UUCT – Winter Solstice Ritual

Film Showing:  Signs Out of Time: The Story of Archeologist Marija Gimbutas

Rena Bird

Beginning and ending with a traditional Summer Solstice ritual in her home country of Lithuania, Signs Out of Time:Tthe Story of Archaeologist Marija Gimbutas examines the life, work, and influence of the noted archaeologist, linguist, and folklorist on scholars, feminists, and social thinkers.  The 60-minute film, produced by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Donna Read and author/activist Starhawk, with narration by Olympia Dukakis, explores Gimbutas’ research into peaceful, egalitarian Goddess-oriented Neolithic cultures of Europe.  A lively mix of interviews interspersed with archival materials, on-location photography, and animation, the film includes footage from excavations sites that show the viewer the living landscapes in which her discoveries were made. Charlene Spretnak, Carol Christ, Brian Swimme, Riane Eisler, James Harrod, Vicki Noble, Elinor Gadon, Ralph Metzner, and others share their insights into Marija’s contributions. Including a soundtrack of original Lithuanian daions (folksongs) and music by Stella Mara, the film is a feast for the mind, the eye and ear.

From the Worship Committee

Harriet Blymiller

At the suggestion of our new, deeply committed music director, Nadya, we’re planning to try a new, slightly different format for announcements during worship services. This is in the interest of keeping the announcement period brief and leaving us as much time as possible for other worship activities. Once the worship committee has reviewed this new format, we’ll make the congregation aware of the details.

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.

Domelight Deadline

As a guy who’s always got one too many spinning plates, I can understand when people need to have just a bit of extra time on deadlines. However, in order to make the delivery of your Domelight possible before the first of the month, I need to have all articles in by Sunday, November 12 for the December issue. Thanks for the help!

“Futures” Referendum Sample Ballot

You will be recieving a ballot as we vote on the direction we want the Church to take in the next five years.  If you were at Church on October 29th, you got your ballot. If not, it is probably in the mail to you right now.  The ballot is due back at the church on November 11.  There will be a box by the door to deposit the ballots or you can mail them in.

If  you want more information about the choices and ballot, go to the Church website www.uutampa.org and follow the “UUCT Future” link.

Your help is needed!

Just a reminder, please help to clean the church. This is not only needed on Building & Grounds day, but also whenever you’re there.  We’re not talking about anything difficult, but when you’ve had an event at the church, make sure all food is picked up and put away. Clean up all of your dishes. Take the garbage and recycle out and make sure to put lids on those cans to keep the critters from making a mess. Just these few simple tips can help make sure that we have a sanctuary that’s ready to use when we want to use it, and helps keep the critters in the woods where they belong instead of in our kitchen.

Calendar of weekly events

SUNDAY

10am    (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 for babies in the Nursery

WEDNESDAY            
7pm     Choir Rehearsal

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

Calendar of November Events

Nov 1 Choir 7:00 PM

Nov 2 Walk in the Park 8:30 AM

Nov 2 RE 6:00 PM

Nov 2-4 Japanese Accupressure 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Nov 4 Full Moon - Bardic Circle7:30 PM

Nov 6 CUUPS meeting 7:00 PM

Nov 6 CUUPS Workshop: Staffs & Wands 7:30 PM

Nov 7 Election Day

Nov 8 Choir 7:00 PM

Nov 9 Walk in the Park 8:30 AM

Nov 9 Sustainability

Nov 10 Goddess Group 7:00 pm

Nov 10-12 River of Grass Con for YRUU

Nov 11 Buildings and Grounds 9:00 PM

Nov 12 Interweave 12:30 PM

Nov 13 Weaving Diversity -- Ageism 7:00 PM

Nov 14 Goddess in the belly 6:00 PM

          12 Wild Swans 7:30 PM

Nov 15 Choir 7:00 PM

Nov 16 Walk in the Park 8:30 AM

Nov 16 Board 7:00 PM

Nov 18 Breathwork 8:00 AM

Nov 20 Weaving Diversity 7:00 PM -- Classism

Nov 21 Goddess in the belly 6:00 PM

          12 Wild Swans 7:30 PM

Nov 22 Choir 7:00 PM

Nov 23 Walk in the Park 8:30 AM

Nov 23 Vegan Potluck -- All Day

Nov 26 Living by Heart 12:15 (in the nursery)

 Concert 2:00 PM Tom Paley

Nov 27 Weaving Diversity 7:00 PM

Nov 28 Goddess in the belly 6:00 PM

          12 Wild Swans 7:30 PM

Nov 29 Choir 7:00 PM

Nov 30 Walk in the Park 8:30 AM
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