March 1999

What’s going on....

Survey on Ministry for UU-Valdosta

With the service on Feb. 14, Heart-to-Heart, a discussion led by Carol Stiles, we began a process of self-reflection and discussion among members and friends of UU-Valdosta. Among the goals that came out of this discussion is that we would like to work toward increasing our membership (and thus increasing our pledge base support), and to work toward having a half-time minister here in Valdosta. Many ideas about advertising, publicity, outreach, making connections with friends, were brought forth in the discussion as a means of increasing our membership.

Ministry is defined as "anything a congregation does in pursuit of its religious mission to its own membership and the wider community" (Rev. Robert T. Latham). Thus, review and renewal of ministry is a process of self-reflection, which considers the activities of the minister, the program committee, and any activities of the congregation that provide ministry to our members and friends.

The Board is gathering input regarding ministry options for Fall, 1999. This is an important decision which will form the basis for meeting our future goals of increased growth and potential ½-time minister. You are invited to provide input in one of the following ways: 1) a written survey is available from Carol Stiles, which needs to be returned by March 14. 2) you may contact Steve Andersen, Carol Stiles or any member of the board directly 3) we are attempting to hold some small group discussions ("Dinners of 8" or other small gatherings) over the next two weeks. The first "Dinner of 8" was a great success, held at the home of Joan Cline (thanks, Joan!), and the attendees expressed interest in continuing these in the future. Please contact Carol Stiles or Steve Andersen, if you are interested in this option. Your voice is important! Please let us hear from you....

Adult Forum And Meditation Groups

On the 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of each month, an Adult Forum discussion group will be held, with various topics. On the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays, meditation will be held. Both groups will meet at 9:30 AM. Any 5^th Sundays are open, and the group will decide on an activity for that extra Sunday in a month; otherwise the room is available for meditation. For more information, please contact Wendy Sue Lamb or Bill Hayes.

3^rd Sunday Potluck

Sunday, Mar. 21. Please bring a dish to share, after the service. Board meeting (or other activity) to follow.

Women’s Group

Women’s Group meets the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. We have a suggestion on the table (from Carol Stiles) to read and discuss the novel Pope Joan, by Donna Woolfolk Cross. Ms. Cross gave a fascinating talk at the Gainesville UU Church during the FL District Women, Religion and Power Conference. Although it is a novel, it is based upon as much information as Ms. Cross could find, about the only woman to serve (disguised as a man) as pope, and the risks she took to do so.

Games Night!

Sat., Mar. 6, 7:00 p.m. Bring a snack if you wish, and your favorite game, and join us for an evening of fun!

Call René or Julie for more information.

Biking and picnic After the service on Sunday, Mar. 7, all are invited to join the Bibin family - Theresa, Frank, Daniel, Jeremy, and Samuel - at their home north of Quitman for a picnic and biking along a 10-mile trail. Directions and more information will be available at the service on that Sunday. Please plan for a picnic/potluck.

Canoeing The Youth Group invites everyone to join them in a canoe outing to the Okefenokee Swamp, either Sunday, Mar. 14 or Mar. 21, after the service. Please contact Doug Fraser regarding which of these dates is best, and let him know if you have a canoe.

Thank You, Thank You

For delivering Break Bread Together meals last month: Janet Andersen, Joan Cline [Call Carol if you can participate!]

Super Saturday Seminar

Each congregation is encouraged to send teams of 4-5 people to this one-day conference to attend workshops in each of the following areas: Finance, R.E., Worship, and Leadership. Saturday, Mar. 27, UU-Gainesville (only two hours down the interstate - can we send a team of four? $20 each, before Mar. 13; $25 after this date; the fifth person is free.)

Book Discussion

Everyone is invited to participate in a book discussion and potluck at René’s house, Friday, Mar. 12, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. The book is titled Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom. Please bring a dish to share, and a beverage! It is NOT necessary to have read the book to participate!! All are welcome....

Next Coffee House

is tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 16. Please check your calendars and listen for more information.

Break Bread Together

If you can deliver meals the 1^st and 5^th Tuesdays of each month beginning about 11:00 a.m., please contact Carol. Meal delivery only takes about an hour of your time.

UU Activities and Announcements

Check the bulletin boards in the church and R.E. building for information on the following events:

• Mar. 26-28, UU Revival, at UU-in-the-Pines, Brooksville, FL
• Mar. 27, Northeast Cluster Meeting and Super Saturday Seminar, UU-Gainesville
• Apr 16-17, Florida District Meeting, Miami Building Healthy Congregations
• Apr 30-May 2, Human Resources in UU Congregations, Canterbury Retreat, Oviedo, FL
• May 7-9, Spark the Spirit, conference for teams of youth and adults, Vero Beach, FL
• May 21-23, Women and Religion Retreat, UU in the Pines, "The Stories of Our Lives, Writing a Spiritual Autobiography." Facilitated by Pamela Griner Leavy and Rev. Barbara Childs.

The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, an independent affiliate of the Unitarian Universalist Association, near Highlands, NC, (about two hours from Atlanta).

Website: http://themountain.uua.org/mountain
e-mail: mountain@dnet.net
Phone: 828-526-5838

Mar. 18 - 21 - Spring African Drum and Dance Retreat

April 9 - 11 - Mother - Daughter Passages

April 23 - 25 - Embracing Our Lesbian Identity

Community Events & Info

VSU’s Women’s Studies Conference, "Generation(s) of Change," Mar. 4-6, University Center on campus. Three days of papers, creative performances, keynote speakers, including Kate Millett, who will speak Friday evening, 7:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Rm., University Center. Her topic will be The Bigger Picture: American and International Feminism.

Available at the church for distribution: Timeless Voices, Middle and South Georgia’s Official Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgendered and Friends (LGBTF) Newspaper published in Macon, GA. This resource contains helpful information for all people (including info on national and state hate crime laws.)

Editor’s Note:

Deadline for articles for The Flaming Chalice is the 15^th of each month. Contact Carol Stiles.

Please note my new e-mail address: cranfun@peachnet.campuscwix.net

Agreeing in Love "If we agree in love, there is no disagreement that can do us injury, but if we do not, no other agreement can do us any good."

--Hosea Ballou