The Flaming Chalice

Sat	May 1	7:00 PM	Games Night!
Sun	May 2	9:30 AM 10:45 AM	Youth R.E., Adult Forum Service - Jack Ford, Flower Communion Service - bring friends!
Tues	May 4	11:00 AM	Break Bread Together Meal Delivery
Tues	May 4	7:00 PM	Women's Group at the church
Sun	May 9	9:30 AM 10:45 AM 12:15 PM	Youth R.E., Meditation group Service - Charles Judah, Mother's Day Annual Congregational Meeting, potluck after the service
Sun	May 16	9:30 AM 10:45 AM 12:15 PM	Youth R.E., Adult Forum Service - Jack Ford, A Spiritual Anthology: Seven Years Good Luck 3^rd Sunday Potluck, followed by a board meeting
Tues	May 18	7:00 PM	Women's Group at the church
Sun	May 23	9:30 AM 10:45 AM	Youth R.E., Meditation group Service - Paige LeFeure, Child Abuse (Campus Life Coordinator, Methodist's Children's Home)
Sun	May 30	9:30 AM 10:45 AM	Youth R.E., Meditation group Service - Theresa Thompson, Is Pluralism Evil?

Wow, what a busy month, last month!! A successful and hugely entertaining CoffeeHouse (thanks Molly and Doug and all who worked hard to make it so!), an eventful and successful Diversity Week, in which we took several major steps to make ourselves more visible in the community, and a wonderful meeting with the Rev. Mary Higgins, Florida District Executive. Coming up in May, we take time to remember and celebrate Jack Ford's time with us here in Valdosta, beginning with this issue of The Flaming Chalice. The celebration starts on p. 3 of this newsletter, and continues with the Flower Communion service this Sunday, May 2. This is also High Attendance Sunday - bring a flower and a friend!! At Jack's "last service" (this year - he has promised us guest appearances in the future), on Sunday, May 16, we will take a glimpse at snapshots of shared ministry during Jack's time with us. On Sunday, May 9, we will kick off the next year, with our Annual Congregational Meeting after the service - please bring a dish to share, and be prepared for elections, and a celebration of growth and movement as we enter into the next phase of Unitarian Universalism in Valdosta!

Sat., May 1, 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.

The adult forum and Meditation groups will continue to meet on the normal schedule in May. 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. Those individuals who will be here this summer, and wish to make plans for continuing these events should plan to meet on the 5^th Sunday, 9:30 AM, to discuss summer plans.

The women's group is reading the novel Pope Joan, by Donna Woolfolk Cross. It is not necessary to read the book to participate in our evenings - join us for good food and great company, the 1^stand 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

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.

Annual Congregational Meeting - May 9: Elections, canvassing and budget for next year!

The Board is preparing for the annual congregational meeting for UU-Valdosta. The proposed annual budget will be presented! If you have not returned your pledge information to Rene, please do so now! The nominating committee is preparing a slate of officers and the canvassing committee is contacting members for pledges and fundraising for next year.

It is my honor and privilege to serve this church and I ask for the support of all our friends and members, active and inactive. My thanks to the people that have agreed to serve on the committees. It is the work that is done behind the scenes that will fulfil the words to double our membership in two years. I have faith that if we press forward, stick together and accentuate the things that work and discard the practices that don't, we all shall see the essence of our endeavors.

The first step in our plans for growth in numbers and spirit begins with the commitment to affirm and promote our principles. Let us, with our hearts and with spiritual certitude, relate to people that we do have "good news" to share with our friends, neighbors, associates, community and this planet. We are a community that promotes open-mindedness, fairness, optimism and reason along with service and caring to a world where such commodities are sometimes spoken but never materialized. Let us be known as doers and not hearers of this "good news."

At this point faith is our substance until that which we hope for appears. Sharing your faith is like sharing your love, the more you share the more you have. This renewed vigor will be rewarded with greater unity among our members, an enhanced sense of purpose, a spiritual awakening, and growth in numbers. Victor Frankl believed that if you have a 'will' the 'how' will take care of itself. Are you ready? I am.

I have begun to write this article ten times in my head. I never get very far. By the time you read this, I will have two more weekends as minister of the finest congregation I have ever known. How does one say goodbye to that? The book discussions, birthday parties, social outings, pot-lucks, worship services, coffee houses; I have my favorite memories. A common thread through all of these events is you! Each one of you apiece, and all of us together, the relationships we nurture and the ones we take for granted, this is what it means to be 'community'. It means that what we do not only affects others but matters to others.

Newly arrived on the campus of F.S.U. in 1980, a hard and dry time in my life. A letter in my box one day contained only a twenty dollar bill and a note card with Bible reference: Psalms 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." I never knew who sent it. I needed the money, but what I remember most was the message. It said to me, "somebody cares, somebody notices."

This happens here, too, in my favorite church: a card that says "thank you; you have made a difference in my life"; gifts of food, flowers, money to people in need (both members and strangers); a kind word of appreciation or sympathy. Sometimes we may think our lives are small, our contributions insignificant. I want to tell you now that you are "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." You may NEVER know the way in which your words and actions bloom in the lives of others. But know this: you have changed my life and I am ever grateful.

"It is the going out from oneself that is love, and not the accident of its return. It is the expedition, whether it fail or succeed." (H. G. Wells)

Our thoughts and concerns are with those who have had illness or other concerns over the past few months.

Editor's Note: Okay, we all know we can write now (after reading the rest of this issue), and since we are going to be a lay-led ministry, each of us, in turn, can contribute an article for the Flaming Chalice. And anyone else who wishes to contribute notes for Jack, there's room in next month's issue!

Thank you Jack! From near and far, notes and letters submitted to remember and celebrate Jack Ford's presence as UU ministerial intern here in Valdosta....

From Janet Andersen: I remember those fearsome volleyball games at Jim's, the late night parties at Parkers, the limbo at the Valentine's dance, and of course, dominoes. But what I remember most is the enthusiasm and ideals you bring to our congregation, to our Sunday service, to our UU principles and to our UU Assocation. Your guidance for helping us formulate our mission and encouragement and help in building our new church has made us grow and see a bright future. We've come a long way in seven years! Thank you! We will miss you, Kathy, Lauren and John. Come back often!

From Steve Andersen: I remember sailing with Jack on our boat after church and the building of the Native American sweat lodge on the new church grounds. I also remember the seemingly never-ending pots of coffee which Jack would brew as he prepared sermons at our home during the time when he stayed with us on his Valdosta weekends. What I remember most though is Jack's hearty, welcoming "Good morning" at the beginning of many insightful, inspiring church services and sermons. Jack provided us with the leadership that we needed at a critical point in our church history and for that, I will be forever grateful.

From René: You have been here since I came. I grew to trust you and moved you into my circle of personal friends. I took it for granted you would always be here. Change is difficult but usually necessary for growth. Thank you for being a friend. I will miss your punnyness, domino expertise, sermons, and smile greatly. Good Luck in all you do.

There is so much more to say but not enough words to express it - so here it goes - SIGH!

From Josette and Jim Ingram: Jack has endeared himself to us from the start with the brilliance of his sermons and his personal and warm contact with everyone. His Saturday phone calls, never intrusive, have been an expression of his genuine concern and goodness. We love you, Jack.

From Betty Derrick: As I recall Jack's time with us here in Valdosta, one memory comes vividly to mind. Although I had been actively involved in the discussions which resulted in our original invitation to Jack to serve as our part-time minister, I was living in Tallahassee on leave at Florida State University during Jack's first year with us. I remember returning occasionally to visit on Sunday during that year and noticing all the new faces. The following year I served as President of the congregation, as I had often done, only this time I found myself faced with a "sea" of new faces, many of whom did not know who I was or my history with the congregation, and whom I also did not know. What a challenging and exciting year it was as we came to know each other. I don't know the actual numbers, but it seemed the membership had doubled overnight! Thank you Jack for initiating a new UU era in Valdosta. It is that beginning which now brings us to our current opportunity for further growth.

From Virginia Branan: What I most appreciate about Jack is his openness and genuine friendliness. Yes, I found his sermons thought provoking. Yes, I appreciated the variety in his services such as the flower communion, meditations, and meaningful taped music selections. Yes, I was moved by his prodding for social action. But what I will always recall when I think of Jack is his warm, welcoming personality.

From John Branan: As I reflect on Jack Ford, I think of his enthusiasm for life in his interest in sailing, outdoor activities and socialization. This is combined with a social conscience, activism and an inward searching for his spiritual compass. Jack is a being in process with a good heart. When he is fully credentialed, he has much to offer the Unitarian denomination.

From Miriam Hope: When I look back over the years I've known Jack Ford at our Unitarian Church, I find a kind of confusion.
There've been the comforting, reassuring times like the flower communions and the sharing of people's joys and concerns. There've been the times of guided common explorations like the orientation discussion groups and an in-depth digging into our individual values and guidelines, with time set apart in people's homes.
Jack has several times given my particular understandings of religion a sympathetic spot-light in our services.
But there's no reason to mask the fact that his overall effect on me has been unsettling. He has always thrown out to us bits and pieces of provocative religious ideas and experiences - Zen meditation, Native American practices, the Buddhist Service for All Beings. He has never let me settle into a comfortable knowledge of what he'll be doing next, or where he's going to be urging us to enter into a new area of thought and feeling.
That's been good for me. My natural style, if I'm left undisturbed, is to burrow deeper right where I am, seeking further understandings in the same direction I started in.
Jack has often "jounced me out" of my well-worn ruts. I thank him for that, and I wish him well in his future adventures beyound our congregation.

No matter where your journey leads you, you will always be a part of the UU Church of Valdosta. Your words have left their impression on our hearts and your handiwork shows in the structure of our new building.
Etched in my memory: how happy I was when I came to the UU Church seeking a comfortable place for my spirit. You were there, Jack, with your message, minus any dogma and must do's or must be's. Thanks.
I remember outings, your extra energy for the sweat lodge, the times you stayed late for board meetings and traveled that back road through Fargo back to Jacksonville late at night, the district meeting you and I attended in Gainesville last year.
And, don't we know it wasn't always convenient for you, finding the spot you were to stay in for the weekend in Valdosta. I'm glad I had a chance to spend time with you, Kathy, John, and Lauren in my home.

Thank you Jack, for all you have been and are to this church. Come back as often as you can.

And finally, this great story from our friend, Lorena Holland, now of Augusta, GA: What shall I say about my friend Jack? .... Well, I'll have to admit having been smitten by his uniquely interesting presence! At first glance, I thought surely he must be Charles Manson's little brother. And the more I knew him, the more beautiful he became, inside and out!
There were so many fun times with him, but this one came up so I will share it and know that any woman who has ever fretted over makeup application, or stood at the Lancome counter searching for that ONE that will "cover and last", can appreciate it!
We had so looked forward to the incredible experience of the "sweatlodge" and Jack definitely was the "most experienced" among us! He and several guys had laboriously constructed a Native American "Tee-pee" and to me it was like stepping onto the back lot at Universal Studios! I marveled at their attention to detail...... The fact that this spiritual event would take place on the VERY spot for the foundation of our "new little church in the woods" was, in itself, exhilarating!
The princess arrived, dressed in freshly pressed jeans and a freshly bought white "Tee-shirt" purchased on a recent trip to the Mayan Ruins (seemed somehow oddly appropriate), and freshly painted street makeup, of course...... I was ready for anything AND whatever!!!
During the hours that followed, while we were "sweating and lodging", we perched in the close quarters of our pristine hut, (albeit partially covered with new age plastics!). After l4-21 hot rocks, depending on one's own personal stamina and staying power, we welcomed the very sight of our man Jack reaching for a thoughtfully- placed bucket of water and literally throwing dippersful into our faces and onto our upper torsos to refresh our torrid bodies and blistering spirits! We-- well EVERYONE ELSE-- looked like a coup of chickens just in from an unanticipated August downpour!
It HAD truly been an uplifting, liberating and spiritual experience, as had been promised, by our "man-of-the-hours", Wolfman Jack. Afterward, we found our limp selves drenched, lying stretched-out on our backs near the doorway to our lodge on the cool, hard earth -AND IT WAS GOOD! (Stolen--Genesis 1).
We said our good-byes to each other and our embraces were longer and somehow deeper than before. We vowed to do it again soon and to see each other at church in the morning. I drove peacefully home, reliving the afternoon in my mind, walked into my apartment and went straight to the mirror to see what VISIBLE sign of renewal had occurred for me. Much to my amazement and as a rebuttal to the afternoon, I was LAUGHING THROUGH TEARS at what I saw!
There was not a TRACE of makeup on me anywhere-- no eyes, no eyebrows, no shadow, no cheeks or lips--just a plain white face with brown sugar sprinkled on it-- the same one I had brought with me from childhood!
The tee shirt now sported a yucky, six-inch wide neckband-an orange-taupe remnant of the MASK I had worn into the lodge that afternoon-- the same one I had worn for a long long time as an adult.... I had been spiritually, emotionally, and physically cleansed.........just like Jack had said I would be!
My dear man Jack, "thank you" for the lessons you taught me; you will ALWAYS be with us for you are permanently "lodged" in our hearts and in our eyes............ Congratulations and "Break-A-Leg"!

Can you identify the religions indicated by these symbols? (Better yet, can you provide different or additional symbols in *.gif or other format? --ed.)

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

Spring Issue available now! 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.

The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center is an independent affiliate of the Unitarian Universalist Association, near Highlands, NC, (about two hours from Atlanta). Go see what it's all about - you can make reservations to stay as a drop-in guest, or you can participate in one of the many programs - see the partial calendar below.

For delivering Break Bread Together meals last month: Janet Andersen, Joan Cline

To everyone who participated in Diversity Week events, whether it was getting the beautiful new display together, answering questions and talking to students at the on-campus events, setting up for the LGBT Forum at the church, or just bringing your presence and support to these events!

Janet, Steve, Jim, Dee, René, Theresa, Hue, Chris, Mike, Amy, Dave, Virginia, Tom, Julie, Betty, Diane, Viki, Laurel, Charles, Molly, Doug

(My sincere apologies for anyone left off the list - it is getting late tonight! Please let me know....)

For photocopying and folding, stamping, mailing newsletters over the last few months: