Sunday Services  

Sunday, August 5 – Doug Tanner "So You Want to be Happy"

Doug Tanner will review and comment on the Dali Lamas’ book “How to Be Happy”.  There are valuable lessons for people of all faiths and all backgrounds.  If you’ve always wanted to know the secrets of happiness don’t miss this service. 

Sunday, August 12 – Rev. Jane Page, "Wake Now My Senses:  The Embodiment of Spirituality”

For at least a couple of millennia, Plato’s dualistic concept separating the body and soul has prevailed – at least in the so-called “civilized” world.  Many now, however, are viewing spirit and body in a more holistic sense.  In this sermon, Jane explores a little philosophy, theology, and science while also sharing her personal experiences on this topic. 

Sunday, August 19 – Dr. Michael Stoltzfus

Dr. Stotzfus will continue his monthly speaking arrangement with us for another year.  He was on vacation as this newsletter went to press; however, as those of you familiar with his presentations over the last several year know, he will no doubt inspire and educate us once again.  As most of you know Michael is a member of the VSU Philosophy and Religion faculty.  Welcome him for another year.

 Sunday, August 26 – Rev. Kenn Hurto

The District Executive for the Florida District, Rev. Kenn Hurto, will be visiting our fellowship and providing the message for our Service.  Rev. Hurto is new to the district and is looking forward to getting acquainted with our fellowship.  If you are interested in the latest news and district activities come and join us.    

Religious Education for Children

The RE program for children meets at 10:45 AM concurrent with the Sunday morning service.  Contacts:  Mya Storey; Susan Bailey.

 

Rev. Jane A. Page, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Statesboro, serves our congregation in Valdosta each month.  She is available for conferences and special services when she is in Valdosta .

 

 

   

INVITATION TO MEMBERSHIP If you are interested in becoming a member of our fellowship, we encourage you to talk with our President, Mya Storey.  We welcome your questions, and we extend an open invitation to all who want to join our liberal community of faith.

 

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Social Action Activities

Break Bread Together

Our date for meal deliveries with the Break Bread Together program is the 2^nd Monday of each month.  If you can deliver meals on this day beginning about 11:00 AM, please contact Frank Asbury.

 

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ABOUT OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

v      Ask Dee Tait about her son’s success as an artist.  She has recently visited him in Colorado for an art opening.

v  Barbara Child recently contacted us with an address change.  She has left Ann Arbor, MI for Nashville, IN.

v  Ann Bennett Dowman and her husband Jim were recently in town visiting family on a trip round the world.  Ann is George Bennett’s sister.   She and her husband live in New Zealand and are very much involved in international Habitat work.  Ann frequently attended our services when she was living in Valdosta, her hometown.  

Memorial Fund for John and Virginia Branan

Roger Branan, John’s brother. and Frank Asbury, longtime friend and member of our congregation, have initiated a memorial fund for John and Virginia Branan to be used at the church.   Since John and Virginia were pillars of the UU church for many years, perhaps we should commemorate their contributions by putting up some kind of a structure. Please share any other suggestions. Contributions can be sent to UU Church-Branans Memorial Fund.  (At this time we have $200.00 in the fund.)

Love Will Guide Us!      ••••• Our advance congratulations to Jane Altman Page & Gregory John Brock   …who will be married in August, 2007, In Statesboro , GA.   Best wishes!

 

 

 

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UU Church of Valdosta Board of Directors Meeting:

July 10, 2007

Attendance: Mya Storey, Doug Tanner, Chuck Giese, Rosie Asbury, Jim Ingram, Sue Bailey, Lars Leader, Francis Paterson, Charles Judah

Old Business: The Board approved the minutes of the June meeting.  Lars will solicit quotes for the new banner.  Discussion of the lack of visibility of the church when driving by. Doug will purchase temporary signs to be put on the road opposite the church. (Lars will send graphics to Doug.) Jim has cut back the brush around the existing sign to increase its visibility.  Board discussed attendance at Sunday services. Mya has started tracking attendance to see if any trends become apparent.

New Business: Treasurer Report: We ended the year $2400 in the red, where we had projected a $6500 loss. Treasurer’s report was approved.  Program Report: Speakers set for July, one speaker needed for August. Our ‘regular’ three speakers return in September.  After much discussion, it was decided that the board meetings will be on the first Wednesday of the month. Our next meeting will be August 1.  Lars requested that anyone desiring to be added to the Florida District News Letter let him know. Chuck did so. We received many UU coffee mugs from the Branans.  Apparently they were given out to new members. The board decided to continue to distribute the mugs to new members.  The board heard a request from Francis Paterson to (co)sponsor a Pet Loss Support Group. This would be a 4 weeknight session, starting in April 2008. Our sponsorship would entail us providing the meeting place for the support group. The Board approved the request.

The next board meeting will be on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 6:00 in the RE Building.

News from the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg   

A resolution affirming support for transgender individuals written by the Rev. Manish K. Mishra of the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg, and co-sponsored by the Rev. Abhi Janamanchi of the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater, was passed on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at the 10th annual national Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly meeting of 5400 registrants, in Portland, Oregon.  The resolution titled "Confronting Gender Identity Discrimination" will impact all 1000+ member congregations of the UUA.  This resolution is a first for the UUA which has never had a formal statement in support of transgender identity. The resolution, which establishes the first ever UUA policy to support transgender individuals in employment practices, educational efforts, congregational life, and public witness also encourages member congregations and societies to explore with their communities the important differences between sexual orientation and transgender identity.   Rev. Mishra and Rev. Janamanchi have been very active publicly in supporting the transgender community.  Rev Mishra was one of the principal organizers of an interfaith coalition of Tampa Bay liberal religious church leaders who demonstrated in front of Largo City Hall to support Susan Stanton, the former Largo city manager, fired from her job after she revealed her plans to transition her gender from male to female.   The Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg, a century old congregation on Mirror Lake , also hosted the Interfaith Worship Service of Hope and Healing on March 15th to support the transgender community which Susan (then Steve) Stanton attended.

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Treasurer's Report

Doug Tanner/Rosie Asbury

OPERATING RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS:      

                                                June                        Twelve Months

Receipts:                                                               

  Plate                                       81.00                       1,541.00

  Pledge                                  760.00                     12,937.00

  Rent                                      240.00                        2,880.00

  Interest Income                      0.00                           790.00 

  TOTAL RECEIPTS            1,081.00                     18,148.00      

         

Disbursements:                                                   

  Mortgage                            500.00                       6,000.00

  Speakers                              425.00                       7,700.00

  Repairs and Maint.                 0.00                        417.00

  Newsletter                                0.00                        490.18

  Donations                                0.00                             0.00

  Insurance & Termite Bond   0.00                      1,098.00

  Postage                                     0.00                            0.00

  Supplies                                  65.48                        140.95

  UUA dues                                0.00                     1,960.00

  Utilities                                161.11                      2,291.49

  Advertising                              0.00                        350.00

  Other                                         3.00                         153.00 

 

TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS                             

1,154.59                   20,600.62

NET RECEIPT (DISBURSEMENT)                  

($73.59)                  ($2,452.62)

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Newsletter Editor:  Betty Derrick Website:  Carol Stiles  August 10: Deadline for the September  newsletter.  Please note earlier than usual deadline.  Your editor must complete the September newsletter no later than August 12, so please honor this tight schedule.  Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

At the Church-in-the-Woods

New Hope Christian Fellowship - Sunday evenings: Choir practice at 5:00 PM. Service at 6:00 PM.

Taoist Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday: Continuing Class: 6:00-7:30 PM (after August 20 5:30-7:00 PM); A New Taijiquan Class, an introduction to the internal arts and methods of the TAOIST TAI CHI SOCIETY ^®starts Monday, August 20, 2007.

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UU Activities and Announcements

Further information is posted on the bulletin board in the R.E. wing at the church.  Also check your Sunday Order of Service for announcements. 

August 4 District Leadership Council Meeting, Clearwater , FL
August 24-26 Basic Youth Advisor Training Orlando, First Unitarian

September 23 Restoring America’s Good Name, Dr. William Schulz, Orlando-First 
September 29 Light the Fire! Growing the UU presence in Florida , Rev. Kenneth Hurto facilitating, Northeast Cluster Workshop, Ormond Beach

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UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS                    Joan Lund

Ah…the dog days of summer. Hope everyone is staying cool, and enjoying some vacation time. General Assembly is over; if you wish to read my impressions and observations go to the District web page for my report. I subscribe to a UUA list for leaders, which is open to all to subscribe (uu-leaders@lists.uua.org) and recently there has been a dialogue/discussion concerning the importance of being a member of a congregation as opposed to merely attending on a regular basis. With thanks to Helen Bishop and Rick Childs I offer some thoughts.

When one joins an organization they are making a commitment and public statement in agreement with the mission/vision of the organization. Membership usually means a stated financial contribution and the privilege of voting on issues of importance to the organization. Even though congregational meetings may be tedious they represent grassroots democracy. Then there is knowledge that membership in a congregation means connection to the larger UU world, standing for our liberal religious beliefs at the national and sometimes global level.

On another significant level one who joins a UU congregation knows the feeling of a shared and sacred commonality with who we are and our purpose of spiritual enrichment. Joining sets in motion new forces for spiritual growth and opens new pathways and experiences that will greatly expand spiritual and personal growth. Membership brings the rich personal experiences of the new member, their commitment to the future of the congregation, and their spiritual gifts to share, thus broadening and enriching the congregation. Membership in a Unitarian Universalist congregation is a rich and fulfilling experience.

Being a member of a UU congregation requires as much “inreach” as outreach, for the development of a strong Unitarian Universalist identity is one way to ensure that adults stay involved and that youth and young adults seek guidance and comfort from their Unitarian Universalist religious homes when needed. A congregation needs the ability to provide both authentic personal relationships and religious resources to engage the mind and spirit at the deepest levels. Membership in a UU congregation is an ongoing journey that does not stop when one “signs the book.” Membership means involvement in shared ministry in a vibrant spiritual community and witnessing our faith to the world.

As you know I want to hear from you with your concerns, questions, comments etc. I can be reached at jlund@uua.org . Enjoy August.

June, 2007, General Assembly, Portland, Oregon  Ah Portland…what a beautiful city in which to experience GA. Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens were clearly in view much of the time. The convention center was state-of-the-art and the transportation system to and from hotels was free on MAX. Gene and I flew to Portland towards the end of the week preceding GA to visit friends and sight-see. The Board of Trustees (BOT) met Tuesday; GA began with the District In-Gatherings Wednesday afternoon, followed by the wonderful banner parade and Opening Ceremony. The long weekend was activity, event, and information-filled ending with a moving Closing Ceremony. The BOT met the Monday following GA. While at GA I re-united with many UU friends and acquaintances and was infused with UU spirit and love. Next year I hope to be with many of YOU in Ft. Lauderdale . In fact since GA will be held in our beautiful District I urge you make plans to attend, and better yet, offer your help to David Fisher the GA Planning Committee Florida Coordinator. This Trustee report will consist mostly of my personal observations and brief summaries on specific activities of particular interest to me during GA because the BOT does not generally “conduct” business during this time.

I hope all of our Florida congregational presidents at GA attended the Friday afternoon workshop. In order to be partially reimbursed (50%) for GA registration presidents need to submit the form distributed at that event. According to our District Office 81 Florida UUs registered for GA, including 7 incoming or current presidents. As you know most of the significant GA happenings can be found at www.uua.org. It is a site I often frequent for news and information. A memorable event for me was the Ware lecture, given by Rashid Khalidid, Professor and head of Columbia University ’s Middle East Institute. He drew on his wealth of experience and scholarship to elucidate the current conflict in the Middle East , using history to provide a clear-eyed view of the situation today. He delivered a scathing denunciation of the Bush administration’s Middle East policies, accusing the administration of instigating a “new Cold War” with Iran that is distorting and exacerbating all the various countries of the region problems. I urge you to visit the website and find what interests you. If you have questions or comments please let me know at jlund@uua.org.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST UNIVERSITY (UUU)

This was the second year for UUU, which featured Gil Rendle, who is well known for his work with middle judicatory offices and staff as they wrestle with the issues of both denominational and congregational change. He delivered keynote addresses at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19th. The UUU programming track included: Fostering Generosity, Growing Our Faith, and Sharing our Leadership. These sessions were led by Laurel Hallman, Senior Minister of First UU Church of Dallas, David Rynick, a faith-based coach with many years of experience fostering leadership, creativity, diversity, mission and purpose, and systems thinking, and Laila Ibrahim of the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, CA, co-presenting with Tom Schade, Minister of First Unitarian Church of Worcester, MA. Although I was not in attendance or involved with UUU this year I heard nothing by rave reviews for this pre-GA event. From all reports this marvelous pre-GA event will be offered again next year and I encourage you to participate.

OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY (OST)

As your Trustee I committed to attending as many of these sessions as possible; an excellent decision in my opinion. The BOT during this GA, in order to get broad input from members and leaders of our congregations asked us to answer the question: “In today’s complex world, what is our mission as a faith community?” The process of OST was used to encourage participants to create and manage their own agenda around this central question of strategic importance. We intend to use the results to guide us in setting the priorities of the Association for the next five to ten years. During Plenary II on Thursday morning, Moderator Gini Courter invited all GA attendees to participate in this process, facilitated by Dr. Helen Bishop. Dr Bishop asked all interested people to attend one of ten “Domains”, where groups of people, separated according to the registration number on their nametags, gathered to discuss topics related to the Open Space question being posed. These “Domains” met in ten different locations following the Plenary. Each “Domain” was asked to generate up to twelve topics relevant to the question. These topics became the subjects of over 100 workshops, held twenty at a time, during six different program times on Thursday afternoon and Friday. The attendees had been told that during the workshop phase of the OST process, participants were to discuss their topic and come up with a statement that gave direction to the BOT on that issue. Once all the OST workshops were held, participants returned to the rooms in which their Domain met for Convergence sessions to discuss statements generated on the topics chosen by that Domain. At the Convergences these topics were discussed and put together. At Plenary VI on Saturday afternoon, there was a presentation of the results of the OST process, and during Plenary VII on Sunday morning, the delegates voted on OST priorities. The attendees got five votes to cast over the thirty listed priorities, distributing the five votes for five different statements or voting all five votes for one statement or any combination. The thirty priorities can be found on the UUA website. The results of the vote will not be available until later this summer or early fall. Even though many folks were still scratching their heads at the end of the introduction of OST …it worked! In fact it, from my perspective the whole process was challenging, educational, and even fun. Many dedicated UUs participated and even though many who started the process did not complete it, it was very successful. The BOT will receive ALL the information from every session, and will pay close attention to the votes cast at Plenary VII.

GA HAPPENINGS

Plenaries (I attended all of them)

Rev. Bill Sinkford, UUA President, delivered his report at Plenary II. He asked, “What does it mean to be a faithful Unitarian Universalist today”? Goals and mission are not enough; without vision we will die. He let the attendees know that vital congregations are ones who are growing, not afraid to say who they are, possess powerful religious values, committed to ending oppression, know what it is to be a beloved community, and are in deep relationship between and among other UU congregations. He emphasized that congregational polity does not meant congregational isolation. Relationship is the covenant of life. Rev. Sinkford cited the Largo , Fl city council’s firing of Susan Stanton and the work of Rev. Abhi Janamanchi and Rev. Manish Mishra as an example of how social justice work is becoming more effective, even though the outcome was not as was hoped. Our Association will not abandon what we stand for: marriage equality, a woman’s right to control her own body, and the withdrawal of our troops from Iraq . He informed us on the success of our UUA Health Plan, emphasizing that health care must exist for all US citizens and is a justice issue. Even though as an Association we are working at eliminating racism and oppression there continues to be a feeling of incompleteness, a living with a feeling of failure and Rev. Sinkford knows during his remaining two year tenure as president we will not reach “the promised land”. Currently there are seven ministers of color and Latino/a in preliminary fellowship. He reminded us that our faith has grown by only 1% or so for about the last 20 years. NOW IS THE TIME was introduced as our important capital campaign, a five-year comprehensive fundraising campaign to generate $20 million in immediate resources and $30 million in legacy covenants. In focus groups, surveys and roundtable discussions, the UUA has asked how the Association could most help our congregations. The response was: “Help us grow!” So now is the time to raise funds and spend them strategically to strengthen our movement. As part of the “Now Is the Time” campaign all congregations are being asked to schedule an Association Sunday service in the fall and have a special collection to affirm the work of growth.

Other Plenary Agenda items of interest included four presentations by the Breaththrough Congregations (Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship, All Souls Unitarian Universalists of Kansas City, MO, First Unitarian of Portland, OR, and Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church, Camp Springs, MD), The President’s Award for Volunteer Service, the O. Eugene Pickett Award, the Distinguished Service Award, debate/vote on the Statement of Conscience, debate/vote on Actions of Immediate Witness, an offering to support the UUA/UUSC Gulf Coast Volunteer Program, and a Report from the Journey Toward Wholeness Transformation Committee.)