What’s going on... December 2006

Sunday Services

 December 3 – Dr. Lars Leader , “Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be”

As part of our annual Guest At Your Table tradition, this service will focus on the meaning of this season of celebration in light of the work of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee(UUSC).   A short children’s story, “The Treasure Under the Bridge,” will be included.  The main message is adapted from a sermon about the wealth we have beyond just material possessions.  The treasures that UUs can bring to the wider community include support for the programs of the UUSC.  Come hear about some of the UUSC programs that are making a difference around the world.  You can find more information about the Guest At Your Table tradition in an article later in this newsletter.  Lars is the President of our congregation and a faculty member in the College of Education at Valdosta State University .

Holiday Decorations: During Meet & Greet after the December 3 service, plan to give a helping hand to decorate the church Christmas tree and make the sanctuary festive for the holiday season.

December 10 – Rev. Jane Page , "Just Living Simply”

The holiday season is upon us and consumerism seems to rule.  Yet, some are choosing to ignore the marketing schemes that work to increase our desires for more and more.  Indeed, some are choosing to live more simply and with a greater consideration for compassion and justice.   In her message today, Jane explores how just living simply can enrich our lives.

December 17 – Dr. Michael Stoltzfus, “Malcolm X:  Religious and Social Transformation”

Malcolm Little (better known as Malcolm X) is a poorly understood individual and religious figure in recent American history.  We will investigate his life, his conversion to the Nation of Islam in prison, his leadership in the Nation, and his eventual conversion to Orthodox Islam late in life.  Our basic question will be:  What is his strategy for social transformation and how is it similar and different from Martin Luther King?  

December 24 – Congregation Lay Led Christmas Eve Service

 December 31 - Congregation Lay Led New Year's Eve Service

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

 

 

Meditation Group

The Meditation Group is meeting regularly in the sanctuary every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM.  You are welcome to participate.  If you would like to know more about the group speak with Dee Tait.  

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Religious Education for Our Children

The RE program for children meets at 9:30 AM each Sunday morning.  Please bring your child and let those with children who might be interested know that we have restarted this important program at our church.  Volunteers are needed to be sure that two adults are present for each session.  You can volunteer as a helper or as a teacher. Contacts:  Mya Storey or Susan Bailey.

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JUUST Change project

Sunday Lunch Potluck and Discussion -

Sunday, December 10  

Two events are planned immediately after the service on December 10 at which Jane Page will be speaking. 

• A potluck lunch: 12:30-1:30 PM
• A discussion(1:30-2:30) with members and friends about the church’s JUUST Change Project

We are approaching a critical time in the progress of our JUUST Change Project.  Our JUUST Change Committee, Betty Derrick, Lars Leader , and Susan Bailey, sense that by January the congregation will need to make a commitment of our Restoration Fund to this project.  In order to move forward our members need to be fully aware of the project’s goals and prepared to make this commitment. Many in our congregation are new and others have forgotten about the project’s goals.  The original project for use of the Restoration Fund dates from 2004; the JUUST Change Project, from 2006.  Sue Lacy, our consultant, will visit Valdosta again in January for a follow-up session with community contacts.  It is important to the Committee and to our consultant that our members understand and support our goals.    

We are delighted that Jane Page will be able to join us for lunch and assist in facilitating our after lunch discussion.  It is important, especially, if you are a member, but also if you are a friend, of our congregation that you understand what may happen as this project moves forward in January.  This is a discussion which will be completed no later than 2:30 PM.  You will not be asked to make a commitment of money or necessarily time to this project; however, the committee does need your moral support.  Come and participate in this important endeavor for our church and wider community.  

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 .

 

 

 

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.

  Holiday Gifts for our Break Bread people: On December 3 bring small items for gift bags for our Break Bread people.  Small containers of lotion, shampoo, soap, candy or cookies, other small gifts suitable for men or women would be appropriate.   We will deliver them on December 11.

JUUST Change Grant Project

Over recent months the community contacts for this project have shared their thoughts with our congregation at Sunday services. The committee hopes these talks and the special discussion on December 10 will fully engage the congregation in planning a truly meaningful social justice thrust for our community.  It is clear we are still learning together about the needs of our community as well as how our small group can best affect change where change is needed.   The UUA, at our request, extended the time period of our grant, which will allow Sue Lacy to return to Valdosta in January, to facilitate a meeting with our community contacts.  Contact: Betty Derrick  

Guest at Your Table -- 2006-2007

Founded in 1939 to rescue victims of Nazi persecution, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is an independent human rights organization whose work is grounded in UU principles and made possible by the activism and generosity of more than 47,000 members and supporters.

For more than 30 years, UU communities nationwide have participated in Guest at Your Table. They have come together for this special tradition to give thanks, celebrate UU values, and partner with UUSC to change the world. This year, Guest at Your Table participants are celebrating the work of UUSC and its program partners to strengthen workers’ rights; protect the right to safe, affordable water; defend civil liberties and democratic processes; and preserve the rights of vulnerable people after disasters.

Guest at Your Table is our UU tradition for educating our communities about human needs and human rights, and sharing our blessings.  At the service on December 3, we will be passing out small Guest at Your Table boxes, along with information sheets describing some of the programs that the UUSC supports with the funds collected through this annual drive. Place a box where you have your meals and keep it there for several weeks.  As often as you can, insert coins or bills in the box.  The boxes will be available at our church through December.  The filled boxes will be collected at our first and second Sunday services in January.

More information about the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee can be found at www.uusc.org.  If  you are not already a member, consider joining.  Many of our members support the UUSC with an annual membership in addition to special gifts like Guest at Your Table.

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 About Our Members and Friends

Dee Tait wants to share her excitement about the grand opening of  the Artists' Gallery of Steamboat.  Dee's son, Michael Tait, is one of 24 artists living in the Steamboat Springs CO area who came together to create what viewers are calling a "fantastic venue for art and creativity, by transforming the historic space that was the old Pilot printing building into a beautiful, exciting gallery!"  Dee says she was only at the November 24 grand opening in spirit because the preparation of the gallery, the newest and largest in Steamboat Springs, and displaying of the art was completed faster than anticipated but that she plans to be there in March 2007 when Michael's paintings will be the first featured!

Celebration of Life and Memorial  Service for Miracle MaKayla Saturday, December 9 at 11:00 AM At the Valdosta UU Church with potluck lunch to follow.  Rev. Jane Page will officiate at the service.  Come and share your stories of children.  Friends of the family, who are also members of the church, have established a memorial fund in honor of MaKayla’s life.   Contributions may be made to the UU Church of Valdosta indicating the donation is for the MaKayla Fund.

 

Keep in your thoughts …

v   René, Jerry, and Madison - René has accepted a position in northeast Georgia, beginning January 2, as a mathematics teacher at the high school from which she graduated.   They will be in Valdosta until shortly before Christmas, packing and tying up loose ends.

 

 

 

UU Board News for November 2006: Attendance:  Lars Leader , Dee Tait & Rosie Asbury  The Board meeting was opened with a reading of  an excerpt  from Rev. A. Powell Davies’ speech he delivered in 1955.  The October minutes and Treasurer’s report were approved. The Board discussed the JUSST Change project.   The Board approved having Lars Leader , Betty Derrick and Sue Bailey represent the congregation at the JUUST Change January meeting with community members facilitated by Sue Lacey.  Dee suggested that it would be nice if Sue Lacey can do a Sunday program while she is here.   Dee received some information about the World AIDS/HIV service, and will be e-mailing it to the congregation.  The next Board meeting will be on December 4, 2006 at 6:00 PM at the RE Building.  

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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 – Beginners Class: 5:30-6:30 PM ( Dennis Bogyo, instructor); 7:00-8:00 PM, ( Luana Goodwin, instructor)  Continuing Class: 6:30-7:00 PM.  If you are interested, it is anticipated new Beginners Classes will begin in early January.

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Treasurer's Report

Doug Tanner

FUND BALANCES at October 31, 2006                          

General Fund                        $22,699.23             

Restoration Fund                 $11,715.64             

Total (Cash)                          $34,414.87    

                                         

OUTSTANDING DEBT                                     

 Mortgage                                             $19,297.20             

OPERATING RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS:      

Receipts:                October                  Four Months           

  Plate                          31.00     528.00

  Pledge                     980.00  4,430.00

  Rent                         240.00     960.00

  Interest Income     275.00     275.00

  TOTAL REC.      1,526.00  6,193.00                

Disbursements:                                                   

  Mortgage               500.00  2,000.00

  Speakers              1,325.00  2,350.00

  Reprs.& Maint.      159.00     258.00

  Newsletter                  0.00     228.20

  Supplies                    55.84       75.47

  UUA dues                  0.00  1,960.00

  Utilities                   166.85     731.70

  Other                         15.00       60.00                

  TOTAL DISB.     2,221.69  7,663.37                

NET RECEIPT (DISBURSEMENT)                                                                   ($695.69)                ($1,470.37)

NOTE: $575.00 in additional Speakers Fees and Expenses for October due to 40th Anniversary Service

 

Newsletter

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Website:   Carol Stiles

December 15: Deadline for the January newsletter.  Because of holiday plans your editor must ask that you strictly adhere to this month’s deadline.  Thanks!

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UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS                            Joan Lund

Earlier this week I counted the number of columns I have written since being elected your UUA Trustee and it numbers thirty-seven. It is important to me to keep the columns informational, current, and not repetitive. I count on you to let me know whether this is the case. Last month’s column was about a topic on which I had previously written and this month I am doing the same by addressing Independent Affiliates (IA) since the UUA Board (BOT) has voted upon and instituted some rule changes regarding qualifications to become an IA (reference July, 2005).

        The UUA Board of Trustees grants independent affiliate status to independently constituted and operated organizations whose purposes and intentions are found to be in sympathy with the principles of the Association and who support the Association by paying an annual contribution. The Office of the Executive Vice President maintains a list of current independent affiliates and coordinates the annual review of each organization's status as an independent affiliate. Applications for IA status are vetted through the Our Association Working Group of the Board. The BOT determines that the organization is of substantial benefit to the Unitarian Universalist movement. According to the UUA Bylaws Purposes: “The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational, and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions and implement its principles.”

        The BOT understands that the health and vitality of our congregations form the foundation of our Association and that our congregations are not served by IAs operating in isolation or serving as an alternative for congregational life. The BOT is committed to ongoing reflection concerning the purpose and potential of each organization who applies for IA status. We continue to strive to be aware of the focus and clarity of relationship with and between congregations and IAs as they shape Unitarian Universalism. IA status is only one way of being in relationship with our Association of congregations. The rules for becoming an IA can be found on the UUA website; there are currently 60 IAs. At General Assembly each IA is entitled to one program event related to their business or mission.

        Examples of organizations desiring IA status include, but are not exclusive to: groups that connect to historically marginalized persons within our faith community and provide a forum for linked oppressions; and an organization that encourages dialogue, research, and scholarship between and among the different UU theological perspectives and religious groups.

        Much more could be written but space does not permit. You know I am always open to comments and questions. I can be reached at jlund@uua.org. Wishing you a wonderful, peaceful holiday season.

 

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. 

Dec. 2, 10am-2pm Winterfest, 2006, UU Fellowship, Gainesville , FL

Dec. 26-Jan.1  Southeast UU winter Institute (SWIM), West Palm Beach )  

SWIM - Due to major renovations, the Southeast UU Winter Institute in Miami (SWIM) will actually be held in the historic West Palm Beach area.  SWIM's annual intergenerational retreat for UUs and like-minded people of all ages happens every year from December 26th through Jan 1st.  SWIM offers South Florida sunshine, outdoor adventures (including tours, hikes, paddling), workshops (including spirituality and personal growth), programs for families, singles, youth, teens, and young adults, fantastic food, and a new community of friends from across the continent.  Play, laugh, sing, and celebrate New Year's Eve at SWIM! Join UUs from all over North America for a week of fun in the sun! It's a beautiful time of year to be in South Florida.  This year's theme: Sacred Space.  See more online at http://www.swimuu.org  

Winterfest, 2006 UU Fellowship, Gainesville , FL It's the annual ritual we all yearn for, no matter what spiritual journey we follow...a festive gathering of gift-making to usher in the holiday season. Be reminded of winter-time crafts you made as a child, watch the youngster in your life create his or her own, and leave this free event knowing you've given children the joy of having holiday gifts to present to loved ones which they've made themselves with love. Craft booths in past years have included bird houses, Menorahs, Kwanzaa necklaces and Indian ankle bracelets. Share the Joy and Feel the Peace, Saturday, December 2, 10am-2pm.  

UUSC Holiday Cards:  Support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) while sharing the spirit of the season. Your purchase of unique UUSC holiday cards will help us advance human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world.  We are proud to announce this year's contest winner is: "Be the Light" by Alex  Leaver of First Parish Church in Plymouth , Mass.   To view this year's cards and to order, go to http://www.uusc.org/holidaycards. You can also call 617-868-6600.

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November Notes From Our District Executive
The Reverend Kenneth Gordon Hurto: 

Dear Companions in Faith,

This month I take up my work among you full-time. Thank you for your patience as I completed my ministry in Fort Myers . I thank my congregation for their love and devotion during our time together and wish them the very best.

As I join now with you, please know that I seek to be responsive to your inquiries, replying to your calls or notes as soon as possible. I remind you that our wonderful Administrator, Jessica Curren, is in the office each weekday morning and will pass your messages on to me. Additionally, please write to me at: khurto@uua.org .

AN AMBITION for this first year is to meet with each of our 44 congregations in some way. To do that in as environmentally friendly way as I can, I will piggyback visits to one congregation with a call on others nearby. Indeed, I hope we will expand our congregation-to-congregation network and work together on common concerns. Networking among congregations is a priority for me, because no one has all the wisdom we need nor are the challenges we face unique. Every congregation struggles with some of the same issues: membership (growth and retention), effective leadership and governance, goal setting and long-range planning, children’s and adult education, financial stewardship, and creating a healthy congregational culture that reflects our values. We have much to learn from and to offer one another.

I plan to organize regional tours, as it were, visiting professional colleagues and congregational leaders relatively close to one another. I welcome your suggestions of when it is best to do that with you. Please invite me to events at your congregation so we may become acquainted. Also, do not be shy in asking for help. I, or others among our adjunct consultants, can lead a wide variety of workshops on almost any topic of your concern.

YOU MAY RECALL that at last summer’s Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly, delegates adopted this motion:

"Resolved, that the Delegates to General Assembly are charged to work with their congregations to hold at least one program over the next year to address racism or classism, and to report on that program at next year's General Assembly."

Has your congregation made such plans? Please let me know what you have done or intend to do. If not, let’s talk about the possibilities for furthering our social justice witness.

In addition to Unitarian Universalist Association resources      (http://www.uua.org/actions/responsive/06racism/), I call your attention to two websites: “Welcome to Class” (http://www.classism.org/) is a place to begin. You will also find an interesting diversity assessment checklist at the Workforce Development Group’s site (http://www.workforcedevelopmentgroup.com/assess.html). Join the conversation: what does our shared Unitarian Universalist witness call us to do at this time on these issues? The work continues.

Rev. Kenn

May we always, and in all ways, love one another in freedom, speak truth to power, and live justly.