Sunday, December 25, service

 

10:45 a.m., at the UU Church of Valdosta:

"Holiday Moments of Peace and Family Stories," Service Leader:  Carol Stiles

Please bring your favorite winter holiday reading or family tradition story to share at the service.   

Meet & Greet Coffee after the service.

 

Note:  The musical service, “The Etruscan Pals” with Dave Leporati and Carrie Hamby, has been postponed until a later date.  Please watch future newsletters for more information.

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What’s going on...January 2006

Sunday Services

 

January 1          Mark Vickers: “New Beginnings”

As the new year is now upon us, we look forward with great anticipation to what may come. Let's share some time together and have a bit of fun as we prepare for the new and shake off the old.  Mark Vickers of Jacksonville has been a member of the Buchman Bridge  UU Society for over 3 years. He is a regular speaker there.  He says, as he continues to follow his own spiritual development path, he finds that he is transitioning out of  a previous career to a more people focused life.  His new path includes Personal Coaching with a focus on Personal Spiritual Development, combined with speaking on spirituality based topics and soon will include conducting Personal Growth Workshops.  

January 8        Luana Goodwin : “Labyrinths: Meaning forms the Making”

Luana Goodwin will speak to us about the making of labyrinths and the meanings that shaped them. Throughout history, mindfully walking the course of a labyrinth was an act of memory and reverence for what was considered sacred.  Luana Goodwin is a Valdosta pharmacist and  potter.  She and her husband Dennis Bogyo are Tai Chi instructors for the Taoist Tai Chi Society which meets at our church.  

January 15     Michael Stoltzfus “Taoism:  The Way of Creative Synthesis”

Taoists recognize and celebrate the profound and mysterious creativity within the very fabric of time and space.  We will investigate the core motives associated with a Taoist religious worldview paying particular attention to the rhythm or flow of the Tao, the dynamic balance between yin and yang, and qi (pronounced ‘chee’) as the breath of life.   This is a continuation of Dr. Stoltzfus’ series on world religions.  He is a faculty member in the Philosophy Department at VSU where he teaches religion courses.

 January 22    Elinor Elfner: “When the Earth Heats Up, What Can One Person Do?”

We accept the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part; we recognize human responsibility for the increasing heat-trapping gases in our atmosphere; but what can one person do when the problem is so global and so immersed in politics?  Elinor Elfner, Facilitator for the Global Warming Study/Action Group at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tallahassee and a member of the Big Bend Climate Action Team will briefly describe the problem and will provide some answers for what UUs can do to affect the future of our earth.   Elinor is a retired educator, having received her PhD in the Instructional Design area of Educational Foundations from FSU, and having worked primarily with instructional programs for K-12 students with exceptional educational needs.  Her last job was as Bureau Chief for Teacher Education, Recruitment and Retention with the Florida Department of Education.   

January 29 Allen Turnage: “What Is to Be Done With the Dissenter?”

The Fifth Principle of the UUA establishes that we affirm and promote "The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process... ." But what is to be done with the dissenter?  Is there a way to resolve the inherent conflict between "the majority" and "the individual"?  Is there a rational means of resolving the conflict without destroying either?  When must the individual yield to the will of the majority?  Where is the line where democracy ends and conscience begins?   Allen Turnage is a civil attorney from Tallahassee .   He often speaks on Libertarian values in America . 

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Music Director Needed:   Please contact Helen Gerhardt if you believe you could take on this task.  

Don’t forget to sign up in the SPARC notebook on the counter in the vestibule. Please take time each week to check the sign up sheets and volunteer to help make our services meaningful for all.   

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Keep in your hearts our members and friends in difficult health situations or caring for loved ones...

About Our Members and Friends:

 

v   Welcome home, MaKayla!

 

v   Congratulations to Jason, who scored a perfect 800 on the Critical Reading Portion of the SAT!  He has also just learned he has been accepted for the Aerospace Engineering program at Georgia Tech.  Way to go Jason and good luck!

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Social Action Activities

Break Bread Together

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

JUUST Change Consultancy

In December we heard the following from Paula Cole Jones at the UUA:  we welcome the Valdosta Unitarian Universalist Church to the JUUST Change Consultancy.  I am writing to tell you that Sue Lacy and Rev. Manish Mishra will work with your congregation as the JUUST Change Consultants.  Sue has years of experience in community organizing and anti-oppression work.  We think that she will be an asset as you build collaborations with the surrounding community.  They will be in contact with you to begin the work.    We are eager to see how your community work unfolds and hope that there will be lessons and tools to help other congregations as they make community connections.   

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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.  

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Mark your calendars now!  For the following Atlanta event organized by:  Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition/Atlanta, more info at:   www.georgiapeace.org  

 SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2006 ~ No Fooling!  WE WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN!  SOUTHERN REGIONAL MARCH for PEACE IN IRAQ and JUSTICE AT HOME, ATLANTA, GEORGIA, 12:00- 4:00 PM  Proposed Route: Martin Luther King, Jr. Center to Piedmont Park.   

Our organizing committee, with representation and input from several areas of  Georgia and neighboring states, is off to a strong start.  However, we want to make contact with many more of you from across Georgia and the Southeast in the near future.  Our goal is to connect with thousands so that we can march together for Peace in Iraq and Justice at Home on April 1 in Atlanta !   If you and/or your organization affirm the March Call, please send us (by email or with a stamp) your official endorsement on the form accompanying the Call. We hope that many of you and your organizations and faith groups will become sponsors by offering financial assistance.  Although we have not yet developed a complete budget, we believe our costs will exceed $10,000 and will appreciate and use responsibly all contributions.    We look forward to hearing from you.  For justice and peace,  Ann Mauney Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition/Atlanta  www.georgiapeace.org 

Newsletter

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Website:  Carol Stiles

January 15: deadline for the February newsletter

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UU Board News: 

December 8, 2005

Attendance:  Lars Leader, Helen Gerhardt, Jim Ingram, Doug Tanner & Rosie Asbury

Old Business:  The minutes of the November meeting were approved with no revisions.  The damaged sign at the entrance is not covered by the church insurance because it is not attached to the church building. The driver responsible for the damage left a note with $80.00 to help repair the damage. Jim volunteered to patch up the existing post for the sign, since putting up a new sign would involve a big job and be expensive. Jim will move the sign to the other side of the entrance. He will also put additional portable lights at the entrance for more visibility.  Lars talked with our insurance company about adding bonding for the board members. The Board approved a $25,000 bond covering all volunteers associated with our church. This coverage will cost $116.00 per year.  

New Business: Treasurer’s Report: Receipts have improved again in November, amounting to $2091. Expenses for the month were $1178.  Sometime in the early part of next year, our church will need to pay the annual contribution to the UUA Florida District, which is approximately $1428 (estimate of $51 per member).  Program Report:  Helen mentioned that there will be a few changes for the January Sunday programs, but  all Sundays are covered.  Building & Grounds:  Jim volunteered to repair the church sign and put additional lights at the entrance. He also placed some pesticides to get rid of some insects & moles.  The next Board meeting will be on January 12, 2006 at 6:00 P.M.

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Treasurer's Report

Doug Tanner

FUND BALANCES at November 30, 2005

        General Fund                                                $23,886.05

        Restoration Fund                                           15,215.64

        Total (Cash in Bank Accounts)                 $39,101.69

OUTSTANDING DEBT

         Mortgage                                                     $24,849.54

                                                                                       YTD

OPERATING RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS

November     Five Months

        Receipts:

          Plate                                                       91.00               554.19

          Pledge                                               1,325.00            4,625.00

          Rent                                                      340.00            1,200.00

          Interest Income                                  335.52               335.52

          TOTAL RECEIPTS                          2,091.52            6,714.71

        Disbursements:

          Mortgage                                               500.00          2,500.00

          Speaker's Fees & Expenses                 200.00             922.40

          Repairs and Maintenance                                            326.00

          Postage                                                       0.00             185.60

          Supplies                                                                          221.97

          UU Conference Attendance                    0.00             189.00

          Utilities                                                    210.02             669.62

          Advertising                                                0.00               84.80

          Other                                                           3.00               30.00

          TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS                 913.02          5,129.39

NET RECEIPT (DISBURSEMENT)            $1,178.50      $1,585.30

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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. 

Dec. 26 – Jan. 1  S.W.I.M. 2005 -- "Heavenly Bodies"

Southeast Unitarian Universalist Winter Institute, Inc., in Miami   online: http://www.swimuu.org

Jan. 7 District Board Meeting, Gainesville , FL

Jan. 21, 1-3 PM    UUA Commission on Appraisal,  First Unitarian Church of Orlando

    You are invited to participate in a hearing with the UUA Commission on Appraisal.   The focus of the hearing will be the direction of the Commission’s future work, the functioning of the UUA, and the health of Unitarian Universalism. Grounded in the living tradition of our free and responsible faith, yet charged with acting independently, the Commission’s mission is to provoke deep reflection and to evoke timely, creative transformation of Unitarian Universalism, our congregations, and the Unitarian Universalist Association.  For more information, log on to www.uua.org/coa

Jan. 22-28 Florida Leadership, School, Oviedo , FL

Feb. 3-4 Creating the UU Church of the Future, seminar led by Mike Durall Vero Beach

UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS

Joan Lund

This is the time when we voice our resolutions for the New Year. Personally I am not much good at resolutions…perhaps it’s the “old dog, new tricks” syndrome. However I do resolve to continue to do my best as your UUA Trustee. Last month I indicated this month’s column would be a continuation of the UUA Comprehensive Capital Campaign, focusing on the Campaign’s strategic plan. At the October, 2005 Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting, the BOT’s Finance Committee was presented with the Campaign’s draft strategic plan and its overarching goals. The BOT, at their January meeting, will formally discuss and consider the Campaign’s purpose and vote on its financial goals. According to Rev. Terry Sweetser and the Stewardship and Development Managers the plan is to run the Campaign’s “silent phase” from February, 2006 to June, 2007. The public phase is planned to begin in June, 2007, ending when the goal is completed, hopefully by June, 2009.

Rev. Sweetser indicated several understandings under gird this Campaign: the UUA is supported primarily by contributions from individuals and congregations; UUA fund raising is built on strong, trusting relationships with, and accountability to our donors; our responsibility to our donors is giving them opportunities to voice and realize their dreams for our faith, in the institution they love; and there is a spirit of abundance within Unitarian Universalism that has yet to be fully recognized and used.

The strategic plan for the Campaign involves multiple layers of, and opportunities for participation of UUs. There will be major cash gifts (over $100,000), mid-range cash gifts ($5,000-100,000), planned gifts, congregational giving opportunities for specific projects, a planned increase in the Friends program, other gifts (up to $5,000), and a planned increase in “Umbrella Gifts” (contributions and commitments in which the donor provides support for more than one UU institution). There are plans to employ the services of professional consultants in developing some of the campaign tactics.

The financial goals for the Campaign are designed to create a healthy balance between cash/pledges and planned/bequest gifts, congregational involvement, and gifts joined in with pledge commitments to other UU institutions. The goals will be divided into two categories: cash (outright gifts and multiyear pledges) and deferred (planned and estate gifts).

As always I encourage you to become familiar with www.uua.org, where there is a wealth of information about everything UU, and current news about our Association. I also encourage you to contact me for whatever UU matters/questions are of concern to you: jlund@uua.org   HAPPY NEW YEAR one and all.  

At the Church-in-the-Woods

Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday Evenings: Beginner’s Class 5:30-6:30 PM.  Continuing Class 6:30-8:00 PM.  A new beginner’s class will start Monday, January 16.  Contact Dennis Bogyo or Betty Derrick.

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

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UU’re Home (formerly Homecomings):   Do you dream of inexpensive vacation travel to interesting destinations where you can stay in the homes of friendly people who share your ideals and are happy to provide directions and advice for their area?  The UU bed and breakfast directory UU’re Home (formerly Homecomings) can fulfill your dream. For 27 years, we’ve provided a network of hosts in the United States (and a few abroad) who enjoy meeting new friends and who are happy to open their home to like-minded people.  Check out our website at www.UUreHome.com, where entries are updated whenever changes are made or new hosts are added and you can charge a membership to your credit card. The 2006 edition of the annual paper directory will be available in April and can be ordered by sending a check for $18 (or $23, along with your e-mail address, for both the directory and a year’s access to the website) to UU’re Home, 43 Vermont Court, Asheville , NC 28806 .  You can also become a host and be listed in the directory. Contact us at or at info@uurehome.com, and we will gladly send you information about listing your accommodations.

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Unitarian Universalist Association Opposes Alito Confirmation as Threat to Civil Liberties 

The Unitarian Universalist Association today announced its opposition to the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. The UUA's opposition is based on concerns over civil liberties, including religious liberty, the right to privacy, and due process The UUA has never before opposed the confirmation of a nominee to the Supreme Court. In a statement issued to over 1000 congregations that make up the Association, the UUA's Washington Office for Advocacy Director Rob Keithan said: "The decision to take a position on a judicial nominee is not one the UUA takes up lightly. The nomination of Judge Samuel Alito Jr. is significantly different from that of Chief Justice John Roberts or Harriet Miers, in that he has an extensive judicial record that clearly reveals his judicial philosophy on a wide range of issues. After extensive research, Unitarian Universalist Association staff agreed that Judge Alito's rulings revealed a pattern of views that were outside the mainstream and hostile to established precedent favoring civil liberties." The Unitarian Universalist Association believes that the nation's judiciary should protect the rights of all people, regardless of gender, religion, class, sexual orientation, immigration status, or other factors. The Rev. William G. Sinkford, President of the UUA said, "Unitarian Universalists have always honored our commitment to uphold civil liberties. Protecting the freedoms that are at the heart of our democracy is for us a religious, as well as a civic, duty."

            The UUA joins other religious and civil rights groups including the Union for Reform Judaism in opposing the nomination of Judge Alito. In a previous statement, Mr. Keithan said, "The Unitarian Universalist Association and our allies will continue to challenge conservative religious fundamentalists and others who claim to speak for all people of faith. There is no single religious perspective on this or any other issue. We hope that all parties involved in the nominations process, including advocacy groups and elected officials, will refrain from using religion as a political weapon. There should be no religious litmus test for judicial nominees, nor tactics that mislabel appropriate questions and concerns as 'attacking' a nominee's faith."

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The Wayside Community Pulpit on the Web

The Unitarian Universalist Association has provided congregations and communities spiritual refreshment in the form of the Wayside Community Pulpit for several decades. We are now working on a new series of quotations for the Wayside Community Pulpit that we hope to make available on the UUA's website. We'd like your suggestions. If you know of memorable, thought-provoking words that you would like to share, please send them to: Mary Benard, Unitarian Universalist Association, Publications Department, 25 Beacon Street ,  Boston , MA 02108 -2800

Please provide source information if possible, including the title of the work, author, translator, publisher, and page. The contributor is responsible for the accuracy of each quotation. Any source, ancient or modern, may be used. Quotations should be liberal but not sectarian.  If a quote has been used on the Wayside Community Pulpit within the last five years, it will not be used again. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned—so let us thank you in advance!

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Since Unitarian Universalists don't have a creed or doctrine, how can one describe a set of beliefs that they hold in common? Our association of congregations has covenanted to affirm and promote seven basic principles. One of our ministers, David O. Rankin, described our beliefs in ten statements. They are:

1. We believe in the freedom of religious expression. All individuals should be encouraged to develop their own personal theology, and to present openly their religious opinions without fear of censure or reprisal.

2. We believe in the toleration of religious ideas. All religions, in every age and culture, possess not only an intrinsic merit, but also a potential value for those who have learned the art of listening.

3. We believe in the authority of reason and conscience. The ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, or a document, or an official, but the personal choice and decision of the individual.

4. We believe in the never-ending search for Truth. If the mind and heart are truly free and open, the revelations which appear to the human spirit are infinitely numerous, eternally fruitful, and wondrously exciting.

5. We believe in the unity of experience. There is no fundamental conflict between faith and knowledge, religion and the world, the sacred and the secular, since they all have their source in the same reality.

6. We believe in the worth and dignity of each human being. All people on earth have an equal claim to life, liberty and justice-and no idea, ideal or philosophy is superior to a single human life.

7. We believe in the ethical application of religion. Good works are the natural products of a good faith, the evidence of an inner grace that finds completion in social and community involvement.

8. We believe in the motive force of love. The governing principle in human relationships is the principle of love, which always seeks the welfare of others and never seeks to hurt or destroy.

9. We believe in the necessity of the democratic process. Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to members, and ideas are open to criticism-so that people might govern themselves.

10. We believe in the importance of a religious community. The validation of experience requires the confirmation of peers, who provide a critical platform along with a network of mutual support.